Alternatives To Coinbase
Coinbase was founded in 2012 and is a platform for buying, selling, storing, and trading cryptocurrency. It supports over 150 cryptocurrencies and is designed for traders new and advanced. But while a popular platform, there are some excellent alternatives to Coinbase.
Read on to review and compare Coinbase vs. Binance, Kraken, BitMEX, Crypto.com, and Gemini. We wrap up by answering what broker to use instead of Coinbase for those ready for a change.
Alternative Crypto Brokers
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1NinjaTrader
Ratings
$00.01 Lots1:50NFA, CFTCForex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, CryptoNinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignalACH Transfer, Debit Card, Wire Transfer, ChequeUSD -
2Interactive Brokers
Ratings
$0$1001:50FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFMStocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, CryptocurrenciesTrader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentralCheque, ACH Transfer, Wire Transfer, Automated Customer Account Transfer Service, TransferWise, Debit CardUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF -
3eToro USAInvest $100 and get $10Securities trading offered by eToro USA Securities, Inc. (“the BD”), member of FINRA and SIPC. Cryptocurrency offered by eToro USA LLC (“the MSB”) (NMLS: 1769299) and is not FDIC or SIPC insured. Investing involves risk. https://www.daytrading.com/ is not an affiliate and may be compensated if you access certain products or services offered by the MSB and/or the BD.
Ratings
$100$10SEC, FINRAStocks, Options, ETFs, CryptoeToro Trading Platform & CopyTraderACH Transfer, Debit Card, PayPal, Wire TransferUSD -
4IGForex trading involves risk. Losses can exceed deposits.
Ratings
$00.01 Lots1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFMCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread BettingWeb, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentralPayPal, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, Credit Card, Visa, Debit CardUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD -
5OANDA USCFDs are not available to residents in the United States.
Ratings
$00.01 Lots1:50NFA, CFTCForex, Crypto with Paxos (Cryptocurrencies are offered through Paxos. Paxos is a separate legal entity from OANDA)OANDA Trade, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartistWire Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Debit Card, ACH TransferUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD -
6UpholdTerms Apply. Cryptoassets are highly volatile. Your capital is at risk.
Ratings
$0$1CryptosDesktop Platform, Mobile AppWire Transfer, ACH Transfer, Bitcoin Payments, Debit Card, Credit Card, Mastercard, Visa, Ethereum PaymentsUSD, EUR, GBP -
7IQCent20% to 200% Deposit Bonus
Ratings
$250$0.011:500IFMRRCBinary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, CryptoOnline Platform, TradingViewCredit Card, Debit Card, Wire Transfer, Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum Payments, Visa, MastercardUSD, EUR -
8Plexytrade120% Cash Welcome Bonus
Ratings
$500.011:2000CFDs, Forex, Indices, Stocks, Commodities, CryptoMT4, MT5Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum PaymentsUSD, EUR -
9Binarium
$5$1Forex, Stocks, CryptosOwnQIWI, Yandex Money, Bitcoin Payments, Neteller, WebMoney, Wire Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Credit Card, Debit CardUSD, EUR, AUD, RUB -
10RedMars
Ratings
€2500.01 Lots1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)CySEC, AFMCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, CryptosMT5Credit Card, Wire Transfer, Debit Card, Sticpay, FasaPay, Bitcoin Payments, Trustly, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Klarna, Mastercard, VisaUSD, EUR
This is why we think these brokers are the best in this category:
- NinjaTrader - You can get exposure to micro Bitcoin futures through the CME Group’s centralized exchange, which is highly regulated by the US CFTC. Micro contracts allow you to trade a fractional size of one Bitcoin, giving you more risk control and order flexibility.
- Interactive Brokers - IBKR lets you purchase and hold Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, and Litecoin at competitive commission rates and without needing a crypto wallet. Additionally, there is a range of other diverse assets to explore, such as crypto indices like the NYSE Bitcoin Index, as well as futures contracts like the BAKKT Bitcoin Futures.
