Just ten years ago, cryptocurrencies seemed like a niche hobby for enthusiasts, and buying Bitcoin required technical know-how, patience, and a willingness to take risks. Today, the landscape has changed: digital assets have become part of the global financial system, and millions of people around the world trade cryptocurrencies daily using convenient and secure platforms.
One of the first and most well-known of these platforms is Coinbase — an exchange that played a key role in popularizing cryptocurrencies in the U.S. and beyond. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at how Coinbase works, what users value about it, its strengths and weaknesses, and who it’s best suited for in 2025 — beginners, investors, or active traders.
General Information
Coinbase is one of the largest and most recognizable centralized cryptocurrency exchanges in the world. Founded in 2012 in San Francisco, it was one of the pioneers in the digital asset market and played a key role in legitimizing and popularizing cryptocurrencies in the U.S. and beyond. Coinbase is registered in the United States and operates in strict compliance with U.S. regulations, which sets it apart from many other crypto exchanges.
In 2021, the company became the first major cryptocurrency platform to go public — its shares began trading on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol COIN, marking a milestone event for the entire industry.
Coinbase has tens of millions of registered users worldwide and offers a robust infrastructure for institutional investors. Users on the platform gain access to dozens of digital assets, including popular cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), USDT, USDC, Litecoin, and many others. Beyond the basic functions of buying, selling, and exchanging crypto, Coinbase has developed an entire ecosystem of additional services:
- Staking of popular cryptocurrencies, allowing users to earn rewards for supporting blockchain networks.
- NFT platform, where users can buy, sell, and explore digital collectibles.
- Derivatives trading, including futures and options, available in select jurisdictions.
- Asset storage solutions, including hot and cold wallets with high-level security.
- Infrastructure for businesses and institutional clients, such as custodial services, API integrations, and analytics tools.
Thanks to its strong security, regulatory compliance, and user-friendly interface, Coinbase has become the platform of choice for millions — from beginners taking their first steps in the crypto world to professional traders and institutional funds.
The Coinbase exchange features a user-friendly interface in both its standard version and Coinbase Advanced Trade (formerly Coinbase Pro). At any moment, you can easily find the token you need, check its price, and view the applicable fees. The interface supports the Russian language, making the platform accessible even for beginners.
Registration and identity verification on the Coinbase crypto exchange are mandatory steps to begin trading and gain access to all platform features. Below is a detailed guide on how to create an account and complete the identity verification process.
Registration and Verification on Coinbase
Coinbase is a major platform that supports a wide range of digital assets. Here, you can not only buy but also sell any type of cryptocurrency and withdraw funds in a convenient format. On Coinbase, you can quickly create an account to then select the desired asset, purchase it with USD, or transfer funds from another platform. Before getting started, it’s important to review all key topics related to security and withdrawal conditions. Let’s go over the registration and verification process on Coinbase.
Registering on Coinbase
- Visit the Official Website
Open the Сoinbase website and click the “Get Started” button. - Fill Out the Registration Form
Enter your first and last name, email address, and create a secure password. Confirm that you are at least 18 years old and agree to the terms of use.
- Email Verification
Click the link in the email sent to your inbox to verify your email address. - Phone Number Verification
Enter your mobile phone number and input the code received via SMS to activate two-factor authentication (2FA).
Account Verification (KYC) on Coinbase
If you want to withdraw funds or make transfers, you must complete identity verification. The KYC (Know Your Customer) process is mandatory for all users and includes the following steps:
- Filling Out Personal Information
Provide your date of birth, residential address, the intended use of the platform, source of income, and employment status. - Uploading Documents
Submit a photo or scan of one of the following documents: passport, driver’s license, or national ID card. You’ll also need to take a selfie holding the document to confirm your identity. - Proof of Address
Upload a document confirming your address: utility bill, bank statement, or another official document.
Verification usually takes from 10 minutes to 48 hours, though in some cases it may take several days depending on system load and document quality.
Geographic Restrictions
Coinbase services are available only in a limited number of countries. Users from the following regions cannot complete verification or access trading features:
❌ Russia
❌ Belarus
❌ Ukraine
❌ Iran
❌ Cuba
❌ North Korea
❌ Syria
❌ Bangladesh
❌ Bolivia
❌ Crimea
Residents of these regions may still register and use the Coinbase Wallet to store cryptocurrencies, but trading and other features will be unavailable.
Account Security
Coinbase offers several layers of two-factor authentication (2FA) to protect user accounts:
- SMS Codes: Enabled by default.
- Authenticator Apps: Such as Google Authenticator — a more secure option.
- Hardware Security Keys: The most secure method for account protection.
It is recommended to use authenticator apps or hardware keys to maximize your account’s security.
Coinbase Financial Results (Q1 2025)
- Revenue: $2.03 billion, slightly below analyst expectations of $2.1 billion.
- Net Income: $66 million.
- Earnings Per Share (EPS): $0.24, compared to $4.40 a year earlier.
- Transaction Revenue: $1.3 billion — down 19% from the previous quarter.
- Subscription and Services Revenue: $698 million — up 9% quarter-over-quarter, mainly driven by stablecoins.
Despite a 24% year-over-year increase in revenue, the results fell short of market expectations, causing Coinbase shares to drop 2.7% following the earnings report.
Coinbase Strategic Initiatives
Acquisition of Deribit for $2.9 Billion
In May 2025, Coinbase announced the acquisition of Deribit, the world’s largest crypto options trading platform, for $2.9 billion. The deal includes $700 million in cash and 11 million Coinbase shares.
