This Coinbase review is for everyone who’s hesitated on buying crypto. Scrolled through Twitter (yes, we know it’s “X” now, but come on), read a million articles, and thought, “Maybe I should, but I don’t know how.”
Meanwhile, your group chat is buzzing. Not with memes this time, but with screenshots of gains. One friend just covered their weekend trip with a Bitcoin Trade. Another just made $200 staking Ethereum.
Coinbase makes getting started stupidly simple. No messy sign-ups or confusing interfaces. No trading jargon. Just tap, buy, and you’re in the game.
But is it really the best choice? Or will high fees, a smaller coin selection, and slow support leave you wishing you’d picked another exchange?
Let’s find out.
Key Highlights
✅ What We Like About Coinbase
- Big-Name & Regulated – A publicly traded company (NASDAQ: COIN) with solid security and compliance.
- Super Easy to Use – A smooth, beginner-friendly interface that’s perfect for newcomers.
- Pro Trading Features – Coinbase Advanced has lower fees, better charts, and pro trading tools.
- Earn While You Hold – Staking lets you earn rewards on some digital assets.
- Strong Security – 98% of funds stored in cold wallets, plus 2FA, biometric logins, and insurance protection.
❌ What We Don’t Like About Coinbase
- Ouch, the Fees! – Instant buys come with some of the highest fees (0.5%–4.49%) in the game.
- Not an Altcoin Paradise – Only 200+ cryptos, which is way fewer than MEXC (2,500+) or Coinstash (1,000+).
- Support Can Be Slow – Live chat, email, and phone support exist, but are not always the quickest.
Alternatives to Coinbase
If Coinbase isn’t quite right for you, check out these alternatives:
CoinSpot. 500+ cryptos, a super simple interface, and staking options.
Swyftx. Low fees, 440+ cryptos, and a demo mode to practice trading.
MEXC. 1,500+ coins, futures trading, and tools for advanced traders.
Coinstash. 1,000+ cryptocurrencies, DeFi trading, and SMSF support.
eToro. Trade crypto, stocks, and ETFs with social and copy trading features.
Digital Surge. An Aussie exchange with competitive fees and an easy-to-use platform.
At a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Website | Coinbase Australia |
| Founded | 2012 |
| Number of Cryptocurrencies | 200+ |
| AUD Deposit Methods & Fees | – PayID (Bank Transfer): Free deposits and withdrawals. – Debit/Credit Card: 3.99% fee per transaction. |
| AUD Withdrawal Methods & Fees | – PayID (Bank Transfer): Free. – Instant Card Withdrawal: Up to 1.5% of the transaction, $0.55 minimum fee. |
| Trading Fees | – Standard: 0.5%–4.49% (varies by transaction size and type). – Advanced Trade: 0.1%–0.6% (lower fees for high-volume traders). |
| Best For | Beginners, casual traders, long-term investors |
| Crypto Staking? | ✅ Yes (Earn rewards on select assets) |
| Security Features | 98% cold storage, 2FA, insurance, biometric login |
| Mobile App? | ✅ Yes (iOS & Android) |
| Customer Support | Live chat, email, phone (Mixed reviews) |
| Regulated? | ✅ Yes (Publicly traded, complies with AUSTRAC) |
About Coinbase
Some crypto platforms feel like you need to be a hacker to use them. Gas fees, cold wallets, seed phrases. What does it all mean?! Well, if you simply want to buy some crypto without a headache, Coinbase has your back.
Founded in 2012 by Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam, Coinbase is now one of the most trusted exchanges, serving over 100 million users worldwide. It has a clean, beginner-friendly platform that makes buying crypto simple.
If you want a crypto exchange that your grandma could figure out (seriously, it’s that easy), Coinbase is a great place to start. No PhD required.
Cryptocurrencies Available
Coinbase offers 200+ cryptocurrencies, including big names like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. While that’s a solid lineup, it’s far less than MEXC (2,500+) or Coinstash (1000+).
However, Coinbase’s strict vetting process means every listed coin meets high security and regulatory standards.
If you want a massive selection, MEXC is the better choice. But if you value security and trust over sheer numbers, Coinbase is the way to go.
Trading Features
Coinbase makes crypto trading easy, but it also has extra features for those who want more. Here’s what you get:
- Simple Buying & Selling – Buy and sell over 200 cryptocurrencies using AUD. Fund your account via PayID (bank transfer), debit card, or credit card for a quick start.
- Coinbase Advanced – Want lower trading fees? This mode offers pro-level charts, order books, and limit/market orders. It’s cheaper than the standard Coinbase buy/sell option.
