Comparison of Coinbase vs Pdax [ 2025 ]

The crypto exchanges compared by their commissions, cryptos, security and much more. Here is the Coinbase vs Pdax comparison!

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

Coinbase

Investing risks losing your money

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

Pdax

Investing risks losing your money

Main points

Fees

0,40%/0,60%

Earns

Yes

Customer service

4/5

0,40%/0,50%

Fees

Earns

3/5

Customer service

Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold

Yes

Beginners

Trading

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold

Comparison of fees

Rating

3.5 – Higher fees but strong security and ease of use.

3.9 – Competitive fees with strong local support in the Philippines.

Level

0,40%/0,60%

0,40%/0,50%

Brief explanation

Coinbase is known for its relatively higher fee structure, which can be a significant consideration for its users. The exchange charges a flat fee for smaller transactions and a percentage of the transaction amount for larger ones. Fees vary depending on the payment method used, such as credit/debit cards or bank transfers, and the country of the user. Additionally, Coinbase applies a spread of about 0.50% for cryptocurrency purchases and sales. While the fees may be higher compared to some other platforms, they are often justified by the high level of security, user-friendly services, and the robust infrastructure that Coinbase offers to its customers. This makes it especially appealing to new entrants to the cryptocurrency market who seek ease of use and reliability.

PDAX implements a straightforward fee structure which focuses primarily on trading fees and some transactional costs. Trading fees on PDAX range between 0.40% and 0.50%, depending on the specific market order type—whether it’s a maker or taker order. This fee is slightly above the global average for cryptocurrency exchanges but is justified within the context of a regulated exchange operating under the auspices of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). Additionally, while crypto deposits are free, PDAX charges variable fees for fiat deposits and withdrawals which are dependent on the chosen payment method, enhancing flexibility for users. This structure ensures that while users enjoy a secure trading environment, they are also aware of the costs associated upfront.

Coinbase

Year Founded: Established in 2012, Coinbase has a long-standing presence in the cryptocurrency market. This extensive history not only showcases its resilience and adaptability but also its ability to innovate and grow alongside the rapidly evolving crypto ecosystem.
Number of Users: With millions of users globally, Coinbase is one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges. This large user base not only demonstrates trust and satisfaction among a significant portion of the crypto community but also contributes to its robust trading volume and liquidity.
Security Methods: Coinbase employs state-of-the-art security measures including two-factor authentication, cold storage of 98% of customer funds, and insurance to protect against theft or breaches of the online storage. This comprehensive approach to security helps ensure user funds are protected at all times.
Possible Regulation: Coinbase is known for its strong regulatory compliance, operating in accordance with major regulatory bodies in the U.S. and other jurisdictions. This adherence to strict regulatory standards ensures operational transparency and security for its users.
Reputation and Reviews: Over the years, Coinbase has built a solid reputation within the cryptocurrency community. Positive reviews from users and its standing in the industry as a reliable, easy-to-use platform further affirm its credibility and reliability as a top choice for both new and experienced cryptocurrency users.

Read Coinbase review

Pdax

Regulatory Compliance: PDAX is licensed and supervised by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), ensuring that it adheres to strict financial regulations and provides a secure trading environment for its users.
Security Measures: PDAX prioritizes user security with robust protection mechanisms, including multi-factor authentication and cold storage for the majority of user funds, ensuring safety against potential cyber threats.
Customer Service: PDAX offers comprehensive customer support with multiple channels, including a detailed FAQ section, email support, and social media engagement, ensuring users receive timely assistance and guidance.
Trading Volume and Liquidity: As one of the leading exchanges in the Philippines, PDAX maintains a healthy trading volume and liquidity, which facilitates efficient trading and provides users with better price discovery and trade execution.
Transparency: PDAX operates with high transparency, regularly updating users about changes in service, fee structures, and other essential operational aspects, fostering trust through clear communication.

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Product selection

Native token

Earns

Yes

NFT marketplace

Yes

Cripto/debit card

Yes

Full name

Coinbase Global, Inc.

