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Coinbase and Revolut are two of the most popular ways to buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrency in 2026 — but they serve very different audiences. Coinbase is a dedicated crypto exchange built for serious traders and long-term holders, while Revolut is a fintech super-app that bundles crypto alongside banking, stock trading, and international payments.
This in-depth comparison covers everything from fees and supported cryptocurrencies to staking rewards, debit cards, security measures, and regulatory compliance — helping you decide which platform deserves your money in 2026.
Coinbase vs Revolut: Quick Overview
| Feature | Coinbase | Revolut |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2012 (San Francisco) | 2015 (London) |
| Type | Dedicated crypto exchange | Fintech super-app |
| Users | 110M+ verified | 65M+ customers |
| Cryptocurrencies | 260+ tradeable assets | 200+ tokens |
| Trading Fees | 0%–3.99% (Simple); 0.05%–0.60% (Advanced) | 1.49%–2.5% (varies by plan) |
| Staking | Yes — ETH, SOL, ATOM, + more (up to 12% APY) | Yes — limited selection via Revolut Earn |
| Crypto Card | Coinbase Card (crypto cashback) | Revolut Card (multi-currency, crypto top-up) |
| Fiat Banking | Limited (USD wallet) | Full banking (accounts, IBAN, loans, insurance) |
| Wallet & Transfers | External wallet transfers supported | Limited — in-app only for most coins |
| Regulation | NASDAQ-listed (COIN), FinCEN, FCA, MiCA | UK Banking Licence, EU Banking Licence (Lithuania), MiCA |
| Best For | Crypto-focused traders and HODLers | All-in-one finance users who dabble in crypto |
Fees Compared: Coinbase vs Revolut
Fees can make or break your returns, especially for active traders. Here is a detailed breakdown of what each platform charges.
Coinbase Fees
Coinbase operates two trading interfaces with different fee structures:
- Coinbase Simple (app/web): Uses a spread-based model plus a flat or percentage-based Coinbase Fee. Small purchases under $200 pay flat fees ($0.99–$2.99), while larger transactions pay a percentage up to 3.99% for credit card purchases. Standard buy/sell via bank account costs approximately 1.49%.
- Coinbase Advanced: Uses a maker/taker model. Taker fees range from 0.05% to 0.60%, and maker fees range from 0.00% to 0.40%, depending on 30-day trading volume. Traders with $100K+ monthly volume pay under 0.20%.
- Coinbase One: A subscription ($29.99/month) that unlocks zero-fee trading on eligible assets, priority support, and enhanced staking rewards. Excellent for frequent traders.
- Deposit/Withdrawal: ACH and SEPA deposits are free. Wire transfers cost $10 (incoming) and $25 (outgoing). Crypto network fees apply for on-chain withdrawals.
Revolut Crypto Fees
- Standard plan: 2.5% fee on all crypto buy/sell transactions.
- Plus plan (£3.99/mo): 1.99% crypto fee.
- Premium plan (£7.99/mo): 1.49% crypto fee.
- Metal plan (£14.99/mo): 1.49% crypto fee with additional perks.
- Ultra plan (£45/mo): 1.00% crypto fee — the lowest Revolut offers.
- Minimum trade: Varies by coin but typically starts from £1.
- Crypto transfer fees: Network fees apply. Revolut now allows external transfers for major cryptocurrencies (BTC, ETH, and selected ERC-20 tokens).
Fee Verdict
Coinbase Advanced wins for active traders — its maker/taker fees (0.05%–0.60%) are significantly cheaper than Revolut's lowest tier (1.00%). Even Coinbase Simple's 1.49% matches Revolut's Premium plan. However, Revolut's flat percentage model is simpler to understand, and the all-in-one subscription covers banking fees too.
Supported Cryptocurrencies
The range of tradeable assets matters if you want to diversify beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Coinbase
Coinbase supports 260+ cryptocurrencies, including all major tokens (BTC, ETH, SOL, ADA, XRP, DOGE, AVAX, MATIC, LINK, UNI) plus a wide range of altcoins, DeFi tokens, and newer projects. Coinbase is often the first major US exchange to list trending tokens. The platform also supports wrapped assets, Layer 2 tokens (Base, Optimism, Arbitrum), and a growing selection of memecoins.
