Comparison of Coinbase vs Bitvavo [ 2025 ]

The crypto exchanges compared by their commissions, cryptos, security and much more. Here is the Coinbase vs Bitvavo comparison!

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

Coinbase

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

Bitvavo

Main points

Fees

0,40%/0,60%

Earns

Yes

Customer service

4/5

0,15%/0,25%

Fees

Yes

Earns

4/5

Customer service

Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold

Yes

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold

Comparison of fees

Rating

3.5 – Higher fees but strong security and ease of use.

4.1 – Low fees with additional discounts for high-volume traders.

Level

0,40%/0,60%

0,15%/0,25%

Brief explanation

Coinbase is known for its relatively higher fee structure, which can be a significant consideration for its users. The exchange charges a flat fee for smaller transactions and a percentage of the transaction amount for larger ones. Fees vary depending on the payment method used, such as credit/debit cards or bank transfers, and the country of the user. Additionally, Coinbase applies a spread of about 0.50% for cryptocurrency purchases and sales. While the fees may be higher compared to some other platforms, they are often justified by the high level of security, user-friendly services, and the robust infrastructure that Coinbase offers to its customers. This makes it especially appealing to new entrants to the cryptocurrency market who seek ease of use and reliability.

Bitvavo’s commission structure is designed to be highly competitive, particularly appealing to both new entrants and experienced traders in the cryptocurrency market. The platform operates on a tiered fee system where the trading fees decrease as the user’s 30-day trading volume increases. Starting from 0.25% for takers and 0.15% for makers, these fees can go as low as 0.03% for takers and 0.00% for makers, depending on the trading volume. This encourages active trading and is beneficial for high-volume traders seeking to minimize costs while maximizing their trading strategies.

Coinbase

Year Founded: Established in 2012, Coinbase has a long-standing presence in the cryptocurrency market. This extensive history not only showcases its resilience and adaptability but also its ability to innovate and grow alongside the rapidly evolving crypto ecosystem.
Number of Users: With millions of users globally, Coinbase is one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges. This large user base not only demonstrates trust and satisfaction among a significant portion of the crypto community but also contributes to its robust trading volume and liquidity.
Security Methods: Coinbase employs state-of-the-art security measures including two-factor authentication, cold storage of 98% of customer funds, and insurance to protect against theft or breaches of the online storage. This comprehensive approach to security helps ensure user funds are protected at all times.
Possible Regulation: Coinbase is known for its strong regulatory compliance, operating in accordance with major regulatory bodies in the U.S. and other jurisdictions. This adherence to strict regulatory standards ensures operational transparency and security for its users.
Reputation and Reviews: Over the years, Coinbase has built a solid reputation within the cryptocurrency community. Positive reviews from users and its standing in the industry as a reliable, easy-to-use platform further affirm its credibility and reliability as a top choice for both new and experienced cryptocurrency users.

Read Coinbase review

Bitvavo

Year Founded: Established in 2018, Bitvavo has swiftly risen to prominence within the European market, demonstrating robust growth and stability in a relatively short period. This rapid development signifies strong management and a solid business model, instilling confidence in its longevity and reliability.
Security Methods: Bitvavo places a high priority on security with comprehensive measures to protect user assets. These include cold storage for a majority of funds, two-factor authentication, and advanced encryption technology, ensuring that users' data and funds are safeguarded against unauthorized access and cyber threats.
Possible Regulation: Operating from Amsterdam, Bitvavo adheres to European financial regulations, which are known for their strict standards. Compliance with these regulations not only confirms the legitimacy of the exchange but also ensures it operates under stringent oversight, enhancing user trust.
Reputation and Reviews: Bitvavo has cultivated a positive reputation among its users and in the broader crypto community, reflected in numerous favorable reviews. Users frequently cite the platform's user-friendly interface, low fees, and excellent customer service as major advantages, which speaks to its reliability and the quality of services offered.
Customer Service: Commitment to providing excellent customer support is a cornerstone of Bitvavo's operational philosophy. The exchange offers responsive support through multiple channels, ensuring that users' queries and issues are addressed promptly and effectively, which is crucial for building and maintaining trust, especially in the dynamic environment of cryptocurrency trading.

