Coinbase: What It Is, How It Works, and Why It Still Matters in Crypto

When you think of buying crypto in the U.S., Coinbase, a regulated cryptocurrency exchange that lets users buy, sell, and store digital assets with bank links. Also known as Coinbase Global, it was one of the first platforms to make crypto feel safe for regular people—not just tech insiders. Unlike shady platforms that vanish overnight, Coinbase plays by the rules. It follows KYC and AML laws, reports to regulators, and keeps user funds in cold storage. That’s why millions still use it—even when fees are higher than other exchanges.

But Coinbase isn’t just a place to buy Bitcoin. It’s also a gateway to staking, earning interest on crypto, and using a wallet that’s simple enough for your grandma. It supports dozens of coins, from Bitcoin and Ethereum to newer tokens like SOL and ADA. And while it doesn’t let you trade every obscure meme coin, that’s actually a feature. It cuts out the noise. If you’re new, or just want to avoid scams, Coinbase’s limited but verified list is a shield. It’s also one of the few exchanges that still works for most U.S. users after the crackdowns on TradeOgre, Upbit, and Poloniex. The SEC’s pressure forced many platforms to shut down or leave the U.S., but Coinbase stayed—and adapted. That’s not luck. It’s compliance.

What you won’t find on Coinbase? Anonymous trading. No Monero. No privacy-focused chains unless they’re officially listed. That’s because Coinbase has to know who you are. And that’s the trade-off: less freedom, more safety. If you want to move fast, trade low-liquidity tokens, or avoid KYC, you’ll need something else. But if you want to start, save, or send crypto without worrying about getting hacked or scammed, Coinbase still leads. Below, you’ll find real reviews, regulatory updates, and comparisons that show exactly how it stacks up against the rest—and why some users are leaving while others won’t go anywhere else.