Uphold vs Coinbase: Lowest Fee Exchange in the USA 2024

Choosing out of all the available crypto exchange platforms is not simple, especially for complete beginners to crypto trading. For this purpose, here is a detailed comparison of two major crypto exchanges- Uphold vs Coinbase.

Table of Contents

Summary

Feature	Uphold	Coinbase
Launch Date	2015	2012
Base Audience	USA	USA
Fees	Spread is 0.8 to 1.2% on BTC and ETH in the US	0.00% to 0.50%
Currencies	69	100+
Maximum Trading Amount	No limit	No limit
Mobile support	Android/iOS	Android/iOS
To learn more, read	Uphold Card Review	Coinbase Review

Uphold vs Coinbase: Products

Uphold

Uphold allows users to exchange cryptocurrencies. In simpler words, investors can trade their commodities with crypto and vice versa. In terms of the products of Uphold, there is an Uphold debit card that is still in progress. With this, users can trade their assets anywhere. Moreover, on Uphold, users can also trade non-crypto assets and can automate their trades.

VISIT UPHOLD

Coinbase

This platform has a brokerage model type of structure in terms of crypto purchase and sales. This is an essential service and the first of its kind in the market. However, the cost for the service is more compared to other exchange platforms.

Further, Coinbase offers a Coinbase debit card, which was made available in 2019. With this, users can manage transactions of their portfolio assets more quickly. Besides these, the platform delivers a Pro version and Coinbase Wallet. Moreover, users can also earn up to 4% APY.

VISIT COINBASE

Verdict:

When it comes to products, Coinbase as a platform offers more benefits and varieties to users.

Uphold vs Coinbase: Wallets

Both Uphold and Coinbase offer their wallet versions.

Uphold wallet

This is a multi-asset platform in essence, and its digital wallet allows users to store, convert, and trade the crypto assets they own. It is simple to access and use the Uphold wallet to send crypto assets and exchange directly through the wallet.

The platform utilizes a 100% redundancy model with a 1:1 subsidy on all digital assets of users. This is a type of hot wallet that was launched in 2015.

Coinbase Wallet

Coinbase launched its hot wallet version in 2018. Users do not need to have a Coinbase account specifically to access and use the Coinbase Wallet.

Instead, they can simply choose and begin trading their tokens and coins securely. Moreover, the Coinbase wallet is available for both iOS and Android devices.

Also Read: Coinbase vs Cex.io: Best Exchange in the USA

Uphold vs Coinbase: Fees

There are notable differences in fee structure when it comes to Coinbase and Uphold. To note, the fee breakdown in Coinbase Pro is on a different level.

We are considering Coinbase services in the basic brokerage model format primarily here for better understanding and standard level comparison.

Coinbase Fees

On average, the fees for Coinbase services range in the rates of 1.49-3.99%, in terms of flat fee and PayPal/credit card purchases, respectively.

Coinbase users can expect less costly options for their payments with the Coinbase Pro version, though, with a maker-taker model that results in a fee rate of 0-0.50%.

Uphold Fees

Uphold, on the other hand, provides a fee range of 0.65-3.95% on currencies and commodities. Users of Uphold can buy different types of assets while incurring a bank account fee or ACH withdrawal fee. To note, people still have to pay approximately 3.99% for credit card transactions with crypto transfers.

Overall, its price spread is more expanded, with a 0.8% average rate. Plus, users are liable to pay network fees and Uphold withdrawal fees during their crypto trading activities. Upholds follows this price spread:

Altcoins– Low-liquidity tokens and cryptos have a higher spread, like DOGE, Ripple (XRP), Universal Protocol Token (UPT), Orchid (OXT), and Zilliqa (ZIL).
BTC/ETH– Price spread of 0.8-1.2% for Europe and the U.S. and 1.8% for other countries.
Fiat– 0.2% price spread for significant fiat currencies like GBP, USD, and EUR.
Metals– Additional 3% charge on the bid-ask costs.
U.S. Equities– Generally, the price spread is 1.0%; however, this rate can shift during the after-market trading hours.

The Coinbase vs Uphold Fees is given below in tabular form for an easier understanding.

