Coinbase vs Crypto.com - 2025 UK Comparison
The cryptocurrency market has exploded in popularity, and choosing the right exchange is crucial for security, fees, and overall trading experience. I’ve used both Coinbase and Crypto.com, and while they serve different types of investors, each has clear strengths and weaknesses. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a user-friendly experience or a serious trader focused on advanced features, this guide will help you decide.
Quick Answer: Coinbase or Crypto.com – Which Suits You Best in 2025?
If you’re a beginner, Coinbase is the safer choice with an easy interface and strong regulation. But if you want lower fees, staking, and crypto rewards, Crypto.com offers more value.
- Coinbase → Best for beginners, security, and FCA-regulated trading
- Crypto.com → Best for low fees, staking, and cashback rewards
Coinbase – Overview
What Do Our Experts Say?
Coinbase is a trusted, beginner-friendly crypto exchange known for its clean interface, strong regulatory compliance, and simple GBP deposit options. As a publicly listed company regulated in multiple jurisdictions, it offers a secure entry point into crypto for UK investors.
Pros & Cons
- User-Friendly Interface
- Regulated & Trusted in the U.S.
- Secure Custody & Insurance
- High Fees on Standard Platform
- Limited Altcoin Selection (Compared to Binance)
- Occasional Service Disruptions
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | No fixed minimum (from ~£2 with card) |
| Trading Fees | Included in spread (no fixed trading commission) |
| Available Account Types | Standard, Coinbase Advanced, Custody |
| Regulatory Status | Registered as a cryptoasset business with the FCA |
Note: Coinbase supports GBP deposits and withdrawals via Faster Payments, and offers linked PayPal withdrawals for added convenience.
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.
Crypto.com – Overview
What Do Our Experts Say?
Crypto.com stands out for its wide range of crypto services, including a robust mobile app, crypto debit cards, and support for hundreds of tokens. It offers competitive fees on its advanced trading platform and is ideal for users seeking an all-in-one crypto experience. With FCA registration and solid security features, Crypto.com appeals to both casual users and seasoned traders in the UK.
Pros & Cons
- All-in-One Crypto Ecosystem
- Competitive Fees with Advanced Trading
- Extensive Token Support
- Customer Support Can Be Slow
- User Interface May Overwhelm Beginners
- Strict Staking Requirements for Card Perks
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | No fixed minimum (from ~£20 depending on payment method) |
| Trading Fees | From 0.075% on Crypto.com Exchange (lower with CRO staking) |
| Available Account Types | Crypto.com App, Exchange, DeFi Wallet, Crypto Earn |
| Regulatory Status | Registered as a cryptoasset business with the FCA |
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.
Coinbase and Crypto.com Overview
Coinbase: The Most Recognised Name in Crypto
Founded in 2012, Coinbase is one of the most well-known and trusted crypto exchanges in the world. It’s built for ease of use, making it ideal for beginners. Some key features include:
- Simple interface for buying and selling crypto
- Strong security and regulatory compliance (FCA in the UK, SEC in the US)
- Coinbase Earn – Learn about crypto and get rewarded
I started using Coinbase when I first got into crypto, and while I loved its intuitive design, the high fees quickly became frustrating.
Coinbase has over 110 million users worldwide and a trading volume exceeding $500 billion (www.statista.com).
Crypto.com: A Feature-Packed Crypto Platform
Launched in 2016, Crypto.com has rapidly expanded to become one of the most versatile crypto platforms. It offers:
- Lower trading fees compared to Coinbase
- Crypto staking, DeFi wallets, and cashback Visa cards
- Access to over 250+ cryptocurrencies
I signed up for Crypto.com primarily for the Visa card and crypto staking rewards, and it quickly became my go-to for low-cost transactions.
Crypto.com has over 80 million users globally, making it one of the largest crypto exchanges (www.businessofapps.com).
Key Differences Between Coinbase and Crypto.com
These two platforms cater to very different types of crypto users. Here’s how they compare:
| Feature | Coinbase | Crypto.com |
|---|---|---|
| UK Availability | ✅Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Ease of Use | ✅ Very beginner-friendly | ❌ Can be overwhelming |
| Trading Fees | ❌ High (1.49%) | ✅ Lower fees (0.075% - 0.4%) |
| Crypto Selection | ✅ 250+ coins | ✅ 250+ coins |
| Crypto Staking | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (Up to 8% APY) |
| Debit Card | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (Crypto.com Visa Card) |
| Security & Regulation | ✅ FCA Regulated | ✅ FCA Registered, but more DeFi exposure |
| NFT Marketplace | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Best for Beginners? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
My Experience with the Differences
I loved Coinbase for its simplicity, but once I wanted lower fees and better rewards, I moved a large portion of my holdings to Crypto.com. The Coinbase fees added up quickly, especially for small trades, whereas Crypto.com’s lower fees and cashback rewards made it more cost-effective.
