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Bitpanda and Coinbase are two of the most prominent crypto exchanges in 2026, but they serve fundamentally different markets. Coinbase is a US-headquartered, NASDAQ-listed exchange (ticker: COIN) operating in 100+ countries with 275+ supported cryptocurrencies and 110M+ registered users. Bitpanda is a Vienna-based multi-asset platform now serving 7M+ users across Europe, offering 650+ crypto assets alongside 3,200+ total digital assets including stocks, ETFs, and precious metals. With a planned Frankfurt IPO at a $4.7–5.8 billion valuation in H1 2026, Bitpanda is positioning itself as Europe's answer to Coinbase. For most users, Coinbase wins on global reach and regulatory credibility, while Bitpanda wins on asset variety, lower pro-level trading fees, and multi-asset investing for European users.
| Feature | Bitpanda | Coinbase | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2014 (Vienna, Austria) | 2012 (San Francisco, USA) | — |
| Registered Users | 7M+ | 110M+ | Coinbase |
| Supported Cryptos | 650+ | 275+ | Bitpanda |
| Total Digital Assets | 3,200+ (crypto, stocks, ETFs, metals) | 275+ (crypto only) | Bitpanda |
| Pro Maker Fee | 0.10% | 0.60% | Bitpanda |
| Pro Taker Fee | 0.15% | 1.20% | Bitpanda |
| Global Availability | 40+ European countries + UK | 100+ countries | Coinbase |
| Regulation | MiCAR license (BaFin), FCA (UK), 16+ licenses | NASDAQ-listed, SEC-reporting, FinCEN, FCA | Coinbase |
| Public Company | IPO planned H1 2026 (Frankfurt, €4–5B valuation) | NASDAQ: COIN (since April 2021) | Coinbase |
| 2024 Revenue | €393M (doubled YoY, 30%+ EBITDA margin) | $6.6B (profitable) | Coinbase |
| Staking | Yes (select assets) | Yes (ETH 1.87%, SOL ~7%, ATOM ~15% APY) | Coinbase |
| Self-Custody Wallet | No | Yes (Coinbase Wallet) | Coinbase |
Key Takeaways
- Bitpanda offers 3,200+ digital assets including 650+ cryptocurrencies, fractional stocks, ETFs, and precious metals — making it Europe's most versatile multi-asset investment platform. Coinbase focuses exclusively on 275+ crypto assets.
- Bitpanda Pro charges 0.10% maker / 0.15% taker fees, up to 6× cheaper than Coinbase Advanced's 0.60% maker / 1.20% taker at the base tier. For a $10,000 trade, that's $10 on Bitpanda Pro vs $60–$120 on Coinbase Advanced.
- Bitpanda is preparing a Frankfurt IPO in H1 2026 at a €4–5 billion valuation with Goldman Sachs, Citigroup, and Deutsche Bank advising — putting it on track to rival Coinbase's public-market credibility.
- Coinbase operates in 100+ countries with a NASDAQ listing and is the only major exchange with SEC-reported financials. Bitpanda holds a MiCAR license from BaFin and FCA approval for the UK, but serves primarily European markets.
- For European investors wanting multi-asset exposure, Bitpanda is the clear winner. For global users and crypto-only traders, Coinbase offers unmatched reach and regulatory trust.
Platform Overview: Bitpanda vs Coinbase in 2026
Coinbase is one of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchanges, founded in 2012 and publicly traded on NASDAQ since April 2021 (ticker: COIN). With over 110 million registered users and $6.6 billion in 2024 revenue, Coinbase is the benchmark for regulated crypto trading in the US and globally. The platform provides spot trading, staking (ETH, SOL, ATOM, and more), a self-custody wallet (Coinbase Wallet), an NFT marketplace, and the Coinbase One subscription ($29.99/month) that offers zero-fee trading up to $10,000/month and boosted USDC rewards.
