Why is my Coinbase futures account under review?

What Triggers a Coinbase Futures Account Review?

If your Coinbase Futures account is under review, it typically means that the platform has flagged your account for potential compliance or security reasons. Coinbase employs automated systems and manual checks to monitor trading behavior, deposit/withdrawal patterns, and identity verification status. Common triggers include sudden spikes in trading volume, large deposits from unfamiliar sources, or discrepancies in KYC (Know Your Customer) documentation. These reviews are standard practice across regulated exchanges to ensure adherence to anti-money laundering (AML) laws and to protect both the platform and its users.

How to Check the Status of Your Review

To determine why your account is under review, log into your Coinbase account and navigate to the 'Support' or 'Help Center' section. Look for any notifications or banners at the top of your dashboard—these often contain specific details. If no message appears, go to the 'Verification' tab under your profile settings. Here, you may see a red or yellow alert indicating what’s pending. Do not attempt to bypass this step, as doing so may prolong the review or result in a permanent restriction.

Steps to Resolve the Review Promptly

• Ensure your government-issued ID matches the name on your account exactly. Even minor mismatches (e.g., “Robert” vs. “Rob”) can cause delays.
• Upload a recent utility bill or bank statement showing your current address if prompted for proof of residence.
• If you’ve recently changed devices or locations, Coinbase may request a selfie holding your ID for liveness verification—follow the on-screen prompts carefully.
• Avoid submitting duplicate documents unless explicitly asked—this can confuse the system and extend processing time.
• Respond only through official Coinbase support channels—never via email links or third-party messages, which could be phishing attempts.

  Why Trading Is Suspended During the Review

  Coinbase suspends futures trading access during reviews to prevent potential misuse or unauthorized activity. This is not a penalty—it’s a protective measure. Futures contracts involve leverage, which increases risk for both the user and the exchange. If your account is flagged for unusual activity, such as rapid opening and closing of leveraged positions, Coinbase must verify that the behavior aligns with your risk profile and compliance history. Until cleared, you’ll see a message like “Trading disabled due to verification hold” in the Futures tab.

  How Long Does the Review Typically Take?

  Most reviews are resolved within 24 to 72 hours, assuming all submitted documents are clear and match your account information. Delays occur when:
• Documents are blurry, expired, or cropped incorrectly.
• You submit files in unsupported formats (e.g., .HEIC instead of .PDF or .JPG).
• There’s a mismatch between your ID and the email/phone number linked to the account.
• Coinbase needs to manually review complex cases, such as international transfers or corporate accounts.Check your email inbox—including spam folder—for messages from no-reply@coinbase.com, as updates are often sent there.

  Frequently Asked Questions

  Can I still withdraw funds from my Coinbase Futures account while it’s under review?Yes, in most cases, you can still transfer funds from your Futures wallet to your main Coinbase wallet or external wallets. However, if the review is related to suspicious deposits or AML concerns, all fund movements—including withdrawals—may be frozen temporarily. Always check the specific reason in your Support Center for accurate details.

  Will this review affect my spot trading account?Not necessarily. Coinbase treats Futures and Spot accounts separately. If the review is specific to Futures activity (e.g., margin trading patterns), your Spot account should remain unaffected. But if the issue is identity-related (e.g., expired ID), both accounts may be restricted until verification is complete.

  What if I didn’t initiate any unusual activity but still got flagged?Coinbase’s systems sometimes flag accounts based on IP changes, new device logins, or even shared network usage (like public Wi-Fi). This is normal and not an accusation. Simply complete the requested verification steps—no explanation of your activity is needed unless specifically asked.

  Is there a way to contact Coinbase support directly for faster resolution?Coinbase does not offer phone support for account reviews. Use the in-app chat or submit a ticket via the Help Center. Priority support is only available to Advanced and Institutional users, so standard users must rely on the ticket system. Avoid creating multiple tickets—this slows down resolution.