- eToro USA - eToro US offers 24 tradeable cryptoassets, with just a 1% buying/selling fee added to the spread. Additionally, there are 80 different coins available through the broker’s proprietary wallet service. You can also practice your crypto strategies easily by switching between live and demo mode. Crypto asset investing is highly volatile and unregulated. No consumer protection. Tax on profits may apply.
- IG - IG's modest selection of 11 crypto CFDs trails top crypto brokers like Vantage which offers 40+ tokens. That said, it stands out with its crypto index, which tracks the value of the top 10 digital currencies by market cap and provides a holistic way to speculate on the value of the crypto market.
- OANDA US - Cryptocurrency trading is offered via Paxos, a separate entity from Oanda. You can speculate on the world’s biggest cryptos by market cap. Commissions are lower than many peers starting at 0.25%. Through the broker’s partnership with Paxos, clients can spot trade cryptocurrencies on the itBit exchange through the OANDA native platform.
- Uphold - You can buy and sell 250+ crypto assets with fiat currencies or in crypto pairs using the straightforward mobile app or through Uphold's browser-based account homepage. This is significantly more than many rivals. You can also earn up to 16% APY by staking one or more out of 32 valid tokens, or send tokens to an external wallet.
- IQCent - IQCent offers 17 crypto pairs through its proprietary terminal, including Bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin. Leverage on crypto CFDs is capped at 1:10, whilst binary options payouts vary by token but remain competitive. OTC assets, for example, pay out up to 95%.
- Plexytrade - Plexytrade lets traders capitalize on the inherent volatility of the cryptocurrency market by offering leveraged trading on 5 popular cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin. However, the threadbare offering of digital tokens seriously trails leading brokers like Eightcap with its 100+ crypto derivatives.
- Binarium - Trade binary options on three Bitcoin pairs – BTC/USD, BTC/GBP and BTC/EUR – with flexible contract lengths. Simply bet whether the price of the asset will rise or fall.
- RedMars - RedMars offers 13 crypto CFDs, including the popular BTC/USD, ETH/USD, and LTC/USD. However, there's no option to buy the underlying cryptocurrency. As a comparison, eToro allows the underlying purchase of 44 cryptocurrencies with copy trading on digital currencies also supported.
NinjaTrader
"NinjaTrader continues to meet the demands of active futures traders looking for low fees and premium analysis tools. The platform hosts top-rate charting features including hundreds of indicators and 10+ chart types."
Tobias Robinson, Reviewer
NinjaTrader Quick Facts
Coins | BTC |
---|---|
Crypto Mining | No |
Auto Market Maker | No |
Crypto Spread | Floating |
Crypto Lending | No |
Crypto Staking | No |
Platforms | NinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal |
Minimum Deposit | $0 |
Regulator | NFA, CFTC |
Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- Traders can get free platform access and trade simulation capabilities in the unlimited demo
- You can get thousands of add-ons and applications from developers in 150+ countries
- NinjaTrader is a widely respected and award-winning futures broker and is heavily authorized by the NFA and CFTC
Cons
- There is a withdrawal fee on some funding methods
- Non forex and futures trading requires signing up with partner brokers
- The premium platform tools come with an extra charge
Interactive Brokers
"Interactive Brokers is one of the best brokers for advanced day traders, providing powerful charting platforms, real-time data, and customizable layouts, notably through the new IBKR Desktop application. Its superb pricing and advanced order options also make it highly attractive for day traders, while its diverse range of equities is still among the best in the industry."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
Interactive Brokers Quick Facts
Coins | BTC, LTC, ETH, XRP |
---|---|
Crypto Mining | No |
Auto Market Maker | No |
Crypto Spread | 0.12%-0.18% |
Crypto Lending | No |
Crypto Staking | No |
Platforms | Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral |
Minimum Deposit | $0 |
Regulator | FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFM |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF |
Pros
- The new IBKR Desktop platform takes the best of TWS while adding bespoke tools like Option Lattice and Screeners with MultiSort to create a genuinely impressive trading experience for day traders at every level.
