Uphold or Coinbase – which is better for UK traders 2025? Compare Uphold and Coinbase in this detailed breakdown of their platforms, features and fees.
Uphold is a financial platform enabling trading, staking, and rewards through payment cards, all with seamless multi-currency transactions. Since its inception in 2015, it has managed transactions totaling over $4 billion. Serving more than 180 countries, Uphold offers over 200 cryptocurrency and fiat currency options.
Coinbase, established in 2012, began as a platform for buying and selling Bitcoin using bank transfers. It has since grown into a major player in the crypto world. The company now offers over 240 crypto assets, has developed advanced trading platforms for individual investors, and is listed on the US Nasdaq. Additionally, Coinbase holds licenses from various regulatory bodies.
Terms Apply. Cryptoassets are highly volatile. Your capital is at risk.
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Pros
Fees are competitive according to assessments, with 26 platforms assisting in finding optimal prices.
Uphold consistently leads the industry by frequently being among the initial platforms to introduce new crypto tokens.
Crypto staking is accessible for over 30 tokens, offering competitive rates reaching up to 16%.
Uphold maintains full reserves, ensuring client funds are safeguarded.
More than 250 cryptocurrencies are available, featuring leading tokens such as Bitcoin and Ethereum.
The proprietary app is exceptionally user-friendly, featuring an elegant design and intuitive navigation.
UK users can obtain the Uphold card, offering up to 2% cashback in XRP.
Two-step authentication enhances user security.
As a Nasdaq-listed entity, Coinbase adheres to stringent financial regulations and holds licences in the US, UK, and Europe. Its security measures feature FDIC insurance for USD balances up to $250,000 and implement two-factor authentication (2FA).
Coinbase offers support for over 240 cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Solana (SOL). The platform also provides early access to newly listed altcoins like $Trump, enabling traders to engage with emerging tokens.
In 2025, Coinbase Advanced expanded its trading options with new futures products. These include Ripple (XRP), Natural Gas (NGS), and Cardano (ADA). This enhancement offers traders accessible methods to trade, hedge, or diversify their portfolios.
Coinbase Advanced now integrates TradingView, a feature uncommon among crypto platforms. This allows traders to access spot and futures markets directly via real-time charts while utilising robust technical analysis tools.
Platforms cater to all traders. Beginners might opt for the straightforward Coinbase app. Meanwhile, Advanced Trade offers reduced fees and professional-grade tools.
Cons
The platform's chart analysis tools lag behind those of specialised exchanges.
Customer service is sluggish according to assessments, offering few communication channels.
A 2.49% charge applies for credit or debit card usage.
Uphold functions under minimal regulatory supervision.
Tests show that crypto fees are high, particularly when compared to competitors such as Kraken and BitMEX. This is especially true on the standard trading platform.
The research tools available are inadequate. Advanced Trade offers TradingView charts, yet it is missing critical features such as news feeds, economic calendars, and AI-driven market insights.
Customer support during testing is frustrating, as most assistance options require a login. This complicates matters for traders who are locked out or do not have an account, as they struggle to access help.
Coinbase offers an intuitive and regularly updated app that’s generally fast, reliable and matches the desktop experience.
It provides powerful tools for crypto investors with advanced trading features, real-time market analysis, staking rewards, secure portfolio management, and educational incentives, all backed by top-notch security and regulatory compliance.
However, ratings from Android users show the interface trails its Apple counterpart, with issues relating to the user experience and notifications.
iOS App Rating
4.6
4.7
Android App Rating
4.4
4
Margin Trading
No
No
MetaTrader 4
No
No
MetaTrader 5
No
No
cTrader
No
No
AlgoTrader
No
No
OmniTrader
No
No
TradingView
No
Yes
Autochartist
No
No
eSignal
No
No
Trading Central
No
No
STP Account
No
No
ECN Account
No
No
DMA Account
No
No
MAM Account
No
No
PAMM Account
No
No
LAMM Account
No
No
Demat Account
No
No
AI / Machine Learning
No
No
Robo Advisor
No
No
Negative Balance Protection
No
No
Market Maker
No
No
P2P Trading
No
No
Spot Trading
Yes
Yes
Auto Trading
Automated crypto trading bots
Copy Trading
No
No
Social Trading
No
No
VPS Hosting
No
No
Tournaments
No
No
Demo Competitions
No
No
Ethical Investing
Yes
No
Custodial Account
No
No
Guaranteed Stop Loss
No
No
Inactivity Fee
$0
Islamic Account
No
No
Account Currencies
USD
EUR
GBP
USD
EUR
Commodities
Platinum
Gold
Silver
Palladium
Precious Metals
Cryptocurrency
With Uphold's user-friendly mobile app or web platform, you can trade over 250 crypto assets using fiat currencies or crypto pairs—offering more options than many competitors. Additionally, earn up to 16% APY by staking any of the 32 eligible tokens or transfer tokens to an external wallet.
Coinbase offers an excellent trading platform for cryptocurrency enthusiasts. It supports more than 240 digital assets, ranging from Bitcoin to new altcoins. The platform, enhanced by TradingView, provides traders with advanced charting options and comprehensive market data.