How To Create A Coinbase Account: A Step-by-Step Beginner Guide
Creating a Coinbase account is your first real step into the world of crypto—and it’s a lot easier than most people expect. Whether you’re here out of curiosity or ready to make your first investment, Coinbase makes the signup process simple, secure, and beginner-friendly.
This guide walks you through every step of opening your Coinbase account so you can avoid mistakes, set things up correctly, and move forward with confidence. No jargon, no fluff—just what you need to get started safely.
By the end, you’ll have a fully verified Coinbase account and know exactly what to do next. Let’s begin.
Our partnership with Coinbase allows you to get a bonus of $30 of FREE Bitcoin when you register!
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Step 1: Visit the Official Coinbase Signup Page
To get started, you’ll need to access the official Coinbase signup page using our trusted referral link. This ensures you’re on the real site, not a scammy copycat.
Click here to begin: Coinbase Sign-Up
On the signup page, you’ll enter basic info:
- Your full name
- Email address
- Password (choose something strong!)
- Confirm that you’re over 18
After submitting, Coinbase will send a confirmation email. Open it and click the link inside to verify your email address.
Step 2: Secure Your Account with Two-Factor Authentication
After email verification, Coinbase will prompt you to add your phone number for extra security. This enables two-factor authentication (2FA)—a vital layer of protection for your account.
Here’s how it works:
- You enter your phone number
- Coinbase sends you a 7-digit code
- You enter the code to confirm
Every time you log in after this, you’ll need both your password and a fresh code sent to your phone. This makes it much harder for anyone else to access your account—even if they know your password.
Learn more about this in Coinbase Security Features.
Step 3: Complete Identity Verification (KYC)
To comply with financial laws and prevent fraud, Coinbase requires Know Your Customer (KYC) verification before you can fully use the platform.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- A government-issued ID (driver’s license, passport, or national ID)
- A webcam or smartphone camera to take a photo or scan the ID
- In some cases, a selfie to match your ID photo
This process is fully automated and usually takes just a few minutes. Coinbase will notify you by email once your identity is verified.
For full details, visit: Coinbase KYC And Identity Verification
Step 4: Set Up Your Account Preferences
Once verified, you can personalize a few key settings in your account dashboard:
- Currency Display: Choose your default currency (e.g., USD, EUR)
- Time Zone & Location
- Notifications: Decide how you want to get alerts (email or SMS)
- Security Settings: Add backup 2FA methods or manage devices
These settings help make your Coinbase experience smoother and more secure. Take a moment to explore them before moving forward.
Step 5: You’re In! What To Do Next After Creating Your Account
Once your account is verified and preferences are set, you’re officially ready to start using Coinbase. But don’t rush—there are a few smart steps to take before buying your first crypto:
- Link a Payment Method: Add a debit card or bank account for easy funding
→ Follow this guide: How To Add A Payment Method - Explore the Dashboard: Familiarize yourself with the layout and coin listings
- Review Fees and Limits: Understand how pricing works
→ See: Coinbase Fees Explained - Bookmark Coinbase.com: Always access the site from your own saved link to avoid phishing scams
With your Coinbase account created, you’re ready to move on to your first purchase—confident and informed.
FAQ: Creating a Coinbase Account
Is Coinbase free to sign up for?
Yes, it’s completely free to create a Coinbase account. You only pay fees when you buy, sell, or send crypto.
How long does the verification process take?
Most users are verified in under 10 minutes. In rare cases, it may take up to 24 hours.
Do I need to add payment info right away?
No, but you’ll need to link a payment method before buying any crypto.
Is my personal info safe with Coinbase?
Yes. Coinbase uses bank-level encryption, and your documents are securely stored and encrypted.
What happens if I don’t complete KYC?
You can still browse Coinbase, but you won’t be able to trade or use most features until your identity is verified.
Conclusion: You’re Now Ready to Use Coinbase
Creating a Coinbase account is your first real move into the crypto world—and now that you’ve done it, you’re one big step ahead of the average beginner.
With your account live, verified, and secured, you’re ready to move forward confidently. From here, you can fund your account, explore coins, and even earn rewards just for learning.
If you haven’t signed up yet, use our Coinbase referral link to get started and receive a bonus when you make your first crypto purchase. You can learn to get started on Coinbase in our dedicated Coinbase section.
Next up: How To Add A Payment Method