How To Open a Coinbase Account in 2026

How to Open a US-Based Coinbase Account

Main Takeaways:

• Coinbase offers cryptocurrency accounts to U.S. residents. If you are not a U.S. resident, then click here.

• A new Coinbase account can be opened on either the company’s mobile app or website.

• Opening a Coinbase account can take just a few minutes, although identity verification may take longer.

Want to trade cryptocurrencies? If so, opening a new crypto account at Coinbase could be a great option. Here’s how to open a Coinbase account from the United States:

Opening a Crypto Account on Coinbase’s Website

To open a Coinbase account, visit the Coinbase website and click on the blue Sign Up button. This will take you to the company’s online application. Coinbase’s platform includes several user groups and services:

Individual
Business
Institutional services
Developer tools

These options are fairly easy to understand. Most retail investors will choose Individual. Coinbase’s standard retail offering is a self-directed crypto account, and joint accounts and IRAs are not part of the regular Individual setup. A trust account may be available through Coinbase’s business onboarding process.

How To Open Coinbase Account

After choosing the appropriate sign-up path, you’ll need to enter your email address. You can also sign up with your Google or Apple account.

On the next steps, provide your name and agree to the terms. You must be at least 18 years old to open an account, so you’ll need to confirm your age as part of the application and identity-verification process.

Coinbase will send a verification code to the email address you provided. You must enter that code to continue. Because Coinbase has strong security requirements, you’ll also need to verify your mobile phone number with an SMS code.

Be sure to select the United States as your country of residence. Coinbase will also ask for your citizenship, which can be the U.S. or another country.

Coinbase follows strict Know-Your-Customer (KYC) procedures. Be ready to upload a digital copy of an accepted government-issued ID. In the United States, supported documents can include a driver’s license, passport, passport card, or other approved identification. You may also need to provide proof of U.S. residency and a selfie using your computer or smartphone camera.

You’ll then reach a page that asks for more details, such as your home address, employment status, income source, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Follow the prompts to complete the remaining compliance questions.

If you want to start trading cryptocurrencies on Coinbase, you’ll eventually need to provide all of the requested information. Once your identity has been verified and your account is funded, you’ll be ready to make your first crypto purchase!

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Funding the New Coinbase Account

To buy cryptocurrency, you’ll need to deposit U.S. dollars into your Coinbase account. Coinbase can use Plaid and other verification methods to link external checking or savings accounts. Bank account (ACH) transfers are supported, although transfer timing depends on the payment method and can take several business days.

Other available funding methods include PayPal, wire transfer, debit card, and Coinbase gift card. Coinbase gift cards are no longer sold by Coinbase, although existing gift card balances can still be redeemed on U.S. accounts.

Opening and Funding a Crypto Account with Coinbase’s Mobile App

You can also open and fund your account using the Coinbase mobile app. To do this, download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, then tap the blue button on the home screen to begin. You’ll follow a process similar to the one on the website. The same major funding options—bank account, PayPal, debit card, and more—are available within the app.

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Updated on 4/8/2026.

About the Author

Chad Morris is a financial writer with more than 20 years experience as both an English teacher and an avid trader. When he isn’t writing expert content for Brokerage-Review.com, Chad can usually be found managing his portfolio or building a new home computer.