Revolut
Revolut offers 200+ tokens, covering major cryptocurrencies and many popular altcoins. The selection has expanded significantly since 2024, though Revolut tends to be more conservative with listings and may lag behind Coinbase on newer or niche tokens. Revolut also offers crypto baskets (diversified bundles) and recurring buys to simplify investing.
Verdict
Coinbase offers broader selection, especially for altcoins, DeFi, and newly launched tokens. Revolut is sufficient for mainstream crypto investors who stick to the top 50–100 coins.
Staking and Earning
Staking lets you earn passive income by locking up certain proof-of-stake cryptocurrencies.
Coinbase Staking
- Supports staking for ETH, SOL, ATOM, ADA, DOT, NEAR, OSMO, and more.
- Estimated APY ranges from 2% to 12%+, depending on the asset.
- ETH staking is liquid via cbETH (Coinbase Wrapped Staked ETH), letting you trade or use staked ETH in DeFi.
- Coinbase One subscribers earn enhanced staking rewards (reduced commission).
- Coinbase takes a 25%–35% commission on staking rewards (reduced for Coinbase One members).
- Also offers Coinbase Earn — learn-and-earn programs where users watch videos and earn free crypto.
Revolut Earn
- Revolut offers staking/earn features on a limited selection of tokens.
- Available for DOT, ADA, SOL, ETH, MATIC, and select others.
- APY varies but generally ranges from 1% to 8%.
- Staking is simplified — users simply opt in through the app with no technical setup.
- Rewards are distributed automatically to your Revolut crypto balance.
- Unstaking periods and terms vary by asset.
Verdict
Coinbase is stronger for staking — more assets, higher yields, liquid staking (cbETH), and learn-and-earn programs. Revolut's staking is convenient but offers fewer options and generally lower yields.
Crypto Cards Compared
Both platforms offer cards that connect to your crypto holdings, but they work differently.
Coinbase Card
- Visa debit card available in the US, UK, and EU.
- Spend any crypto in your Coinbase account — the card converts to fiat at the point of sale.
- Earn up to 4% crypto cashback on purchases (paid in crypto of your choice).
- No annual fee.
- Works with Apple Pay and Google Pay.
- Spending crypto triggers a taxable event (capital gains may apply).
Revolut Card
- Multi-currency Visa/Mastercard (physical and virtual).
- Spend in 150+ currencies with competitive FX rates.
- Can top up your card balance from crypto — sells crypto and loads fiat onto the card.
- Cashback varies by plan: Standard (0%), Plus (up to 0.1%), Premium (up to 0.5%), Metal (up to 1%), Ultra (up to 1.5%).
- Also works for stock dividends auto-invest, round-ups, and salary splitting.
- ATM withdrawals included in plan limits (from £200/month on Standard).
Verdict
Coinbase Card is better for crypto rewards (up to 4% back in crypto). Revolut's card is more versatile for everyday spending — especially for international travel, multi-currency transactions, and integrated banking features.
Wallet and Crypto Transfers
A critical difference between these platforms is how they handle crypto ownership and transfers.
Coinbase
- Full on-chain deposits and withdrawals — send crypto to/from any external wallet.
- Coinbase Wallet (separate app) is a non-custodial wallet supporting DeFi, NFTs, dApps, and multi-chain assets.
- Supports Base (Coinbase's own L2 network) for cheap, fast transactions.
- You fully own your crypto and can self-custody via Coinbase Wallet.
Revolut
- Historically, crypto on Revolut was locked in the app — no external transfers.
- Since 2023, Revolut has enabled external crypto transfers for BTC, ETH, and selected tokens.
- Still more limited than Coinbase — fewer supported networks, no DeFi integration, no non-custodial wallet option.
- Revolut acts as custodian — you don't hold private keys.
Verdict
Coinbase wins decisively for crypto ownership. If you want to use DeFi, interact with dApps, stake on-chain, or hold your own keys, Coinbase is the clear choice. Revolut has improved but remains primarily a custodial, app-only experience.
Security Features
Security is paramount when trusting a platform with your money and crypto.
Coinbase Security
- 98% of customer crypto stored in cold storage (offline).
- FDIC insurance on USD balances (up to $250,000).
- Crypto held on Coinbase is covered by Coinbase's crime insurance policy.
- Two-factor authentication (2FA) via authenticator app or hardware key.
