Coinbase Pro vs Coinbase: Fees, Coins, Safety Comparison
Coinbase Pro and Coinbase are two popular cryptocurrency exchanges owned by Coinbase Global Inc. Both platforms are designed to help users to buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrency.
While they bear the same name, they have some fundamental differences. That’s why we view them as different entities. Coinbase is simple and easy and aims at helping beginner investors making their first cryptocurrency exchange. While Coinbase Pro has advanced trading and charting options aimed at active users.
If you are looking for the best cryptocurrency exchange for your needs, it is important you examine the fee structures, security, features, and supported currency. This article reviews the two platforms to help you decide on the better option.
Start trading cryptocurrencies right now with Coinbase!Coinbase Pro vs. Coinbase: Overall Score
| Feature | Coinbase Pro | Coinbase |
|---|---|---|
Overall |
4.5 |
4.3 |
Regulation |
4.8 |
4.8 |
Fees |
3.9 |
3.5 |
Trading Assets |
4.4 |
4.4 |
Investment Instruments |
3.7 |
3.7 |
Platforms and Charting Tools |
4.3 |
3.8 |
Margin Rates |
4.5 |
4.5 |
Deposit and Withdrawal |
3.9 |
3.8 |
Research |
4.1 |
4.1 |
Education |
4.8 |
4.8 |
Support |
5.0 |
4.8 |
Promo |
3.1 |
4.8 |
Coinbase Pro vs. Coinbase: Pros and Cons
| Coinbase Pro | Coinbase | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Pros | More trading preferences | 2 FA Authentication |
| Simple fee structures | Low Minimum Deposit | |
| Low commissions | Passive Income With Staking | |
| A better option for Professional traders | By studying courses you can get cryptocurrency | |
| It has secure platforms backed with insurance Protection | ||
| Good customer services | ||
| Simple interface | ||
| Commission by referrals | ||
| Overall Cons | High trading fees for retail traders than other major exchanges. | Max Leverage – 1:1 |
| Low number of trading pairs. | 1 Account Fiat Currency + 6 Crypto | |
| Fees are quite high compared to other platforms. | High Trading and Non-Trading Fees | |
| Steep Learning curve | Indicators Not Available | |
| Derivatives, NFT, ETF Not Available |
Safety and Regulation
| Regulated By: | Coinbase Pro | Coinbase |
|---|---|---|
SEC |
 No |
No |
FINRA |
Yes |
No |
SIPC Protection |
Yes |
No |
Other Regulators |
Trading Conditions
| Trading Conditions | Coinbase Pro | Coinbase |
|---|---|---|
Minimum Deposit |
Unlimited |
$25 |
Trading Platforms |
Coinbase Pro |
Coinbase |
Leverage |
No |
1:1 |
Number of Markets |
160 |
248 |
Number of Trading Accounts |
1 |
1 |
Base Account Currencies |
USD, GBP, EUR |
USD + 6 Crypto |
Trading Assets
| Asset Name | Coinbase Pro | Coinbase |
|---|---|---|
Bitcoin (BTC) |
Yes |
Yes |
Litecoin (LTC) |
Yes |
Yes |
Dogecoin (DOGE) |
Yes |
Yes |
Coinbase Pro Coin (BNB) |
Yes |
Yes |
Uniswap (UNI) |
Yes |
Yes |
Ripple (XRP) |
Yes |
Yes |
Polkadot (DOT) |
Yes |
Yes |
Cardano (ADA) |
Yes |
Yes |
Stellar (XLM) |
Yes |
Yes |
OTA (MIOTA) |
No |
Yes |
Tron (TRX) |
No |
Yes |
Crypto Options |
No |
No |
Futures |
Yes |
No |
NFT |
Yes |
No |
ETF |
Yes |
No |
De Fi Tokens |
No |
No |
Trading Fees
| Fee | Coinbase Pro | Coinbase |
|---|---|---|
Max Maker |
0.5% |
0.5% |
Max Taker |
0.5% |
0.5% |
Min Maker |
0.08% |
0.04% |
Min Taker |
0.18% |
0% |
Debit/Credit Card Purchase Fee |
0.00% |
3.99% |
Non-Trading Fees
| Coinbase Pro | Coinbase | |
|---|---|---|
Account Fee |
0% |
0% |
Deposit Fee |
0% |
0% |
Bank Transfer Withdrawal Fee |
0% |
1.49% |
Debit/Credit Card Withdrawal Fee |
0% |
3.99% |
Inactivity Fee |
0% |
0% |
Margin Rates
| Feature | Coinbase Pro | Coinbase |
|---|---|---|
Max for BTC (changing) |
Not active |
2% |
Min for BTC |
Not active |
2% |
Number of Levels |
Not active |
1 |
Passive Income Tools
| Investment Tools Name | Coinbase Pro | Coinbase |
|---|---|---|
Staking |
Yes |
Yes |
Mining Pool |
No |
No |
Managed Accounts |
Yes |
No |
MAM/PAMM |
No |
No |
Other |
No |
No |
Trading Platforms
| Coinbase Pro | Coinbase | |
|---|---|---|
Web |
Yes |
Yes |
Desktop |
No |
No |
Mobile (Android, iOS) |
Yes |
Yes |
Trading Platforms Features
| Coinbase Pro | Coinbase | |
