Fidelity Crypto vs Coinbase: Which Is Better for You?

Choosing between Fidelity Crypto vs Coinbase can be challenging, especially for investors seeking a secure and user-friendly platform to manage their digital assets.

While both offer access to popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, their approaches differ significantly.

Fidelity Crypto appeals to traditional investors looking for institutional-grade security and integration with retirement accounts, whereas Coinbase is designed for mainstream users with a sleek interface, broad coin selection, and beginner-friendly features.

In this comparison, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each platform, covering fees, security, supported assets, and more, to help you determine which one best fits your crypto investment strategy.

Overview of Fidelity Crypto and Coinbase

Fidelity Crypto

Fidelity Investments, a household name in traditional finance, launched its crypto trading platform to offer Bitcoin and Ethereum trading to retail investors.

While it’s relatively new to the crypto space, the firm brings over 75 years of financial services experience and institutional trust.

Key Features:

• Backed by Fidelity Investments
• Focuses on long-term investing
• Limited crypto offerings (currently Bitcoin & Ethereum)
• Commission-free trading
• Integrated with Fidelity brokerage accounts

Coinbase

Founded in 2012, Coinbase is one of the largest and most well-known cryptocurrency exchanges in the world. It serves over 100 countries and supports more than 250 cryptocurrencies.

Key Features:

• Beginner-friendly interface
• Large selection of cryptocurrencies
• Advanced trading with Coinbase Pro (now part of “Advanced Trade”)
• Staking, rewards, and learning features
• Mobile app with high usability

Fees Comparison: Fidelity Crypto vs Coinbase

Fidelity Crypto Fees

• Trading Fees: Fidelity offers zero commissions on crypto trades.
• Spread: Fidelity earns revenue via a spread (usually around 1%) between buy and sell prices.
• Account Minimum: No minimum required.

Coinbase Fees

• Trading Fees: Coinbase fees vary between 0.5% to 4.5%, depending on the transaction type and payment method.
• Spread: Around 0.5% spread on most trades.
• Other Fees: Higher fees for credit/debit card purchases, network fees for withdrawals, and charges for conversions.

Winner: Fidelity Crypto Fidelity offers more cost-effective trading, especially for buy-and-hold investors, due to zero commissions and low spreads.

Security: Which Platform Is Safer?

Security of Fidelity Crypto

• Institutional-grade security
• Assets are stored with Fidelity Digital Assets, a trusted custodial solution used by large institutions.
• Two-factor authentication (2FA) and cold storage protocols
• Noted for its regulatory compliance and traditional finance security standards

Security of Coinbase

• Highly secure platform
• Holds 98% of customer assets in offline cold storage
• FDIC insurance for USD balances up to $250,000
• Strong 2FA and biometric authentication on mobile
• Regular audits and compliance with U.S. regulations

Winner: Tie Both platforms offer robust security, though Fidelity brings added confidence due to its reputation in traditional finance.

Supported Cryptocurrencies

Fidelity Crypto

• Supports only Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) for now
• Ideal for long-term investors focused on blue-chip crypto assets

Coinbase

• Supports 250+ cryptocurrencies
• Includes stablecoins, DeFi tokens, meme coins, and more
• Frequently adds new coins and tokens based on market demand

Winner: Coinbase Coinbase offers a much wider variety of coins, making it the better choice for active traders or those exploring altcoins.

User Experience and Interface

Fidelity Crypto

• Integrated into Fidelity’s existing web and app interfaces
• Designed for long-term investors, not active day traders
• Simple layout and fewer distractions
• Not ideal for technical analysis or real-time trading

Coinbase

• User-friendly interface with a strong mobile experience
• Coinbase Advanced Trade for charting and order customization
• Learning hub, staking dashboard, and portfolio insights
• Designed for both beginners and experienced traders

Winner: Coinbase Coinbase provides a more intuitive, flexible, and educational interface for all levels of investors.

Mobile App Functionality

Fidelity Crypto

• Accessible through the Fidelity Investments mobile app
• Crypto section is easy to navigate but limited in features
• Not built for active trading on mobile

Coinbase

• One of the top-rated crypto apps on both iOS and Android
• Allows trading, staking, learning, and crypto payments
• Instant price alerts, seamless charting, and in-app news

Winner: Coinbase Coinbase wins with a mobile-first approach that supports full-featured trading and account management.

Staking, Rewards & Additional Features

Fidelity Crypto

• No support for staking or crypto rewards
• Does not offer crypto-to-crypto trading, lending, or DeFi access

Coinbase

• Offers staking for Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, and others
• Earn rewards through the “Coinbase Learn & Earn” program
• Supports crypto spending via the Coinbase Card
• NFT wallet and Web3 integration

Winner: Coinbase Coinbase provides many additional features beyond simple buying and holding.

Regulation & Trust

Fidelity Crypto

• Heavily regulated through Fidelity Investments
• Strong compliance history with U.S. SEC and FINRA
• Built on a foundation of institutional trust and transparency

Coinbase

• Registered and regulated as a Money Services Business
• Publicly traded on NASDAQ (Ticker: COIN)
• Subject to U.S. SEC scrutiny and known for transparent operations

Winner: Tie Both platforms are highly regulated and trusted, though Fidelity’s reputation in traditional finance may inspire more confidence among conservative investors.

Ideal Users: Who Should Use Each Platform?

Use Fidelity Crypto If:

• You’re a long-term investor in Bitcoin or Ethereum
• You already have a Fidelity account
• You want simple, low-cost exposure to crypto
• You prioritize institutional trust and minimal fees

Use Coinbase If:

• You’re a beginner or active trader
• You want access to hundreds of cryptocurrencies
• You’re interested in staking, earning rewards, or exploring DeFi
• You need a powerful mobile or web app for trading

Fidelity Crypto vs Coinbase Comparison Table

Feature	Fidelity Crypto	Coinbase
Fees	0% commission, low spread	0.5%–4.5% + spread
Supported Coins	BTC, ETH	250+ cryptocurrencies
Staking/Rewards	❌ Not available	✅ Available
Security	Institutional-grade	Industry standard
Mobile App	Simple, limited	Advanced, full-featured
User Interface	Basic	Intuitive & educational
Regulation & Trust	High (Fidelity-backed)	High (Public company)
Best For	Long-term investors	Active users & beginners

Final Thoughts

When it comes to choosing between Fidelity Crypto vs Coinbase, it ultimately depends on your investing style and goals.

• Fidelity Crypto is best for users who are already part of the Fidelity ecosystem, prefer simplicity, and are focused on long-term investments in major cryptocurrencies.
• Coinbase, on the other hand, is a great fit for those looking to explore a wide variety of cryptocurrencies, earn rewards, and engage in active trading with a modern, full-featured app.

If you’re just starting with crypto and want to experiment beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum, Coinbase is likely the better choice. But if you’re looking for a secure, low-cost platform with institutional backing, Fidelity Crypto may be all you need.