Cryptocurrency has become an increasingly popular way to make financial transactions in recent years, thanks to its decentralized nature and the security offered by blockchain technology. As more and more people adopt cryptocurrency, platforms like Coinbase and Paypal have emerged as popular options for buying and selling digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. Read on, as we review Paypal crypto fees vs Coinbase fees.
One of the biggest factors that can impact the profitability of cryptocurrency transaction is the fees charged by the platform. In this article, we will compare the fees charged by Coinbase and Paypal for buying and selling cryptocurrency and discuss how Coinbase’s low fees are making it a game-changer in the world of digital currencies.
What Is Paypal?
Paypal is an online payment platform that allows users to pay for goods and services, send money, and receive payments. It has been around since 1998 and is one of the most popular online payment methods.
Previously, PayPal didn’t support crypto transactions, which meant that the only way users could buy or sell cryptocurrencies was by sending fiat currencies to the receiver’s account. In turn, the seller could send the crypto to your wallet. This meant that Paypal was only a mode of payment supporting fiat currencies.
However, in March 2021, Paypal announced that it would have a Checkout With Crypto feature that allowed PayPal users to pay with cryptocurrencies. This was in response to increased public demand on the payment processer to enable them to purchase with crypto. Customers can transfer the supported coins to Paypal or an external wallet on the site. They can send crypto to online crypto wallets, hardware wallets, or other PayPal users.
As with any payment system they have to charge a transaction fee to cover their costs. The question then becomes what are the Paypal crypto fees vs Coinbase fees.
How To Send And Receive Crypto With Paypal
If you want to send crypto from your Paypal account, here are steps to follow:
- Log into your PayPal account and go to the crypto section.
- Select the cryptocurrency you want to send.
- Enter the amount of money you want to send in either fiat currency or cryptocurrency (whichever is more convenient).
- If you’re completing the process for the first time, you may need to complete ID verifications on the site. You will only have to do this one time.
- Enter the recipient’s PayPal address or external wallet address and click “Send Now.”
If you’re receiving crypto from PayPal, the process is similar.
- Log into your PayPal account and go to the crypto section.
- Select “Receive,” share the unique address that pops up on the site and share it with the sender.
- You’ll also need to complete ID verification on the site if you still need to.
The address is for the coin that you have selected and not for your Paypal. A new session is generated each time; hence, you need to copy the correct address each time.
Paypal Crypto Fees vs Coinbase
The cost of buying and selling crypto on PayPal is quite high. Here’s a breakdown of how the fees are charged:
- For cryptos worth between 1.00 – 4.99 USD, a fee of 0.49 USD is charged.
- For buying and selling crypto worth 5.00 – 24.99 USD, a fee of 0.99 USD is charged.
- For crypto between 25.00 – 74.99 USD, a fee of 1.99 USD is charged.
- For buying or selling 200.01 – 1000.00 USD worth of crypto, a fee of 1.80% is charged.
- For buying and selling crypto worth 1000.01+ USD, a fee of 1.50%
However, for selling and buying crypto from a direct PayPal user, PayPal does not charge any fees. There is also no fee for holding crypto in your PayPal account.
What Is Coinbase?
Coinbase is a digital currency exchange platform founded in 2012 and headquartered in San Francisco, California. It is one of the most popular cryptocurrency exchanges in the world and offers users a range of services such as buying, selling, storing, and trading cryptocurrencies.
Coinbase has several features that make it stand out from the competition and makes it more attractive to users. It is a regulated, secure platform with SSL encryption and two-factor authentication (2FA). Moreover, it has low fees and supports a range of coins such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and many others.
How To Use Coinbase
Using Coinbase is simple. However, you must be 18 years old and have a government-issued ID to sign up. To sign up, you can follow the following steps:
- Create your account on the Coinbase platform.
- Verify your email address and your phone number.
- Add your personal information, such as your name, address, etc.
- Verify your identity by uploading a photo ID (passport, driver’s license).
- Choose a payment method and add a bank account or credit card to fund your account. Once your account is set up, you will be able to buy any supported crypto on the site using either fiat currency or other cryptocurrencies.
Coinbase Crypto Fees
Coinbase has different levels of fees based on the total transaction amount. The platform also charges different fees depending on the transaction type. It would be nice if they had a simple Coinbase fees calculator. However, they do not. On the other hand, the exchange does provide a table rather than a Coinbase fees calculator.
First, there is no charge for creating an account. However, for trading, the platform uses a maker-taker model. This is a model where the buyer (taker) pays a transaction fee for buying the crypto, and the seller (maker) pays a lower fee for setting up an order. A maker provides liquidity while takes take liquidity.
Taker Maker Fees
You will be accessed the “taker and maker fees” depending on the tier you’re in when you take the trade. Here’s a breakdown:
- For all trades between $0 – $10K, there’s a taker fee of 0.60% and a maker fee of 0.40%.
- For trades between $10K – $50K, the taker fee is 0.40%, and the maker fee of 0.25%.
- For all trades between $50K – $100K, the taker fee is 0.25%, and the maker fee of 0.15%.
- For trades between $100K-$1M, the taker fee will be 0.20% and a maker fee of 0.10%.
- For trades between $1M -$15M, the taker fee is 0.18%, and the maker fee of 0.08%.
- For trades between $15M-$75M, the taker is 0.16%, and maker fees are 0.06%.
- For trades between $75M -$250M, the taker is 0.12%, and the maker fee of 0.03%.
