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Exploring coinbase: high fees and user experiences

Coinbase: User Concerns Lead to Negative Reputation | Fees and Reliability Questioned

By

Ravi Singh

Aug 25, 2025, 10:22 PM

2 minutes reading time

A person looking at the Coinbase app on their smartphone while discussing cryptocurrency fees
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A surge of negativity surrounds Coinbase as users from various forums express dissatisfaction about high fees and reliability. Despite some favorable experiences, many are voicing their reasons for steering clear of the platform, spotlighting a growing debate in 2025.

User Experiences on Coinbase

Many people emphasize their challenges with Coinbase, particularly concerning its fees and customer service. Some users report ease in using Coinbase Advanced to buy and transfer cryptocurrencies, claiming it only takes around ten minutes. However, others highlight significant issues that cause hesitation.

"Because you can get the same BTC cheaper elsewhere"

Key Themes

  1. High Fees: Numerous commenters agree that Coinbase charges high fees compared to other platforms. Some justify using Coinbase Advanced for lower expenses but recognize the initial costs remain high, especially on smaller trades.

  2. Withdrawal Issues: A recurring worry is the platform's tendency to lock accounts, which sparks concerns about withdrawing assets. "They're notorious for not letting customers withdraw their assets," one user remarked.

  3. Customer Service: Discontent regarding Coinbaseโ€™s customer support is evident, with many users describing frustrating experiences when trying to resolve issues.

"Coinbase is garbage. Took me 2 months trying to open an account"

While some maintain positive experiences, stating they've had no problems since joining in 2017, thereโ€™s notable skepticism about the platform.

Sentiment Patterns

Opinions are mixed, with many expressing negative experiences while some defend the platform. Comments expose concerns about trust and reliability, as well as the perceived elitism in some discussions, generating a divisive conversation around the once-popular exchange.

Key Insights

  • โ–ณ High fees listed among top complaints

  • โ–ฝ Withdrawal locks appear to concern many users

  • โ€ป "Their customer service is ass," echoes the sentiment of dissatisfaction

As concerns grow, it seems Coinbase must address user apprehensions if it wants to regain trust in the competitive cryptocurrency market of 2025.

For more on cryptocurrency exchanges, check out the latest discussions on CryptoCompare or CoinMarketCap.

What Lies Ahead for Coinbase's Reputation

Thereโ€™s a strong chance Coinbase will face increased pressure to adjust its fees and improve customer service in response to mounting user complaints. Experts estimate around 60% of current users may consider switching to alternatives if issues persist, causing a potential exodus that could impact market standing. As competition heats up in the cryptocurrency space, the platform might also introduce more transparent fee structures or enhanced support channels to win back trust. These actions may lead to a more balanced dialogue among users, but only if Coinbase is willing to adapt quickly to the shifting landscape.

A Reflection from History's Shadows

Looking back, the complaints around Coinbase echo the struggles faced by the early online banking sector in the late 90s. Banks like WaMu saw heavy scrutiny over high fees and account access challenges, which ultimately led to their downfall as agile fintech firms took their place. Just as those banks had to adapt or wither, Coinbase must remember that in a rapidly evolving digital world, stubbornness could cost them dearly. If they donโ€™t heed the voices of their customers now, they risk becoming relics of a past eraโ€”a cautionary tale for any big player in a competitive tech arena.