- Auto-Buys – Build your crypto portfolio automatically with daily, weekly, or monthly purchases. This helps with dollar-cost averaging (DCA) to smooth out market swings.
- Staking Rewards – Earn passive rewards by staking coins like Ethereum and Solana. Just hold your crypto and let it work for you.
- Live Market Tracking – Stay updated with real-time charts, custom alerts, and portfolio insights to track price movements easily.
Coinbase Fees
Yeah, Coinbase makes crypto effortless, but… the fees might make you flinch. Here’s what you’ll pay (and how to avoid overpaying):
- Trading Fees (Standard Coinbase) – Fees depend on the trade size but can range from 0.5% to 4.49% for instant buys and sells. Yikes.
- Trading Fees (Coinbase Advanced) – Switch to Coinbase Advanced and fees drop to 0.1%–0.6%. Much better!
- Deposit Fees – PayID deposits are free, but debit/credit card deposits cost 3.99%.
- Withdrawal Fees – PayID withdrawals are free, but instant card withdrawals cost up to 1.5%.
- Hidden Costs – Spreads (the gap between buy and sell prices) can add sneaky extra costs to your trades.
Bottom line? To save on fees, use bank transfers and trade on Coinbase Advanced.
Is Coinbase Safe?
Security in crypto isn’t optional – it’s everything. And while Coinbase is one of the safest crypto exchanges out there, no platform can protect you from yourself.
It’s fully licensed, regulated, and publicly traded (NASDAQ: COIN), meaning it has more oversight than most exchanges. 98% of customer funds sit in cold storage, offline and out of hackers’ reach.
Even if Coinbase was hacked, it has insurance to cover losses. But your account isn’t covered. If a scammer steals your login details through phishing, a fake website, or a weak password, your funds are gone, for good.
🔐 Final word: Coinbase is as secure as an exchange can be, but your biggest risk is human error. Use 2FA, strong passwords, and never trust suspicious links.
Customer Support and User Experience
Coinbase offers a smooth user experience, but its customer support could be better.
The platform itself is well-designed. It takes just a few clicks to buy or sell, and the mobile app makes trading on the go super convenient.
However, customer support is hit or miss. Here’s what’s available:
- Live Chat & Email – Available but often slow.
- Phone Support – Only for urgent security issues.
- Help Center & FAQs – Useful for basic questions but limited for complex issues.
Many users report delayed responses and generic replies when they need help.
Coinbase has a 3.8/5 rating from 15,383 reviews on TrustPilot.
Coinbase Mobile App
The Coinbase mobile app makes trading as easy as scrolling through social media.
✅ What Works:
- Beginner-Friendly – Clean design, easy navigation, and a smooth experience.
- Fast Transactions – Buy, sell, and swap crypto in just a few taps.
- Real-Time Alerts – Get instant notifications on price changes.
- Secure Login – Supports Face ID and fingerprint authentication.
❌ What Could Be Better:
- Glitches & Freezes – Some users report app crashes during high-traffic periods.
If you want an easy way to manage crypto on your phone, the Coinbase does the job. But for serious trading, the desktop version is still better.
How to Open a Coinbase Account
Opening a Coinbase account is easy. You’ll be trading in minutes. Here’s how:
1️⃣ Go to Coinbase – Visit coinbase.com/en-au or download the app.
2️⃣ Create an Account – Sign up with your name, email, and a secure password.
3️⃣ Verify Your Email & Secure Your Account – Click the confirmation email to activate your account. Then, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for extra security.
4️⃣ Complete ID Verification – Upload a photo of your passport or driver’s license to meet Australian regulations.
5️⃣ Fund Your Account & Start Trading – Add AUD using PayID (free) or a debit/credit card (3.99% fee applies). Once your funds are in, you can start trading instantly.
Quick Tip: Use PayID for free deposits and always enable 2FA to protect your funds.
Final Thoughts
Crypto is moving fast. Are you in the game, or still watching from the sidelines?
With Coinbase, you can jump in effortlessly. It’s secure, beginner-friendly, and packed with features to help you trade with confidence. If you want to take things further, Coinbase Advanced gives you lower fees and pro-level tools.
Of course, no exchange is perfect. Coinbase’s instant buy fees are high, and its altcoin selection isn’t as deep as MEXC or Coinstash. And, customer support can be slow when you need it most.
Still, if you want a trusted and stress-free way to start your crypto journey, Coinbase is one of the best choices out there.
