can i buy stocks on coinbase? Guide

Can I buy stocks on Coinbase?

If you searched "can i buy stocks on coinbase", this guide answers the question directly and in detail. There are two distinct meanings behind the question: (1) whether Coinbase the crypto platform now lets users buy U.S. stocks and ETFs on its app, and (2) whether you can buy shares of Coinbase the public company (ticker COIN) on Coinbase’s platform. This article explains both interpretations, the product architecture, eligibility and setup, custody and protections, tokenization plans, step‑by‑step instructions, common confusions, risks, and alternatives including Bitget.

As of June 10, 2025, according to Coinbase’s public product announcements, Coinbase launched a regulated brokerage product in the U.S. that offers trading in U.S. equities and ETFs alongside its crypto services. As of the same timeframe, buying shares of Coinbase (COIN) remains an activity performed via securities brokerages that support the Nasdaq listing.

Quick takeaway: "can i buy stocks on coinbase" — Yes, in the U.S. you can buy certain U.S. stocks and ETFs through Coinbase’s brokerage product; however, purchasing COIN stock is executed through a traditional securities broker, not via Coinbase’s crypto-only deposit flow.

Short answer

Coinbase has rolled out a U.S. retail stock‑trading product that lets eligible U.S. customers buy and sell U.S. stocks and ETFs inside the Coinbase app. Buying shares of Coinbase, the publicly traded company (COIN), remains an equity trade that requires a securities brokerage account that lists COIN.

(can i buy stocks on coinbase) — the short answer: yes for U.S. stocks/ETFs via Coinbase’s brokerage service in supported jurisdictions; no for buying COIN directly through Coinbase’s crypto deposit flow.

Background and timeline

Coinbase began as a cryptocurrency exchange and custody provider and expanded gradually into adjacent financial services. Historically the company focused on crypto trading, custody, and developer tools; over time it stated intentions to broaden its product suite to include regulated securities and tokenization.

• Coinbase completed its public listing in April 2021 (direct listing on Nasdaq under COIN). That milestone framed later moves to integrate traditional finance products.
• In 2024–2025 the company announced public plans to add brokerage services and to explore tokenized representations of traditional securities onchain. As of June 10, 2025, according to Coinbase’s official product update, the firm began a staged rollout of a U.S. retail brokerage product that offers trading in U.S. equities and ETFs inside the Coinbase app.

These moves reflect a broader industry trend where crypto platforms seek to offer unified portfolios (crypto + securities) and explore tokenized assets for extended liquidity and programmable use cases.

How Coinbase offers stock trading

Coinbase structures its stock product by separating the regulated brokerage entity and the crypto services entity. The stock product is offered through Coinbase’s brokerage arm (sometimes referenced publicly as Coinbase Capital Markets or a similarly named registered broker‑dealer), while crypto trading and custody remain under the crypto platform entity. The brokerage integration is surfaced inside the main Coinbase app to provide a unified user experience.

Key architectural points:

• Regulatory wrapper: Stock trading is provided by a registered securities brokerage entity that must comply with broker‑dealer rules, securities laws, and disclosures different from crypto custody rules.
• App integration: The brokerage interface is integrated into the Coinbase app so users can view stocks and crypto side‑by‑side in a single portfolio view, subject to account and regulatory segmentation.
• Custody and recordkeeping: Securities are custodied and recorded by the brokerage custodian for securities, while crypto assets remain in crypto custody. These are distinct legal relationships even when displayed together in the app.

Eligibility and geographic availability

• Initial availability: The brokerage product was initially available to U.S. residents only. International rollouts require additional regulatory approvals and are subject to local securities laws.
• Account eligibility: Users must have a verified Coinbase account in good standing and meet any additional broker‑dealer eligibility checks.
• Restrictions: Certain states or territories may be excluded depending on state securities rules and broker registration. Non‑U.S. residents generally cannot access the U.S. stock product until Coinbase secures the necessary permissions in those jurisdictions.