- IBKR is one of the most respected and trusted brokerages and is regulated by top-tier authorities, so you can have confidence in the integrity and security of your trading account.
- There's a vast library of free or paid third-party research subscriptions catering to all types of traders, plus you can enjoy commission reimbursements from IBKR if you subscribe to Toggle AI.
Cons
- You can only have one active session per account, so you can’t have your desktop program and mobile app running simultaneously, making for a sometimes frustrating trading experience.
- Support can be slow and frustrating based on tests, so you might find it challenging to reach customer service representatives promptly or encounter delays in resolving issues.
- TWS’s learning curve is steep, and beginners may find it challenging to navigate the platform and understand all the features. Plus500's web platform is much better suited to new traders.
eToro USA
"eToro remains a top pick for traders looking for leading social investing and copy trading services. With a low deposit, zero commissions and an intuitive platform, the broker will meet the needs of newer day traders."
Jemma Grist, Reviewer
eToro USA Quick Facts
Bonus Offer | Invest $100 and get $10 |
---|---|
Coins | BTC, ETH, BCH, DASH, LTC, ETC, MIOTA, XLM, EOS, NEO, ZEC, XTZ, MKR, COMP, LINK, UNI, YFI, DOGE, AAVE, ALGO, MANA, ENJ, BAT, MATIC, FLR, SHIBxM |
Crypto Mining | No |
Auto Market Maker | No |
Crypto Spread | BTC 0.75% |
Crypto Lending | No |
Crypto Staking | No |
Platforms | eToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader |
Minimum Deposit | $100 |
Regulator | SEC, FINRA |
Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- eToro USA Securities is a trustworthy, SEC-regulated broker that is a member of FINRA and SIPC
- The broker's Academy offers comprehensive learning materials for beginners to advanced-level investors
- The $10 minimum deposit and straightforward account opening process means beginners can get started quickly
Cons
- There's a narrower range of day trading instruments available compared to competitors, with only stocks, ETFs and cryptos
- The proprietary terminal doesn't support trading bots and there are no additional stock market analysis tools
- There's no MetaTrader 4 platform integration for traders who are accustomed to using third-party charting tools
IG
"IG continues to provide a comprehensive package with an intuitive web platform, best-in-class education for beginners, advanced charting tools bolstered by its recent TradingView integration, real-time data, and fast execution speeds for experienced day traders."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
IG Quick Facts
Coins | BTC, BCH, LTC, ETH, ADA, DOT, DOGE, LINK, UNI, XLM |
---|---|
Crypto Mining | No |
Auto Market Maker | No |
Crypto Spread | Variable |
Crypto Lending | No |
Crypto Staking | No |
Platforms | Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral |
Minimum Deposit | $0 |
Regulator | FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- The IG app offers a superb mobile trading experience with a clean design that helped it secure Runner Up at our 'Best Trading App' award.
- IG is amongst the best in terms of its range of instruments, which includes stocks, forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, plus recently added US-listed futures and options, providing ample diversification opportunities.
- As a well-established broker, IG operates under strict regulatory guidelines in multiple jurisdictions, maintaining a high level of trust.
Cons
- IG has discontinued its swap-free account, reducing its appeal to Islamic traders.
- IG applies an inactivity fee of $12 per month after 2 years, deterring casual investors.
- Beginners might find IG’s fee structure complex, with various fees for different types of trades or services, potentially leading to confusion or unexpected charges.
OANDA US
"OANDA remains an excellent broker for US day traders seeking a user-friendly platform with premium analysis tools and a straightforward joining process. OANDA is also heavily regulated with a very high trust score."
