How to set up sub-accounts on Coinbase? Can permissions be managed separately?

To manage crypto for businesses or families, set up sub-accounts on Coinbase and customize permissions for trading, withdrawals, and feature access to meet specific needs.

May 16, 2025 at 07:50 pm

Setting up sub-accounts on Coinbase and managing their permissions separately can be a crucial aspect of managing cryptocurrency for businesses or families. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of creating sub-accounts on Coinbase and delve into how you can manage their permissions effectively.

Understanding Coinbase Sub-Accounts

Coinbase offers a feature called sub-accounts which allows users to create additional accounts under their main account. This is particularly useful for businesses that need to manage different departments or for families where individual members need their own accounts but under a centralized management system. Sub-accounts provide a way to allocate funds and manage permissions without having to create entirely separate accounts.

Steps to Create Sub-Accounts on Coinbase

To create sub-accounts on Coinbase, follow these detailed steps:

• Log into your Coinbase account: Use your credentials to access your main Coinbase account.

• Navigate to the Sub-Accounts Section: Once logged in, go to the Settings menu, and look for the Sub-Accounts tab. This is where you will manage all your sub-accounts.

• Create a New Sub-Account: Click on the Create Sub-Account button. You will be prompted to enter the name of the sub-account and any additional details required by Coinbase.

• Set Initial Permissions: When creating the sub-account, you will have the option to set initial permissions. These can include trading permissions, withdrawal limits, and access to different features of Coinbase.

• Confirm and Create: After filling out all the necessary information, confirm your choices and create the sub-account. You will receive a confirmation message and the new sub-account will appear in your list of sub-accounts.

Managing Permissions for Sub-Accounts

Managing permissions for sub-accounts is essential for maintaining control over the activities that can be performed within each account. Here's how you can manage permissions:

• Access the Sub-Accounts Section: Go back to the Sub-Accounts tab in the Settings menu.

• Select the Sub-Account: Click on the sub-account for which you want to manage permissions.

• Adjust Permissions: You will see a list of permissions that can be adjusted. These include:

  • Trading Permissions: You can choose which cryptocurrencies the sub-account can trade.
  • Withdrawal Limits: Set limits on how much can be withdrawn from the sub-account.
  • Access to Features: Enable or disable access to certain Coinbase features like staking or advanced trading.

• Save Changes: After making your adjustments, save the changes. The new permissions will take effect immediately.

Monitoring Sub-Account Activities

It's important to keep an eye on the activities within your sub-accounts to ensure they are being used as intended. Here’s how you can monitor them:

• Activity Log: Coinbase provides an Activity Log for each sub-account where you can see all transactions, trades, and withdrawals.

• Alerts and Notifications: Set up alerts and notifications for specific activities or thresholds within the sub-account to stay informed of any significant actions.

• Regular Reviews: Conduct regular reviews of the sub-account activities to ensure compliance with your set permissions and business or family needs.

Security Measures for Sub-Accounts

Ensuring the security of your sub-accounts is crucial. Here are some steps you can take:

• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Make sure that 2FA is enabled for both your main account and all sub-accounts.

• Use Strong Passwords: Each sub-account should have a strong, unique password.

• Limit Access: Only grant necessary permissions to sub-accounts and regularly review these permissions to ensure they are still appropriate.

• Monitor for Suspicious Activity: Keep an eye out for any unusual activity and report it to Coinbase immediately if you suspect any unauthorized access.

Customizing Sub-Accounts for Different Needs

Sub-accounts can be tailored to meet different needs within an organization or family. Here are some ways to customize them:

• Departmental Accounts: For businesses, you can create sub-accounts for different departments like Marketing, HR, or Finance, each with specific permissions related to their functions.

• Family Members: For families, you can create sub-accounts for each member, allowing them to manage their own cryptocurrencies while you maintain oversight and control.

• Project-Based Accounts: If you are running multiple projects, you can set up sub-accounts for each project, making it easier to track and manage funds allocated to different initiatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I transfer funds between sub-accounts on Coinbase?

A: Yes, you can transfer funds between sub-accounts. To do this, go to the Send/Receive section of your main account, select the sub-account you want to transfer from, and enter the details of the sub-account you want to transfer to.

Q: Is there a limit to the number of sub-accounts I can create on Coinbase?

A: Coinbase does not publicly disclose a specific limit on the number of sub-accounts you can create. However, it's best to contact Coinbase support for the most accurate information based on your account type and usage.

Q: Can sub-accounts on Coinbase have their own API keys?

A: Yes, sub-accounts can have their own API keys. You can generate these keys in the API section of the sub-account settings, allowing for more granular control over automated trading and other functions.

Q: How can I deactivate a sub-account on Coinbase?

A: To deactivate a sub-account, go to the Sub-Accounts section in your settings, select the sub-account you wish to deactivate, and choose the Deactivate option. Note that deactivation may not immediately remove the sub-account but will restrict its activities.