|---|---|---|
SMS Based 2 FA |
Yes |
Yes |
App Based 2 FA |
No |
Yes |
Voice Call 2 FA |
Yes |
Yes |
Search Bar |
Yes |
Yes |
Filters |
Yes |
Yes |
Technical Analysis/Charting Tools
| Coinbase Pro | Coinbase | |
|---|---|---|
Indicators |
Yes |
0 |
Drawing Tools |
Yes |
0 |
Historical Trades |
Yes |
Yes |
Live 2 Quotes |
Yes |
Yes |
Mobile Trading
| Features | Coinbase Pro | Coinbase |
|---|---|---|
iOS Version |
Yes |
Yes |
Android Version |
Yes |
Yes |
Apple Watch App |
No |
No |
Touch ID |
No |
No |
Face ID |
No |
No |
Types of Orders
| Coinbase Pro | Coinbase | |
|---|---|---|
Market |
Yes |
Yes |
Limit |
Yes |
Yes |
Stop Loss |
Yes |
Yes |
Stop Limit |
Yes |
No |
Trailing Stop |
No |
No |
Deposit and Withdrawal
| Deposit and Withdrawal Method | Coinbase Pro | Coinbase |
|---|---|---|
Bank Transfer |
Yes |
Yes |
Research toCredit/Debit Card |
No |
Yes |
Electronic Wallets |
Yes |
Yes |
Crypto |
Yes |
Yes |
Research Tools
| Research Type | Coinbase Pro | Coinbase |
|---|---|---|
News Feed |
Yes |
Yes |
Fundamental Data |
Yes |
Yes |
Chart Analysis |
Yes |
No |
Trading Ideas |
No |
No |
E-Mail Reports |
No |
No |
Education
| Education Type | Coinbase Pro | Coinbase |
|---|---|---|
Demo-account/Paper Trading |
No |
No |
Courses |
Yes |
Yes |
Articles |
Yes |
Yes |
Videos |
Yes |
Yes |
Webinars |
Yes |
No |
Books |
No |
No |
Support
| Support Features | Coinbase Pro | Coinbase |
|---|---|---|
Working Days |
247 |
247 |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Phone |
Yes |
Yes |
Online chat |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
No |
No |
Promo
| Promo | Coinbase Pro | Coinbase |
|---|---|---|
Special Offers |
Up to $35 for learning how specific cryptocurrencies work |
|
Referral Program |
$10 when your friend completes a buy or sell of $100 USD |
|
Other |
Coinbase Pro Vs Coinbase - Main Differences
Features
Both Coinbase Pro and Coinbase have different unique features. For instance, Coinbase has free education and crypto. It contains an in-built education system, which helps beginners learn about cryptocurrency. These short videos teach users about a cryptocurrency Project and reward them with a small amount of the currency as a bonus.
How Does Coinbase Work? Read moreThe Coinbase platform contains a news feed feature that updates users of current events. These articles are about cryptocurrency updates and breaking news from around the web.
Another feature is price alerts. It allows the user to create a watch list of cryptocurrencies that gives you price alerts in case of price changes.
In contrast, Coinbase Pro offers users control over their cryptocurrency trading by giving them access to multiple trading options. For example, stop orders enable users to set their selling price to limit their losses.
In addition, Limit orders would allow users to establish a buy point if they believe the value of a cryptocurrency will fall, allowing them to buy at a lower price.
Coinbase users have the luxury of creating advanced charting views that include minute-by-minute trading and the moving averages of each crypto.
The standard view shows the performance of the crypto within a specific period. The user can also add multiple overlays to get an insight into how the cryptocurrency is performing.
With Coinbase Pro, the users have access to their API keys, thus allowing third-party apps to connect with your account.
Fees
The fee structure of Coinbase and Coinbase Pro differs significantly depending on the trade you are making. Coinbase is the better option for helping beginners to get started as it helps them understand how to charge fees while buying and selling crypto. In return, it can save you a lot of money.
Coinbase charges a fixed cost of about 0.50 percent for each transaction. Due to market changes, it will be roughly 0.50 percent on average. Purchasing cryptocurrency can be expensive because of the associated cost of ease of trading Coinbase offers.
However, if your investment strategy is to buy and hold, the Coinbase fees structure can suit you. Coinbase is an excellent platform for investors who want to purchase the currency for the long term.