- Biometric login, address whitelisting, and vault features.
- Publicly traded (NASDAQ: COIN) — subject to SEC reporting and auditing.
- SOC 2 Type II compliant.
- Bug bounty program and regular third-party security audits.
Revolut Security
- UK banking licence (2025) — deposits are FSCS-protected up to £85,000 (fiat only, not crypto).
- EU banking licence via Lithuania — €100,000 deposit protection (fiat).
- Biometric login, 2FA, and in-app device management.
- Disposable virtual cards to prevent fraud.
- Transaction notifications and spending controls.
- AI-driven fraud detection system.
- SOC 2 certification and PCI-DSS compliant.
- Crypto assets are not covered by deposit insurance — a risk to note.
Verdict
Both platforms are highly secure. Coinbase edges ahead for crypto-specific security (cold storage, crime insurance, institutional-grade custody). Revolut is stronger for fiat protection with its banking licences and FSCS/deposit guarantees.
Regulation and Compliance
Regulatory standing affects how safe your funds are and where you can use the platform.
Coinbase
- Publicly listed on NASDAQ (ticker: COIN) — one of the most transparent crypto companies.
- Registered as a Money Services Business with FinCEN (US).
- Holds state money transmitter licences across the US.
- Registered with the FCA in the UK.
- MiCA-compliant in the EU (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation).
- Has faced SEC scrutiny and lawsuits but continues to operate fully in major markets.
- Available in 100+ countries.
Revolut
- Received full UK banking licence from the PRA in July 2025.
- EU banking licence issued by the European Central Bank via Lithuania (2018).
- MiCA-compliant in the EU for crypto services.
- Regulated by the FCA (UK), Bank of Lithuania (EU), and multiple other jurisdictions.
- US operations regulated by state financial authorities.
- Valued at $75 billion (November 2025) — one of the world's most valuable private fintechs.
- Available in 48+ countries.
Verdict
Both are well-regulated. Coinbase's NASDAQ listing gives it unmatched transparency. Revolut's full UK banking licence (achieved after years of effort) makes it one of the most heavily regulated fintechs in Europe. For crypto-specific regulation, both comply with MiCA and FCA requirements.
User Experience and Platform Features
Coinbase
- Clean, beginner-friendly interface on mobile and web.
- Coinbase Advanced offers professional charting, order types (limit, stop, trailing stop), and real-time order books.
- Coinbase Learn — extensive educational library with videos, guides, and earn-while-you-learn programs.
- Portfolio tracking with performance analytics.
- Price alerts and recurring buys.
- NFT marketplace (though scaled back in recent years).
Revolut
- Slick, all-in-one mobile app covering banking, crypto, stocks, commodities, and more.
- Crypto charts and market data within the same app used for daily banking.
- Social features — split bills, send money to friends, group vaults.
- Budgeting tools, analytics, and spending insights.
- Access to stocks, commodities (gold, silver), and crypto in one place.
- Travel-friendly features: multi-currency accounts, lounge access (Metal/Ultra), travel insurance.
Verdict
Coinbase is better for crypto-specific features (advanced trading, DeFi, education). Revolut is better as an all-in-one financial app — ideal if you want crypto alongside your daily banking.
Coinbase vs Revolut: Pros and Cons
Coinbase Pros
- ✅ 260+ cryptocurrencies
- ✅ Low fees on Advanced trading (0.05%–0.60%)
- ✅ Comprehensive staking with liquid options (cbETH)
- ✅ Full crypto withdrawal and self-custody support
- ✅ NASDAQ-listed — maximum transparency
- ✅ Coinbase Card with up to 4% crypto cashback
- ✅ Coinbase Learn (earn free crypto)
- ✅ Available in 100+ countries
Coinbase Cons
- ❌ Simple trade fees are high (up to 3.99%)
- ❌ No fiat banking services (no current account, no loans)
- ❌ Customer support can be slow for non-subscribers
- ❌ Crypto-only platform — can't manage all finances in one place
Revolut Pros
- ✅ All-in-one app: banking, crypto, stocks, FX, insurance
- ✅ Full UK and EU banking licences — deposit protection
- ✅ 200+ tokens with simple buy/sell
- ✅ Multi-currency accounts and great FX rates
- ✅ Excellent travel features (lounge access, travel insurance)
- ✅ Disposable virtual cards for security
- ✅ Crypto baskets and recurring buys
Revolut Cons
- ❌ Higher crypto fees (1.00%–2.5% depending on plan)
- ❌ Limited external wallet transfers
- ❌ No DeFi, NFT, or dApp access
- ❌ Crypto not covered by deposit insurance
- ❌ Fewer staking options and generally lower yields
- ❌ Available in fewer countries (48 vs 100+)
Who Should Choose Coinbase?
