In which countries is Coinbase futures trading legal and available?

Coinbase Futures is available in select countries like the U.S., EU nations, Canada, Singapore, and Australia, but access depends on local regulations, identity verification, and risk assessments.

Jul 29, 2025 at 11:15 pm

Understanding Coinbase Futures Trading Legality

Coinbase Futures trading is not universally available and is restricted based on local regulations. The platform adheres strictly to financial laws in each jurisdiction it operates. In countries where derivatives trading is permitted under specific licensing frameworks, Coinbase may offer futures. Users must verify their eligibility by checking the Coinbase Futures availability map in their account dashboard or the official Coinbase website. Regulatory compliance determines whether a country appears on the list.

United States: Full Access with Conditions

In the United States, Coinbase Futures is fully operational but limited to eligible residents. Traders must complete KYC (Know Your Customer) verification, including identity and address checks. Eligibility also requires passing a risk assessment quiz. Users must reside in states where derivatives trading is permitted—currently excluding Hawaii and New York due to local restrictions. Access is granted only after passing all compliance steps.

• Complete identity verification using government-issued ID
• Submit proof of address (utility bill or bank statement)
• Pass a futures trading knowledge assessment
• Accept the Futures User Agreement
• Fund account with USD or approved crypto collateral

European Union: Limited Availability

Within the European Union, Coinbase Futures is available in select countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands. Each nation applies its own rules under MiFID II (Markets in Financial Instruments Directive). Traders must be classified as professional clients or retail clients with enhanced risk warnings. Leverage is capped at 2:1 for retail users in EU jurisdictions. The platform displays warnings before each trade to ensure informed decisions.

• Confirm professional or retail client status during onboarding
• Review and accept leverage restrictions per EU regulation
• Acknowledge risk disclosures before opening positions
• Use only EUR or BTC as collateral in supported regions
• Monitor margin requirements in real-time via the trading interface

Canada: Provincial Restrictions Apply

In Canada, Coinbase Futures is accessible in provinces such as Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta. Traders must be 18+ and complete enhanced identity checks. Each province regulates crypto derivatives differently—Alberta permits higher leverage than Quebec, for example. Users must select their province during registration to receive accurate terms. Trading halts if a user relocates to a non-supported province without updating their profile.

• Verify age and residency through government ID
• Select correct province to reflect local rules
• Agree to province-specific leverage limits
• Deposit CAD or BTC as margin collateral
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for account security

Asia-Pacific: Select Markets Only

Coinbase Futures is available in Singapore and Australia under strict licensing. In Singapore, users must be accredited investors or pass MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore) suitability checks. Australia limits access to those who meet ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission) criteria. Both countries require users to acknowledge high-risk disclaimers before trading. No access exists in Japan, South Korea, or India due to regulatory uncertainty or explicit bans.

• Upload proof of income or net worth for accreditation (Singapore)
• Complete ASIC’s CFD risk acknowledgment (Australia)
• Use SGD or AUD as base currency for margin
• Trade only during Asia-Pacific market hours
• Maintain minimum balance of 0.01 BTC or equivalent

How to Check Real-Time Availability

To confirm if Coinbase Futures is available in your location, log into your account and navigate to the Futures tab. If the feature is grayed out or hidden, your country is not supported. Alternatively, visit the official Coinbase Futures page and use the country selector tool. This tool updates in real time based on regulatory changes. Do not attempt to use a VPN to bypass restrictions—doing so may result in account suspension.

• Log in to Coinbase account
• Click “Trade” > “Futures”
• If unavailable, a message will state “Not available in your region”
• Visit Coinbase Futures and select your country
• Note any jurisdiction-specific warnings or requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Coinbase Pro for futures if my country isn’t listed?

No. Coinbase Pro and Coinbase Advanced Trade do not offer futures contracts. Futures are only available on the dedicated Coinbase Futures platform, and only in supported countries.

What happens if I move to a non-supported country after opening positions?

You must close all open positions immediately. Coinbase will restrict further trading and may liquidate positions if not closed within a specified time frame. Your account remains accessible for withdrawals.

Is there a waiting list for new countries?

Coinbase does not maintain a public waiting list. The company evaluates new markets based on regulatory readiness. Users can sign up for email alerts on the Futures page for updates.

Do I need a separate account for Coinbase Futures?

No. Futures access is enabled within your existing Coinbase account once eligibility is confirmed. No additional registration is required beyond completing the Futures onboarding steps.