What is Coinbase?
Coinbase is the largest publicly-traded cryptocurrency exchange in the world, listed on NASDAQ (ticker: COIN) since April 2021. Founded in 2012 in San Francisco, it has built a reputation as one of the most regulated and trustworthy platforms in the crypto industry, serving over 100 million verified users worldwide.
For New Zealand users, Coinbase offers a clean, beginner-friendly interface with support for 250+ cryptocurrencies. The platform offers two tiers: Coinbase (simple buy/sell) and Coinbase Advanced (formerly Coinbase Pro) with lower fees and advanced trading tools. NZD is not natively supported for deposits, so transactions are typically converted through USD.
Coinbase is known for its industry-leading security, including insurance on custodial assets, cold storage for 98% of customer funds, and robust compliance programmes. The Coinbase Earn feature also lets NZ users earn free crypto by completing educational modules.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Publicly traded, highly regulated
- +Extremely beginner-friendly interface
- +Strong insurance and security measures
- +Coinbase Earn rewards programme
- +Excellent educational resources
Cons
- -Higher fees than most competitors
- -Limited NZD support — converts via USD
- -Customer support can be slow
- -Fewer features than Binance
Fees & Pricing
Coinbase has two fee structures. The standard Coinbase platform charges around 1.49% for buy/sell transactions, while Coinbase Advanced offers significantly lower fees starting at 0.6% for takers and 0.4% for makers, decreasing with volume.
| Standard Buy/Sell | 1.49% |
| Advanced Maker | 0.4% |
| Advanced Taker | 0.6% |
| Card Purchase | 3.99% |
| Crypto Withdrawal | Network fee only |
Coinbase for NZ Users — Key Considerations
NZD Support
Coinbase does not directly support NZD. Deposits are made in USD or via credit/debit card. Currency conversion fees may apply through your bank or card provider. This adds an extra cost layer for NZ users.
Coinbase Earn
One of Coinbase's best features for NZ users. Complete short educational modules to earn free cryptocurrency. It's a great way to learn about new projects while building a small portfolio at no cost.
Security & Insurance
As a publicly-traded company, Coinbase is subject to extensive regulatory oversight. They carry insurance on custodial assets and store 98% of customer funds in cold storage. This makes it one of the safest exchanges globally.
Our Verdict
Coinbase is ideal for NZ users who prioritise security and regulatory compliance above all else. The beginner-friendly interface and educational resources make it great for first-timers, though fees are on the higher side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can NZ residents use Coinbase?
Yes. New Zealand residents can create and use Coinbase accounts. You'll need to verify your identity with a NZ passport or driver's licence. Note that NZD is not directly supported for deposits.
Is Coinbase safer than Binance?
Coinbase is generally considered more trustworthy from a regulatory perspective due to its NASDAQ listing and extensive compliance programmes. Both exchanges use strong security measures, but Coinbase's public company status provides an extra layer of accountability.
How do I get the lowest fees on Coinbase?
Use Coinbase Advanced (formerly Coinbase Pro) instead of the standard Coinbase interface. Fees drop from 1.49% to around 0.6% for takers. Coinbase Advanced is free to use — you just need to switch to the advanced trading view.