Jemma Grist, Reviewer
OANDA US Quick Facts
Coins | BTC, ETH, LTC, BCH, PAXG, LINK, UNI, AAVE |
---|---|
Crypto Mining | No |
Auto Market Maker | No |
Crypto Spread | $100 |
Crypto Lending | No |
Crypto Staking | No |
Platforms | OANDA Trade, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist |
Minimum Deposit | $0 |
Regulator | NFA, CFTC |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- The broker's API facilitates access to 25 years of deep historical data and rates from 200+ currencies
- The proprietary OANDA web platform continues to deliver a highly competitive charting environment, including 65+ technical indicators powered by TradingView
- Seasoned day traders can access industry-leading tools, including an MT4 premium upgrade and advanced charting provided by MotiveWave
Cons
- There's only a small range of payment methods available, with no e-wallets supported
- The range of day trading markets is limited to forex and cryptos only
- It's a shame that customer support is not available on weekends
Uphold
"Uphold remains a top choice for crypto investors looking for a one-stop-shop solution to accessing the markets. There are over 250 tokens to buy, sell and trade through flexible platform options."
William Berg, Reviewer
Uphold Quick Facts
Coins | BTC, BTCO, AAVE, ALCX, DYDX, INH, XYO, API3, GHST, LSK, AUDIO, GLMR, NMR, CAKE, GODS, REQ, CHR, TRB, DAO, ROOK, XRP, ETH, BAT, ADA, ALGO, ATOM, AVAX, AXS, BCH, BAL, BTG, CSPR, COMP, CRV, DASH, DCR, DGB, DOGE, DOT, EGLD and many more |
---|---|
Crypto Mining | No |
Auto Market Maker | No |
Crypto Spread | Up to 1.5% |
Crypto Lending | No |
Crypto Staking | Yes |
Platforms | Desktop Platform, Mobile App |
Minimum Deposit | $0 |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP |
Pros
- Over 250 cryptos are available including major tokens like Bitcoin and Ethereum
- Fees are competitive based on tests, with 26 underlying platforms helping to source the best prices
- Crypto staking is available on 30+ tokens with above-average rates up to 16%
Cons
- Customer service is slow based on tests, with limited contact options
- The charting analysis features on the platform trail specialist exchanges
- Uphold operates with limited regulatory oversight
IQCent
"IQCent will appeal to day traders looking for a straightforward binary options and CFD trading platform with low fees, a range of accounts, and copy trading. Getting started takes less than 1 minute and a $250 deposit. "
Jemma Grist, Reviewer
IQCent Quick Facts
Bonus Offer | 20% to 200% Deposit Bonus |
---|---|
Coins | BTC, ETH, LTC, ETC, DOGE, MATIC, QNT, SOL, XRP, USDT, XMR, BNB |
Crypto Mining | No |
Auto Market Maker | No |
Crypto Spread | Variable |
Crypto Lending | No |
Crypto Staking | No |
Platforms | Online Platform, TradingView |
Minimum Deposit | $250 |
Regulator | IFMRRC |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR |
Pros
- The broker offers up to 98% payouts on binary options, which is more than alternatives like Pocket Option, only offering up to 92%
- IQCent is one of the few binary options brokers that also offers a copy trading service for hands-off traders
- Keen traders can take part in trading contests with cash prizes
Cons
- IQCent trails binary brokers like Quotex with its narrow investment offering of around 100 assets with no stocks
- There's no automated trading support for algo traders
- IQCent charges a punitive $10 monthly inactivity fee if you fail to place at least 1 trade per month
Plexytrade
"Plexytrade is a newcomer in the brokerage scene with attention-grabbing features like 1:2000 leverage, zero spreads on select instruments and fast execution speeds of less than 46 milliseconds. However, the absence of regulation is a significant concern, while the non-existent research and educational tools place it far behind industry frontrunners."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
Plexytrade Quick Facts
Bonus Offer | 120% Cash Welcome Bonus |
---|---|
Coins | BTC, ETH, LTC, SOL, XRP |
Crypto Mining | No |
Auto Market Maker | No |
Crypto Spread | 1.1 |
Crypto Lending | No |
Crypto Staking | No |
Platforms | MT4, MT5 |
Minimum Deposit | $50 |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR |
Pros
- Plexytrade offers among the highest leverage we’ve seen, up to 1:2000, catering to advanced traders willing to forego regulatory protections.