In contrast, Coinbase Pro charges lower fees targeting active traders using a maker-taker apProach. They give their users discounts depending on how many trades they perform on the platform. These fees begin at 0.50% and gradually decrease for higher volume investors as their monthly trading volume grows.
The disadvantage of Coinbase Pro is that it only accepts bank account, wire transfer, and wallet transactions. It does not allow purchases with debit or credit cards.
A simple way to distinguish between maker and taker is to add liquidity to an order book, while a taker removes liquidity. It is worth noting that maker fees are less than taker fees. On buy or sell orders, both maker and taker fees can be imposed; you may even get a mix of both
Coinbase Pro offers some of the lowest fee trades on the market. If you are an active user, pick this platform.
Cryptocurrency Availability
The availability of both versions is vital, with a selection of over 120 cryptocurrencies. It is much more than the other exchange platforms. The major cryptocurrency trading on Coinbase and Coinbase Pro are Bitcoin, Tether, Solana, Cardano, and Ethereum.
Learn more about best cryptocurrencies to investIf you want to trade market leaders or small types of cryptocurrency, Coinbase offers you multiple choices to choose from. The exchange is also aggressive in expanding its options and regularly adding new cryptocurrencies to the list.
Coinbase Pro offers you access to smaller crypto that Coinbase does not: Golem and Loom Network. Besides the limited exception, you can buy and sell the same cryptocurrencies regardless of the version of the Coinbase you use.
Wallets
Generally, Coinbase and Coinbase Pro keep your cryptocurrency in custodial wallets. A third party controls these wallets with private keys to your currency. If you have a Coinbase and a Coinbase Pro account, you will have two separate custodial wallets where you can transfer funds free.
Additionally, Coinbase offers a hot wallet. It is a digital wallet that you can download on your computer or as an app. Downloading a Coinbase wallet gives you complete control of your cryptocurrency.
How to Withdraw Money From Coinbase? Read more about itSecurity
Coinbase and Coinbase Pro both have the same high level of security on their platform. Furthermore, the cryptocurrency exchange recently stated that it had applied for a direct listing, which is similar to an IPO but still sells stock to the public. Its safety and security requirements are secure better than those of a standard industry are.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) ensures all USD cash holdings up to $250,000 per person. The exchange is open about its security features for trading on the website or mobile app.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) and biometric fingerprint logins are available on all accounts. AES-256 encryption is used to Protect digital wallets and private keys. You are, however, in charge of creating a secure and robust password. Furthermore, Coinbase Pro gives you the option of storing your assets in your offline cold storage.
Usability
Coinbase is user-friendly as it only facilitates online exchange of buying, selling, and storage of cryptocurrency. However, it has over 13 million users and has traded more than 15 billion. It does not Provide more information or features like Coinbase Pro.
Coinbase has fewer payment alternatives than Coinbase Pro and may track how users spend their currencies. Also, note that you do not control the private keys of your cryptocurrency. Instead, Coinbase gives you a password. Another difference is that Coinbase does not Provide investors anonymity since it takes 1.49% of transactions made through banks and 3.99% for debit or credit card transactions. It means the more you trade, the more fees you will pay.
On the other hand, Coinbase Pro offers a vast amount of information that boosts functionality and fewer charges than Coinbase. Another notable difference is that Coinbase Pro is AVAILABLE in 42 countries due to local rules and regulations since it Provides more features.
Coinbase Pro offers its users multiple buying and selling options for cryptocurrency. It enables the user to save money while buying and selling currencies as it has the lowest trading fees for European investors and US. You can even purchase cryptocurrencies without paying any fees to Coinbase Pro.
Coinbase Pro Or Coinbase: Which One Is Actually Better In 2024?
With no costs imposed on maker trades, Coinbase Pro wins when it comes to fee savings. Trading fees are typically.25 percent; however, volume-based reductions can reduce these fees to.1percentage. Check out their fee structure website for more information.
Coinbase Vs. Coinbase Pro - Which One Is Better For Beginners
Coinbase is user-friendly and suitable for beginners as it consists of simple exchanges that involve buying, selling, and storing cryptocurrency. It allows users to purchase bitcoin, litecoins, and Ethereum directly at a set price. The price usually is very close to the current price trading on Coinbase Pro.
Learn more about how to buy Dogecoin on CoinbaseCoinbase Pro Vs. Coinbase Fees - Which One Is Cheaper?
According to the above assessment, Coinbase Pro is cheaper than Coinbase. It offers the user multiple trading options, which reduces the fees; thus, you can maximize your investments.
Binance or Coinbase: which is cheaper? Learn more about itWhat Is Exchange Better For Day Trading?