Who is Each Platform Best Suited For?
Both Coinbase and Crypto.com serve different types of crypto users. Based on my experience, here’s who would benefit most from each:
Coinbase is best for:
- Beginners who need a simple, user-friendly crypto exchange
- Investors who prioritise security with an FCA-regulated platform
- Casual buyers who want to purchase crypto without trading complexity
- NFT collectors who want access to Coinbase’s NFT marketplace
Crypto.com is best for:
- Active traders looking for lower fees and deeper liquidity
- Users interested in crypto staking for passive income
- Those who want a crypto debit card with cashback rewards
- People looking for DeFi and lending options
When I first started, Coinbase was my go-to because it was so easy to use. But as I got more serious about reducing fees and earning passive income, Crypto.com became my preferred exchange.
| Category | Coinbase | Crypto.com |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2012 | 2016 |
| UK Availability | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Number of Users | 110 million | 80 million |
| Crypto Selection | 250+ coins | 250+ coins |
| Trading Fees | 1.49% (high) | 0.075% - 0.4% (low) |
| FCA Regulation | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Crypto Staking | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (Up to 8% APY) |
| NFT Marketplace | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Crypto Visa Card | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (Up to 5% cashback) |
Which Exchange Offers the Better User Experience?
Account Types Available
Both platforms offer a variety of account types, but Crypto.com provides more options for advanced users.
| Account Type | Coinbase ? | Crypto.com ? |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Account (Buy/sell crypto) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Advanced Trading Account | ✅ Coinbase Pro | ✅ Crypto.com Exchange |
| DeFi Wallet (Non-custodial storage) | ✅ Coinbase Wallet | ✅ Crypto.com DeFi Wallet |
| Crypto Staking & Earning | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (Crypto Earn) |
| Crypto Visa Card (Cashback Rewards) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Lower Trading Fees for Pro Users | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Tax Implications for UK Crypto Investors
Unlike traditional stock trading, crypto profits in the UK are subject to Capital Gains Tax (CGT).
- Crypto gains over £6,000 per year (2024 threshold) are taxable
- UK investors must report crypto earnings to HMRC
- Crypto staking rewards may be classified as income
FCA Regulation for Coinbase & Crypto.com
- Coinbase is fully FCA-regulated in the UK
- Crypto.com is FCA-registered but operates DeFi services
If you’re a UK investor focused on regulation, Coinbase feels safer. However, Crypto.com offers more earning potential—so it’s a trade-off between security and flexibility.
Available Markets and Products
Unlike traditional stock trading, crypto profits in the UK are subject to Capital Gains Tax (CGT).
- Crypto gains over £6,000 per year (2024 threshold) are taxable
- UK investors must report crypto earnings to HMRC
- Crypto staking rewards may be classified as income
FCA Regulation for Coinbase & Crypto.com
- Coinbase is fully FCA-regulated in the UK
- Crypto.com is FCA-registered but operates DeFi services
Coinbase:
- 250+ cryptocurrencies
- Coinbase Earn (Get free crypto by learning about projects)
- NFT marketplace
- Fiat on-ramp (Buy crypto with GBP, EUR, USD)
Crypto.com:
- 250+ cryptocurrencies
- Crypto.com Visa Card (Spend crypto & earn cashback)
- Staking & lending
- DeFi wallet
- NFT marketplace
My Takeaways on Markets and Products
Coinbase is great for beginners who just want to buy and hold crypto, while Crypto.com offers more ways to use and grow your crypto holdings.
I started with Coinbase but quickly switched to Crypto.com when I wanted staking rewards, lower fees, and cashback on purchases.
Fees & Costs Breakdown
| Fee Type | Coinbase (High Fees) | Crypto.com (Lower Fees) |
|---|---|---|
| Spot Trading Fees | 1.49% (high) | 0.075% - 0.4% (low) |
| Debit Card Purchases | 3.99% | 0% - 2.99% |
| Bank Transfer Fees | Free (UK Faster Payments) | Free (UK Faster Payments) |
| Crypto Withdrawal Fees | Network fees apply | Network fees apply |
| Staking Fees | N/A | 0% - varies by token |
| Visa Card Fees | N/A | Free (some levels require CRO staking) |
Key Costs to Consider
- Coinbase charges higher spreads when you buy crypto directly, meaning you might get a worse exchange rate.
- Crypto.com’s lowest trading fees require CRO staking (without it, fees are still lower than Coinbase but not as low as Binance).