Comparison sponsored by the best exchange

eToro

eToro Special Offer*

Earn up to 4.90% APY on uninvested cash with eToro USA.

Account Minimum

Get started with just $50.

And 1% fee on all cryptocurrency trades.

Investing risks losing your money

Product selection

Native token

Earns

Yes

NFT marketplace

Yes

Cripto/debit card

Yes

Full name

Coinbase Global, Inc.

Bitvavo B.V.

Regulation

Regulated in the EE. UU. y varios otros países

Regulated in the Países Bajos

Year founded

2012

2017

Founder

Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam

Unknown

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes

Mastercard

Yes

Wire transfer

Yes

Card

Yes

Comparative table

Coinbase	FEATURES	Bitvavo
Coinbase allows relatively low minimum trade amounts, making it accessible for beginners.	Minimum Trade	Bitvavo allows users to start trading with small amounts, making it accessible for beginners.
Fees are higher than average but justified by high security and user-friendly services.	Trading and Transaction Fees	Bitvavo offers some of the lowest fees in Europe, which are transparent and competitive.
Offers a wide range of cryptocurrencies, catering to both popular and niche market interests.	Number of Cryptocurrencies	Supports a wide variety of over 50 cryptocurrencies, catering to diverse trading preferences.
Provides a robust selection of trading pairs, allowing diverse trading strategies.	Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs	Offers a robust selection of trading pairs, allowing for versatile crypto-to-crypto transactions.
Highly transparent about security measures, fees, and operational procedures.	Website Transparency	The website provides clear information about fees, policies, and trading options.
The card is widely accepted, allows users to earn cryptocurrency rewards on purchases, and integrates seamlessly with Coinbase accounts, enhancing the user experience for everyday transactions.	Credit/Debit Card	While Bitvavo excels in providing a secure and user-friendly trading platform, the lack of an exchange card limits the flexibility for users to spend and gain direct benefits from their cryptocurrency holdings in everyday transactions.
Offers secure wallet services with a majority of assets stored in cold storage.	Storage Offering	Provides secure storage solutions with cold storage options for the majority of assets.
Provides competitive staking rewards and incentives for various cryptocurrencies.	Staking and Rewards	Offers staking services with rewards but has room for expansion in terms of options and higher returns.
Both platforms are user-friendly and highly functional, providing excellent trading experiences.	Mobile App and Desktop	Both the mobile app and desktop platforms are highly user-friendly and well-designed.
Offers adequate support, though response times can vary during peak periods.	Customer Service	Exceptional customer service with multiple channels for support and quick response times.
Efficient deposit and withdrawal processes, with some limits and fees that vary by region.	Deposit and Withdraw	Efficient deposit and withdrawal processes, although improvements can be made in variety.

Key features

Analysis tools

User-friendly charts, basic tools

Basic charting tools

Mobile APP

Yes

Security

High 4,9/5

Additional features

Staking, Coinbase Earn educational rewards, recurring buys, Coinbase Pro exchange

Staking, Bitvavo Earn program, API access, fiat on/off ramps

Anonymity

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

100+

150+

User-friendliness

Coinbase is known for its highly user-friendly interface, making it one of the best choices for beginners. The platform is simple to navigate, and buying and selling cryptocurrencies is straightforward and hassle-free.

Bitvavo features an intuitive and user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, making it suitable for beginners. The platform focuses on providing a smooth and seamless trading experience.

Value for money

Provides reasonable value for money with higher fees but strong security features and a user-friendly interface, making it suitable for beginners.

Delivers good value for money with low trading fees and a user-friendly interface, making it an affordable choice for European traders.

Countries of operation

United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia

Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain, Italy

Best for

Great for beginners who prioritize security and ease of use, despite higher fees compared to other exchanges.

Great for European traders looking for a user-friendly platform with low trading fees and a diverse selection of cryptocurrencies.

