Getting into crypto can feel like entering a whole new world of weird names and fast-moving prices. But many people start with reputable exchanges like using Coinbase, and there are some good reasons for that. Let’s unpack what makes Coinbase stand out from other exchanges in real life.
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Strong Reputation and Trust
Trust is paramount when money is involved, and this is where using Coinbase holds its greatest advantage. As a U.S.-based, publicly traded company ($COIN) since 2012, it operates under stringent U.S. regulatory oversight. Millions of users feel more confident using Coinbase, unlike offshore platforms where the rules aren’t always clear.
As of 2025, Coinbase has about 120 million users globally, which gives it credibility. In the U.S., it holds the vast majority of the regulated retail exchange market share, compared to Binance US, which has a significantly smaller share. When so many traders are already using the same exchange, it naturally makes the platform feel safer and builds trust in the system.
This strong reputation is also why many crypto traders are always looking out for the next Coinbase listings. When a new coin gets added, traders often see a surge in visibility and demand, sometimes leading to price spikes. This trend, often called the “Coinbase effect,” shows how much weight the platform carries in the market. It’s not just about being listed on an exchange; it’s about being listed on this exchange, where millions of investors are watching.
Better Security Measures
Security is one place where Coinbase often gets praised. They use multiple safety layers like two-factor authentication (2FA), monitoring systems to flag unusual activity, and many users’ funds are held in offline “cold storage” to reduce hacking risk.
Of course, no exchange is invincible. But compared to smaller or newer platforms that might lack resources, Coinbase’s security setup gives many users peace of mind.
Additionally, Coinbase lets you link or transfer your crypto to hardware wallets or self-custody solutions. So if you don’t want Coinbase to hold your crypto at all, you can manage it yourself. That flexibility isn’t always possible or easy on other platforms.
Using Coinbase is Easy for Beginners
Imagine you’re new to crypto. You just want to buy Bitcoin or Ethereum without doing a PhD in order books. Coinbase makes that easy. The signup process is pretty straightforward: you verify your identity, link a payment method, and you’re ready to buy. That ease matters.
In contrast, some exchanges like Kraken Pro and Binance are powerful but complex. They might force you to understand advanced trading terms like Stop-Limit Orders before you can even place a simple order. Even so, with Coinbase, the interface is clean and beginner-friendly.
Flexible Payment Methods
Buying crypto means funding your account, and Coinbase supports many options (depending on your country). In the U.S., for example, you may use bank transfers, debit cards, or even PayPal, depending on your setup. With its broader payment options and fees, and limits, it is easier for users to move smaller amounts smoothly.
In contrast, some exchanges force you to use complicated or slow payment methods, or only support wire transfers. Despite modern systems and a wide array of industries now using AI and other tech features, outmoded payment systems can delay transactions, increase costs, and make it harder for users to manage their funds efficiently.
Wide Access to Popular Coins
Coinbase supports over 240 cryptocurrencies, everything from Bitcoin and Ethereum to other major players like Solana, Cardano, and Dogecoin. For many investors, that covers pretty much everything they want.
If an exchange only supports a handful of coins, you might find yourself needing multiple accounts across different platforms to get the tokens you care about. With Coinbase, you often don’t need to juggle accounts because it works like a multiple-cryptocurrency wallet, letting you manage many coins in one place.
Features That Grow With You
One of the nice things about Coinbase is that it treats users based on their needs. Whether you’re a total beginner or someone who wants more advanced tools, Coinbase offers paths to upgrade.
There is Coinbase Advanced Trade (formerly “Pro”), which gives you more charting tools, limit orders, and a maker-taker fee structure. For example, advanced users can trade with tighter spreads at lower rates.
Coinbase also offers Coinbase One, a subscription plan that gives users zero trading fees (up to a limit) and other perks. In 2025, Coinbase One has picked up around 1 million subscribers. That shows there’s real demand for premium-level perks.
So you can start simple, and step into more advanced features like Advanced mode when you’re ready, all in the same ecosystem.
Liquidity and Trade Volume
Liquidity refers to how easily an asset can be bought or sold without causing a significant impact on its price. In the cryptocurrency market, higher liquidity means you can execute trades swiftly and at expected prices.
Coinbase benefits from being large and established. Because many already trade there, the order books (lists of buy and sell orders) tend to be deeper for major coins.
By contrast, other exchanges, especially new ones, may struggle with liquidity, meaning if you place a large order, it might move the price or take longer to fill. On Coinbase, those problems are less common for popular coins.
Like all the best exchanges out there, Coinbase isn’t perfect. However, using Coinbase is becoming more popular among newer and novice crypto traders.