If you’re trading frequently, Crypto.com is the clear winner.
I initially used Coinbase for convenience, but once I realised how much I was losing in fees, I switched to Crypto.com’s exchange for lower costs.
If you only buy occasionally, Coinbase’s fees might not bother you, but for serious traders, the cost difference adds up fast.
Safety & Regulation – Can You Trust Coinbase & Crypto.com?
Security and regulation should be a top priority when choosing a crypto exchange.
Coinbase: Highly Regulated & Secure
- FCA-regulated in the UK
- Publicly traded company on NASDAQ
- 98% of customer funds held in cold storage
- Insurance protection for custodial assets
Crypto.com: Strong Security, but More Exposure to DeFi Risks
- FCA-registered in the UK
- 100% of user funds held in cold storage
- DeFi options (more risk, but higher rewards)
- Crypto.com Visa Card insured by major banks
Major Security Incidents
- Coinbase has never suffered a major hack affecting customer funds.
- Crypto.com was hacked in 2022 ($35 million lost), but all affected users were reimbursed.
Coinbase feels safer due to its regulatory compliance and track record of security.
However, I personally use Crypto.com for earning opportunities, despite its past security breach, since they fully refunded affected users.
For risk-averse investors, Coinbase is the better choice. For those willing to take some risk for higher rewards, Crypto.com offers more options.
Trading Platform & User Experience
Mobile Platforms
Coinbase’s mobile app is designed for beginners. It’s clean, intuitive, and perfect for buying and selling crypto quickly.
Crypto.com’s app has a learning curve because it offers staking, DeFi, and advanced trading features, which might be overwhelming for new users.
I found Coinbase’s mobile app easier to use, but once I got more comfortable with trading, Crypto.com’s app became my preferred choice.
Desktop Platforms
Coinbase has a basic web interface that keeps things simple, but lacks advanced trading tools.
Crypto.com’s desktop exchange is more powerful, offering detailed charts, trading pairs, and order types—perfect for serious traders.
If you just want to buy crypto and hold, Coinbase is fine. If you want a full trading experience, Crypto.com is much better.
| Platform Feature | Coinbase (Easy, Beginner-Friendly) | Crypto.com (Advanced Features) |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile App Ease of Use | ✅ Super intuitive | ❌ Can be overwhelming for beginners |
| Desktop Platform Features | ✅ Simple, clean interface | ✅ Advanced trading features |
| Customisation | ❌ Limited | ✅ Highly customisable |
| Speed & Trade Execution | ✅ Fast | ✅ Fast |
| Market Research & Analysis | ❌ Basic | ✅ More trading tools |
| Crypto Staking on Platform | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
If I was recommending a platform to a total beginner, I’d say start with Coinbase. But for anyone looking to actively trade, Crypto.com offers a much richer experience.
I personally use Crypto.com more now because it has better trading tools, lower fees, and more ways to earn.
Conclusion: Final Thoughts on Coinbase vs Crypto.com
Both Coinbase and Crypto.com have their own strengths, and the best choice depends on your goals.
Choose Coinbase if:
- You’re new to crypto and need a simple, regulated exchange
- Security and ease of use are your top priorities
- You want a trusted, established platform
Choose Crypto.com if:
- You’re a serious trader looking for lower fees
- You want staking rewards, cashback, and a crypto Visa card
- You’re comfortable navigating more advanced features
Personally, I started with Coinbase, but as I learned more, I switched to Crypto.com for lower fees and better rewards.
If you just want to buy and hold, Coinbase is great. If you want to trade actively and earn passive income, Crypto.com is the better long-term choice.
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 Crypto.com better than Coinbase for UK investors?
It depends. Coinbase is easier to use and FCA-regulated, while Crypto.com has lower fees and more earning opportunities.
Does Coinbase or Crypto.com have lower fees?
Crypto.com has significantly lower trading fees (0.075% vs. Coinbase’s 1.49%). Coinbase charges higher spreads and transaction fees.
Which platform is safer: Coinbase or Crypto.com?
Coinbase has never been hacked, while Crypto.com had a breach in 2022 but refunded users. Both have strong security, but Coinbase has a stronger regulatory track record.
Can I earn interest on my crypto with Coinbase or Crypto.com?
Crypto.com offers crypto staking (up to 8% APY), while Coinbase does not have staking rewards.
Does Crypto.com offer a debit card in the UK?
Yes, Crypto.com’s Visa card is available in the UK and offers cashback rewards on purchases.
References
- Statista
- Business of Apps
- UK FCA Crypto Regulations:
- Coinbase Official Website: www.coinbase.com
- Crypto.com Official Website: www.crypto.com
