Comparison of Coinbase vs Valr [ 2024 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

Coinbase

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

Valr

Main points

Fees

0,40%/0,60%

Earns

Yes

Customer service

4/5

-0,01%/0,10%

Fees

Earns

4/5

Customer service

Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold

Yes

Beginners

Yes

Trading

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 strong local support in South Africa.

Level

0,40%/0,60%

-0,01%/0,10%

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.

VALR’s commission structure is designed to be competitive and attractive to both novice and experienced traders. The exchange employs a tiered fee system where the trading fees decrease as the user’s monthly trading volume increases. This incentivizes higher trading volumes while maintaining affordability for smaller traders. Fees for typical trades start relatively low, with further reductions possible depending on the trade volume and currency pairs being traded. Additionally, VALR occasionally runs promotions that temporarily reduce fees or offer rebates, enhancing the trading experience.

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.

Valr

Strong Security Measures: VALR employs robust security protocols including cold storage of assets, two-factor authentication, and secure encryption technologies to ensure user funds are protected against unauthorized access.
Compliance with Local Regulations: As a South African exchange, VALR adheres to local financial regulations and guidelines, which bolsters its credibility and reliability as a trustworthy platform in the eyes of both users and regulators.
High Trading Volume and Liquidity: VALR supports a high trading volume and offers substantial liquidity, making it easier for users to enter and exit positions, which is especially beneficial for traders looking to execute large volume trades.
Reputation and Reviews: Since its launch, VALR has built a solid reputation within the cryptocurrency community. Positive user reviews often highlight its user-friendly interface, range of supported cryptocurrencies, and responsive customer support.
Year Founded: Established in 2018, VALR has rapidly grown to become one of the leading exchanges in South Africa, demonstrating strong market resilience and continuous adaptation to user needs and technological advancements.

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Product selection

Native token

Earns

Yes

NFT marketplace

Yes

Cripto/debit card

Yes

Full name

Coinbase Global, Inc.

VALR Pty Ltd.

Regulation

Regulated in the EE. UU. y varios otros países

Regulated in Sudáfrica

Year founded

2012

2019

Founder

Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam

Farzam Ehsani

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes

Mastercard

Yes

Wire transfer

Yes

Card

Yes

Comparative table

Coinbase	FEATURES	Valr
Coinbase allows relatively low minimum trade amounts, making it accessible for beginners.	Minimum Trade	VALR allows relatively low minimum trades, making it accessible for beginners to start trading without requiring large initial investments.
Fees are higher than average but justified by high security and user-friendly services.	Trading and Transaction Fees	One of VALR’s strongest features is its competitive fee structure, which ranks among the lowest in the industry, benefiting all types of traders.
Offers a wide range of cryptocurrencies, catering to both popular and niche market interests.	Number of Cryptocurrencies	The exchange offers a wide selection of cryptocurrencies, providing ample opportunities for diversification.
Provides a robust selection of trading pairs, allowing diverse trading strategies.	Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs	VALR supports a broad range of trading pairs, allowing users to trade directly between various cryptocurrencies without needing to convert to fiat.
Highly transparent about security measures, fees, and operational procedures.	Website Transparency	While VALR generally provides clear information, some users might find details regarding certain policies and operational procedures could be better highlighted.
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	The VALR card integrates seamlessly with the exchange, providing convenient access to funds and attractive rewards, enhancing the overall utility of the platform for everyday transactions.
Offers secure wallet services with a majority of assets stored in cold storage.	Storage Offering	VALR offers secure storage options including cold storage, ensuring high security for stored digital assets.
Provides competitive staking rewards and incentives for various cryptocurrencies.	Staking and Rewards	The platform provides competitive staking options and rewards, making it attractive for users looking to earn passive income.
Both platforms are user-friendly and highly functional, providing excellent trading experiences.	Mobile App and Desktop	VALR offers both mobile and desktop platforms that are user-friendly and feature-rich, facilitating trading on-the-go as well as from a desktop setup.
Offers adequate support, though response times can vary during peak periods.	Customer Service	While available, customer service response times can be slow, which might frustrate users, especially those needing urgent support.
Efficient deposit and withdrawal processes, with some limits and fees that vary by region.	Deposit and Withdraw	Deposits and withdrawals are facilitated smoothly, but improvements can be made in terms of speed and the variety of supported currencies and methods.

Key features

Analysis tools

User-friendly charts, basic tools

Basic charting tools

Mobile APP

Yes

Security

High 4,9/5

High 4,6/5

Additional features

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

Staking, fiat on/off ramps, VALR Earn, institutional services

Anonymity

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

100+

50+

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.

VALR offers a user-friendly platform that is easy to navigate, making it suitable for beginners. The interface is designed to facilitate a smooth trading experience with all necessary features easily accessible.

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 strong local support in South Africa, making it a good choice for regional users.

Countries of operation

United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia

South Africa

Best for

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

Suitable for South African investors looking for a reliable platform with competitive fees and strong local support.

Base currencies available

USD, EUR, GBP, BTC

ZAR, 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.

VALR is a popular exchange in South Africa, offering a user-friendly platform and easy fiat integration. It supports a good range of cryptocurrencies and competitive fees but lacks some advanced trading 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 .

VALR is popular in South Africa, offering easy fiat and cryptocurrency deposit methods. Withdrawals are processed efficiently, with competitive 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 .

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

VALR provides customer support via email and live chat. The support team is responsive and helpful, but the lack of 24/7 support may 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 .

VALR employs robust security features, including 2FA and cold storage. However, it is not regulated by 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 an expert reviewer on our website, I highly recommend VALR for anyone entering the cryptocurrency market in South Africa. The platform’s wide array of cryptocurrencies paired with some of the most competitive fees in the market makes it a top choice. However, if you’re trading from outside of South Africa or require swift customer support, you might want to consider these aspects before deciding.

Read Coinbase review

View all comparisons against Coinbase

Read VALR review

View all comparisons against Valr

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.