Coinbase Review: Is It the Best Exchange for You in 2025?

When it comes to buying, selling, and storing cryptocurrencies,Coinbase is one of the first names people come across.

With over 100 million verified users worldwide, it is one of the largest and most recognized crypto exchanges. 

However, does size and popularity mean it’s the best option for you?

In this Coinbase review, we’ll break down what the exchange offers, its strengths and weaknesses, and explore why Breet is a better alternative for Nigerians and Ghanaians.

What is Coinbase?

Coinbase is a United States-based cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2012. It provides a secure and regulated platform for users to buy, sell, trade, and store digital currencies such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and over 200 other supported assets. Known for its beginner-friendly interface, Coinbase has become a go-to exchange for newcomers entering the crypto market.

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Coinbase Review: Key Features and Services 

Coinbase is one of the most popular crypto exchanges in the world, and part of its success comes from the wide range of services it offers to both beginners and advanced traders.

Below, we take a closer look at its key features and how they work:

1. Crypto Trading

Coinbase makes it very easy for users to buy and sell cryptocurrencies, even if they are completely new to crypto.

You can use common payment methods like debit cards, credit cards, or bank transfers to purchase popular coins such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Solana. 

2. Coinbase Wallet

Apart from the main exchange, Coinbase also provides a secure crypto wallet. Unlike the regular exchange account where Coinbase holds your keys, the Coinbase Wallet is non-custodial.

This means you have full control of your private keys and digital assets.

With the wallet, you can store not just cryptocurrencies but also NFTs (non-fungible tokens) and interact with decentralized apps (dApps).

3. Coinbase Earn

One standout feature on Coinbase is Coinbase Earn, a program that allows users to learn about new cryptocurrency projects and get rewarded with free tokens.

For example, you might watch a few short videos explaining how a new blockchain works, take a quiz, and earn a small amount of that project’s native token.

4. Advanced Trading (Coinbase Advanced)

For users who are more experienced, Coinbase offers an advanced trading platform called Coinbase Advanced.

This version comes with detailed price charts, technical indicators, and more order types (like stop orders and limit orders), which are important for professional traders.

It’s designed to compete with other global exchanges by providing deeper liquidity and lower fees for frequent trading.

5. Staking Services

Coinbase allows users to stake supported cryptocurrencies like ETH, SOL, and ADA directly on the platform.

Instead of handling the technical setup yourself, Coinbase simplifies the process so you can earn passive income on your assets with just a few clicks.

However, users should note that staking rewards may vary depending on the coin and market conditions.

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Fees and Supported Payment Methods

One of the biggest criticisms in many Coinbase exchange reviews is its high fees.

• Trading Fees: Can range from 0.5% to 4% depending on the payment method.
• Payment Methods: Credit/debit cards, PayPal (in some countries), and bank transfers.
• Hidden Costs: Spreads on conversions between cryptocurrencies. 

While convenient, these fees make Coinbase one of the more expensive exchanges compared to its competitors.

Coinbase Review: Pros and Cons 

Like every exchange, Coinbase has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Pros

1. Beginner-friendly interface: The platform is simple to use, making it perfect for first-time investors.
2. Highly secure and regulated: Coinbase is one of the most trusted exchanges, operating under strict U.S. regulations.
3. Wide range of cryptocurrencies: With over 200+ digital assets available, users can easily diversify their portfolios.
4. Wide user base: Coinbase has a solid global reputation and a large user base, boosting its credibility.
5. Staking and learning rewards: Users can earn free tokens through Coinbase Earn and generate passive income via staking.

 Cons

1. High trading fees: Compared to other global exchanges, Coinbase charges higher fees, especially for small transactions.
2. Slow customer support: Many users complain about delays in getting responses from support.
3. Regional restrictions: Certain services are unavailable in some countries, including Nigeria and Ghana.
4. Limited payment methods in Africa: Local bank integrations are missing, making it harder to move money in and out directly.
5. Strict KYC verification: Users must complete full identity checks before trading, which can feel inconvenient for some.

Coinbase Review: What Are Users Saying About the Exchange?