This acquisition will allow Coinbase to:
- Strengthen its position in the derivatives market, where Deribit holds around 80% market share.
- Expand its offerings for institutional investors.
- Increase trading volumes, as Deribit handled $1.2 trillion in trading volume in 2024.
The deal is pending regulatory approval and is expected to close by the end of the year.
Development of Coinbase International Exchange
At the beginning of 2025, Coinbase expanded the capabilities of its international platform by:
- Adding support for margin trading;
- Launching futures contracts for ETH and SOL;
- Deploying over-the-counter (OTC) trading tools for corporate clients.
Expansion of International Presence
Obtaining License in the Netherlands
Coinbase received regulatory approval from the Central Bank of the Netherlands, allowing the company to officially provide services within the country. This expands Coinbase’s presence in Europe and strengthens its position in the EU market.
Partnership with Onboard Global in Nigeria
As part of its African expansion strategy, Coinbase partnered with Onboard Global, giving Nigerian users the ability to buy and sell cryptocurrency via a P2P platform. This cooperation provides broader access to digital assets in the region.
Coinbase Institutional Initiatives
Launch of Coinbase 50 Index (COIN50)
Coinbase introduced the COIN50 index, which tracks the performance of the 50 leading digital assets by market capitalization. This index serves as a benchmark for institutional investors and may form the basis for future investment products.
Growth in Institutional Revenue
In 2024, Coinbase’s revenue from institutional transactions grew from $90 million to $345 million, indicating increasing interest from large investors and hedge funds.
Expansion of Partnerships with Government Agencies
Coinbase is actively collaborating with government bodies, having established partnerships with 145 institutions in the United States and 29 abroad. This includes providing digital asset custody services and participating in the development of strategies for integrating blockchain technologies into government processes.
Inclusion in the S&P 500 Index
On May 19, 2025, Coinbase shares were included in the S&P 500 index, marking a significant milestone for the crypto industry. This decision reflects the recognition of cryptocurrency companies within the traditional financial sector. However, Coinbase’s inclusion sparked debates among analysts regarding its classification, considering its hybrid business model and reliance on retail trading.
Partnership with Riot Games in Esports
Coinbase became the official crypto partner of Riot Games for League of Legends and VALORANT tournaments. Starting June 2025, the company will integrate analytical segments such as “Gold Grind” into broadcasts and offer viewers exclusive digital items, including emojis and icons. This collaboration aims to attract a younger audience and promote cryptocurrency adoption within the esports community.
Innovations in User Experience
Coinbase is actively implementing technologies to simplify user interaction with the platform. Among the innovations are:
- Google Integration: The ability to log into wallets using Google accounts, which simplifies access and enhances security.
- Smart Wallet: A new wallet supporting session keys and account abstraction, allowing users to interact with decentralized applications without needing to manually sign each transaction.
These improvements aim to lower barriers for new users and increase the convenience of using the Coinbase platform.
Coinbase User Reviews
| Pros ✅ | Cons ⛔️ |
| Simple and intuitive interface. | High fees, especially when using debit cards. |
| Wide selection of cryptocurrencies (over 250). | Slow and inefficient customer support. |
| Educational materials and programs, such as Coinbase Earn. | Limited features for advanced traders, no margin trading available. |
Overall, the platform maintains a high user rating, especially among beginners.
Forecasts and Strategies for 2025
According to the Coinbase Institutional report, the company highlights the following key development areas:
- Growth of Stablecoins: The share of stablecoins in the US money supply (M2) is expected to rise from 0.9% to 14%, indicating increasing adoption of digital currencies within the traditional financial system.
- Tokenization of Real-World Assets (RWA): Growing interest in tokenizing assets such as real estate, bonds, and commodities to enhance liquidity and the efficiency of financial operations.
- Development of Decentralized Finance (DeFi): Increase in total value locked (TVL) in DeFi protocols and a rise in the share of decentralized exchanges in overall trading volume.
- Possibility of Obtaining a Banking License: Coinbase is considering applying for a federal banking license in the US, which would allow the company to interact directly with the payment system and expand its range of financial services.
These directions reflect Coinbase’s strategic vision for the future of the cryptocurrency market.
Security and Reputation
Coinbase has been regarded for many years as one of the most reliable cryptocurrency exchanges. Key security measures include:
- 98% of assets are stored in cold wallets;
- Use of 2FA, biometrics, multisignature, and data encryption;
- Insurance coverage for assets held in hot wallets (up to $250 million in case of a hack);
- The exchange complies with SEC and FinCEN regulations, enhancing its trustworthiness on an international level.
Coinbase focuses on asset storage security
Recent Incident: Extortion Attempt and Data Leak
In May 2025, Coinbase faced an extortion attempt. Unknown hackers claimed to have accessed data of about 0.8% of users and demanded a $20 million ransom. Coinbase refused to pay and publicly offered a similar reward for capturing the perpetrators. The exchange:
- Acknowledged the incident;
- Announced the launch of an internal investigation;
- Promised to compensate customers’ losses (up to $400 million).
Conclusion
Coinbase continues to be:
- The best choice for beginners in the cryptocurrency market;
- A reliable platform for asset storage and operating within the legal framework;
- A promising player with an ambitious strategy and strong financial base.
Additionally, Coinbase ranks among the fastest in transaction processing, saving users valuable time. However, the platform faces competition from Asian exchanges (Bybit, Binance, OKX), which offer a wider range of trading tools and lower fees. For advanced traders, Coinbase may seem overly “sterile” and limited in features.
