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Coinbase and Revolut are two leading platforms for cryptocurrency access in 2026, but they serve fundamentally different user needs. Coinbase is a dedicated crypto exchange with 240+ tradeable assets, Advanced Trade fees as low as 0.00% maker / 0.05% taker, and comprehensive self-custody options. Revolut is a fintech super-app that integrates crypto alongside banking, stocks, and international payments — featuring its dedicated Revolut X exchange with ultra-low 0% maker and 0.09% taker fees.
This detailed comparison covers fees, supported cryptocurrencies, staking rewards, security features, regulatory compliance, and user experience — with current 2026 data to help you make an informed decision.
Coinbase vs Revolut: Head-to-Head Overview (2026)
| Feature | Coinbase | Revolut |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2012 (San Francisco, USA) | 2015 (London, UK) |
| Platform Type | Dedicated crypto exchange | Fintech super-app + Revolut X exchange |
| Active Users | 110M+ verified accounts | 50M+ customers (55M reported Jan 2026) |
| Cryptocurrencies | 240+ (Simple) / 500+ pairs (Advanced) | 230+ tokens / 400+ pairs on Revolut X |
| Best Trading Fees | 0.00% maker / 0.05% taker (Advanced, high volume) | 0% maker / 0.09% taker (Revolut X) |
| Casual Trading Fees | 1.49% (bank) / 3.99% (credit card) | 1.49% (Standard) to 0% (Ultra, £250K+ vol) |
| Staking Available | ETH, ADA, ATOM, DOT, SOL + more (3–12% APY) | ETH, ADA, DOT, SOL, MATIC (1–9% APY) |
| Crypto Card | Coinbase Card (up to 4% crypto cashback) | Revolut Card (up to 1.5% cashback on Ultra) |
| Banking Services | Limited (USD wallet only) | Full banking: accounts, IBAN, loans, insurance |
| Self-Custody Support | Full support + Coinbase Wallet | External transfers for BTC, ETH, select ERC-20 |
| Public Listing | NASDAQ (COIN), SEC reporting | Private (valued at $75B, Nov 2025) |
| Best For | Crypto-focused traders and HODLers | All-in-one finance users who want some crypto |
Trading Fees: Where Each Platform Wins
Trading fees are the most critical factor when choosing between Coinbase and Revolut for crypto investing. Both platforms now offer tiered fee structures that reward higher-volume traders, but their approaches differ significantly.
| Fee Type | Coinbase | Revolut |
|---|---|---|
| Casual Buy/Sell | 1.49% (bank) / 3.99% (credit card) | 1.49% (Standard, <£10K/mo) down to 0.49% (£250K+) |
| Advanced Exchange (Base) | 0.60% maker / 1.20% taker (Advanced Trade) | 0% maker / 0.09% taker (Revolut X) |
| Advanced (High Volume) | 0.00% maker / 0.05% taker ($250M+ volume) | 0% maker / 0.09% taker (flat, all volumes) |
| Premium Plan | Coinbase One: $29.99/mo (zero trading fees) | Ultra: £45/mo (0.49% down to 0% at £250K+ vol) |
| Deposit (Bank) | Free (ACH/SEPA) | Free (bank transfer / Faster Payments) |
| Wire Transfer | $10 in / $25 out | N/A (uses bank transfers) |
| Crypto Withdrawal | Network fee only | Network fee + Revolut fee on some assets |
| Spread | ~0.5% on Simple trades | 1–4% estimated (varies by market conditions) |
Coinbase Fee Structure
Coinbase operates two distinct trading interfaces. Coinbase Simple charges flat fees ($0.99–$2.99) for purchases under $200 and percentage-based fees (1.49% for bank transfers, 3.99% for credit cards) above that threshold. Coinbase Advanced Trade uses a maker/taker model with eight fee tiers starting at 0.60%/1.20% for beginners and dropping to 0.00%/0.05% for institutional traders with $250M+ monthly volume.
Coinbase One subscribers ($29.99/month) receive zero trading fees on eligible assets, making it cost-effective for active traders. The subscription also includes enhanced staking rewards with reduced commission rates.
Revolut Fee Breakdown
Revolut's in-app crypto fees vary by subscription plan and monthly trading volume. Standard users pay 1.49% on trades under £10,000/month, with reductions for higher volumes and premium tiers. However, the game-changer is Revolut X — their dedicated crypto exchange offering a flat 0% maker fee and 0.09% taker fee regardless of trading volume.
Available in the UK and Europe, Revolut X supports 400+ trading pairs with advanced order types including limit, market, and stop orders. This pricing structure undercuts most traditional exchanges at every volume level except Coinbase's highest institutional tiers.