Fees	Coinbase	Uphold
Bank A/C	1.49%	Free
Debit/Credit	3.99%	3.99%
Crypto Withdrawal to Wallet	Free	$2.99
Deposit to wallet	1.49%
ACH Transfer	Free	Free
Crypto Conversion	Upto 0.50%	Upto 2% Spread
Wire Transfer	$25 withdrawal; $10 deposit	Free transfer over $5,000; $20 for deposit under $5,000Free for withdrawal

Verdict:

Therefore, comparatively, the fee structure of Coinbase surpasses that of Uphold in terms of user benefit, although Coinbase Pro is even better.

Uphold vs Coinbase: Crypto-assets

The next point we are covering is the crypto assets available in relation to both Uphold and Coinbase individually.

Uphold Crypto

The number of cryptocurrencies available on Uphold is not very high for users. There are only 60 coin types that are acceptable on this platform for trading purposes.

It does not work with other platforms like Binance but can incorporate and work with its own cryptocurrencies. Therefore, users get a wide market to trade as well as store their funds properly.

Besides that, Uphold allows trading four types of precious metals like palladium, silver, gold, and platinum. Additionally, it can work with two types of carbon credit tokens called Bitcoin Zero (BTC0) and Universal Carbon (UPCO2) and many fiat currencies.

Also Read: Top 7 Coinbase Alternatives

Coinbase

Early on, Coinbase only allowed the trade of Bitcoin (BTC). But currently, it enables the trading of over 60 cryptos and stable coins. However, compared to many other platforms in the market, the number of currencies Coinbase supports is still not very high.

The verdict:

Overall, Uphold does have fewer types of cryptocurrencies to trade, but users can buy different types of stocks, metals, etc. However, a choice of 60 coins only is not sufficient for most crypto traders. In comparison, Coinbase has a better range of currencies for trading.

Uphold vs Coinbase: Security

In terms of security, Coinbase, as well as Uphold, hold registration under the U.S.A. Federation. Moreover, both parties are equally responsible for completing and filing their reports with the authorities to meet the legal standards.

Both the platforms make an effort to improve the quality of user experience for their clients. So, in terms of differences, you would only notice any in terms of the type of security features they specialize in.

Is Uphold Safe?

Yes, Uphold is safe to use. On uphold, users would find robust encryption protection in place for connection security. Besides that, the platform does deliver a two-factor authentication solution for better safety for users with their financial account management and transactions. The software integrated into the app supplies a unique 6-figure code to users, which they get on their registered number.

Is Coinbase Safe?

Yes, Coinbase is safe and secure. The security features on Coinbase are strong as well, with both of the two-factor authentication and encryption protection benefits available here. Plus, users can safely, transfer their digital assets and cryptos to their wallets with secure protection. Again, this is accessible to the users directly.

Also Read: KuCoin Review | Is it Safe or Legit?

Uphold vs Coinbase: Customer Support

The following are the main differences between Uphold and Coinbase in terms of the support they provide to their consumers.

Uphold Customer Support

Uphold has a user-friendly structure that makes it easy for users to navigate the platforms and utilize all resources. In addition, the platform has a ticketing system type of customer support.

To note, you would need to have some experience to utilize the advanced transaction types, like metals and stock trading.

However, with support available from trained experts, you can manage this well. Moreover, you would also get the chance to trade different crypto assets in each other’s place through the one-step trading feature.

Uphold Customer Support — Uphold Customer support

Coinbase Customer Support

The usability of Coinbase is very notable for different users of the platform and is one of the main reasons for its higher customer base. Features that the customers enjoy are the simplified sign-up process and customer support benefits, and information available to all.

Users get access to email support 24×7 here. Plus, there are chat benefits available, but the timeline follows U.S. hours regarding the availability of support staff.

Coinbase Customer Support — Coinbase Customer support

Verdict:

Both Coinbase and Uphold have Twitter and email support. However, in terms of information, Uphold only provides data on the platform and its features. Plus, they also offer articles that are useful for new traders in cryptocurrency.

Coinbase, on the other hand, gives a more expansive knowledge base with diverse types of information and articles available.

Uphold vs Coinbase: Mobile application

Both Uphold and Coinbase offer their mobile app versions to their users in terms of mobile applications. In addition, their apps are available with both iOS and Android support and provide multiple benefits accessible through the web version. Neither the Coinbase app nor Uphold app offer advanced charting solutions, though.

Verdict:

In the context of which is better, Coinbase has a more mature app structure. The navigations here are simple, and users notice fewer bugs. Plus, Coinbase offers two apps as Coinbase Pro and Coinbase Wallet. So, consumers get more value with Coinbase.