- US residents are accepted as clients, distinguishing Plexytrade as one of the rare offshore brokers that cater to US-based traders.
- There are various VPS packages starting from $50 per month, but they become complimentary once specific deposit thresholds are reached.
Cons
- There are no social or copy trading features for inexperienced traders to replicate the trades of more experienced investors, trailing category leaders like eToro.
- Deposits and withdrawals are exclusively facilitated through cryptocurrencies, as Plexytrade does not support bank cards, bank wire transfers, or e-wallets.
- There are no research and educational materials, falling short of alternatives like IG, while access to the economic calendar is restricted to clients with balances of $500.
Binarium
"Binarium has been designed with simplicity in mind, featuring a fast, fully digital sign-up process and an intuitive platform and app with 4 chart types and 12 indicators. With binaries spanning 5 minutes to 3 months, it caters to short- and medium-term traders."
William Berg, Reviewer
Binarium Quick Facts
Coins | BTC |
---|---|
Crypto Mining | No |
Auto Market Maker | No |
Crypto Spread | N/A |
Crypto Lending | No |
Crypto Staking | No |
Platforms | Own |
Minimum Deposit | $5 |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, AUD, RUB |
Pros
- Binarium has the best education centre we’ve seen amongst binary options brands, complete with information on core topics like trading basics and account options, plus professional video guides to using the platform.
- The $10,000 demo account, deposit-doubling welcome bonus, smooth sign-up, and 24/7 support make for an attractive onboarding experience.
- Binarium claims to segregate client funds with EU banks, meaning traders’ money should not be misused and providing an important layer of protection, which is especially relevant given its offshore status.
Cons
- Payouts of up to 80% are on the low side of binary options platforms based on our evaluations, which may deter traders looking for the possible best returns, though you can get back up to 15% of losing trades.
- Despite being operational since 2012, Binarium is an unregulated broker with limited transparency on its website, raising safety concerns and potentially putting your capital at risk.
- Binarium has some way to go to match the investment offering of binary firms like Quotex, with a particularly weak selection of around 20 currencies and 3 cryptocurrencies.
RedMars
"RedMars is the best fit for experienced day traders familiar with the MetaTrader 5 platform and based in the EU, where the broker is authorized by the CySEC. However, the threadbare education and research tools make it unsuitable for beginners."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
RedMars Quick Facts
Coins | BTC, ETH, LTC, XRP, XLM, DOT, ZEC, XMR, QTM, NEO, EOS, BCH, DSH |
---|---|
Crypto Mining | No |
Auto Market Maker | No |
Crypto Spread | 65 |
Crypto Lending | No |
Crypto Staking | No |
Platforms | MT5 |
Minimum Deposit | €250 |
Regulator | CySEC, AFM |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR |
Pros
- Getting started on RedMars is incredibly easy - you can be up and running in just a few minutes based on tests
- The broker supports a range of flexible payment methods, including wire transfers, credit cards, e-wallets, and notably cryptocurrencies
- The broker is one of a limited number of firms to offer an account specially designed for VIPs with premium support and invites to exclusive events
Cons
- With just 300 instruments, RedMars offers a narrow trading environment, particularly compared to category leaders like BlackBull Markets which offers 26,000 assets
- The no-frills trading environment offers little beyond the basics, with no Islamic account, PAMM account or copy trading.
- While RedMars' spreads are within industry averages, they don't offer a significant edge over the cheapest day trading brokers we've personally used, notably IC Markets
About Coinbase
The firm is based in San Francisco and is a fully licensed and regulated cryptocurrency exchange in 45 US states. Its services are also available globally, including to investors in Australia, the UK, Europe, South America, and Africa. In fact, the crypto exchange boasts over 98 million verified users across more than 100 countries. And while our best alternatives to Coinbase have a lot to offer in terms of tools, features, and fees, few can match the global reach of the crypto exchange.
Products
Coinbase offers a wide range of products to suit beginners and professionals:
- Coinbase – Buy, sell, trade, and store over 150 tradable cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin.