Fee Winner: Depends on Location and Usage
Revolut X wins for most traders with its flat 0%/0.09% structure — significantly cheaper than Coinbase Advanced's base 0.60%/1.20%. However, Revolut X is only available in the UK and parts of Europe. For US users, Coinbase Advanced or Coinbase One ($29.99/month for zero fees) provides better value. For casual buyers who stick to simple purchases, both platforms charge similar rates around 1.49% via bank transfer.
Supported Cryptocurrencies and Trading Pairs
The breadth of available cryptocurrencies matters significantly for diversified crypto portfolios.
| Category | Coinbase | Revolut |
|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | 240+ tokens (Simple) / 500+ pairs (Advanced) | 230+ tokens / 400+ pairs (Revolut X) |
| Major Cryptocurrencies | BTC, ETH, SOL, ADA, XRP, DOGE, AVAX, LINK, UNI | BTC, ETH, SOL, ADA, XRP, DOGE, AVAX, LINK, UNI |
| DeFi Token Selection | Extensive: AAVE, COMP, MKR, CRV, SNX, etc. | Limited selection of major DeFi tokens |
| Layer 2 Support | Base, Optimism, Arbitrum, Polygon | Limited Layer 2 support |
| New Listing Speed | Fast — often first major exchange | Conservative approach, slower to add new assets |
| Crypto Investment Products | Individual tokens only | Crypto bundles/baskets available |
| Recurring Purchases | Yes, dollar-cost averaging | Yes, automated investing |
Coinbase leads in variety, especially for DeFi tokens, Layer 2 assets, and newly launched projects. Their early listing approach means access to emerging cryptocurrencies before competitors. Revolut offers crypto baskets — diversified bundles that simplify investing for beginners who want exposure to multiple assets without individual selection.
For mainstream investors focused on the top 50 cryptocurrencies, both platforms provide comprehensive coverage. However, if you're interested in emerging DeFi protocols or Layer 2 ecosystems, Coinbase's broader selection gives it a clear advantage.
Staking and Yield Opportunities
Staking allows you to earn passive income on proof-of-stake cryptocurrencies. Both platforms offer staking, but with different approaches and yields.
Coinbase Staking
Coinbase supports staking for ETH, ADA, ATOM, DOT, SOL, NEAR, and additional proof-of-stake assets. Estimated APY ranges from 3% to 12% depending on network conditions and the specific cryptocurrency. Key advantages include:
- Liquid staking via cbETH — Trade or use your staked Ethereum in DeFi applications
- Enhanced rewards for Coinbase One subscribers — Reduced commission rates
- USDC earning — Automatic 4.70% APY on USD Coin holdings
- Coinbase Learn & Earn — Free cryptocurrency for educational activities
- Wide asset coverage — More staking options than most competitors
Revolut Earn
Revolut offers staking through its "Earn" feature for ETH, ADA, DOT, SOL, and MATIC. APY ranges from 1% to 9% with simplified opt-in staking that requires no technical setup. Key features include:
- One-click staking — Simple activation without technical knowledge
- Automatic reward distribution — Returns credited directly to your balance
- Geographic restrictions — Available in UK and select European countries only (not US)
- Variable unstaking periods — Depends on the underlying blockchain network
Staking Verdict
Coinbase wins for staking with more supported assets, higher yields, liquid staking options, and USDC earning opportunities. Revolut's staking is convenient for casual users but offers fewer choices and generally lower yields.
Security and Regulatory Compliance
| Security Feature | Coinbase | Revolut |
|---|---|---|
| Cold Storage | 98% of crypto assets offline | Industry-standard security (details not disclosed) |
| Fiat Insurance | FDIC up to $250,000 (USD balances) | FSCS up to £85,000 (UK) / €100,000 (EU) |
| Crypto Insurance | Crime insurance policy for breaches | Not covered by standard deposit insurance |
| Two-Factor Authentication | Authenticator apps, hardware keys | Biometric authentication, in-app 2FA |
| Security Audits | SOC 2 Type II certified, regular audits | SOC 2, PCI-DSS compliant |
| Public Transparency | NASDAQ-listed (COIN), SEC reporting | Private company (valued at $75B as of Nov 2025) |
| Regulatory Licenses | FinCEN (US), FCA (UK), MiCA (EU), state MTLs | UK Banking License (2025), EU Banking License, MiCA |
| Global Availability | 100+ countries | 48+ countries |
| Security Track Record | No customer fund losses to date | No customer fund losses to date |
Regulatory Development Updates
Both platforms have strengthened their regulatory standing in 2025-2026:
Coinbase maintains its NASDAQ listing (COIN) with full SEC transparency requirements. The platform holds money transmission licenses across most US states, FCA authorization in the UK, and MiCA compliance in the EU. Its public company status provides the highest level of financial transparency among crypto exchanges.
