Is Coinbase Good for Beginners in 2025? – My Honest Review
Adam Woodhead
Co-Founder
Adam is a passionate investor who created The Investors Centre (TIC) to combine his professional skills with his love for investment. His goal is to offer a platform filled with valuable resources, practical advice, and effective strategies for anyone looking to make their mark in the investment world.
“Investment is about more than just numbers; it’s about strategy, research, and the willingness to adapt. At TIC, we’re here to provide the tools and knowledge you need to succeed on your investment journey.”
Thomas Drury
Co-Founder
Thomas is an experienced financial trader in leverage instruments, crypto and general investing. He has over a decade experience in finance and holds Chartered Status in the financial industry, Thomas’s speciality is trading CFDs, Forex and Day Trading. His crypto portfolio is heavily weighted towards BTC and Eth, but enjoys trading low cap crypto’s with higher volatility. Thomas’s favourite trading strategy is break out Trading.
“Our commitment at The Investors Centre is unwavering. We strive to provide clear, actionable advice that empowers you to achieve financial success. Our vision is a future where anyone can invest confidently and wisely.”
Table of Contents
Disclaimer
How We Test
In this article, I’ll share my honest thoughts on whether Coinbase lives up to its reputation as an ideal starting point for beginners in 2025. I’ll walk you through what Coinbase is, how it works, and why it’s both praised and criticised. You’ll also find practical insights and tips to help you decide whether it’s the right platform for you.
Quick Answer: Is Coinbase Good for Beginners?
Yes, Coinbase is great for beginners due to its intuitive interface, educational resources, and strong security features. However, its fees can be high compared to other platforms, which is worth considering if you plan to trade frequently.
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 and How Does It Work?
Coinbase is one of the most well-known cryptocurrency exchanges in the world, and for good reason. Founded in 2012, the platform is designed to make it easy for anyone to buy, sell, and store cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Its intuitive design and straightforward processes have made it a popular choice, especially among beginners.
Here’s how Coinbase works in a nutshell:
- Buying and Selling: After creating an account, users can purchase cryptocurrencies using traditional payment methods like bank transfers or debit/credit cards. Similarly, you can sell crypto and withdraw funds directly to your bank account.
- Storing Crypto: Coinbase offers a built-in wallet where you can securely store your digital assets. For added security, it uses advanced encryption and two-factor authentication.
- Learning and Earning: One standout feature is the Coinbase Learn programme, which rewards users with small amounts of cryptocurrency for completing educational lessons.
What sets Coinbase apart is its global reach. It’s available in over 100 countries and supports more than 200 cryptocurrencies, making it one of the largest and most accessible exchanges in the world. Whether you’re looking to make your first Bitcoin purchase or explore altcoins like Solana or Cardano, Coinbase makes the process remarkably simple.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2012 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, USA |
| User Base | Over 100 million users globally |
| FCA Regulation in UK | Yes |
| Supported Cryptos | 200+ |
Why Coinbase Is Beginner-Friendly
Ease of Use
One of the biggest reasons Coinbase appeals to beginners is its simplicity. From the moment you sign up, the platform guides you through every step. Setting up an account is as straightforward as creating a social media profile—you just need to provide some basic information and verify your identity.
Once you’re in, buying and selling cryptocurrency is equally seamless. You simply select the coin you want, input the amount, and confirm the transaction. Coinbase even offers helpful prompts to explain each step, so you’re never left guessing. Its mobile app is equally intuitive, making it easy to manage your portfolio on the go. Whether you’re checking prices, buying Bitcoin, or withdrawing funds, it’s all just a few taps away.
Educational Tools
For those new to cryptocurrency, Coinbase’s educational resources are a game-changer. The platform’s “Coinbase Learn” section is packed with beginner-friendly guides and videos that explain everything from blockchain basics to how specific coins work.
Even better, Coinbase offers an “earn crypto while you learn” programme. By completing short lessons on various cryptocurrencies, you can earn small amounts of those coins. It’s a fantastic way to learn while building your portfolio without spending a penny.
Security Features
Security is another area where Coinbase shines. The platform uses two-factor authentication (2FA) to protect your account, and the majority of its funds are stored in cold wallets—offline storage that’s immune to hacking. Additionally, Coinbase insures the cryptocurrency held on its platform, offering an extra layer of protection.
For beginners who may feel apprehensive about diving into the crypto world, Coinbase’s strong security measures and transparent policies make it a platform they can trust.
Drawbacks Beginners Should Be Aware Of
High Fees
Limited Advanced Features
Customer Support Challenges
Limited Altcoins
How to Get Started on Coinbase
Create an Account
Link a Payment Method
Buy Cryptocurrency
Use Wallet Features
Tips for Beginners: Start small—invest an amount you’re comfortable losing, as cryptocurrency markets can be volatile. Take advantage of Coinbase’s educational resources to understand the basics before diving deeper.
My Final Thoughts: Is Coinbase Worth It for Beginners?
After exploring Coinbase’s features, pros, and cons, it’s clear why the platform is often recommended for beginners. Its intuitive interface, robust educational tools, and strong security measures make it an excellent starting point for anyone new to cryptocurrency. However, its high fees are a significant downside, especially for those who plan to trade frequently or make larger investments.
In my experience, Coinbase is a great place to learn the ropes and build confidence in managing crypto. The ease of buying, selling, and storing cryptocurrencies is unmatched for first-time users. That said, once you’ve gained more experience, you might want to explore platforms with lower fees or more advanced features.
My recommendation? Start with a small deposit to familiarise yourself with how Coinbase works. Buy a small amount of a well-known cryptocurrency like Bitcoin or Ethereum, and take advantage of their educational resources. This approach lets you gain hands-on experience without risking too much capital.
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 safe to use for storing cryptocurrency?
Yes, Coinbase is one of the most secure platforms available. It uses two-factor authentication (2FA), stores 98% of funds in offline cold storage, and provides insurance coverage for assets held on its platform. However, it’s always a good idea to use an external hardware wallet for large amounts of cryptocurrency.
What fees does Coinbase charge, and are they worth it for beginners?
Coinbase charges relatively high fees, including a transaction fee (1.49% for bank transfers and 3.99% for card purchases) and a 0.5% spread on trades. While the fees are steep, beginners often find them justified due to the platform’s ease of use, educational tools, and robust security.
Can I withdraw my cryptocurrency from Coinbase to another wallet?
Yes, Coinbase allows users to transfer their cryptocurrency to external wallets. Simply go to the “Send/Receive” section of your account, input the wallet address, and confirm the transfer. This feature gives users full control over their assets and adds an extra layer of security.