Account requirements and setup

To enable stock trading you typically need to:

1. Have an existing Coinbase account (or create one) and complete standard platform signup.
2. Opt into or open the brokerage feature inside the app — this may be a separate activation flow that creates a brokerage account profile.
3. Complete KYC (identity verification), including name, address, date of birth, Social Security Number (for U.S. residents), and other identity checks required by broker‑dealer rules.
4. Agree to brokerage disclosures and account agreements, which are separate from crypto terms.
5. Fund the brokerage account via supported funding methods (bank transfer/ACH, USD balance, or in some cases stablecoins like USDC if the product supports it).

Supported securities

• Initial catalog: At launch, the service focused on U.S.-listed equities and exchange‑traded funds (ETFs). The initial universe includes large-cap and commonly traded stocks and widely held ETFs.
• Fractional shares: Fractional trading is offered for many supported symbols to allow small-dollar investing. Fractional availability may vary by symbol and is subject to broker rules.
• Roadmap: Coinbase has stated plans to expand the universe over time, adding more securities and ETFs subject to regulatory and operational considerations.

Trading hours, order types, and execution

• Trading hours: Standard market hours (U.S. market open hours) apply. Coinbase’s brokerage product may offer extended‑hours trading (pre‑market and after‑hours) for eligible symbols and eligible customers. Some features such as fractional trades may be restricted to regular market hours.
• Order types: Typical retail order types are supported (market orders, limit orders). Availability of stop, stop‑limit, or advanced orders depends on the brokerage product’s rollout.
• Execution and routing: Execution quality, order routing, and trade execution practices are described in the brokerage disclosures. Coinbase publishes or provides access to execution and order routing disclosures for customers to review.

Fees, commissions, and disclosures

• Commission policy: Coinbase’s brokerage product has positioned itself as offering zero‑commission retail stock trades for standard orders, subject to regulatory and execution disclosures. Fees may still apply for certain nonstandard services.
• Other fees: Potential fees include regulatory, transfer, or account‑related fees described in the brokerage agreement (e.g., wire fees, transfer‑out fees, margin interest if margin is offered later). Always consult the fee schedule.
• Important disclaimers: Zero commission does not mean zero cost; execution spreads, payment for order flow (if used), and routing practices affect execution quality. Brokerage disclosures explain these details.

Funding, settlement, and unified balances

• Funding methods: Funds for stock trades are typically funded via USD bank transfers (ACH), instant deposit options (may incur fees), or from existing USD/USDC balances if the product allows. Crypto balances cannot be directly used for stock purchases without conversion.
• Unified view vs. separate legal balances: The app may show unified portfolio balances for UX purposes, but crypto holdings and securities holdings are legally distinct and sit in separate accounts/ledgers. Transfers between crypto and brokerage balances may require conversions and compliance steps.
• Settlement: Equity trades settle on the industry standard (T+2 for U.S. securities). This affects the availability of proceeds for reuse and withdrawal. Crypto settlement and onchain finality follow blockchain rules and are separate from T+2 securities settlement.

Custody, protections, and regulatory distinctions

• Custodianship: Securities purchased via Coinbase’s brokerage product are held by the brokerage custodian (or in street name through a clearing firm). Crypto assets continue to be custodied under crypto custody arrangements.
• Protections: Securities accounts at registered broker‑dealers are typically covered by SIPC protection for customer cash and securities (up to applicable limits); crypto assets are not SIPC‑protected. Cash balances may be swept into bank programs and have FDIC coverage limits depending on program specifics. Read the brokerage disclosures to confirm which protections apply.
• Regulatory differences: Broker‑dealer rules, regulatory reporting, and investor protections for securities differ materially from crypto custody and trading rules. Users should understand these distinctions before trading both asset types in one app.

Tokenization roadmap and future features

Coinbase has publicly discussed tokenization of traditional assets, sometimes referred to as tokenized stocks. Tokenized stocks are blockchain‑based tokens that represent ownership (or economic exposure) to an underlying security or to a contractual claim on that security.