- Wallet – Retail investors can manage and store their crypto assets without a centralized brokerage or exchange. There are options to use US dollars or other fiat currencies. Protect your digital assets with industry-leading security.
- Coinbase Pro – Formerly GDAX, Coinbase Pro is a premium service with an intuitive interface including real-time order books, charting tools, trade history, and a simple order process so you can trade from day one.
- USD Coin (USDC) – A digital stablecoin that is pegged to the United States dollar.
Platforms
Coinbase
Coinbase is a secure online trading platform that utilizes the US dollar to purchase a growing list of over 150 cryptocurrencies. Geared towards beginners, it has a straightforward, user-friendly interface with options to ‘buy’, ‘sell’ or ‘convert’ when placing a trade.
Note, the mobile app can be accessed on Android and iOS devices.
Coinbase Pro
As outlined above, Coinbase Pro was formerly known as Global Digital Asset Exchange (GDAX). It is an in-depth platform that caters to more advanced traders. On top of the same functionalities as the original platform, it offers advanced charting functions and the ability to place market limits, stop orders, an easy order process, and detailed trade history. Investors can specify an order type or default to market.
Fees
With the exception of Coinbase Pro, fees are expensive compared to competitors. They vary between 0.5% and 4.5% and between payment methods, cryptocurrency type, transaction size, and platform used.
There is a 1% fee to convert and withdraw your crypto to cash in addition to standard network fees. A network fee is necessary to have your transaction processed by the decentralized cryptocurrency network.
If you stake your assets with Coinbase, your reward will be determined by the protocols of the applicable network. The firm will distribute this reward after receipt, minus a 25% commission.
The exchange charges spreads of 0.5% for crypto purchases and sales. Depending on market fluctuation, rates may be higher or lower. On top of that, they also take a flat fee or variable percentage, depending on region, amount purchased, product feature, and payment type. For example, a $100 purchase of Bitcoin with a USD bank account will come with a flat fee of 1%.
Suppose you borrow USD from Coinbase or an affiliate. The brand has to sell your BTC collateral (as they are authorized to do under an applicable loan agreement). In that case, there is a flat fee of 2% of the total transaction.
On the other hand, Coinbase Pro’s fee schedule is straightforward and less expensive. It is based on monthly trading volume and a taker-maker model, which depends on the liquidity of the asset at the time of purchase. Varying between pricing tiers, taker fees are between 0.05% to 0.6%, while maker fees are between 0.00% to 0.4%.
On the basic Coinbase platform, deposits on wire transfers are $10 and $25 to withdraw. The exchange also requires a minimum of $2 to purchase and sell and is capped at $25,000 a day. Trade and balance levels are unlimited on Coinbase Pro. However, withdrawals are limited to $25,000 by default, which can be increased by request.
Best Alternatives To Coinbase
While the crypto exchange has a lot to offer, there are several strong alternatives to Coinbase. See our comparison below:
Binance
Founded in 2017, Binance’s broker terminal is a good alternative to Coinbase for those looking to buy and sell crypto instantly.
Compared to Coinbase, Binance offers a wider range of modes that suit all skill levels. They offer Classic, Advanced, Margin, Convert, and P2P. Classic provides a more traditional platform with charts and options to trade with stop loss, by market, or limit order. Advanced offers all the Classic features but with full access to trading tools. Margin allows traders to increase profits with leverage. Convert is an OTC trading platform that offers quick settlements for larger buy or sell trades. Lastly, P2P will enable you to buy and sell cryptocurrencies among fellow Binance users with zero fees.
It is also worth pointing out that Binance offers a greater range of over 600 crypto coins. Additionally, it has among the best apps for crypto trading.
Binance’s fee structure is less complicated and cheaper compared to Coinbase. It offers a tiered fee structure based on 30-day cumulative trading volumes. It charges 0.1% for all trades and offers a 25% discount on fees that use Binance Coin. Unlike Coinbase, Binance does not charge any deposit fees but withdrawal fees change based on the market.