Bitpanda is an Austrian fintech platform founded in 2014 that has grown into Europe's leading multi-asset investment platform. Bitpanda reported €393 million in 2024 revenue — more than double the previous year — with an EBITDA margin exceeding 30%, marking record profitability. The platform now serves over 7 million users and offers 3,200+ digital assets: 650+ cryptocurrencies, fractional stocks, ETFs, precious metals (gold, silver, platinum, palladium), and commodity indices — all available starting from just €1. In January 2025, Bitpanda secured a MiCAR license from Germany's BaFin, and in February 2025, it received FCA approval for the UK market. The company has partnered with major financial institutions including Deutsche Bank, Raiffeisen Bank, N26, and LBBW through its white-label Bitpanda Technology Solutions platform.
In January 2026, Bloomberg reported that Bitpanda is preparing a Frankfurt Stock Exchange IPO in H1 2026, with Goldman Sachs, Citigroup, and Deutsche Bank advising on the offering at a target valuation of €4–5 billion ($4.7–5.8 billion). If successful, this would make Bitpanda the second major publicly traded crypto exchange in Europe alongside Coinbase's NASDAQ listing.
Fees Compared: Bitpanda vs Coinbase
Bitpanda is significantly cheaper than Coinbase for active traders. On Bitpanda's standard brokerage, fees range from 0.99% to 2.49% per trade depending on asset class. On Bitpanda Pro (the exchange), maker fees start at just 0.10% and taker fees at 0.15%, decreasing with higher 30-day volume — fees can drop as low as 0.05% for high-volume traders. BEST token holders receive additional fee discounts through the loyalty program.
Coinbase's fee structure has two tiers. Simple Trade charges a spread of approximately 0.50% plus a flat or percentage-based fee up to 3.99% depending on payment method and amount. Advanced Trade uses a maker/taker model starting at 0.60% maker and 1.20% taker for the base tier (under $1,000 monthly volume). At the $10K+ tier, fees drop to 0.25% maker / 0.40% taker. Coinbase One subscribers ($29.99/month) get zero trading fees up to $10,000 per month and additional benefits.
Real cost example: A $5,000 Bitcoin purchase on Bitpanda Pro costs approximately $5 in maker fees (0.10%). The same trade on Coinbase Advanced costs $30 in maker fees (0.60%) or $60 in taker fees (1.20%). Over 12 monthly purchases, that's $60 on Bitpanda vs $360–$720 on Coinbase — a savings of $300–$660 per year.
| Fee Type | Bitpanda | Coinbase | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Brokerage | 0.99%–2.49% | Up to 3.99% (Simple Trade) | Up to 60% cheaper |
| Maker Fee (Pro/Advanced) | 0.10% | 0.60% (base tier) | 6× cheaper |
| Taker Fee (Pro/Advanced) | 0.15% | 1.20% (base tier) | 8× cheaper |
| High-Volume Maker | 0.05% | 0.25% ($10K+ tier) | 5× cheaper |
| Deposit (Bank Transfer) | Free (SEPA) | Free (ACH/SEPA) | Tied |
| Deposit (Credit/Debit Card) | 1.5%+ | 3.99% | ~60% cheaper |
| Crypto Withdrawal | Network fee | Network fee | Tied |
| Subscription Plan | BEST loyalty tiers (fee discounts) | Coinbase One: $29.99/mo (zero fees up to $10K) | Depends on volume |
Supported Cryptocurrencies and Assets
Bitpanda supports over 650 cryptocurrencies and 3,200+ total digital assets as of early 2026, making it one of the most comprehensive investment platforms in Europe. Beyond crypto, Bitpanda offers derivative contracts that track over 3,000 stocks and ETFs, plus precious metals like gold, silver, platinum, and palladium — all available for fractional investment starting from just €1. This multi-asset approach means European investors can build a diversified portfolio of Bitcoin, Tesla shares, gold, and S&P 500 ETFs all from a single account.
Coinbase supports 275+ cryptocurrencies for trading, with over 470 digital assets available for custody through Coinbase Prime (its institutional platform). While Coinbase's crypto selection is smaller, the platform carefully vets each listing for quality, liquidity, and regulatory compliance. Coinbase does not offer stocks, ETFs, or commodities, keeping its focus exclusively on digital assets.
For investors who want a single platform covering crypto, stocks, and metals, Bitpanda is the clear winner. For crypto-focused traders who prefer a curated, high-quality selection with institutional-grade custody, Coinbase delivers.