• What tokenized stocks would enable: 24/7 trading, fractionalization at very fine granularity, programmable use in DeFi-style applications (lending, automated market makers), faster settlement if implemented onchain, and potentially broader accessibility across borders — subject to regulatory permissions.
• Regulatory implications: Tokenized equities raise regulatory questions about issuance, custody, transfer restrictions, accredited investor rules, securities law compliance, and cross‑border distribution. Any tokenized stock product would require clear regulatory frameworks and compliant custody/custodian arrangements.
• Roadmap: Coinbase’s public roadmap (2025 communications) indicates exploratory work and staged product testing for tokenized assets, but broad commercial availability depends on regulatory approvals and market infrastructure developments.

As of June 10, 2025, according to Coinbase’s product announcement, the company stated intent to develop tokenization features while emphasizing compliance and investor protections; specific launch dates and supported tokenized securities were not announced at that time.

How to buy stocks on Coinbase — step‑by‑step

Below is a practical walkthrough for eligible U.S. users to enable and place a stock trade in the Coinbase app. Exact UI flows may change; follow on‑screen prompts and read all disclosures.

1. Sign in or create a Coinbase account and complete basic account verification.
2. Enable the brokerage feature: In Settings or the main navigation, opt into "Stocks & ETFs" or the brokerage product and follow the activation flow to create your brokerage profile.
3. Complete enhanced verification: Provide identity details and any additional documents or consent required by the brokerage.
4. Fund the account: Link a U.S. bank account (ACH) or move USD/USDC to your brokerage balance if supported. Confirm that funds are available for trading (instant deposits may be limited and may incur fees).
5. Search for a symbol: Use the app search to find the stock or ETF (for example, large‑cap U.S. equities). Verify whether the symbol is supported and whether fractional trading is available.
6. Choose order type: Select market or limit order, specify quantity or dollar amount (for fractional shares), review estimated fees and execution terms.
7. Place the order: Confirm the trade. The app will show order status and execution details when the trade fills.
8. View holdings: Your new position appears in the portfolio alongside your crypto holdings. Remember settlement is T+2 and withdrawal rules differ between securities and crypto.

Note: If you wish to buy COIN (Coinbase the company), you need a brokerage that lists COIN on an exchange and offers that symbol; place a securities trade there as described by that broker’s flow.

Common confusions and distinctions

• Buying stocks on Coinbase vs buying COIN shares: "can i buy stocks on coinbase" often confuses two ideas. Buying stocks on Coinbase refers to using Coinbase’s brokerage product to buy U.S. stocks/ETFs. Buying COIN (the public company) requires a brokerage that supports COIN’s listing; COIN is a security traded on public markets and not a crypto token sold through Coinbase’s crypto deposit flow.

• Tokenized stocks vs traditional brokerage equity: Tokenized stocks (if offered in the future) would be blockchain tokens representing an underlying position or claim, potentially tradable 24/7 onchain. Traditional brokerage equities are recorded in brokerage ledgers and settle under market settlement conventions (T+2). Tokenized and traditional forms have different legal and custody implications.

• Unified UI does not mean unified protections: Seeing crypto and stocks in one app is convenient, but protections, custody, settlement, and legal rights differ. Crypto holdings may not be SIPC‑insured, while securities holdings in a broker account normally have SIPC coverage for missing assets up to limits.

Limitations, risks, and considerations

• Availability limits: The brokerage product’s initial availability is U.S.-only. Residents of excluded states or countries will not have access until regulatory approvals are secured.
• Fractional share limits: Fractional share trades may be subject to restrictions (e.g., only available during market hours for settlement purposes or unsupported for certain order types).
• Liquidity in extended hours: Extended‑hours trading can have wider spreads and lower liquidity. Prices in extended sessions may not reflect regular market hours.
• Custody differences: Crypto assets and securities are custodied under different legal frameworks. In a platform outage, access to one asset class may be unaffected while the other is impacted.
• Regulatory and compliance risk: Future tokenization features depend on regulatory clarity. Changes in policy or enforcement can affect product availability.
• Operational risk: Platform outages, identity verification delays, funding holds, and account freezes can happen. Read disclosures and monitor official support channels.

Always read the broker‑dealer disclosures and the platform’s help center before trading. Check for up‑to‑date regulatory and product notices.