Together, this makes Binance one of the best alternatives to Coinbase.
Kraken
While Kraken offers advanced trader services, it is also considered beginner-friendly. Moreover, it is a great alternative for advanced traders compared to Coinbase Pro.
Established in 2014, Kraken is a hassle-free cryptocurrency exchange. It has margin and OTC trading with over 120 coins. Unlike Coinbase, it does not offer a wallet or its own crypto coin.
Platforms include the Kraken Terminal and Cryptowatch. The Kraken terminal allows you to view markets in real-time and access customizable price charts with a live trade feed, order book, and a depth chart to help you visualize market sentiment.
Advanced features on Cryptowatch include an additional 25 crypto exchange services, automated orders, technical analysis features, and more.
Fees on Kraken Pro are significantly cheaper than Coinbase and Coinbase Pro. The fee schedule depends on your last 30-day trading volume and is based on a taker-maker model. For example, an account with a 30-day volume of $0 to $50,000 will pay a 0.16% maker fee or 0.26% taker fee. A detailed fee schedule is available on the Kraken website.
Overall, Kraken is among the strongest alternatives to Coinbase.
BitMEX
BitMEX is a peer-to-peer (P2P) crypto trading platform that offers leveraged contracts bought and sold in Bitcoin.
Unlike Coinbase, BitMEX does not handle fiat currency but offers up to 1:100 leverage. As Coinbase has disabled margin trading due to regulatory changes (and is now only available on Coinbase Pro), BitMEX is a great alternative.
BitMEX only offers three Bitcoin products; XBT Perpetual, XBT Quarterly Future, and XBT Biquarterly Future. Instead of investing in currency directly, users simply trade contracts, which can be more volatile than traditional investing. As a result, this platform is more suited to advanced crypto traders.
Since BitMEX only exchanges cryptos, it does not incur added fees for buying crypto with cash. Thus, fees are as low as 0.01% to 0.075%. It also does not charge fees on deposits or withdrawals. However, a minimum Bitcoin Network Fee is paid to the Bitcoin miner who processes your transaction (this fee does not go to BitMEX).
Ultimately, BitMEX is one of the best alternatives to Coinbase for users looking to cut costs and advanced investors.
Gemini
Gemini is more suited to advanced traders. It has similarities to Coinbase, such as the ability to buy and sell using fiat and cryptocurrencies. However, Gemini offers different buy and sell orders. On top of that, it has a wider range of platforms that suit all levels, such as a simple web interface or a more advanced ActiveTrader platform. On the downside, Gemini currently only offers around 50 cryptocurrencies.
Importantly, investors are more likely to save on Gemini as it does not charge for deposits and only up to 3.64% when trading. With that said, the fee schedule on Gemini vastly differs depending on the products used and trades made in a 30-day period. For example, a trading volume of up to $100,000 on the ActiveTrader platform charges a 0.2% taker and 0.08% maker fee, which is cheaper than Coinbase Pro.
Overall, Gemini is one of the top alternatives to Coinbase for those looking for a wider range of cost-efficient trading platforms and tools.
Crypto.com
Monaco Technologies GmBH was the initial trade name for Crypto.com, which was founded in 2016. The owner’s goal was to accelerate the world’s adoption of cryptocurrencies. Today, the firm is headquartered in Hong Kong and has over 4,000 employees in countries such as China, Russia, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Various financial institutions regulate the firm in each of its operating nations, ensuring that it complies with monetary and risk-prevention laws, such as the FCA in the United Kingdom. And with over 50 million users across 90+ supported countries, the exchange is continually growing.
Crypto.com became the first-ever official global partner of UFC in 2021, and the total number of CRO coins available is capped at 30 billion. This follows the burning of 70 billion CRO tokens, the greatest such burn in crypto history.
The trading costs on Crypto.com are both competitive and clear. Trading fees are dependent on volume, so the more you trade, the more discounts you get. And importantly, there are no hidden fees. But because the trading volumes necessary for the lower costs are so high, inexperienced investors may not be able to take advantage of this benefit.
