Coinbase vs Coinbase Pro (GDAX) Comparison

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Coinbase vs. Coinbase Pro (GDAX) Comparison

As two of the world’s most popular ways to buy and sell cryptocurrency, many newcomers are eyeing Coinbase and GDAX as options to make their first crypto investment.

In this Coinbase Pro (GDAX) vs Coinbase comparison, we’ll show you the key differences and help you decide which is best for you.

Two Products from the Same Company

Coinbase and GDAX are two separate but connected products, owned by the same company.  Coinbase is geared towards retail consumers and cryptocurrency newcomers, while GDAX targets more hardcore traders.

(If you’re looking to learn more about the company, we recommend you read our Coinbase Review.)

GDAX is a full-fledged cryptocurrency exchange, allowing users to trade cryptocurrencies Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, as well as USD and EUR fiat currencies.  The platform works similarly to traditional stock and forex platforms.  Users can place a variety of orders, including:

  • Market Orders
  • Limit Orders
  • Stop Orders
  • Margin Orders

Deposits and withdrawals can be made using bank transfers or using cryptocurrencies.  You can also transfer funds between your GDAX and Coinbase accounts instantly.

GDAX Exchange Platform Review

Coinbase aims to make buying, selling, and storing cryptocurrency as easy as can be.  Rather than having to trade on an exchange, Coinbase allows you to buy Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin directly from them at a set price.  This price is typically very close to the current market price being traded on GDAX.

In addition to bank transfers and cryptocurrency deposits, Coinbase also allows you to use credit cards to make purchases.  They also allow users to make withdrawals using PayPal.

Coinbase Review of Platform

GDAX vs Coinbase: Key Differences

Key Details
Reviews GDAX Review Coinbase Review
Beginner Friendly
Buy/Deposit Methods Bank Transfer, Cryptocurrency Bank Transfer, Credit Cards, Cryptocurrency
Sell/Withdrawal Methods Bank Transfer, Cryptocurrency Bank Transfer, PayPal, Cryptocurrency
Available Cryptocurrencies Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin
Community Trust Great Great
Security Great Great
Customer Support Good Good
Fees ~.25% or less ~1.5% buying with bank transfer,

~4% buying with credit cards

Site Visit GDAX Visit Coinbase

Beginner Friendliness – It should come as no surprise that Coinbase is the more beginner friendly option, considering the company’s goals with these two platforms.

Deposit and Withdrawal Methods – As mentioned above, Coinbase offers additional payment methods, including credit card deposits and PayPal withdrawals.

Fees – GDAX shines when it comes to saving on fees.  Trading fees are typically .25% or less.  You can see the specifics on their fee structure page.

Coinbase charges ~1.5% when buying or selling via bank transfer and ~4% when using credit cards or PayPal.  Keep in mind that alternative payment methods will always have higher fees.  Coinbase actually offers some of the lowest credit card buy/sell fees in the industry.

Which Platform is Best For You?

Coinbase is the option for those of you looking for a simple way to buy and store Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Litecoin.

If you’re familiar with trading platforms or willing to learn to use them, GDAX is the option that can help you save on fees.

Both sites come from a trustworthy company, well respected in the cryptocurrency community.

More Coinbase Comparisons

More GDAX Comparisons

Legal Disclaimer

CoinCentral’s owners, writers, and/or guest post authors may or may not have a vested interest in any of the above projects and businesses. None of the content on CoinCentral is investment advice nor is it a replacement for advice from a certified financial planner.