Comparison of Coinbase vs Yellow Card [ 2025 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

Coinbase

Investing risks losing your money

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

Yellow Card

Investing risks losing your money

Main points

Fees

0,40%/0,60%

Earns

Yes

Customer service

4/5

hidden

Fees

Earns

4/5

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.

3.8 – Reasonable fees with strong local support in Africa.

Level

0,40%/0,60%

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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.

Yellow Card’s fee structure is designed to be straightforward and competitive, particularly catering to its primary audience in Africa. The platform charges a nominal fee on transactions, which varies slightly depending on the payment method used and the specific fiat or cryptocurrency involved. These fees are generally on par with regional standards and are structured to encourage frequent small transactions, which is typical among its user base. This makes Yellow Card an appealing option for users who value transparency and affordability in their trading activities.

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

Yellow Card

Focus on African Markets: Yellow Card specifically targets African users, understanding and addressing the unique financial challenges and needs in the region, which highlights their commitment to their user base.
Reputation and Reviews: Despite being relatively new, Yellow Card has garnered positive reviews for its user-friendly interface and the ease with which users can trade cryptocurrencies, which is crucial for building trust among new entrants to the crypto space.
Customer Service: Yellow Card places a strong emphasis on customer support, ensuring that users have access to help whenever they need it. This is especially important for users new to cryptocurrency, making the platform more approachable.
Security Methods: The exchange employs robust security measures to protect user accounts and transactions, which is fundamental for user confidence in handling digital assets.
Year Founded: Having been established in 2016, Yellow Card has had time to develop and refine its services, gaining valuable experience and insights into the market, which help in providing reliable and effective services.

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Product selection

Native token

Earns

Yes

NFT marketplace

Yes

Cripto/debit card

Yes

Full name

Coinbase Global, Inc.

Yellow Card Financial

Regulation

Regulated in the EE. UU. y varios otros países

Not regulated

Year founded

2012

2016

Founder

Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam

Chris Maurice

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes

Mastercard

Yes

Wire transfer

Yes

Card

Yes

Comparative table

Coinbase	FEATURES	Yellow Card
Coinbase allows relatively low minimum trade amounts, making it accessible for beginners.	Minimum Trade	Yellow Card supports relatively low minimum trades, making it accessible for beginners who might want to start small.
Fees are higher than average but justified by high security and user-friendly services.	Trading and Transaction Fees	The platform offers competitive fees, though not the lowest in the market. This could be more attractive with clearer fee structures.
Offers a wide range of cryptocurrencies, catering to both popular and niche market interests.	Number of Cryptocurrencies	Offers only a limited selection of cryptocurrencies, which could be a limitation for those looking to trade beyond the most popular coins.
Provides a robust selection of trading pairs, allowing diverse trading strategies.	Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs	Limited trading pairs are available, focusing primarily on major cryptocurrencies, which restricts trading strategies.
Highly transparent about security measures, fees, and operational procedures.	Website Transparency	Yellow Card’s website provides clear information about their services and fees, enhancing user trust.
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	Yellow Card lacks an exchange card, missing an opportunity to extend additional benefits and conveniences to its users.
Offers secure wallet services with a majority of assets stored in cold storage.	Storage Offering	Provides secure storage options, though details on cold storage or insurance would enhance user confidence further.
Provides competitive staking rewards and incentives for various cryptocurrencies.	Staking and Rewards	Offers basic staking services but lacks the variety and competitive rates found on more established platforms.
Both platforms are user-friendly and highly functional, providing excellent trading experiences.	Mobile App and Desktop	Both mobile and desktop platforms are user-friendly and highly functional, suitable for traders on-the-go or at home.
Offers adequate support, though response times can vary during peak periods.	Customer Service	Generally responsive and helpful customer service, although peak times can see slower responses.
Efficient deposit and withdrawal processes, with some limits and fees that vary by region.	Deposit and Withdraw	Supports multiple deposit and withdrawal methods, though some users may find the options limited compared to larger exchanges.

Key features

Analysis tools

User-friendly charts, basic tools

Basic buying and selling, no advanced tools

Mobile APP

Yes

Security

High 4,9/5

High 4,5/5

Additional features

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

Crypto-to-fiat services, bill payments, mobile top-ups, staking

Anonymity

Yes

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

100+

Few, primarily major cryptocurrencies

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.

Yellow Card provides a straightforward and easy-to-use platform that is ideal for beginners. The interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy to navigate and execute trades.

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.

Provides decent value for money with competitive fees and strong local support in Africa, making it a good choice for regional users.

Countries of operation

United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia

Nigeria, South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Ghana

Best for

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

Ideal for African investors seeking a reliable platform with competitive fees and strong local support.

Base currencies available

USD, EUR, GBP, BTC

Multiple local currencies, 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.

Yellow Card is a popular exchange in Africa, offering easy fiat integration and a user-friendly platform. It supports a good range of cryptocurrencies but has higher fees compared to some other exchanges.

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 .

Yellow Card is popular in Africa, 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 .

Yellow Card provides a straightforward and user-friendly account registration process. Users need to provide personal information and verify their identity. The process is efficient 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 .

Yellow Card provides support through email and live chat. The response time is quick, and the support team is available 24/7, making it reliable for users in Africa.

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 .

Yellow Card employs comprehensive security measures, including 2FA and cold storage. It is regulated by African authorities, ensuring high security for 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 an expert closely analyzing Yellow Card, I appreciate its focused approach to serving the African market. Its user-friendly interface and support for local payment methods make it an excellent choice for newcomers. However, I recommend potential users consider the limited variety of cryptocurrencies offered. This platform is ideal for those starting their journey in crypto trading or those who primarily deal with major cryptocurrencies.

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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.