Overview — What is Coinbase Pro?

Coinbase Pro is a digital assets trading platform designed for more sophisticated traders and institutions, offering advanced charting, order types, and direct market access. This page focuses on operational clarity and core features — order books, limit and market orders, deposit/withdrawal workflow, and the platform’s approach to custody and security.

Core trading features

  • Order types: limit, market, stop, and time-in-force options to control execution behavior.
  • Order book transparency: live bid/ask depth, trade history, and price charts for informed execution.
  • Fiat on/off ramps: deposits and withdrawals supported for eligible regions using bank rails and integrated partners.
  • Advanced interface: fast order entry, customizable layouts, and multi-timeframe charting for active traders.

Supported assets & markets

Coinbase Pro lists a selection of major cryptocurrencies and trading pairs. Traders should review the platform’s listings and market rules before trading each asset — liquidity, fees, and trading hours can vary by pair.

Security & custody

Security on any exchange-grade platform involves both platform controls and user hygiene. Coinbase Pro historically combined institutional-grade custody for a large portion of assets with operational controls like two-factor authentication (2FA), IP allowlisting, and withdrawal whitelists.

Users should prioritize these steps when using a digital asset platform:

  • Enable strong 2FA (authenticator apps over SMS where possible).
  • Use hardware wallets for self-custody of large balances rather than leaving all funds on an exchange.
  • Use dedicated email addresses and strong, unique passwords for exchange accounts.
  • Enable account-level protections such as withdrawal whitelists and IP restrictions when offered.

API & programmatic access

APIs provide programmatic trading and account management. Typical API capabilities include market data retrieval, order placement, and account balance checks. When using any exchange API:

  • Restrict API keys by IP and permissions (read-only vs trading vs withdrawal).
  • Rotate API keys regularly and revoke keys no longer in use.
  • Log and monitor API activity for unusual patterns.

Fees, liquidity, and order execution

Fee schedules vary by maker/taker status, 30-day volume, and promotional programs. Traders should review the current fee table on the official site and consider order placement strategy (e.g., passive maker orders to reduce fees) to optimize execution costs.

Onboarding & KYC

Onboarding typically includes identity verification (KYC), bank linking, and compliance checks. Complete verification to increase deposit/withdrawal limits and access full trading features; follow official verification guidance and keep personal documents secure.

FAQ — common questions

Q1: Is Coinbase Pro suitable for professional traders?
A: Yes — Coinbase Pro is designed with features that appeal to active and professional traders, including advanced order types, depth-of-book information, and API access. Evaluate liquidity and fees for the specific markets you trade.
Q2: How should I store large cryptocurrency holdings?
A: For long-term or high-value holdings, self-custody using hardware wallets or institutional custody solutions is recommended. Keep exchange balances minimal unless actively trading, and follow robust backup and recovery practices for private keys.
Q3: Can I program automated strategies using Coinbase Pro?
A: Yes — the platform offers APIs for market data and order execution. Use secure practices: limit key permissions, use IP restrictions, and test strategies in safe environments before live deployment.
Q4: How are withdrawals protected?
A: Exchanges often provide withdrawal whitelists, email/SMS confirmations, and 2FA protections. Configure these protections and monitor account activity closely. For critical accounts, consider multi-sig or institutional custody options if available.
Q5: Where do I find official support and documentation?
A: Use the official Coinbase and Coinbase Pro documentation and support pages. Links at the top of this page direct you to the platform’s official resources for account, API, and security guidance.