Although the essential Coinbase exchange is an excellent place to learn about cryptocurrency trading, Coinbase Pro offers more benefits. It is preferable for traders who wish to invest and trade with minimal trading fees.
Coinbase vs. Coinbase Pro: Which One Has a Better Choice of Coins?
Both Coinbase and Coinbase Pro have a wide range of coins to trade in, but Coinbase Pro offers more options, making it a more favorable option for serious traders, or traders who want to diversify further.
Final thoughts
Both Coinbase and Coinbase Pro are great platforms with their own unique merits. For beginners, Coinbase is the perfect platform for learning and trading cryptocurrencies.
It has numerous educational modules, is easy to use, and can earn while learning. However, Coinbase Pro is the better option for cryptocurrency trading because of its low fees. Trading on the Coinbase platform, you can pay as little as a fraction of what you would pay in transaction fees on Coinbase.
The good news is that you do not have to pick between the two. Use Coinbase for research and preparing your trades if you prefer the platform's style and resources. Switch to Coinbase Pro when you are ready to make a trade to save money on fees.
FAQs
What are Coinbase Pro and Coinbase?
These are cryptocurrency exchange platforms. Global Inc. founded them both in 2012. Coinbase operates as a brokerage with a virtual wallet, while Coinbase Pro functions as an exchange where users buy and sell. Coinbase is favorable for beginners because it is easy to buy and sell crypto.
Users need not learn the investing dynamics. You can pop into the platform and start trading. Traders skilled in trading to take advantage of various trading methods use Coinbase Pro. The Coinbase Pro site is also simple to use; this allows beginners to acquaint themselves quickly with the concepts and begin investing.
How does Coinbase and Coinbase Pro work?
You create an account on both platforms by submitting your name, email, and new password. After verifying your email address, you can confirm your phone number to set up a two-factor authentication Process.
If you are a resident in the USA, you must Provide your social security number. Those from other countries should Provide an alternative form of identification and then add their credit and debit cards.
Once you have an account, decide how much money you wish to spend and press "trade" You can purchase entire or fractional coins. Select the altcoin you want to buy, how you want to pay, and then click Preview Purchase. You will see your Coinbase fee, payment method, pricing, and purchase amount on this screen. To finish your transaction, click "buy."
Should I use the Coinbase wallet?
The Coinbase Wallet is a safe digital wallet that helps to keep all of your cryptocurrencies in one place. It contains numerous layers of security, such as biometric access controls and a 12-word recovery phrase. Coinbase Wallet is a popular cryptocurrency exchange option that you can use on various decentralized applications.
Who should use Coinbase VS Coinbase Pro?
Coinbase is perfect for new cryptocurrency investors. Coinbase's quick onboarding and intuitive design simplify purchasing your first digital currency. Coinbase is an excellent option for cryptocurrency newcomers with its user education section and crypto benefits.
Coinbase Pro is an excellent platform for aggressive cryptocurrency traders who conduct a high transaction volume. It is a beautiful choice for managing your crypto portfolio because of its comprehensive charting, many trade options, and inexpensive fees. When you consider Coinbase Pro's security features and FDIC guarantee, you can rest assured that your money will be safe.
Glossary for novice traders
-
1
Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency is a type of digital or virtual currency that relies on cryptography for security. Unlike traditional currencies issued by governments (fiat currencies), cryptocurrencies operate on decentralized networks, typically based on blockchain technology.
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2
Trading
Trading involves the act of buying and selling financial assets like stocks, currencies, or commodities with the intention of profiting from market price fluctuations. Traders employ various strategies, analysis techniques, and risk management practices to make informed decisions and optimize their chances of success in the financial markets.
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3
Broker
A broker is a legal entity or individual that performs as an intermediary when making trades in the financial markets. Private investors cannot trade without a broker, since only brokers can execute trades on the exchanges.
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4
Investor
An investor is an individual, who invests money in an asset with the expectation that its value would appreciate in the future. The asset can be anything, including a bond, debenture, mutual fund, equity, gold, silver, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and real-estate property.
-
5
Bitcoin
Bitcoin is a decentralized digital cryptocurrency that was created in 2009 by an anonymous individual or group using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. It operates on a technology called blockchain, which is a distributed ledger that records all transactions across a network of computers.
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Team that worked on the article
Alamin Morshed is a contributor at Traders Union. He specializes in writing articles for businesses who want to improve their Google search rankings to compete with their competition.
Rinat Gismatullin is an entrepreneur and a business expert with 9 years of experience in trading. He focuses on long-term investing, but also uses intraday trading. He is a private consultant on investing in digital assets and personal finance. Rinat holds two degrees in Economy and Linguistics.
Mirjan Hipolito is a journalist and news editor at Traders Union. She is an expert crypto writer with five years of experience in the financial markets. Her specialties are daily market news, price predictions, and Initial Coin Offerings (ICO).