Security and Regulation
Both Bitpanda and Coinbase are among the most heavily regulated crypto platforms globally, but they approach compliance from different angles based on their geographic focus.
Coinbase security: As a publicly traded company (NASDAQ: COIN), Coinbase undergoes quarterly SEC financial reporting and annual audits. The exchange stores approximately 98% of customer crypto in offline cold storage, uses AES-256 encryption, requires two-factor authentication (2FA), and maintains a crime insurance policy against internal theft and cybersecurity breaches. USD balances (up to $250,000) held in Coinbase accounts are covered by FDIC insurance through partner banks. Coinbase holds Money Transmitter Licenses in most US states, is registered with FinCEN, and is authorised by the FCA in the UK.
Bitpanda security: Bitpanda holds 16+ regulatory licenses across Europe, including a MiCAR license from Germany's BaFin (secured January 2025) — making it one of the first exchanges fully compliant with the EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation. In February 2025, Bitpanda secured FCA approval for the UK, opening access to one of the world's largest crypto markets. The platform uses robust cold storage, requires KYC verification for all users, implements mandatory waiting periods for withdrawals after fiat deposits, and has maintained a perfect security track record with zero reported hacks since 2014. Bitpanda's institutional partnerships with Deutsche Bank, Raiffeisen Bank, and N26 further validate its security and compliance standards.
| Security Feature | Bitpanda | Coinbase |
|---|---|---|
| Publicly Traded | IPO planned H1 2026 (Frankfurt) | Yes — NASDAQ: COIN (since 2021) |
| Primary Regulator | BaFin (Germany), FCA (UK) | SEC, FinCEN, FCA |
| EU MiCAR Compliance | Yes (among the first) | Pending |
| Total Licenses | 16+ | Multiple (state-by-state US + international) |
| Cold Storage | Majority of funds | ~98% of funds |
| Fiat Insurance | EU deposit protection (per banking partner) | FDIC up to $250K (USD via partner banks) |
| Security Track Record | Zero hacks since 2014 | Zero major breaches (minor incidents) |
| 2FA Required | Yes | Yes |
| Institutional Partners | Deutsche Bank, Raiffeisen, N26, LBBW | BlackRock, Fidelity, major institutions |
User Experience and Interface
Coinbase is widely regarded as the most beginner-friendly crypto exchange available. Its clean, minimalist interface guides new users through buying their first crypto in minutes. The mobile app consistently ranks among the top finance apps on both iOS and Android. Coinbase Advanced Trade provides a professional trading interface with candlestick charts, order books, TradingView integration, and advanced order types — all within the same app.
Bitpanda offers a similarly polished experience with a clean mobile app and web interface. The platform excels in making multi-asset investing seamless — switching between crypto, stocks, and metals feels native rather than bolted on. Bitpanda Pro provides an advanced trading view with limit orders, stop orders, and real-time order books. However, Bitpanda's interface can feel slightly more complex than Coinbase's due to the broader range of asset classes available.
For beginners who just want to buy Bitcoin, Coinbase is easier. For European investors who want stocks, crypto, and metals in one place, Bitpanda's unified experience is superior.
Staking and Earning
Coinbase supports staking for Ethereum (ETH at ~1.87% APY), Solana (SOL at ~7.05% APY), Cosmos (ATOM at ~15.25% APY), and several other proof-of-stake assets. Coinbase takes a commission of approximately 25–35% on staking rewards. Coinbase One subscribers earn boosted USDC rewards (currently around 3.5% APY) and can access higher yields through onchain lending.
Bitpanda offers staking on select assets, and its BEST (Bitpanda Ecosystem Token) loyalty program provides reduced fees and additional rewards. BEST holders who stake their tokens unlock tiered benefits including lower trading premiums, cashback on Bitpanda Card payments, and priority customer support. However, Bitpanda's staking selection is narrower than Coinbase's, and specific APY rates are less transparent.
| Asset | Coinbase APY | Bitpanda |
|---|---|---|
| Ethereum (ETH) | ~1.87% | Available (rate varies) |
| Solana (SOL) | ~7.05% | Not available |
| Cosmos (ATOM) | ~15.25% | Not available |
| USDC Yield | ~3.5% (Coinbase One) | Not available |
| BEST Token | N/A | Fee discounts + cashback tiers |
For staking variety and yield, Coinbase has the clear advantage. For loyalty-based rewards and fee savings, Bitpanda's BEST program is compelling. For a deeper dive into crypto earning options, see our guide to APR vs APY for crypto.
