Coinbase supports over 200 cryptocurrencies for trading, including major assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and Cardano, as well as numerous alternative coins, tokens, and stablecoins. The platform regularly adds new cryptocurrencies after they pass a comprehensive evaluation process that assesses technical security, compliance requirements, and market demand. Available assets vary by region due to regulatory requirements, with the largest selection accessible to US customers. Institutional clients using Coinbase Prime may have access to additional trading pairs and liquidity sources not available on the retail platform.

Coinbase implements industry-leading security measures, storing approximately 98% of customer assets in offline cold storage with geographically distributed backups, utilizing AES-256 encryption for digital information, requiring two-factor authentication for all accounts, conducting regular security audits, maintaining an insurance policy that covers certain types of theft, implementing sophisticated fraud detection systems, following strict employee access controls with background checks, and maintaining regulatory compliance across jurisdictions. For enhanced security, users can utilize Coinbase Vault for time-delayed withdrawals, enable allowlisting to restrict transfers to approved addresses only, and implement hardware security keys for account access.

Coinbase is the standard platform designed for beginners with a simplified interface, higher fees (typically 0.5% spread plus fixed or variable fees), and basic functionality focused on easy buying and selling. Coinbase Advanced (formerly Coinbase Pro) is the professional trading platform offering advanced features including order book visualization, multiple order types (market, limit, stop, stop-limit), detailed price charts with technical indicators, significantly lower fees using a maker-taker model starting at 0.6%/0.4%, and enhanced liquidity. Both platforms use the same login credentials with instant free transfers between them, allowing users to purchase on the platform with the most advantageous fees and features for their specific transaction.

To monitor Coinbase stock (COIN) investments, use financial platforms like Yahoo Finance, Bloomberg, or your brokerage account for real-time price data, set price alerts for significant movements, review quarterly earnings reports (typically released in February, May, August, and November) for fundamental performance metrics, follow cryptocurrency market trends that correlate with stock performance, monitor Monthly Transacting User (MTU) and revenue diversification progress announced in quarterly reports, and consider technical analysis tools for identifying support and resistance levels. Remember that Coinbase stock shows significant correlation with Bitcoin and Ethereum prices while also being influenced by traditional equity market factors.

To reach Coinbase customer service, first check the Help Center on Coinbase.com for comprehensive guides that may resolve your issue without direct contact. For account-specific issues, submit a support ticket through the Help section of your account with detailed information about your problem. For urgent security concerns like suspected account compromise, use the phone support option available through the Help Center. Premium users with Coinbase One membership have access to prioritized 24/7 support with faster response times. When contacting support, always use official channels through the Coinbase website or app, never share passwords or seed phrases, and have relevant account details and transaction information ready to expedite resolution.

Yes, Coinbase offers several ways to earn passive income on your cryptocurrency holdings: staking rewards for proof-of-stake assets like Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, and others (with Coinbase taking a commission from rewards), Coinbase Earn programs that provide cryptocurrency rewards for completing educational content about various blockchain projects, USD Coin (USDC) lending in select regions that pays interest on stablecoin balances, and DeFi yield options through Coinbase Wallet for users comfortable with self-custody solutions. Available earning opportunities vary by region due to regulatory requirements, and rewards rates fluctuate based on network conditions and market factors.

Cryptocurrency transactions on Coinbase have tax implications in most jurisdictions, with specific requirements varying by country. In the United States, cryptocurrencies are treated as property by the IRS, meaning sales, trades, and conversions between different cryptocurrencies are taxable events subject to capital gains tax based on the holding period and price difference between acquisition and disposal. Coinbase provides 1099 forms to qualifying users and offers tax reports showing transaction history, but these may not include off-platform transactions. The Coinbase Tax section helps track cost basis and calculate gains/losses, though many users opt for specialized cryptocurrency tax software that integrates with Coinbase via API for more comprehensive reporting across multiple platforms.