Comparison of Coinbase vs Changenow [ 2025 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

Coinbase

Investing risks losing your money

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

Changenow

Investing risks losing your money

Main points

Fees

0,40%/0,60%

Earns

Yes

Customer service

4/5

hidden

Fees

Yes

Earns

3/5

Customer service

Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold

Yes

Beginners

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold

Comparison of fees

Rating

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

4.0 – Competitive fees with a focus on instant crypto swaps.

Level

0,40%/0,60%

hidden

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.

ChangeNOW simplifies the process of trading cryptocurrencies by imposing a straightforward fee structure that varies depending on the transaction and the currency pair used. Typically, ChangeNOW integrates a service fee directly into the exchange rate, which means the rates you see already include the fee, ensuring transparency and avoiding unexpected charges. The platform does not charge a separate service fee, but network fees, which are payments to miners, still apply and are necessary for the transaction to be processed on the blockchain. This fee structure makes it easy for beginners to understand the total cost of each transaction without having to navigate complex fee schedules.

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

Changenow

Security Methods: ChangeNOW employs robust security protocols, including non-custodial transactions that ensure users retain control over their private keys, enhancing overall security.
Customer Service: Despite some feedback about needing improvements, ChangeNOW is committed to enhancing its customer support services, with initiatives aimed at providing quicker and more effective responses.
Reputation and Reviews: The platform has received positive reviews for its user-friendly interface and quick swap features, establishing a solid reputation in the cryptocurrency community.
Trading Volume and Liquidity: With support for over 200 cryptocurrencies, ChangeNOW offers high liquidity, ensuring that transactions are executed swiftly and at competitive rates.
Transparency: ChangeNOW is transparent about its fees and processes, providing users with all necessary information upfront, which helps in building trust.

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Product selection

Native token

Earns

Yes

NFT marketplace

Yes

Cripto/debit card

Yes

Full name

Coinbase Global, Inc.

ChangeNOW International Ltd.

Regulation

Regulated in the EE. UU. y varios otros países

Not regulated

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	Changenow
Coinbase allows relatively low minimum trade amounts, making it accessible for beginners.	Minimum Trade	ChangeNOW allows users to trade small amounts of cryptocurrencies, accommodating users who prefer to trade minimal quantities.
Fees are higher than average but justified by high security and user-friendly services.	Trading and Transaction Fees	While fees are competitive, they can vary and be higher for certain routes or less popular coins.
Offers a wide range of cryptocurrencies, catering to both popular and niche market interests.	Number of Cryptocurrencies	Supports over 200 cryptocurrencies, providing a wide selection for trading.
Provides a robust selection of trading pairs, allowing diverse trading strategies.	Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs	Offers a vast array of trading pairs, allowing direct swaps between a diverse range of cryptocurrencies.
Highly transparent about security measures, fees, and operational procedures.	Website Transparency	Generally transparent about fees and trading processes, but could improve accessibility of detailed information on the backend processes.
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	Does not provide its own exchange card for in-store purchases or benefits.
Offers secure wallet services with a majority of assets stored in cold storage.	Storage Offering	Provides a secure, non-custodial service that doesn’t store user funds but could enhance security features or options.
Provides competitive staking rewards and incentives for various cryptocurrencies.	Staking and Rewards	Limited options for staking and rewards compared to other platforms that offer comprehensive staking services.
Both platforms are user-friendly and highly functional, providing excellent trading experiences.	Mobile App and Desktop	Both mobile and desktop interfaces are user-friendly, facilitating easy and efficient trading on any device.
Offers adequate support, though response times can vary during peak periods.	Customer Service	Customer service is available but has room for improvement in terms of response times and support quality.
Efficient deposit and withdrawal processes, with some limits and fees that vary by region.	Deposit and Withdraw	Facilitates easy and fast deposits and withdrawals but could expand the variety of accepted payment methods.

Key features

Analysis tools

User-friendly charts, basic tools

No significant tools, mainly a swap service

Mobile APP

Yes

Security

High 4,9/5

High 4/5

Additional features

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

Instant crypto swaps, NOW token rewards, fiat on/off ramps, ChangeNOW API

Anonymity

Yes

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

100+

200+

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.

ChangeNOW offers a straightforward and easy-to-use platform that is ideal for beginners. The interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy to navigate and execute trades.

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.

Offers good value for money with competitive fees and a straightforward swapping service, making it an easy option for quick trades.

Countries of operation

United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia

Global, including United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany

Best for

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

Ideal for traders looking for a straightforward and quick cryptocurrency swapping service with competitive fees.

Base currencies available

USD, EUR, GBP, BTC

BTC, ETH, USDT (varies by transaction)

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.

ChangeNOW is a non-custodial exchange known for its fast and anonymous transactions. It offers a wide range of cryptocurrencies but lacks advanced trading features and tools.

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 .

ChangeNOW is a non-custodial exchange known for its fast transactions. It supports various deposit methods, and withdrawals are processed quickly with low fees.

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 .

ChangeNOW provides a simple and quick account registration process. Users need to submit personal details and verify their identity. The process is fully digital and usually 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 .

ChangeNOW offers support through email and live chat. The response time is quick, but the support team is not available 24/7, which may be a drawback 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 .

ChangeNOW provides strong security with 2FA and encryption. However, it lacks regulation from major financial authorities, which might be a concern for some 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 a cryptocurrency analyst at our website, I’ve spent considerable time exploring and using various exchanges, and ChangeNOW stands out for its remarkable simplicity and efficiency. From my personal experience, this platform is especially well-suited for those who are new to the cryptocurrency world or those who prefer straightforward, quick crypto exchanges without the hassle of lengthy registrations. ChangeNOW’s focus on user privacy and security, without requiring personal information, provides peace of mind, making it a top recommendation for users valuing anonymity alongside ease of use. Whether you’re looking to swap small amounts or engage in more significant trades, ChangeNOW facilitates it all with commendable ease and speed.

View all comparisons against Coinbase

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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.