Is Coinbase Advanced Free? – A Quick Guide

- expertise:
- CFD Trading, Forex, Derivatives, Risk Management
- credentials:
- Chartered ACII (2018) · Trading since 2012
- tested:
- 40+ forex & CFD platforms with live accounts

- expertise:
- Platform Testing, Cryptocurrency, Retail Investing
- credentials:
- Active investor since 2013 · 11+ years experience
- tested:
- 50+ platforms · 200+ guides authored

- expertise:
- Broker Comparison, ISA Strategy, Portfolio Management
- credentials:
- Active investor since 2013 · 11+ years experience
- tested:
- 40+ brokers with funded accounts

- expertise:
- CFD Trading, Forex, Derivatives, Risk Management
- credentials:
- Chartered ACII (2018) · Trading since 2012
- tested:
- 40+ forex & CFD platforms with live accounts

- expertise:
- Platform Testing, Cryptocurrency, Retail Investing
- credentials:
- Active investor since 2013 · 11+ years experience
- tested:
- 50+ platforms · 200+ guides authored

- expertise:
- Broker Comparison, ISA Strategy, Portfolio Management
- credentials:
- Active investor since 2013 · 11+ years experience
- tested:
- 40+ brokers with funded accounts
How We Test
Real accounts. Real money. Real trades. No demo accounts or press releases.
What we measure:
- Spreads vs advertised rates
- Execution speed and slippage
- Hidden fees (overnight, withdrawal, conversion)
- Actual withdrawal times
Scoring:
Fees (25%) · Platform (20%) · Assets (15%) · Mobile (15%) · Tools (10%) · Support (10%) · Regulation (5%)
Regulatory checks:
FCA Register verification · FSCS protection
Testing team:
Adam Woodhead (investing since 2013), Thomas Drury (Chartered ACII, 2018), Dom Farnell (investing since 2013) — 50+ platforms with funded accounts
Quarterly reviews · Corrections: [email protected]
Disclaimer
Not financial advice. Educational content only. We're not FCA authorised. Consult a qualified advisor before investing.
Capital at risk. Investments can fall. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results.
CFD warning. 67-84% of retail accounts lose money trading CFDs. High risk due to leverage.
Contact: [email protected]
Quick Answer: Is Coinbase Advanced Free?
Coinbase Overview
- Minimum Deposit: No fixed minimum (buy crypto from as little as £2 / $2)
- Buy, sell, and trade Bitcoin, Ethereum, and hundreds of other cryptocurrencies
- Regulated in the US and trusted by over 100 million users worldwide
- User-friendly app and web platform with secure wallet storage
- Ideal for beginners and experienced investors seeking easy access to the crypto market
Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more.
What Is Coinbase Advanced?
Coinbase Advanced is the platform’s upgraded trading interface, designed for active users who want more control than the basic app provides. It delivers advanced charting, extra order types, and reduced fees, giving traders professional-grade functionality while keeping Coinbase’s familiar ecosystem.
How Does Coinbase Advanced Work?
Instead of requiring a new account like Coinbase Pro did, Advanced works directly within your existing Coinbase login. Once enabled, users can switch seamlessly to the Advanced dashboard, where lower maker/taker fees and pro-level trading tools become available.
What Features Does Coinbase Advanced Include?
Coinbase Advanced includes professional charting tools, real-time order books, and advanced order types like limit and stop. It also offers lower trading fees than basic Coinbase, making it more cost-effective for active traders while still maintaining Coinbase’s simple, user-friendly experience.
Coinbase Basic vs Coinbase Advanced Features
| Feature | Coinbase (Basic) | Coinbase Advanced |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | Simple buy/sell, beginner-friendly | Advanced trading dashboard |
| Charting | Minimal, basic price graphs | Full charting with technical indicators |
| Order Types | Market orders only | Market, limit, stop orders |
| Fees | Higher spreads and fees | Lower trading fees (maker/taker) |
| Best For | Beginners, one-click buyers | Active traders, intermediate to advanced |
How Does Coinbase Advanced Compare to Coinbase Pro?
Coinbase Advanced fully replaces Coinbase Pro, integrating pro-level features into the main Coinbase platform. Advanced offers lower trading fees, advanced charting, and deeper order books. Unlike Pro, no separate login is needed, making it easier to manage accounts and funds within one ecosystem.
Coinbase Advanced vs Coinbase Pro
| Feature | Coinbase Pro (Retired) | Coinbase Advanced |
|---|---|---|
| Account Setup | Separate account and login required | Integrated into main Coinbase account |
| Interface | Professional trading dashboard | Advanced tools within Coinbase dashboard |
| Fees | Maker/taker fees (lower than basic) | Similar fee model, streamlined and transparent |
| Charting Tools | Basic advanced charts | Enhanced charting with indicators |
| Status | Retired in 2022 | Active and supported |
Are There Any Hidden Costs With Coinbase Advanced?
Coinbase Advanced itself is free, but trading involves standard costs. Users face maker/taker fees, small spreads, deposit/withdrawal charges, and blockchain network fees. While transparent, these costs add up, particularly for high-frequency traders, so it’s not entirely “free” to use.
Coinbase Advanced Fees Overview
| Fee Type | Applies? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | No | Free to use, no monthly fee |
| Trading Fees | Yes | Maker/taker structure, lower than basic |
| Spreads | Yes | Built into prices for some trades |
| Deposit Fees | Sometimes | Bank transfers usually free; cards may cost |
| Withdrawal Fees | Yes | Fixed fees depending on method |
| Network Fees | Yes | Blockchain fees apply to crypto transfers |
Is Coinbase Advanced Worth It in 2026?
Coinbase Advanced is a solid choice for active traders who want access to professional-grade tools without managing a separate platform or account. While its fees are lower than standard Coinbase trading, they remain higher than some rivals such as Binance or Kraken. That said, for users who prioritise ease of use and a strong security framework, Coinbase Advanced offers a good balance—even if it isn’t the lowest-cost option.
Buy, sell, and grow crypto simply
- Invest from £2
- Earn crypto rewards
- Stake & earn up to 6%
Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more.
FAQs
Is Coinbase Advanced really free?
Yes. Coinbase Advanced has no subscription or platform fee. However, you still pay maker/taker trading fees, spreads, withdrawal charges, and blockchain network costs. It’s free to access, but trading itself always comes with costs.
Are trading fees lower on Coinbase Advanced?
Yes. Coinbase Advanced offers reduced maker/taker fees compared to the basic Coinbase app. This makes it more affordable for frequent or high-volume traders, though it remains slightly more expensive than some competitors such as Binance and Kraken.
Can beginners use Coinbase Advanced easily?
Beginners can use Coinbase Advanced, but it’s designed for more active traders. The interface is more complex than basic Coinbase. However, users can switch between both modes seamlessly, making it possible to start simple and move into Advanced as confidence grows.
How does Coinbase Advanced compare to Binance or Kraken?
Coinbase Advanced is easier to use and integrates seamlessly with Coinbase accounts, but trading fees are generally higher. Binance and Kraken offer broader crypto ranges and lower fees, though they have steeper learning curves. For UK users, Coinbase emphasises compliance and simplicity.
Is Coinbase Advanced safe for UK users?
Yes. Coinbase is FCA-registered for crypto services in the UK and widely regarded as secure. It uses cold storage, insurance coverage, and strict compliance. While trading risks remain, the platform itself is trusted for safety and regulatory oversight.