Payment Methods and Accessibility
Coinbase supports bank transfers (ACH in the US, SEPA in Europe), debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. US customers benefit from real-time settlement and instant cashouts to bank accounts. Coinbase operates in 100+ countries, making it one of the most globally accessible crypto exchanges.
Bitpanda accepts SEPA bank transfers (free), credit/debit cards, Skrill, Neteller, SOFORT, EPS, Giropay, and Bancontact — a strong selection of European-focused payment methods. Bank transfers typically process within 1–3 business days. Following FCA approval in February 2025, Bitpanda has expanded to the UK alongside its existing 40+ European markets — but remains unavailable in the US, Asia, or most non-European regions.
| Feature | Bitpanda | Coinbase |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Transfer | SEPA (free) | ACH (free), SEPA (free) |
| Credit/Debit Card | Yes (1.5%+) | Yes (3.99%) |
| PayPal | No | Yes |
| Apple Pay / Google Pay | No | Yes |
| Skrill / Neteller | Yes | No |
| SOFORT / Giropay | Yes | No |
| Countries | 40+ European + UK | 100+ globally |
| US Availability | No | Yes (full features) |
| UK Availability | Yes (FCA approved Feb 2025) | Yes (FCA authorised) |
Customer Support
Coinbase offers email support, a comprehensive help center, phone callback support for account lockouts, and an active presence on social media. Response times can vary, with some users reporting delays during high-traffic periods. Coinbase One subscribers get priority support with faster response times.
Bitpanda provides email-based support, a detailed helpdesk, and has invested in community engagement. European users often report faster response times compared to Coinbase, likely due to Bitpanda's smaller, more focused user base. Both platforms offer multi-language support, though Bitpanda's European language coverage is more comprehensive (German, French, Italian, Spanish, and more).
Advanced Trading Features
For experienced traders, both platforms offer professional-grade tools:
Coinbase Advanced Trade provides 350+ trading pairs, advanced order types (limit, stop-limit, trailing stop), real-time order books, TradingView charting integration, and API access for algorithmic trading. Coinbase also supports futures contracts in select markets and offers institutional services through Coinbase Prime.
Bitpanda Pro (Bitpanda Exchange) offers advanced order types including limit, stop, and market orders with real-time depth charts and order books. Maker fees start at 0.10% — among the lowest of any regulated European exchange. The API is well-documented and supports programmatic trading. However, Bitpanda does not offer futures or margin trading.
For a broader look at the best crypto exchanges for advanced trading, we've compiled a full comparison.
| Feature | Bitpanda | Coinbase |
|---|---|---|
| Spot Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Futures Trading | No | Yes (select markets) |
| Margin Trading | No | Yes (select markets) |
| Staking | Yes (select assets) | Yes (ETH, SOL, ATOM, more) |
| NFT Marketplace | No | Yes |
| Self-Custody Wallet | No | Yes (Coinbase Wallet) |
| Stocks & ETFs | Yes (3,000+ derivative contracts) | No |
| Precious Metals | Yes (gold, silver, platinum, palladium) | No |
| Savings Plans (DCA) | Yes | Yes (Recurring buys) |
| Crypto Debit Card | Yes (Bitpanda Card) | Yes (Coinbase Card) |
| White-Label (B2B) | Yes (Bitpanda Technology Solutions) | Yes (Coinbase Prime) |
| API Access | Yes | Yes |
Institutional and B2B Services
Both platforms have expanded beyond retail into institutional services, but with different approaches.
Bitpanda Technology Solutions is a white-label platform that allows banks and fintech companies to offer crypto trading under their own brand. Major partners include Deutsche Bank, Raiffeisen Bank, N26, and LBBW — some of Europe's largest financial institutions. This B2B model has been a key revenue driver, with Bitpanda estimating that it accounts for 59.6% of Austria's domestic crypto trading market (per EY's 2025 report).