Philippine Digital Asset Exchange

Regulation

Regulated in the EE. UU. y varios otros países

Regulated in Filipinas

Year founded

2012

2018

Founder

Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam

Nichel Gaba

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes

Mastercard

Yes

Wire transfer

Yes

Card

Yes

Comparative table

Coinbase	FEATURES	Pdax
Coinbase allows relatively low minimum trade amounts, making it accessible for beginners.	Minimum Trade	PDAX allows users to start trading with as little as PHP 50 per single trade, making it accessible for beginners and those with limited capital.
Fees are higher than average but justified by high security and user-friendly services.	Trading and Transaction Fees	The trading fees range between 0.40% to 0.50%, which is moderately competitive within the region but higher compared to global averages.
Offers a wide range of cryptocurrencies, catering to both popular and niche market interests.	Number of Cryptocurrencies	Supports over 37 cryptocurrencies, which is decent for a regional exchange but less compared to larger international platforms.
Provides a robust selection of trading pairs, allowing diverse trading strategies.	Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs	PDAX primarily focuses on PHP-to-crypto pairs, limiting options for those looking to trade directly between cryptocurrencies.
Highly transparent about security measures, fees, and operational procedures.	Website Transparency	The website provides clear information about trading fees, minimum trade amounts, and other essential policies, although some users may find certain operational details lacking.
The card is widely accepted, allows users to earn cryptocurrency rewards on purchases, and integrates seamlessly with Coinbase accounts, enhancing the user experience for everyday transactions.	Credit/Debit Card	This lack of a dedicated card offering means that PDAX users cannot directly utilize their crypto holdings for everyday transactions outside the platform.
Offers secure wallet services with a majority of assets stored in cold storage.	Storage Offering	Provides secure wallet services regulated under Philippine law, ensuring safety for digital assets, though it lacks some of the advanced features found in dedicated crypto wallets.
Provides competitive staking rewards and incentives for various cryptocurrencies.	Staking and Rewards	Currently, PDAX does not offer staking services or rewards, which is a significant drawback for users looking to earn through these mechanisms.
Both platforms are user-friendly and highly functional, providing excellent trading experiences.	Mobile App and Desktop	The mobile app is user-friendly and provides a robust trading experience on the go, although the desktop version could be enhanced with additional trading tools.
Offers adequate support, though response times can vary during peak periods.	Customer Service	Offers multiple channels for support including email and social media, but there are reports of delays and the lack of immediate response options like phone support or live chat.
Efficient deposit and withdrawal processes, with some limits and fees that vary by region.	Deposit and Withdraw	PDAX supports various local payment methods, which is convenient for Filipino users. International users, however, might find options limited.

Key features

Analysis tools

User-friendly charts, basic tools

Basic charting tools

Mobile APP

Yes

Security

High 4,9/5

High 4,6/5

Additional features

Staking, Coinbase Earn educational rewards, recurring buys, Coinbase Pro exchange

Staking, fiat on/off ramps, PDAX Prime, institutional services

Anonymity

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

100+

20+

User-friendliness

Coinbase is known for its highly user-friendly interface, making it one of the best choices for beginners. The platform is simple to navigate, and buying and selling cryptocurrencies is straightforward and hassle-free.

PDAX features an intuitive and user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, making it suitable for beginners. The platform focuses on providing a seamless trading experience.

Value for money

Provides reasonable value for money with higher fees but strong security features and a user-friendly interface, making it suitable for beginners.

Delivers good value for money with competitive fees and strong local support in the Philippines, making it a good choice for regional users.

Countries of operation

United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia

Philippines

Best for

Great for beginners who prioritize security and ease of use, despite higher fees compared to other exchanges.

Best for Filipino investors seeking a reliable platform with competitive fees and strong local support.

Base currencies available

USD, EUR, GBP, BTC

PHP, BTC

Account

Trading

Coinbase is one of the most popular exchanges, especially for beginners. It offers a user-friendly platform, high security, and a good range of cryptocurrencies. However, its fees are higher compared to some other exchanges.

