Why has my Coinbase purchase limit been reduced? How can I increase it?

Coinbase may reduce purchase limits due to account verification changes, unusual activity, or regulatory compliance. Complete verification, link a bank account, and contact support to potentially increase your limit.

Jun 13, 2025 at 10:02 am

Understanding Coinbase Purchase Limit Reduction

If you've noticed that your Coinbase purchase limit has been reduced, there are several potential reasons behind this change. One of the most common causes is a shift in your account verification status or recent activity that triggered Coinbase's automated risk assessment system. Coinbase uses algorithms and compliance protocols to manage user accounts, especially in response to regulatory requirements.

Another reason could be related to unusual transaction patterns on your account. For instance, if you recently made large transactions or changed your login location, the platform may temporarily lower your limits as a precautionary measure. Additionally, incomplete identity verification can result in reduced access to higher transaction amounts.

Important:

Always check your email for notifications from Coinbase, as they often send alerts explaining why certain actions were taken on your account.

How Does Coinbase Determine Purchase Limits?

Coinbase assigns purchase limits based on a variety of factors including:

• Account verification level
• Payment method used
• Historical transaction behavior
• Geographic location

New users typically start with low limits to prevent fraud and comply with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations. As you complete more verification steps — such as submitting government-issued ID, proof of address, or linking a bank account — your limits generally increase.

Note:

Different payment methods come with different limits. For example, ACH transfers usually offer higher limits than credit cards.

Steps to Increase Your Coinbase Purchase Limit

If you want to raise your current purchase cap, follow these detailed steps:

• Complete Identity Verification: Upload a valid photo ID and ensure all information matches what Coinbase has on file.
• Add Additional Verification Information: This includes providing your Social Security Number (for U.S. users) or tax ID equivalent.
• Link a Verified Bank Account: Doing so adds another layer of trust and often unlocks higher limits.
• Use Coinbase Regularly: Consistent and responsible use of your account over time signals reliability.
• Update Device and Location Settings: Ensure your login history reflects familiar devices and locations to avoid triggering security measures.

After completing these steps, wait 24–48 hours before checking your updated limits.

Contacting Coinbase Support for Limit Increases

If you’ve completed all available verification steps and still see low limits, contacting Coinbase customer support may help. You can do this directly through the app or website by navigating to the Help section.

Here’s how to submit a support request effectively:

• Log into your Coinbase account
• Go to the Help Center
• Search for “purchase limit” or “increase limit”
• Select the option to contact support
• Provide any requested documentation
• Clearly state your case and include any relevant context

While some cases are automatically resolved, others may require manual review. Be prepared to wait up to several business days for a response.

Tip:

Always keep your communication polite and concise when reaching out to support teams.

Other Factors That Influence Purchase Limits

There are other less obvious but important elements that influence your purchase limits:

• KYC Policy Changes: Regulatory updates can cause platforms like Coinbase to adjust their Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures, which may affect your account.
• Security Alerts: If your account had a recent suspicious login attempt or unauthorized access, Coinbase might reduce your limits until the situation is cleared.
• Market Volatility: During high volatility periods, exchanges sometimes restrict trading or purchasing capabilities to mitigate risks.

You can monitor these changes via your account dashboard or by reviewing official announcements on Coinbase’s blog or social media channels.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I bypass Coinbase purchase limits using multiple accounts?

No, creating multiple accounts to circumvent purchase limits violates Coinbase’s terms of service and may lead to permanent account suspension.

2. Do purchase limits reset after a specific period?

Yes, some limits — especially daily or weekly caps — do reset based on your local time zone. However, permanent reductions due to verification issues will not reset unless resolved.

3. Will increasing my verification level instantly raise my limits?

Not always. While completing additional verification steps improves your standing, it may take up to two business days for the system to reflect the updated limits.

4. Why do my limits differ between the Coinbase app and website?

Limits should remain consistent across both platforms. If you notice discrepancies, clear your browser cache or update the app to ensure you're viewing the latest data.