Choose Coinbase if you are:
- A dedicated crypto trader who wants the widest selection of coins and lowest trading fees.
- Interested in staking for passive income with the best yields and liquid staking options.
- Someone who wants full ownership of their crypto — including self-custody, DeFi, and dApp access.
- Looking for educational resources and earn-while-you-learn opportunities.
- A US-based investor who wants a publicly traded, well-regulated exchange.
Who Should Choose Revolut?
Choose Revolut if you are:
- Looking for an all-in-one financial app that combines banking, investments, and crypto.
- A casual crypto investor who wants to buy Bitcoin or Ethereum without managing wallets or exchanges.
- A frequent traveller who benefits from multi-currency accounts, competitive FX, and travel perks.
- Based in the UK or EU and want the protection of a fully licenced bank for your fiat savings.
- Someone who values simplicity — one app for salary, spending, saving, investing, and crypto.
Can You Use Both Coinbase and Revolut?
Yes — and many crypto investors do. A common strategy is to use Coinbase for active trading, staking, and DeFi while using Revolut for everyday banking, FX, and casual crypto exposure. Since Revolut now supports external crypto transfers for major coins, you can even move BTC or ETH between the two platforms.
Coinbase vs Revolut: Final Verdict
If crypto is your primary focus, Coinbase is the better choice. It offers more coins, lower trading fees (on Advanced), better staking, full wallet support, and deeper crypto infrastructure. Its NASDAQ listing provides regulatory confidence.
If you want a single app for all your financial needs — banking, investing, spending, and some crypto on the side — Revolut is the smarter pick. Its UK banking licence, multi-currency features, and all-in-one convenience are unmatched.
The right platform depends on your priorities: crypto depth (Coinbase) vs financial breadth (Revolut).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Coinbase cheaper than Revolut for buying crypto?
Yes, for most users. Coinbase Advanced charges 0.05%–0.60% per trade, while Revolut's cheapest plan (Ultra, £45/month) charges 1.00%. Even Coinbase's Simple interface (1.49%) matches Revolut Premium. For frequent traders, Coinbase is significantly cheaper.
Can I transfer crypto from Revolut to Coinbase?
Yes. Revolut now supports external crypto transfers for BTC, ETH, and selected tokens. You can send crypto from Revolut to your Coinbase wallet address, though network fees apply.
Is my money safe on Coinbase and Revolut?
Both platforms are highly secure. Coinbase stores 98% of crypto in cold storage and is FDIC-insured for USD balances. Revolut holds a UK banking licence (FSCS protection up to £85,000 for fiat) and an EU banking licence (€100,000 protection). Crypto assets are not covered by deposit insurance on either platform.
Does Revolut have a crypto wallet?
Revolut holds your crypto in a custodial wallet within the app. You cannot access private keys. However, Revolut now allows external transfers for major cryptocurrencies, so you can send crypto to a self-custody wallet if needed.
Which platform supports more cryptocurrencies?
Coinbase supports 260+ tokens compared to Revolut's 200+. Coinbase also tends to list new tokens faster and offers more altcoins, DeFi tokens, and Layer 2 assets.
Can I stake crypto on Revolut?
Yes. Revolut offers staking for select assets like DOT, ADA, SOL, and ETH through its Earn feature. However, the selection is smaller and APYs are generally lower than what Coinbase offers.
Is Coinbase or Revolut better for beginners?
Both are excellent for beginners. Revolut is arguably easier since crypto is integrated into an app you may already use for banking. Coinbase is slightly more focused but offers superior educational resources through Coinbase Learn and earn-while-you-learn programs.
Do Coinbase and Revolut work in the US?
Yes, both operate in the US, though with different feature sets. Coinbase is the more established US platform with full feature availability. Revolut US offers crypto, stock trading, and banking but some features available in Europe (like certain plan tiers) may differ.