Recording a reputation rating of 3.9 out of 5 on Trustpilot, here’s what real users are saying about Coinbase exchange:

Good User Interface and beginner-friendly

“Fast and efficient app with a user friendly interface. Quick exchange of funds from bank to app. Excellent for monitoring fluctuations of cryptocurrency graphically. Would highly recommend to anyone looking to invest in cryptocurrency.

Another user said:

Great App for all to try. Easy interface as well.

According to other users:

“Good and smooth app. My go to app bitcoin wallet.”

“Great app for trading crypto.

Coinbase has Mixed Reviews about Customer Service 

“Their customer service is shockingly bad. Tried to resolve a simple issue for weeks with no success. Wouldn’t recommend to anyone. Complete waste of time.”– said a user

“…Customer service? Also disappointing. Was met with unprofessionalism and generic chatbot-type responses even when chatting with a live agent. On my current case #, my requests to speak with a manager were ignored and frustrated. I was just ignored and passed around from agent to agent (4 agents in total) for about 2.5 hours.” Said another user

High and Hidden Fees

“Fees are too high. Interface is okay but could be more like trading212. Can be slow sometimes but ok.”

“Their website and customer agents claim that e-transfer withdrawals are free, but they charge a 1% fee when you’re ready to withdraw. They try to blame it on the bank but the bank doesn’t charge for receiving e-transfers into their customer’s account. The lack of transparency is disappointing. They also charge fees to sell.”

“Coinbase is besides MetaMask the one cryptobase I can really recommend for their overview and speed of trading and paying. The only downsides are the time to unstake assets and the fees for some trades…”

Summarily, users celebrate the Coinbase exchange’s easy interface, beginner-friendly, and reliability in buying and selling cryptocurrencies.

However, users dislike the exchange’s high fees, poor customer support, account lockouts, and verification issues among others.

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Breet: The Best Coinbase Alternative for Nigerians & Ghanaians

For users in Nigeria and Ghana, Coinbase comes with several challenges, such as high fees, limited payment options, and restrictions on local currency withdrawals.

This is where Breet stands out as the best alternative.

Breet is a crypto app designed specifically for Africans, helping users easily convert their cryptocurrencies into local fiat currency (naira and Cedi).

Breet vs Coinbase: Full Comparison

 Why Breet is Better than Coinbase for Nigerians and Ghanaians

• Low Trading Fees: Unlike Coinbase, Breet charges very low fees when selling crypto.
• Instant Settlement: Convert your crypto and get your money in your bank account within minutes.
• Local Support: Fully optimized for users in Nigeria and Ghana.
• Wide Crypto Support: Over 40+ crypto assets supported.
• VIP Desk for Bulk Trades: Businesses and high-net-worth individuals enjoy personalized trading with instant liquidity.
  

If you’re in Nigeria or Ghana and want a simpler, faster, and more affordable way to cash out your crypto, Breet is the smarter choice over Coinbase.

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Conclusion on CoinBase Review

Coinbase is undoubtedly one of the biggest and most secure global crypto exchanges. It’s a great choice for beginners worldwide but for Nigerians and Ghanaians, its limitations make it less practical.

Meanwhile, Breet offers a better alternative, giving African users faster settlements, zero fees, and local currency support.

So, while Coinbase remains a strong player globally, Breet is the go-to solution for seamless crypto-to-cash conversions in Nigeria and Ghana. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Coinbase Review 

Is Coinbase safe to use?

Yes. Coinbase is one of the most regulated and trusted exchanges in the world. It uses advanced security like cold storage, 2FA, and insurance coverage. However, users still complain about account lockouts and poor customer support.

What are Coinbase’s fees?

Coinbase charges between 0.5% – 1.5% per trade depending on payment method, which is higher than many competitors. Advanced users can save fees using Coinbase Advanced Trade.

Can Nigerians and Ghanaians use Coinbase?

Coinbase has limited services in Nigeria and Ghana. Users can sign up but may face restrictions on payment methods. For seamless local trading, platforms like Breet are better suited.

How long does Coinbase verification (KYC) take?

Verification usually takes a few minutes to 24 hours. In some cases, it can take longer if documents are unclear or during high traffic periods.

Does Coinbase have a mobile app?

Yes. Coinbase has an easy-to-use mobile app available on iOS and Android for buying, selling, and storing crypto on the go.