Coinbase review 2026: the NASDAQ-listed exchange in Europe

Overview

Coinbase is a US crypto exchange, NASDAQ-listed since 2021. It serves Europe via Luxembourg (MiCA) and Cyprus (MiFID II).

Licences and regulation

• MiCA: Luxembourg (CSSF) · MiFID II: Cyprus (CySEC) · DNB fine: €3.33M (2023)

Products and fees

Spot crypto, perpetuals (via Coinbase International), staking, institutional custody, self-custody wallet. Retail spot fees are high (0.50-1.50% for small orders); Coinbase Advanced is cheaper (0.60%/0.80% base).

Pros / cons

Pros: MiCA + MiFID II; public listing adds transparency; strong security record; institutional custody.

Cons: high retail fees; DNB fine history; fewer advanced features than competitors; no real stocks; complex fee structure.

Best suited for

Institutional clients, newcomers wanting a familiar brand, long-term holders.

Frequently asked questions

Is Coinbase expensive?
For small retail orders, relatively yes; Coinbase Advanced narrows the gap.