How to create a Coinbase account? (Sign up guide)

Account Registration Process

1. Navigate to the official Coinbase website or launch the Coinbase mobile application on iOS or Android.

2. Click or tap the Sign Up button located prominently on the homepage.

3. Enter a valid email address, create a strong password, and confirm your age by selecting “I am over 18”.

4. Complete the CAPTCHA challenge to verify you are not a bot.

5. Click Continue to proceed to the next stage of identity verification.

Email Verification Steps

1. Check your inbox for a message from Coinbase with the subject line “Verify your email address”.

2. Open the email and click the Verify Email Address button.

3. If the link expires, return to the Coinbase login page and select “Resend verification email”.

4. After successful verification, the system redirects you to the dashboard or prompts further onboarding steps.

5. Do not skip this step—unverified emails restrict wallet creation and deposit functionality.

Identity Verification Requirements

1. Provide your full legal name exactly as it appears on government-issued identification.

2. Upload a clear, well-lit photo of a valid ID such as a passport, driver’s license, or national ID card.

3. Take a real-time selfie using your device’s camera to match the face on the submitted document.

4. Confirm your residential address by entering the street name, city, state, and ZIP code—this must align with utility bills or bank statements.

5. Wait for automated review; most verifications complete within minutes, though some may require manual inspection taking up to 48 hours.

Two-Factor Authentication Setup

1. Once logged in, go to Settings > Security > Two-Step Verification.

2. Choose between SMS, authenticator app (like Google Authenticator or Authy), or security key.

3. If using an authenticator app, scan the QR code displayed on screen with the app.

4. Enter the six-digit code generated by the app to confirm activation.

5. Store your recovery codes offline—these are essential if you lose access to your second factor.

Funding Your First Wallet

1. From the dashboard, click Buy or select “Add funds” under your USD wallet.

2. Link a verified bank account via ACH transfer or add a debit card for instant purchases.

3. Enter the amount you wish to deposit and confirm the transaction using your 2FA method.

4. Bank transfers typically settle in 1–3 business days; debit card purchases reflect immediately but incur higher fees.

5. After funding completes, you may initiate your first cryptocurrency purchase—Bitcoin, Ethereum, or any supported asset.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I sign up for Coinbase without providing my Social Security Number?A: U.S. residents must provide their SSN during identity verification to comply with KYC and anti-money laundering regulations. International users submit equivalent national identifiers.

Q: What happens if my ID upload fails multiple times?A: Ensure lighting is even, all corners are visible, no glare obstructs text, and the document is unexpired. Avoid using screenshots or edited images—only original scans or photos accepted.

Q: Is it possible to have more than one Coinbase account with the same email?A: No. Each email address can only be associated with a single active Coinbase account. Duplicate accounts risk suspension under platform policy.

Q: Why does Coinbase ask for my occupation and source of funds?A: This information supports regulatory compliance, helps assess risk profiles, and ensures transactions align with declared financial behavior—standard practice across licensed digital asset platforms.