- For trades between $250M -$400M, the taker fee is 0.08%, and the maker fee is 0.00%.
- For trades between $400M+, the taker fee is 0.05%, and the maker fee is 0.00%.
Deposit Withdrawal Fees
Additionally, Coinbase charges deposits and withdrawals of fiat currencies at the following rates:
- You will not be charged for ACH withdrawals and deposits.
- For Wire (USD), the withdrawal charge is $25, and the deposit charge is $10.
- For SEPA (EUR, the withdrawal charge is EUR 0.15, and the deposit charge is EUR 0.15.
- The deposit is free for Swift (GBP), and the withdrawal is GBP 1.
For credit transactions, Coinbase will charge a 2% fee on the total transactions. A credit transaction is where Coinbase has to sell your collateral (i.e., cryptocurrency) to pay your loan request from Coinbase or a Coinbase affiliate.
For staking, Coinbase takes a percentage commission from the rewards paid out to stakers. As of Dec 2022, the commission charged by Coinbase is 5% for ETH, ALGO, ADA, SOL, XTZ, and ATOM.
How Coinbase is Killing Cryptocurrency Fees with their Low Rates
Coinbase is killing the competition with its low fees for trading and withdrawing funds in various fiat currencies. They have brought down total transaction costs to almost 0% for traders and Coinbase users, making it simpler and cheaper to invest in cryptocurrencies. In this way the Paypal vs Coinbase fees stack up in Coinbase’s favor.
The platform also offers a range of discounts depending on how much money you are willing to spend. Coinbase can provide you with better discounts and lower overall transaction fees if you are ready to pay more money.
These low rates also mean that Coinbase is helping to level the playing field for all crypto investors regardless of budget size or trading volume. With these low costs, smaller investors who may not have been able to pay expensive fees can now enjoy the same advantages as more prominent investors.
Overall, Coinbase’s low rates are helping to make crypto trading more accessible and cost-effective for everyone. The platform makes it easier and cheaper to start with cryptocurrencies, encouraging new investors to enter the market. With its competitive pricing and user-friendly features, Coinbase is making cryptocurrency investing a viable option for everyone.
One of the reasons that have made Coinbase such a low-free trading platform is the use of a taker-maker model. This model allows Coinbase to charge lower fees on maker trades while still covering costs with the higher charges on takers.
By combining this system with their discounts and other features, Coinbase can offer an unbeatable low-fee service that is helping to make crypto trading more affordable and accessible.
Alternatives to Coinbase and Paypal
There are several crypto exchanges available to investors looking for low-fee options. Some of those alternatives are centralized, and some are decentralized. Coinbase supports trades from specific locations, so you can look into these alternatives if you want to buy or sell your cryptocurrencies. They include:
Binance
Binance is a peer-to-peer exchange that offers its tokens and multiple trading options. With Binance, you can pay in USD, BTC, ETH, or other cryptocurrencies for a 0.1% fee on all trades. There is also a 0.50% fee for Instant Buy/Sell.
One of the best features of Binance is its low withdrawal fees. You also get a 25% discount if using Binance coin. Moreover, Binance supports crypto trading in many countries, making it a desired option for international traders.
Kraken
Kraken is a US-based cryptocurrency exchange that offers low fees and secure trading options. There is no fee when depositing or withdrawing funds, while takers pay 0.10%- 0.26% and makers pay between 0.00% and 0.16%. The platform also supports fiat deposits via wire transfer or SEPA transfers.
Kraken also offers discounts, so if you pay in Bitcoin or Ethereum, you can get a 25% discount on all fees. The platform is available to traders from many countries and has good customer support.
Bitstamp
Bitstamp is a European-based cryptocurrency exchange founded in Luxembourg. It offers low trading fees and good customer service. For takers, the fee is between 0.00% – 0.40%, while makers pay 0% – 0.30%. Withdrawal fees depend on the currency used but are also generally low.
The platform also supports several fiat currencies and allows users to pay with credit cards or bank transfers. Moreover, it is available in over 180 countries, making it an excellent option for international traders.
Cionmama
Coinmama is a global crypto exchange offering low fees and payment methods. Buying and selling are divided into three tiers. Curious who trade under $5,000 in 90 days pay a 3.9% fee. Enthusiasts who pay over $5,000 in a 90-day trading window pay 3.41%. Believers who trade over $180,000 pay 2.93%.
Coinmama also supports fiat currencies and allows users to pay with credit cards or wire transfers. Moreover, it is available in over 180 countries, making it an excellent option for international traders.
Robinhood
Robinhood is a mobile-based trading platform that allows users to buy and sell cryptocurrencies with no fees. The platform was created for US customers, but it has also expanded to Europe.
The particularity of Robinhood is that they offer fractional shares, which means you can purchase smaller portions of a full share to pay less. Moreover, the platform doesn’t require a minimum account balance and offers no-fee trading in seven different cryptocurrencies.
Conclusion
Coinbase and Paypal are two of the most popular crypto exchanges in the world, but they come with their own set of fees. Coinbase has very low rates compared to Paypal, making it an excellent option for those looking to pay lower fees and get more out of their investments.
However, there are other options out there that offer low-fee services in addition to Coinbase. Binance, Kraken, Bitstamp, Coinmama, and Robinhood are examples of exchanges that can help you pay lower fees when trading cryptocurrencies.
Whichever exchange you choose, pay close attention to their fees and the features they offer so you can get the best out of your investments.