PDAX is a popular exchange in the Philippines, offering easy fiat integration and a user-friendly platform. It supports a decent range of cryptocurrencies but has higher fees.

Deposit and withdrawal

Coinbase supports a wide range of deposit and withdrawal methods, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and cryptocurrencies. Withdrawals are processed efficiently, usually within a day, but fees can be higher compared to other exchanges .

PDAX is popular in the Philippines, offering easy fiat and cryptocurrency deposit methods. Withdrawals are processed efficiently, with competitive fees.

Account opening process

Coinbase offers a user-friendly and seamless account opening process. Users need to provide personal information, verify their identity, and typically get their account approved within a day. It’s secure and efficient .

PDAX provides an easy and quick account registration process. Users need to provide personal details and verify their identity. The process is fully digital and typically takes less than a day to complete.

KYC required?

Yes

Customer Service

Coinbase offers extensive customer support through email, live chat, and a detailed help center. Support is available 24/7, and the response times are quick, making it reliable for users globally .

PDAX provides customer support via email and live chat. The support team is responsive and helpful, but the lack of 24/7 support may be a limitation for some users.

Security

Coinbase employs extensive security measures, including 2FA, encryption, and cold storage. It is regulated by multiple financial authorities, making it a highly secure platform for investors .

PDAX offers strong security with 2FA and encryption. Despite its robust security measures, the platform is not regulated by top-tier financial authorities, which could be a concern for some investors.

Which of these exchanges is for you?

Alejandro Borja

As Threenvest reviews Coinbase, it is evident that this platform stands out as a robust and user-friendly gateway into the world of cryptocurrency trading. Ideal for both novice and experienced traders, Coinbase provides an intuitive interface, extensive educational resources, and a suite of trading options that cater to a broad spectrum of investment strategies. The security measures employed by Coinbase are commendable, with best practices like cold storage of funds, insurance, and stringent compliance with regulatory standards, ensuring a secure environment for digital asset trading. However, despite its many strengths, Coinbase does exhibit some limitations when compared against the broader landscape of cryptocurrency exchanges. The fee structure, particularly for small transactions and casual traders, can be notably higher than some of its competitors, which might deter those seeking more cost-effective trading options. Additionally, while Coinbase offers a substantial range of cryptocurrencies, it may not match the sheer volume of trading pairs available on platforms like Binance or Kraken. Nevertheless, Threenvest believes that for users who prioritize a secure, straightforward, and well-regulated trading experience, Coinbase remains an excellent choice. Our comprehensive review finds that while no platform is without its flaws, Coinbase’s commitment to security, ease of use, and continuous improvement align well with the needs of most cryptocurrency enthusiasts and investors.

Xavier Tarrasó

As one of the experts reviewing cryptocurrency exchanges on our website, I’ve taken a close look at PDAX. It stands out as a commendable choice for Filipino investors looking to enter the crypto space. The exchange offers a secure, regulated platform where you can trade directly with the Philippine Peso, making it exceptionally convenient. With a user-friendly interface and the support of local bank transfers, PDAX simplifies the process of buying and selling digital assets. Whether you’re new to cryptocurrencies or seeking a reliable home-market platform, PDAX provides a solid foundation to manage your digital investments.

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How do we review crypto exchanges?

At Threenvest, we conduct a thorough review process to evaluate and rank the world’s leading crypto exchanges. Our goal is to offer an unbiased assessment, providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions on which ones best suit your needs. We strictly adhere to the guidelines of our editorial policy.

We collect data directly from exchanges through detailed questionnaires and conduct first-hand testing and observations during crypto exchange demonstrations. Questionnaire responses, combined with demonstrations and hands-on research from our experts, feed into our proprietary evaluation process that scores each provider’s performance on more than 15 factors. The end result produces star ratings ranging from poor (one star) to excellent (five stars).

For more details on the categories considered when rating brokers and our process, read our full methodology.

Risk Disclaimer

Investing in cryptocurrencies is very risky, you should only invest the money you are willing to lose. Also you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong.

Neither Threenvest, nor the author, are recommending you to invest with this article.