In this Coinbase review for Australia in 2025, we evaluate whether Coinbase is still a smart option for Australian traders and investors. With more competition from local and international exchanges, can you trust Coinbase? Consider its fees, ease of use, security, and compliance with Australian rules
Quick Verdict – Should Australians Use Coinbase in 2025?
Yes, but with caveats. Coinbase remains one of the most secure and beginner-friendly crypto exchanges available to Australians. However, its higher fees and limited AUD support make it less attractive for regular traders. It’s best suited for new investors looking for a simple, regulated platform.
Is Coinbase Legal and Safe to Use in Australia?
Yes. Coinbase is legal in Australia and operates in compliance with AUSTRAC registration requirements. While Coinbase does not have a physical Australian entity, Australian residents can use the platform to buy, sell, and store crypto assets.
From a security standpoint, Coinbase is one of the most trusted names in the industry:
- Publicly listed on the NASDAQ (COIN)
- 98% of funds stored in offline cold wallets
- 2FA, address whitelisting, and biometric logins
- Insurance coverage for digital assets held in hot wallets
Verdict: Coinbase is among the safest crypto exchanges for Australians in 2025.
AUD Deposits and Withdrawals on Coinbase
Coinbase’s support for Australian dollar (AUD) deposits is limited compared to Binance or CoinSpot.
| Method | AUD Deposit | AUD Withdrawal |
|---|---|---|
| Debit/Credit Card | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Bank Transfer | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Crypto Transfer | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Currently, Coinbase does not support direct bank transfers in AUD. This means most Aussie users must:
- Use a debit/credit card (higher fees), or
- Buy crypto on another exchange and transfer to Coinbase for storage or trading.
Coinbase Australia Trading Fees (2025)
One of the biggest drawbacks of Coinbase is its fee structure.
| Transaction Type | Fee Estimate |
|---|---|
| Instant Buy/Sell | Up to 1.49% – 3.99% |
| Coinbase Advanced Trade | 0.40% (maker), 0.60% (taker) |
| Withdrawal Fees | Varies per coin |
While Coinbase Advanced Trade offers better pricing, the default experience (Simple Trade) remains expensive. For comparison, Binance charges only 0.10%, and even CoinSpot is cheaper for larger trades.
Features for Australian Users
Coinbase is known for simplicity, security, and education — but offers fewer advanced features than competitors.
| Feature | Available? |
|---|---|
| Spot trading | ✅ Yes |
| Advanced Trade (pro interface) | ✅ Yes |
| Staking (ETH, ADA, SOL, etc.) | ✅ Yes |
| Margin/futures trading | ❌ No |
| NFT marketplace | ❌ Closed |
| Crypto card | ❌ Not in AU |
| Earn via learning | ✅ Yes |
Most Australians use Coinbase for basic trading and staking, while more complex trading is handled elsewhere.
Coinbase App Experience in Australia
The Coinbase app is sleek, secure, and beginner-focused — ideal for new users.
- Touch ID / Face ID login
- Simple interface for buying, selling, and monitoring portfolios
- Educational content built-in
- App Store rating: 4.7★ (AU)
While highly rated, advanced traders may find the app too limited without switching to “Advanced Trade.”
Coinbase vs Binance vs CoinSpot (AU Edition)
| Feature | Coinbase | Binance | CoinSpot |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUD Bank Transfer | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| AUD Withdrawals | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Instant Card Purchase | ✅ Yes (3.99%) | ✅ Yes (~2%) | ✅ Yes (2–3%) |
| Staking Support | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Limited |
| Margin/Futures | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Fee Transparency | ❌ Low | ✅ High | ✅ High |
| Beginner Experience | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Good | ✅ Good |
Verdict: Coinbase is best for absolute beginners who value security over cost. Binance and CoinSpot offer more flexibility and lower fees.
View our complete list of exchanges here with Coin Camp
Tax Compliance and the ATO
Coinbase provides:
- Downloadable CSVs for trades
- Integration with tax tools like Koinly, CryptoTaxCalculator, and CoinTracker
The ATO requires Australians to report:
- Capital gains from selling/trading crypto
- Staking rewards as income
- Crypto-to-crypto swaps (e.g., BTC to ETH)
Important: Since Coinbase uses USD as its base currency, users must convert values to AUD when calculating tax obligations.
Final Verdict – Is Coinbase Good for Australians in 2025?
✅ Pros:
- Excellent security and regulation
- Beginner-friendly interface and mobile app
- Staking available
- Seamless experience for first-time buyers
⚠️ Cons:
- No AUD bank transfers or withdrawals
- High fees unless using Advanced Trade
- Limited trading tools
- Not ideal for active or high-volume traders
Bottom Line: Coinbase is a great starting point for Aussie beginners, but frequent traders will likely outgrow it. Consider using it for secure storage or staking while trading on Binance or CoinSpot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, Coinbase is legal to use and operates in compliance with AUSTRAC guidelines.
Only via debit/credit cards or crypto transfers — no direct bank transfers or PayID supported.
Yes, it’s arguably the most beginner-friendly crypto platform available, thanks to its clean interface and educational tools.
If you’re trading regularly, Binance or CoinSpot offer lower fees and better AUD support.