Coinbase Prime serves institutional investors with custody, trading, financing, staking, and data solutions. Coinbase is also the custodian for several Bitcoin and Ethereum spot ETFs, including BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT). This institutional credibility is unmatched in the crypto industry.
Who Should Choose Bitpanda?
Bitpanda is the better choice if you are based in Europe (or the UK) and want a multi-asset investment platform. It is ideal for users who want to trade crypto, stocks, ETFs, and precious metals from a single account without needing multiple brokerages. Active traders will benefit from Bitpanda Pro's maker/taker fees starting at 0.10%/0.15% — up to 8× cheaper than Coinbase. The MiCAR license and upcoming Frankfurt IPO provide strong regulatory assurance for EU-based investors who value transparency.
Who Should Choose Coinbase?
Coinbase is the better choice for beginners, US-based users, and anyone who values a publicly traded and heavily regulated platform with a proven track record. Its global availability (100+ countries), intuitive interface, staking support (ETH, SOL, ATOM, and more), and Coinbase One subscription make it the most versatile crypto-focused exchange. The self-custody Coinbase Wallet, NFT marketplace, and institutional custody services add extra functionality for crypto-native users.
Alternatives to Consider
If neither Bitpanda nor Coinbase fully meets your needs, consider these alternatives:
- Kraken — Low fees (0.16% maker / 0.26% taker), 580+ cryptos, advanced trading features including futures and margin. Available in 190+ countries. See our Kraken vs Binance comparison.
- Bitstamp — One of the longest-running exchanges (founded 2011), known for reliability, low fees, and strong EU regulation.
- Binance — The world's largest exchange by volume with 350+ cryptos and the lowest fees (0.10% base). See our Coinbase vs Binance comparison.
- eToro — Social trading platform offering crypto alongside stocks and ETFs, with copy-trading features ideal for beginners.
- Gemini — US-regulated exchange with strong security (SOC 1 and SOC 2 certified) and a Gemini credit card with 3% crypto back. See our Coinbase vs Gemini comparison.
| Platform | Maker Fee | Cryptos | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bitpanda | 0.10% | 650+ | European multi-asset investors |
| Coinbase | 0.60% | 275+ | Beginners, US users, global reach |
| Kraken | 0.16% | 580+ | Advanced traders, staking |
| Binance | 0.10% | 350+ | High volume, lowest fees |
| eToro | 1.00% | 100+ | Social/copy trading |
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Fees (Brokerage) | Bitpanda | 0.99%–2.49% vs up to 3.99% on Coinbase Simple |
| Fees (Pro/Advanced) | Bitpanda | 0.10% maker vs 0.60% maker — 6× cheaper |
| Crypto Selection | Bitpanda | 650+ cryptos vs 275+ on Coinbase |
| Multi-Asset Investing | Bitpanda | 3,200+ assets including stocks, ETFs, metals — Coinbase is crypto-only |
| Global Availability | Coinbase | 100+ countries vs 40+ European countries + UK |
| Beginner Friendliness | Coinbase | Widely considered the easiest crypto platform to use |
| Security & Regulation | Coinbase | NASDAQ-listed, SEC-reporting, FDIC on USD via partner banks |
| EU Regulation (MiCAR) | Bitpanda | Among the first MiCAR-licensed exchanges; 16+ licenses |
| Staking & Earning | Coinbase | More staking assets with transparent APY rates |
| Advanced Trading | Tie | Bitpanda cheaper fees; Coinbase more pairs + futures |
| Institutional/B2B | Tie | Bitpanda white-label for banks; Coinbase ETF custody |
| Revenue & Growth | Coinbase | $6.6B revenue vs €393M — but Bitpanda doubled YoY |
Final Verdict: Bitpanda vs Coinbase
Choosing between Bitpanda and Coinbase comes down to where you live and what you want to invest in. Bitpanda is the stronger platform for European and UK users who want multi-asset exposure (crypto, stocks, metals) and significantly lower trading fees through Bitpanda Pro. With its upcoming Frankfurt IPO, MiCAR compliance, and partnerships with major European banks, Bitpanda is rapidly building the kind of institutional credibility that Coinbase has long enjoyed.
