Create a Coinbase account

Time to complete: ~5 minutes

Note: Coinbase is only available in supported countries. If you don't see your region during sign-up, check Coinbase's availability page or contact support before continuing.

Before you begin

Make sure you have the following ready before starting:

/

• A valid email address you can access immediately
• A mobile phone number for SMS verification
• Government-issued photo ID (passport or driver's license)
• You must be 18 years or older to open an account
• A secure password manager (recommended)

Create your account

Follow these steps on the Coinbase website or mobile app.

1. Go to coinbase.com and select Get started in the top-right corner.
2. Enter your full legal name, email address, and a strong password. Use at least 12 characters with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
3. Check the box to accept the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, then tap Create account.
4. Open the verification email from Coinbase and click Verify email address. The link expires after 24 hours — request a new one from the sign-in screen if needed.
5. Choose your account type: Individual for personal use, or Business if you're setting up on behalf of a company.

Verify your identity

Coinbase is required by law to verify your identity before you can deposit funds or trade. This process is called Know Your Customer (KYC) verification.

1. From your dashboard, select Verify your identity when prompted.
2. Choose your country of residence and enter your date of birth and address exactly as they appear on your ID.
3. Upload photos of your ID — front and back if applicable. Ensure the image is well-lit, in focus, and shows all four corners of the document.
4. Complete the selfie check by following the on-screen prompts. Remove glasses and hats for the clearest match.
5. Submit and wait for review. Most verifications complete within a few minutes, though some cases take up to 48 hours.

Tip: Verification usually fails because of blurry ID photos or a name mismatch. Double-check that your profile name matches your ID character-for-character, including middle names.

Set up two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a second layer of security beyond your password. Coinbase strongly recommends enabling it before you add funds.

1. Go to Settings → Security from the profile menu.
2. Under Two-step verification, choose Authenticator app (preferred) or SMS.
3. Scan the QR code with an app like Google Authenticator or Authy, then enter the 6-digit code to confirm.
4. Save your backup codes in your password manager. You'll need these if you lose access to your authenticator.

Example authenticator setup

Your authenticator app will display a rotating code similar to:

Enter this code in Coinbase when prompted. Codes refresh every 30 seconds.

Add a payment method

Once verified, link a payment method to buy crypto:

• Debit card — instant purchases, higher fees
• Bank account (ACH) — lower fees, 3–5 business day settlement
• Wire transfer — for larger deposits

Settings → Payment methods → Add a payment method to connect your bank or card. Coinbase may make two small deposits to confirm ownership — you'll verify the amounts in the app.

Troubleshooting

• Email not arriving? Check spam, wait 5 minutes, then use Resend email on the sign-in page.
• ID rejected? Retake photos in natural light. Make sure the ID is not expired and the name matches your profile.
• Region not supported? Coinbase cannot override geographic restrictions. Consider Coinbase International if available in your country.
• Locked out of 2FA? Use a backup code, or contact support with account recovery documentation.

What's next

Now that your account is set up, explore these guides:

• Buy your first cryptocurrency
• Send and receive crypto
• Enable a Coinbase Vault for long-term storage
• Review security best practices

Security reminder: Coinbase will never ask for your password, 2FA codes, or seed phrase over email, phone, or social media. Report suspicious messages from the Security section of your account.