Coinbase has long stood out as a pioneer in the cryptocurrency exchange space, especially for U.S.-based investors. Founded in 2012 by Brian Armstrong after he left Airbnb, it was one of the first platforms to prioritize regulatory compliance and user security. Backed by Y Combinator, Coinbase began by enabling users to buy Bitcoin via bank transfers and has since evolved into a full-service financial platform offering trading, institutional investing, payment solutions, and even venture capital arms.
Today, Coinbase supports over 50 cryptocurrencies — from foundational blockchains to innovative decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols. This guide explores the most promising digital assets available on Coinbase, helping you identify high-potential investments in an increasingly complex market.
Bitcoin vs. Altcoins: Understanding the Landscape
Bitcoin (BTC) remains the original cryptocurrency, launching the blockchain revolution in 2009. As the first decentralized digital currency, it set the stage for what followed: thousands of alternative coins (altcoins), each aiming to improve upon or expand Bitcoin’s core principles.
While many altcoins have failed or lack real utility, others have introduced groundbreaking innovations — smart contracts, decentralized lending, automated market makers, and oracle networks. These advancements are reshaping finance, ownership, and digital interaction.
This ranking focuses on the most impactful and promising cryptocurrencies available directly through Coinbase, with strong fundamentals, active development, and growing adoption.
Top Cryptocurrencies Available on Coinbase
Ethereum (ETH)
Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum revolutionized blockchain technology by introducing smart contracts — self-executing agreements that run without intermediaries. Unlike Bitcoin, which functions primarily as digital gold, Ethereum is a programmable platform that powers decentralized applications (dApps).
It hosts the majority of DeFi protocols, NFT marketplaces, and Web3 projects. Its transition to proof-of-stake in "The Merge" significantly reduced energy consumption and improved scalability. With ongoing upgrades like EIP-4844 aiming to lower transaction fees, Ethereum continues to lead the next generation of blockchain innovation.
👉 Discover how Ethereum powers the future of decentralized finance today.
Uniswap (UNI)
Uniswap is the largest decentralized exchange (DEX) built on Ethereum. It operates using an automated liquidity protocol where users pool assets into smart contracts called liquidity pools. Traders swap tokens directly against these pools, paying a small fee that rewards liquidity providers.
UNI is the governance token of the Uniswap protocol, giving holders voting rights on key decisions. As DeFi adoption grows and users seek non-custodial trading options, Uniswap's role becomes increasingly vital. Its open-source nature ensures transparency and community-driven evolution.
Chainlink (LINK)
Smart contracts can’t access real-world data on their own — that’s where Chainlink comes in. As a decentralized oracle network, Chainlink securely connects blockchains with off-chain data sources like stock prices, weather reports, and payment systems.
This capability enables use cases such as parametric insurance, dynamic pricing models, and cross-chain interoperability. LINK tokens incentivize node operators to provide accurate data. With partnerships across finance, supply chain, and gaming sectors, Chainlink is foundational infrastructure for Web3.
Aave (AAVE)
Aave is a leading decentralized lending and borrowing platform on Ethereum. Users deposit crypto assets to earn interest or borrow against their holdings using other cryptos as collateral. Interest rates adjust dynamically based on supply and demand.
The AAVE token serves multiple roles: governance, staking for security (via the Safety Module), and fee discounts. With over $23 billion in total value locked at its peak, Aave demonstrates strong trust and usage within the DeFi ecosystem.
Earning up to 17% annual yield on stablecoins and other assets makes Aave particularly attractive for passive income seekers in crypto.
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Stellar Lumens (XLM)
Stellar Lumens (XLM) focuses on fast, low-cost cross-border payments — ideal for financial institutions and remittance services. Transactions settle in about 5 seconds, with negligible fees, making it far more efficient than traditional banking rails like ACH or SWIFT.
Created by Jed McCaleb, co-founder of Ripple, Stellar emphasizes decentralization and accessibility. While Ripple faces ongoing legal challenges from the SEC, Stellar avoids similar scrutiny due to its different structure and mission.
XLM is used to pay transaction fees and maintain account minimums, but its primary value lies in enabling seamless global money transfers.
Hidden Gems Not Yet on Coinbase
Despite its extensive selection, Coinbase doesn’t list every major cryptocurrency. Two notable omissions include:
Binance Coin (BNB)
BNB is the native token of Binance Smart Chain (BSC), a high-speed blockchain that gained massive traction during Ethereum’s gas fee spike in 2021. Developers flocked to BSC for cheaper transactions and faster execution.
Although BSC is more centralized than Ethereum, it supports a wide range of DeFi apps and NFT projects. BNB is used to pay gas fees and offers exchange fee discounts on Binance — one of the world’s largest crypto platforms.
While not available on Coinbase, BNB remains a top-tier asset by market cap and utility.
Axie Infinity (AXS)
Axie Infinity popularized the play-to-earn gaming model in 2021. Inspired by Pokémon, players collect, breed, and battle digital creatures called Axies — each represented as an NFT.
The AXS token powers governance and in-game purchases. During its peak, players in developing countries earned significant income through gameplay. Though activity has cooled post-hype, the concept continues to influence blockchain gaming and metaverse development.
AXS is traded on exchanges like KuCoin but not currently supported on Coinbase.
How to Store Your Cryptocurrency Safely
Security should be a top priority for any crypto investor. While keeping funds on Coinbase is convenient for trading, long-term holdings are safer in self-custody wallets.
For maximum protection:
- Use a hardware wallet like Ledger Nano X for cold storage.
- Pair it with a mobile hot wallet like ZenGo for everyday spending.
Remember: “Not your keys, not your crypto.” Exchanges can be hacked or restricted — owning your private keys ensures full control.
Track Price Movements with Real-Time Tools
Crypto markets operate 24/7, with rapid price swings driven by news, macro trends, or whale activity. To stay informed:
- Use portfolio trackers like Crypto Pro.
- Set price alerts for key assets.
- Monitor multi-chain balances across wallets.
These tools help you make timely decisions without constantly checking exchanges.
Explore Other U.S.-Based Crypto Exchanges
While Coinbase leads in ease of use and compliance, diversifying across platforms gives you access to:
- More altcoins
- Unique features (e.g., social trading)
- Sign-up bonuses
Popular alternatives include:
- eToro: Ideal for social investing; offers copy-trading.
- Voyager: Competitive yields and trading incentives.
- Webull: Commission-free trading with integrated stock/crypto access.
Having multiple accounts enhances flexibility and opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Coinbase safe for beginners?
A: Yes. Coinbase is one of the most secure and user-friendly exchanges in the U.S., insured and compliant with federal regulations.
Q: Can I earn interest on crypto through Coinbase?
A: Yes. Coinbase offers staking for ETH, UNI, and other tokens, allowing users to earn passive income directly from their accounts.
Q: Why isn’t BNB listed on Coinbase?
A: Listing decisions depend on regulatory considerations, demand, and compliance reviews. BNB may be added if conditions align.
Q: What’s the difference between hot and cold wallets?
A: Hot wallets are internet-connected (mobile/desktop apps), convenient but less secure. Cold wallets (hardware devices) are offline, offering superior protection for long-term storage.
Q: How often does Coinbase add new cryptocurrencies?
A: Regularly. The team evaluates new assets based on security, legality, and community interest before listing them.
Q: Are DeFi tokens like AAVE and UNI good investments?
A: They offer strong utility and growth potential but come with higher volatility than established assets like BTC or ETH. Always research before investing.
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