Revolut achieved a significant milestone by securing a UK banking license from the Prudential Regulation Authority in July 2025, three years after initially applying. The company also operates under a full banking license in Lithuania (ECB supervision) and maintains MiCA compliance across the EU. This banking status provides stronger consumer protection for fiat deposits compared to most crypto-focused platforms.
Security Verdict
Both platforms are highly secure with excellent track records. Coinbase edges ahead for crypto-specific security with 98% cold storage, crime insurance, and public company transparency. Revolut leads for fiat protection with its full banking licenses providing deposit guarantee schemes.
Cards and Spending Features
| Feature | Coinbase Card | Revolut Card |
|---|---|---|
| Card Type | Visa debit (US, UK, EU) | Visa/Mastercard (physical + virtual) |
| Crypto Spending Method | Direct crypto spending — auto-converts at POS | Sell crypto to top up card balance |
| Cashback Rewards | Up to 4% in cryptocurrency | 0% (Standard) to 1.5% (Ultra plan) |
| Annual Fee | $0 | Included in subscription (£0–£45/month) |
| Multi-Currency Support | No — USD/EUR/GBP only | 150+ currencies at interbank rates |
| Virtual Cards | No | Disposable virtual cards for online security |
| Mobile Wallet Support | Apple Pay, Google Pay | Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay |
| ATM Withdrawals | Limited free withdrawals per month | £200–unlimited depending on plan |
| Travel Benefits | None | Airport lounge access, travel insurance (Metal/Ultra) |
Card Usage Verdict
Coinbase Card wins for crypto rewards with up to 4% back in your choice of cryptocurrency and direct crypto spending capabilities. Revolut Card excels for daily use with multi-currency support, virtual cards, travel benefits, and seamless integration with banking features — making it superior for international transactions and everyday spending.
User Experience and Platform Design
Coinbase Experience
Coinbase offers a dual-interface approach optimized for different user types:
- Coinbase Simple — Beginner-friendly with one-click buying and clear educational content
- Coinbase Advanced — Professional trading interface with advanced charting, multiple order types, and real-time market data
- Coinbase Wallet — Self-custody solution for DeFi, NFTs, and dApp interaction
- Educational resources — Extensive library with Learn & Earn programs
- Portfolio tools — Performance analytics, price alerts, and recurring investment setup
Revolut Experience
Revolut provides an integrated financial ecosystem:
- All-in-one app — Crypto, banking, stocks, commodities, and payments in one interface
- Revolut X — Dedicated advanced trading platform with institutional-grade features
- Financial management — Budgeting tools, spending insights, bill splitting, and savings vaults
- Travel features — Multi-currency accounts, fee-free spending abroad, travel insurance
- Social payments — Easy money transfers between friends and family
Platform Experience Verdict
Choose Coinbase if you want the best crypto-specific features with educational resources, advanced trading tools, and DeFi access. Choose Revolut if you prefer managing all your finances in one app with crypto as part of a broader financial strategy.
Who Should Choose Coinbase?
Select Coinbase if you:
- Are a dedicated crypto trader who wants access to 500+ trading pairs and professional-grade tools
- Value self-custody and DeFi access — Use Coinbase Wallet for direct blockchain interaction
- Want the highest staking yields — Liquid staking options and USDC earning (4.70% APY)
- Prefer public company transparency — NASDAQ listing provides SEC-level financial disclosure
- Are based in the US — Full feature availability including Advanced Trade and Coinbase One
- Want educational resources — Comprehensive learning platform with earn-while-you-learn programs
- Seek maximum crypto rewards — Up to 4% crypto cashback on the Coinbase Card
Who Should Choose Revolut?
Select Revolut if you:
- Want an all-in-one financial app — Banking, investments, crypto, and international payments combined
- Are in the UK or Europe with Revolut X access — Ultra-low 0%/0.09% trading fees
- Travel frequently — Multi-currency support, competitive FX rates, airport lounge access
- Value banking protection — Full banking licenses provide FSCS/ECGD deposit guarantees
- Are a casual crypto investor — Simple crypto exposure without managing separate wallets or exchanges
- Want simplified investing — Crypto baskets and one-click portfolio diversification
- Prefer integrated financial management — Budgeting, spending insights, and savings tools
Coinbase vs Revolut: Final Verdict
For dedicated crypto investors, Coinbase provides superior cryptocurrency infrastructure with more trading pairs, higher staking yields, full self-custody support, and comprehensive DeFi access. Its NASDAQ listing and public transparency set the gold standard for crypto exchange accountability.