Base currencies available

USD, EUR, GBP, BTC

EUR, BTC

Account

Trading

Coinbase is one of the most popular exchanges, especially for beginners. It offers a user-friendly platform, high security, and a good range of cryptocurrencies. However, its fees are higher compared to some other exchanges.

Bitvavo is a European exchange known for its low fees and wide range of cryptocurrencies. It offers a user-friendly interface but lacks some advanced trading features.

Deposit and withdrawal

Coinbase supports a wide range of deposit and withdrawal methods, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and cryptocurrencies. Withdrawals are processed efficiently, usually within a day, but fees can be higher compared to other exchanges .

Bitvavo supports various deposit methods, including bank transfers and crypto. Withdrawals are processed within a day, with minimal fees, making it user-friendly.

Account opening process

Coinbase offers a user-friendly and seamless account opening process. Users need to provide personal information, verify their identity, and typically get their account approved within a day. It’s secure and efficient .

Bitvavo provides an easy and quick account opening process. Users need to fill out personal details and verify their identity. The process is fully digital and typically takes less than a day to complete.

KYC required?

Yes

Customer Service

Coinbase offers extensive customer support through email, live chat, and a detailed help center. Support is available 24/7, and the response times are quick, making it reliable for users globally .

Bitvavo provides support via email and live chat. The support team is responsive and helpful, but the lack of 24/7 support can be a limitation for some users.

Security

Coinbase employs extensive security measures, including 2FA, encryption, and cold storage. It is regulated by multiple financial authorities, making it a highly secure platform for investors .

Bitvavo employs comprehensive security measures, including 2FA and cold storage. It is regulated by Dutch authorities, ensuring high security for investors.

Which of these exchanges is for you?

Alejandro Borja

As Threenvest reviews Coinbase, it is evident that this platform stands out as a robust and user-friendly gateway into the world of cryptocurrency trading. Ideal for both novice and experienced traders, Coinbase provides an intuitive interface, extensive educational resources, and a suite of trading options that cater to a broad spectrum of investment strategies. The security measures employed by Coinbase are commendable, with best practices like cold storage of funds, insurance, and stringent compliance with regulatory standards, ensuring a secure environment for digital asset trading. However, despite its many strengths, Coinbase does exhibit some limitations when compared against the broader landscape of cryptocurrency exchanges. The fee structure, particularly for small transactions and casual traders, can be notably higher than some of its competitors, which might deter those seeking more cost-effective trading options. Additionally, while Coinbase offers a substantial range of cryptocurrencies, it may not match the sheer volume of trading pairs available on platforms like Binance or Kraken. Nevertheless, Threenvest believes that for users who prioritize a secure, straightforward, and well-regulated trading experience, Coinbase remains an excellent choice. Our comprehensive review finds that while no platform is without its flaws, Coinbase’s commitment to security, ease of use, and continuous improvement align well with the needs of most cryptocurrency enthusiasts and investors.

Xavier Tarrasó

As an expert on our website, I highly recommend Bitvavo for those looking to engage in cryptocurrency trading, especially within Europe. The exchange combines low fees, a user-friendly interface, and robust security measures, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned traders. With its wide range of cryptocurrencies and effective customer support, Bitvavo stands out as a reliable platform to efficiently manage your digital assets.

View all comparisons against Coinbase

View all comparisons against Bitvavo

How do we review crypto exchanges?

At Threenvest, we conduct a thorough review process to evaluate and rank the world’s leading crypto exchanges. Our goal is to offer an unbiased assessment, providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions on which ones best suit your needs. We strictly adhere to the guidelines of our editorial policy.

We collect data directly from exchanges through detailed questionnaires and conduct first-hand testing and observations during crypto exchange demonstrations. Questionnaire responses, combined with demonstrations and hands-on research from our experts, feed into our proprietary evaluation process that scores each provider’s performance on more than 15 factors. The end result produces star ratings ranging from poor (one star) to excellent (five stars).

For more details on the categories considered when rating brokers and our process, read our full methodology.

Risk Disclaimer

Investing in cryptocurrencies is very risky, you should only invest the money you are willing to lose. Also you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong.

Neither Threenvest, nor the author, are recommending you to invest with this article.