Alternatives and comparisons

When choosing where to buy stocks, consider these comparison points:

• Fees and commissions: Zero‑commission models are common, but execution quality, spreads, and non‑trading fees matter.
• Asset coverage: Some brokers offer wider international access, margin, options, or advanced order types. Coinbase’s product focuses on U.S. equities and ETFs initially.
• Custody and protections: Confirm SIPC and FDIC protections and the custodian arrangements.
• Integration with crypto: Coinbase’s main advantage is a single app showing crypto and securities together. If you prefer unified UX and future tokenized features, that can be a benefit.
• Alternatives from Bitget: If you prefer a platform that prioritizes integrated crypto and Web3 continuity, consider Bitget for crypto services and Bitget Wallet for Web3 custody. For securities, use a regulated brokerage that lists the assets you need.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q: Is there a fee to buy stocks on Coinbase? A: Retail stock trades through Coinbase’s brokerage product are positioned as zero‑commission for standard orders; however, other non‑trading fees or funding fees may apply. Check the broker fee schedule and disclosures.

Q: Can I transfer my stocks off Coinbase? A: Transfer‑out policies depend on the brokerage custody arrangements. Most brokerages allow transfers to other brokerage firms using standard transfer mechanisms (e.g., ACATS in the U.S.), subject to transfer‑out fees and processing times. Review the brokerage transfer instructions.

Q: Are stocks on Coinbase SIPC‑protected? A: Securities held in a registered broker‑dealer account are generally covered by SIPC for missing securities and cash up to limits; crypto assets are not covered by SIPC. Confirm the exact protections in Coinbase’s brokerage disclosures.

Q: When will stocks be available in my country? A: International availability depends on local securities regulation and Coinbase’s licensing. As of June 10, 2025, the brokerage product was available to eligible U.S. residents. Monitor official Coinbase product updates for rollout announcements in additional jurisdictions.

Q: Can I use crypto directly to buy stocks on Coinbase? A: Generally no. Stock purchases are funded in USD (bank transfers, USD balances, or allowed stablecoins depending on product rules). Crypto must be converted to USD/USDC and transferred into the brokerage balance per the platform’s processes.

Q: What is a tokenized stock? A: A tokenized stock is a blockchain token that represents fractional or whole economic exposure to an underlying security. Tokenized stocks aim to enable onchain trading and composability but face regulatory, custody, and compliance requirements.

References and further reading

• As of June 10, 2025, according to Coinbase’s public product announcement, Coinbase began a staged rollout of a U.S. brokerage product offering stocks and ETFs. (Source: Coinbase product update/posting.)
• Coinbase’s corporate history and Nasdaq listing were publicly reported in 2021 when the company became publicly traded (COIN on Nasdaq).
• For the most current product terms, fees, custody details, and disclosures consult Coinbase’s official brokerage disclosure documents and help center as published by the company.
• Secondary coverage and industry summaries published by reputable financial press outlets provide additional context on tokenization, regulatory issues, and market impact; check primary and secondary sources for corroboration.

Note: All readers should verify dates and specific numeric metrics (market capitalization, daily trading volume, wallet growth) from primary filings, company press releases, and reputable market data providers. As of the product announcement timeframe in 2025, Coinbase’s public statements and broker disclosures provide the definitive product details.

Further steps and next actions

If you want to try a combined crypto and stock experience, confirm your eligibility and read the brokerage disclosures before enabling the feature. If you prefer to keep securities and crypto in separate legal silos, you can use a regulated securities broker for stocks and Bitget plus Bitget Wallet for crypto custody and Web3 access.

Want a unified Web3-first approach? Explore Bitget’s crypto services and Bitget Wallet for secure custody, and pair those with a regulated brokerage for securities until tokenized assets gain broader regulatory clarity.

Explore more practical guides, product comparisons, and up‑to‑date disclosures in the platform help center and official announcements.

Next step: If you’re in the U.S., check your Coinbase app settings to see if the brokerage feature is available to you. To manage crypto securely while exploring securities, consider Bitget Wallet for Web3 custody and a regulated broker for equities.