For users seeking financial consolidation, Revolut offers unmatched convenience by combining crypto with banking, stock trading, and international payments in one app. UK and European users particularly benefit from Revolut X's industry-leading 0%/0.09% trading fees and the platform's full banking licenses.
Geographic considerations matter significantly: US users should favor Coinbase for full feature access, while UK/EU users can leverage Revolut X's exceptional fee structure. Both platforms serve different financial philosophies — Coinbase for crypto specialization, Revolut for integrated finance.
Alternatives to Consider
If neither platform perfectly fits your needs, consider these alternatives:
- Kraken — 0.16%/0.26% fees, 400+ assets, advanced features. See our Kraken vs Coinbase comparison.
- Binance — 0.10% base fees, 600+ cryptocurrencies, global reach. Read Coinbase vs Binance.
- Gemini — Strong US regulation, institutional custody, security focus. Check our Coinbase vs Gemini analysis.
- Crypto.com — 350+ assets, Visa card with up to 8% cashback, strong mobile experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which platform has lower trading fees, Coinbase or Revolut?
Revolut X offers the lowest fees with 0% maker and 0.09% taker fees, significantly cheaper than Coinbase Advanced's base tier of 0.60%/1.20%. However, Revolut X is only available in the UK and parts of Europe. For US users, Coinbase One ($29.99/month) provides zero trading fees and may be more cost-effective for active traders. Both charge similar rates (~1.49%) for casual bank transfer purchases.
Can I transfer cryptocurrency between Coinbase and Revolut?
Yes. Revolut supports external crypto transfers for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and selected ERC-20 tokens. You can send cryptocurrency from your Revolut account to your Coinbase wallet address and vice versa. Network fees apply for transfers, and Revolut may charge additional withdrawal fees depending on the asset. Both platforms support standard blockchain transactions.
Which platform offers better staking rewards?
Coinbase provides superior staking with more supported assets (ETH, ADA, ATOM, DOT, SOL, NEAR), higher yields (3-12% APY), and liquid staking options like cbETH. Coinbase also offers automatic USDC earning at 4.70% APY. Revolut's staking is limited to ETH, ADA, DOT, SOL, and MATIC with yields of 1-9%, available only in the UK and Europe. Coinbase wins for staking diversity and yields.
Is my money safe on both platforms?
Both platforms maintain excellent security records with no customer fund losses to date. Coinbase stores 98% of crypto in cold storage and provides FDIC insurance up to $250,000 for USD balances. Revolut holds full UK and EU banking licenses, offering FSCS protection up to £85,000 and ECGD protection up to €100,000 for fiat deposits. Cryptocurrency holdings are not covered by deposit insurance on either platform.
Can I use these platforms for everyday spending?
Yes, both offer spending cards with different strengths. The Coinbase Card allows direct cryptocurrency spending with up to 4% crypto cashback, making it ideal for maximizing crypto rewards. Revolut's card excels for daily use with multi-currency support (150+ currencies), virtual cards for online security, travel benefits, and seamless integration with banking features. Choose based on whether you prioritize crypto rewards or comprehensive spending features.
Which platform supports more cryptocurrencies?
Coinbase supports 240+ tokens on Simple and 500+ trading pairs on Advanced, with particularly strong coverage of DeFi tokens and Layer 2 assets. Revolut offers 230+ tokens in-app and 400+ pairs on Revolut X, but with more conservative selection criteria. Coinbase typically lists new cryptocurrencies faster and covers more emerging projects, while Revolut offers crypto investment baskets for simplified diversification.
Do these platforms work worldwide?
Coinbase operates in 100+ countries with full US feature availability, while Revolut serves 48+ countries primarily focused on Europe. Key limitations: Revolut X (with the lowest fees) is only available in the UK and parts of Europe, not in the US. Revolut's staking features are also restricted to UK/EU users. Check availability in your region before choosing, as feature sets vary significantly by location.
What's the difference between regular Revolut and Revolut X?
Revolut X is Revolut's dedicated cryptocurrency exchange offering professional trading features with 0% maker fees and 0.09% taker fees, supporting 400+ trading pairs with advanced order types. Regular Revolut crypto is integrated into the main app with higher fees (0.29%-1.49% depending on plan and volume) but simpler interface. Revolut X is currently available only in the UK and select European countries, providing institutional-grade trading at retail-friendly prices.