Coinbase remains the safer pick for global users, beginners, and anyone who prioritizes regulatory transparency from a publicly traded company with $6.6 billion in annual revenue. Its staking program, self-custody wallet, and 100+ country availability are unmatched.
Both platforms are well-regulated, secure, and beginner-friendly. If you're in Europe and want the broadest investment options at the lowest fees, go with Bitpanda. If you want the most trusted name in crypto with global reach, choose Coinbase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Bitpanda or Coinbase?
It depends on your location and investment goals. Bitpanda is better for European and UK users who want multi-asset investing (650+ cryptos, stocks, ETFs, precious metals) and lower pro-level trading fees starting at 0.10% maker. Coinbase is better for global users, beginners, and those who value a NASDAQ-listed, publicly audited platform with 110M+ users. For pure crypto trading outside Europe, Coinbase wins on reach and staking variety.
Is Bitpanda cheaper than Coinbase?
Yes, Bitpanda is significantly cheaper for most trading scenarios. Bitpanda Pro charges 0.10% maker / 0.15% taker, while Coinbase Advanced starts at 0.60% maker / 1.20% taker — making Bitpanda 6–8× cheaper at the base tier. On a $5,000 trade, you'd pay $5 on Bitpanda Pro vs $30–$60 on Coinbase Advanced. However, Coinbase One ($29.99/month) offers zero-fee trading up to $10,000/month, which may be cheaper for casual buyers making fewer than 3 trades monthly.
Is Bitpanda safe to use in 2026?
Yes, Bitpanda is one of the safest crypto platforms in Europe. It holds 16+ regulatory licenses including a MiCAR license from Germany's BaFin (January 2025) and FCA approval for the UK (February 2025). The platform has maintained a perfect security record with zero hacks since 2014, partners with major banks (Deutsche Bank, Raiffeisen, N26), and is preparing a Frankfurt IPO at a €4–5 billion valuation with Goldman Sachs advising — indicating strong institutional confidence.
Can I use Bitpanda in the United States?
No. Bitpanda is exclusively available in European countries and the UK. It does not serve US customers. If you're based in the US, Coinbase is the top option, along with alternatives like Kraken or Gemini.
Is Bitpanda going public? When is the Bitpanda IPO?
Yes. In January 2026, Bloomberg reported that Bitpanda is preparing a Frankfurt Stock Exchange IPO in the first half of 2026, targeting a valuation of €4–5 billion ($4.7–5.8 billion). Goldman Sachs, Citigroup, and Deutsche Bank have been hired to arrange the offering. A Q1 2026 listing is reportedly possible. If successful, Bitpanda would become the second major publicly traded crypto exchange alongside Coinbase (NASDAQ: COIN).
Does Bitpanda offer stocks and ETFs?
Yes. Bitpanda offers derivative contracts tracking over 3,000 stocks and ETFs, available for fractional investment starting from €1. These are synthetic instruments that track real-time prices rather than direct share ownership. Coinbase does not offer stock or ETF trading, making Bitpanda the only option for combined crypto and stock investing in a single platform.
Which has more cryptocurrencies, Bitpanda or Coinbase?
Bitpanda supports over 650 cryptocurrencies, while Coinbase offers around 275+. Bitpanda has the larger selection by a wide margin. Both platforms support all major cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and Cardano. Coinbase's listings tend to be more carefully vetted, while Bitpanda offers broader access to smaller altcoins.
Does Coinbase offer staking?
Yes. Coinbase supports staking for Ethereum (ETH at ~1.87% APY), Solana (SOL at ~7.05% APY), Cosmos (ATOM at ~15.25% APY), and other proof-of-stake assets. Coinbase takes a 25–35% commission on staking rewards. Coinbase One subscribers ($29.99/month) earn boosted USDC rewards of approximately 3.5% APY and access additional yield products.
Can I transfer crypto between Bitpanda and Coinbase?
Yes. Both platforms support crypto deposits and withdrawals. You can send Bitcoin, Ethereum, or any mutually supported cryptocurrency from your Bitpanda wallet to your Coinbase wallet (or vice versa) using the recipient's wallet address. Standard network fees apply to all withdrawals. Transfers typically complete within minutes depending on network congestion.
