Making money with cryptocurrency is all the rage nowadays. However, with so many online brokers out there, it might be difficult to find one to rely on. Two brokers, in particular, have become very popular nowadays, namely Coinbase and Binance.
Which option should you use as a cryptocurrency trader? Are there any notable differences between them? Are they safe to use? There are so many questions that may come to your mind, especially since money is involved. This Bitcoin vs Coinbase article should bring you down to the basics so that you’ll be able to make your choice.
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Binance vs. Coinbase – An Overview
Coinbase and Binance are two platforms for trading, buying, and selling cryptocurrencies. They offer a wide range of tools for crypto traders, functioning as online brokers. Still, each has its own features. Let’s discover them:
What Is Binance?
Binance is more of a newcomer when it comes to cryptocurrency exchange. It was founded in 2017 under the careful guidance of Changpeng Zhao. That being said, even if the app is relatively new, it still managed to grow quite a lot in popularity worldwide.
So far, Binance is available in 180 countries and offers hundreds of cryptocurrencies that you can exchange. It is not available in the United States, but those living there can download the Binance U.S. app. It features different regulations, making it acceptable in the United States.
Binance Signup Link: https://www.binance.com/en/register?ref=464722426
What Is Coinbase?
Coinbase is one of the first cryptocurrency exchanges on the market. Founded in 2012 by Fred Ehrsam and Brian Armstrong, this platform is a US-regulated option for people who wish to trade cryptos in the United States.
The app itself was created to be easy to use, having the beginner trader in mind. You can buy cryptocurrency by using only a credit card or a bank account. Positioning itself at the top when it comes to crypto exchange, Coinbase gained many users in the past few years.
What’s the Difference?
The main difference between the two is in the availability of cryptocurrencies. Binance has more than 500 cryptos to offer, whereas, with Coinbase, there are just a little over 40 of them. Plus, Coinbase is made for beginners in mind, whereas Binance targets the pros.
Availability is also a great difference. The main Binance app is not available in the United States; you’d have to get a different app for that. Coinbase is U.S. based, but because of the regulations, it might not be available in European countries.
Pros and Cons of Binance
One of the greatest benefits of using Binance is that you have more than 500 cryptocurrencies to trade with. It is also fairly affordable, making it a good choice for traders on a budget. You have multiple transaction types to choose from as well – so, it is a versatile choice for international users.
The main drawback is that if you are from the United States, you won’t be able to use the platform. You’d have to use Binance U.S. for that, but that’s a completely different app with different regulations. Plus, its design can be fairly overwhelming, even for experienced users. Also, it does not have a built-in digital wallet, making it highly inconvenient for some investors.
Pros and Cons of Coinbase
The best part about Coinbase is that it’s extremely user-friendly and that even beginners in cryptocurrency can easily use it. It’s regulated in the United States as well, something that is not very common with cryptocurrency brokers. You have multiple ways to buy crypto, making it a highly versatile option.
The drawback here is that it has some expensive fees and tax rates when you are making a transaction. Plus, if you are a professional trader, you won’t have too many advanced options to use. Lastly, compared to other crypto exchanges like Robinhood or Binance, you do not have as many transaction types available.
Binance and Coinbase FAQs
If you still have uncertainties, here are the answers to some frequently asked questions:
What Are Binance and Coinbase?
Binance and Coinbase are cryptocurrency exchanges where people can exchange, sell, buy, send and receive cryptos through a mobile app or a web browser. Both options work on a similar principle, the main difference being that they operate in different areas and have different trading levels.
Binance is regulated in almost every country aside from the United States and is a good choice for pros to try. By volume, Binance has a wide number of features, but people from the U.S. cannot access all of them.
Coinbase also has numerous features, and it caters to beginner traders, but it is regulated in the United States. Other countries that meet the regulations may use it too, but mainly, it’s a crypto exchange app for U.S. use.
How Do Binance and Coinbase Work?
Both Coinbase and Binance work as cryptocurrency online brokerage platforms. The user will deposit fiat funds to sell, buy, or trade cryptocurrencies. They both have similar sign-up processes, but while Binance will need a photo ID from international users, Coinbase won’t.
Users of both platforms may add their currencies into digital wallets, or use the platform to trade even further. For example, if you buy Bitcoin, either Binance or Coinbase will act as a broker for that particular transaction. You’ll need to create an account, add your own bank account and then make an order to buy Bitcoin. You’ll be exchanging your currency for that money, and the platforms will store it until you decide to use it.
Are Binance and Coinbase Safe for Storing Crypto?
Binance and Coinbase are both highly reputable crypto exchanges that have all their regulations in order. Technically speaking, it should be completely safe to store cryptos there. However, if you plan to save cryptos in the long term, then you may want to consider using a hardware wallet instead.
Regardless of where they are kept, all cryptocurrencies held online can become a target for scammers and hackers. Even top-notch cryptocurrency storage, with all safety measures taken, can experience a breach. While neither Coinbase nor Binance has such negative experiences, one might never know when a mistake can occur.
Both Binance and Coinbase have hot storage insurance that will protect you in the event of a breach or storage malfunction. However, to prevent a hassle, even the brokers recommend you choose a hardware wallet. This device is not connected to the Internet, and you will get access to Bitcoin by connecting it to your computer.
Who Should Use Binance or Coinbase?
Binance and Coinbase are platforms that crypto traders, beginners and pros alike, should use. They are a great choice for those who are on a budget, as they both work at low fees. Coinbase is a better choice for beginners who have only started dealing with cryptocurrencies, whereas Binance is a better choice for active traders with more experience.
The Bottom Line
In the end, both Binance and Coinbase are great options for cryptocurrency traders. The final choice depends on your experience and location. They offer different experiences, and as a crypto trader, you need to go for the one that is most suitable for your needs.