Can I Use Coinbase without a Phone Number

Posted on 09/11/24 04:21 am

What is Coinbase Exchange?

Coinbase is one of the largest and most popular platforms for cryptocurrency operations, based in the United States. It serves as a centralized cryptocurrency exchange, digital wallet, NFT marketplace, and a proprietary service for custodial storage of digital assets. The platform offers a variety of products and services for different types of users.

Although it caters to traders and investors with varying levels of experience, some users may face difficulty during registration, especially since the platform is not available in certain countries. Additionally, registering on Coinbase requires a phone number.

In this article, we will explore whether it is possible to register from a country that is not supported and discuss some distinctive features of the crypto ecosystem.

What is Coinbase?

Coinbase is an American cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2012. As of now, it ranks second in size after Binance (which is based in China). With over 98 million registered users from 100 countries worldwide, the majority of users are from the United States, Western Europe, Australia, and the CIS countries.

Coinbase offers a wide range of services tailored to various kinds of investors and traders:

Basic Coinbase Account: Users can purchase cryptocurrencies, store coins in decentralized wallets, and trade directly on the exchange.
Coinbase Pro: This version is designed for more experienced traders and offers additional functionality.
Coinbase Prime: This version is for legal entities and institutional clients.
Individual Entrepreneurs: Coinbase allows spot market trading, access to an NFT marketplace, Bitcoin-backed lending, and a debit card linked to the exchange account.

Coinbase supports a wide variety of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), altcoins, and NFTs. The Pro version supports over 250 assets.

What Other Features Does Coinbase Offer?

In addition to its core exchange functionality, Coinbase also offers the following:

Coinbase Wallet:
This wallet supports over 500 cryptocurrencies and is available as both a browser extension and mobile app. Transaction fees vary, with credit card withdrawals costing 3.99% and bank transfers at 1.49%.
NFT Marketplace:
Coinbase users can buy, sell, and collect digital assets in the form of NFTs.
Coinbase Commerce:
This service enables online stores to accept cryptocurrency payments and convert them into fiat currency.
Coinbase Custody:
A custodial service for institutional clients, Coinbase Custody allows organizations to store their digital assets safely in cold storage and signature wallets. It is regulated by the New York State Department of Financial Services.
Coinbase Card:
This is a Visa-based debit card that allows users to pay for goods and services using cryptocurrencies. It is available for use with Apple Pay and Google Play.
Educational Tools:
Coinbase offers educational videos and tutorials for new investors and traders, allowing users to earn coins while learning about the crypto market.

How to Create a Coinbase Account: Registration & Verification Tips

Coinbase is not available in countries under US sanctions, such as Iran, Cuba, Syria, Bolivia, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Crimea. However, residents of supported countries can register by providing the following documents:

Real name (proof of identity required)
Email address
Phone number for Coinbase
Proof of address (POA required)

After registration, you will need to agree to the user agreement, confirm your linked email and phone number, and complete the personal information form.

Coinbase Account Verification

To fully access Coinbase’s features and functionalities, users must undergo identity verification. Coinbase follows strict Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) procedures, as well as the regulations set by partnering countries.

Verification is only available for residents of supported countries. If your country is not on the list, you will be notified and unable to complete the registration or verification process.

To complete the verification, you will need to provide one of the following documents:

Passport
Driver’s license
Government-issued photo ID

You must send a photo scan of your passport (or other identification) and a selfie with the document.

Note that the verification process may take anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks, and in some cases, users may not be verified at all.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for Coinbase Account Holders

Coinbase offers three options for securing your account through two-factor authentication (2FA):

SMS codes
Application authenticator (Google Authenticator is the most commonly used)
Security keys

While it is possible to turn off 2FA, it is not recommended, as it helps protect your account from unauthorized access. You can also set up 2FA for specific transactions, such as withdrawals.

Using a Virtual Phone Number for Coinbase Registration

If you prefer not to share your personal phone number with Coinbase to avoid spam or for privacy reasons, you can use a virtual phone number instead. Virtual numbers are convenient and do not require personal information to obtain. They are ideal for registering on platforms like Coinbase, as they can receive OTP (One-Time Password) SMS codes online.

You can obtain a virtual phone number through providers like SMSOTPVERIFY. This service offers affordable virtual numbers starting at $0.28.

Here’s how you can register for Coinbase using a virtual phone number from SMSOTPVERIFY:

Create an account on smsotpverify.com with your email address or log in via Google+.
Deposit funds into your account.
Go to the “Receive SMS” section.
Select the country and the service (Coinbase), then click “Buy SMS.”
Copy the virtual phone number provided.
Use this number when registering on Coinbase.
To receive the OTP, return to SMSOTPVERIFY, click “Receive SMS” next to the purchased number, and use the received code to complete your registration.

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Can I Use Coinbase without a Phone Number

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