Fortunately, staking and paying fees with CRO might help you save money. On CRO stakes, you can get a 10% p.a. bonus.
The following is a fee tier guide for trading and selling:
- Level 1: 30-day trading volume of $0-$25,000, 0.4% maker and 0.4% taker charges
- Level 2: 30-day trading volume of $25,001-$50,000 0.35% maker and 0.35% taker charges
- Level 3: 30-day trading volume of $50,001-$100,000, 0.15% maker and 0.25% taker charges
- Level 4: 30-day trading volume of $100,001-$250,000, 0.1% maker and 0.16% taker charges
- Level 5: 30-day trading volume of $250,001-$1,000,000, 0.09% maker and 0.15% taker charges
- Level 6: 30-day trading volume of $1,000,001-$20,000,000, 0.08% maker and 0.14% taker charges
- Level 7: 30-day trading volume of $20,000,001-$100,000,000, 0.07% maker and 0.13% taker charges
- Level 8: 30-day trading volume of $100,000,001-$200,000,000, 0.06% maker and 0.12% taker charges
- Level 9: 30-day trading volume of $200,000,001+, 0.04% maker and 0.1% taker charges
Because Crypto.com has over 250 tokens available, the exchange makes for a good alternative to Coinbase. Similar to Coinbse Earn, you can also complete missions. In exchange, you get diamonds which can be converted into prizes.
Pros Of Coinbase
- Trading on more than 150 cryptocurrencies
- Simple interface for new crypto investors
- Cryptocurrencies are insured
- Low minimum deposit
- High liquidity
Cons Of Coinbase
- Complicated and expensive fee structure on original Coinbase platform
- Growing list of reliable alternatives to Coinbase broker
- Lack of autonomous control on wallet keys
Final Word On Alternatives To Coinbase
Considered one of the top cryptocurrency exchanges in the industry, Coinbase is well-positioned to meet various investment goals and skill levels. Coinbase Pro also provides a good all-around platform for advanced traders with decent fees, while the standard solution has a simple and user-friendly interface for new traders. Unfortunately though, costs on Coinbase are quite expensive in general.
Overall, when comparing alternatives to Coinbase, Binance is one of the best options. It is cheaper to trade with and offers a wider range of platforms and over 600 coins. It also provides one of the best mobile app alternatives to Coinbase.
FAQs
What Is A Similar And Better Alternative To Coinbase?
Out of Binance, Kraken, BitMEX, Crypto.com, and Gemini, Binance offers the most similar service to Coinbase. It has competitive products such as a crypto wallet and fiat currencies. Its trading platforms also suit both new and advanced traders while offering services that Coinbase doesn’t, such as P2P and margin trading.
What Are Cheaper Alternatives To Coinbase?
Coinbase’s original trading platform has the highest and most complicated fees of all alternatives mentioned in our review. However, when comparing Coinbase Pro, the brand provides similar and competitive rates. As BitMEX only exchanges cryptocurrencies via contracts, it has the cheapest fees amongst all alternatives mentioned, with a range of 0.01% to 0.075%.
Is Coinbase Legal In The UK?
Yes – Coinbase does operate legally in the UK. It is also available in Australia, Canada, Singapore, the United States, and a number of European countries based on regulation. With that said, the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) banned the sale of crypto derivatives in 2021 because of the risk to retail consumers. Coinbase is only regulated in 45 states in the US.
How Do I Buy And Sell On Coinbase Without Fees?
While it is not widely popular and known, it is possible to buy Bitcoin without fees on Coinbase Pro. This can be done as a maker or taker. To find out how, head to the official website.
Does Coinbase Sell Instantly Vs. Alternatives?
Whether you can sell instantly will depend on which region you are from. It typically takes one to two business days to complete for US customers after initiating a sell or withdrawal. However, buying and selling occur instantly for the UK and European customers as the local currency is stored within your Coinbase account. Coinbase is, therefore, in line with many alternatives.