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 digital asset platform offering a range of services, from crypto trading and staking to payment cards that provides rewards and easy multi-currency payments. The company was established in 2015 and has enabled $4+ billion in transactions. Uphold is now active in 180+ countries and deals in 200+ crypto and fiat currencies.
Launched in 2012 as a platform enabling users to buy and sell Bitcoin via bank transfers, Coinbase has emerged as a crypto behemoth, expanding its services to include 240+ crypto assets, developing sophisticated trading platforms for retail investors, listing on the US Nasdaq, and securing licenses with multiple regulators.
Terms Apply. Cryptoassets are highly volatile. Your capital is at risk.
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Pros
Fees are competitive based on tests, with 26 underlying platforms helping to source the best prices
Uphold continues to remain ahead of the industry, often being one of the first platforms to list new crypto tokens
Crypto staking is available on 30+ tokens with above-average rates up to 16%
Uphold is 100% reserved which helps to protect client funds
Over 250 cryptos are available including major tokens like Bitcoin and Ethereum
The proprietary app is extremely easy to use with a slick design and navigation
UK users can get the Uphold card with up to 2% cashback in XRP
Two-step authentication bolsters user security
As a Nasdaq-listed company, Coinbase follows strict financial regulations, with licensing across the US, UK, and Europe. Security includes FDIC insurance for USD balances (up to $250,000) and two-factor authentication (2FA).
Coinbase supports 240+ cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), and more recently listed altcoins like $Trump, giving early access to emerging tokens.
Coinbase Advanced bolstered its leveraged trading offering with two new futures products ion 2025: Natural Gas (NGS) - 1,000 MMBtu per contract with up to 11x leverage, and Cardano (ADA) futures - 1,000 ADA per contract with up to 5x leverage.
There are platforms for all levels: beginners can use the simple Coinbase app, while Advanced Trade provides lower fees and pro-level tools.
Cons
The charting analysis features on the platform trail specialist exchanges
Customer service is slow based on tests, with limited contact options
There is a 2.49% fee if you want to use debit or credit cards
Uphold operates with limited regulatory oversight
High crypto fees based on tests, especially compared to competitors like Kraken and BitMEX, and notably on the standard dealing platform.
There are woeful research tools; Advanced Trade has TradingView charts but lacks features like news feeds, economic calendars, and AI market insights.
Frustrating customer support during testing, with most help options hidden behind login, making it tough for locked-out users or non-account holders to get assistance.
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
No
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
You can buy and sell 250+ crypto assets with fiat currencies or in crypto pairs using the straightforward mobile app or through Uphold's browser-based account homepage. This is significantly more than many rivals. You can also earn up to 16% APY by staking one or more out of 32 valid tokens, or send tokens to an external wallet.
Coinbase excels in its user-friendly crypto trading environment, complete with over 240 digital assets, from Bitcoin to emerging altcoins, and terrific tools through its TradingView-powered platform and Advanced Trade, providing advanced charts and market data for crypto traders.