How to send a gift of crypto using Coinbase?

Accessing the Gift Feature on Coinbase

1. Log into your Coinbase account via the official website or the mobile app.

2. Navigate to the “Send” section, which appears under the main navigation menu or dashboard quick actions.

3. Select the cryptocurrency you wish to gift—options include Bitcoin, Ethereum, and select ERC-20 tokens supported for gifting.

4. Enter the recipient’s email address or their Coinbase username; the platform will verify eligibility before proceeding.

5. Confirm that the recipient has a verified Coinbase account or is eligible to create one upon redemption.

Setting the Gift Amount and Message

1. Input the exact amount of crypto you want to send—this can be specified in fiat currency or native token units.

2. Choose whether to display the fiat equivalent value at time of sending or lock it to the crypto amount only.

3. Add a personalized message visible to the recipient upon claiming the gift—this field supports up to 200 characters.

4. Review the network fee associated with the transfer; Coinbase covers this cost for standard gift transactions.

5. Confirm the transaction using your two-factor authentication method or biometric verification.

Recipient Claim Process

1. The recipient receives an email notification containing a secure link to claim the gift.

2. If they do not yet have a Coinbase account, they must complete identity verification during sign-up to access funds.

3. Once logged in, the gifted crypto appears instantly in their Spot Wallet without delay.

4. No manual wallet address entry is required—the entire flow is handled through Coinbase’s custodial infrastructure.

5. Unclaimed gifts expire after 30 days; the sender receives an email alert if expiration approaches.

Security and Compliance Considerations

1. All crypto gifts are subject to Coinbase’s AML/KYC policies—senders must maintain verified status at Tier 2 or higher.

2. Gifts cannot be sent to sanctioned jurisdictions including North Korea, Iran, Syria, Crimea region, and certain entities listed by OFAC.

3. Transaction history for gifts is permanently recorded in the sender’s Activity Feed with timestamps and hash references.

4. Recipients cannot reverse or refund a claimed gift—funds become fully controllable upon wallet deposit.

5. Coinbase does not permit gifting of wrapped tokens, staked assets, or non-native chain assets such as Bitcoin on Ethereum L2s.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I send a crypto gift to someone who uses a different exchange?A: No. Gifts sent via Coinbase can only be claimed by recipients with active Coinbase accounts. External wallet addresses are not supported for this feature.

Q: Is there a minimum or maximum amount for crypto gifting?A: Yes. Minimums vary per asset—for example, 0.001 BTC or $1.00 USD equivalent. Maximums depend on your account verification level and regional regulations.

Q: What happens if the recipient ignores the gift email?A: The gift remains pending for 30 days. After expiration, funds are automatically returned to the sender’s available balance.

Q: Are crypto gifts taxable events for either party?A: Yes. In many jurisdictions, sending a gift may trigger a taxable disposal event for the sender. Recipients may owe taxes upon sale or exchange. Consult a licensed tax professional for jurisdiction-specific guidance.