The basic steps to withdraw from Coinbase
To move money from Coinbase to your bank account, you convert your cryptocurrency to US dollars (or your local currency) inside Coinbase, then initiate a withdrawal to a bank account you've already linked to your Coinbase profile. The process takes two to five business days from the moment you request the transfer, depending on your bank and whether Coinbase is processing withdrawals on schedule.
You cannot transfer cryptocurrency directly to a bank account. Your bank only accepts money in its own currency. Coinbase handles the conversion for you, but you must complete that step first before any withdrawal can leave Coinbase.
The withdrawal itself is free if you use the standard ACH method (the default option). Coinbase does not charge a fee for moving money out. Your bank may charge you a fee for receiving an incoming wire transfer, but most banks do not charge for ACH deposits.
Key Takeaways
- You must convert cryptocurrency to US dollars inside Coinbase before you can withdraw to a bank account—cryptocurrency cannot move directly to a bank.
- Standard ACH withdrawals are free and take two to five business days; wire transfers are faster but may cost $10 to $25 depending on your bank.
- Your bank account must be linked to your Coinbase profile before you can withdraw, which requires verification and takes one to three business days.
- Coinbase holds some new accounts for a waiting period before allowing withdrawals, even if the bank account is linked.
- If a withdrawal fails or is delayed, contact your bank first—the hold is usually on their end, not Coinbase's.
Converting crypto to cash inside Coinbase
Open the Coinbase app or website and navigate to your portfolio. Select the cryptocurrency you want to convert (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Tap or click "Convert" or "Sell"—the button name varies slightly depending on which Coinbase product you use. Coinbase will show you the current price and the amount of US dollars you will receive after the conversion.
Review the amount, confirm the conversion, and Coinbase will move the dollars into your Coinbase cash balance immediately. You now have US dollars sitting in Coinbase, not cryptocurrency. This is the balance you will withdraw to your bank.
If you have not yet linked a bank account to Coinbase, you cannot proceed past this point. Stop here and follow the linking steps in the next section before attempting a withdrawal.
Linking your bank account to Coinbase
Go to your Coinbase account settings and select "Payment methods" or "Connected accounts." Choose "Add a payment method" and select "Bank account." Coinbase will ask for your bank's routing number, your account number, and the account type (checking or savings). You can find both numbers on a check, or by logging into your bank's website or app.
After you enter this information, Coinbase will send two small test deposits to your bank account—usually $0.01 and $0.02, or similar amounts. These deposits appear in your bank account within one to three business days. You must log back into Coinbase and confirm the exact amounts of these deposits to verify that you own the account. This step prevents someone else from linking your bank account without your permission.
Once you confirm the test deposits, your bank account is linked and ready for withdrawals. If you do not see the test deposits after three business days, check your bank's spam or pending folder, or contact your bank to ask if they are holding them. Some banks flag small deposits as suspicious.
Requesting a withdrawal to your bank
Return to your Coinbase cash balance and select "Withdraw." Choose the linked bank account you want the money to go to. Enter the amount you want to withdraw—you can withdraw all of it or part of it. Coinbase will show you the withdrawal method (ACH or wire) and the expected arrival date.
For most users, ACH is the default and only option. ACH is free and takes two to five business days. If you see a wire transfer option, it will arrive in one business day but may cost $10 to $25 depending on your bank's fees (Coinbase does not charge this fee; your bank does). Choose ACH unless you need the money urgently and are willing to pay the wire fee.
Confirm the withdrawal. Coinbase will remove the dollars from your account immediately and send them to your bank. You will see the withdrawal listed in your Coinbase transaction history as "pending" until your bank receives and deposits the money.
What to do if your withdrawal is delayed or fails
If your withdrawal shows as pending after five business days, or if it fails and is returned to Coinbase, contact your bank first. The delay is almost always on the bank's side—your bank may be holding the deposit for verification, or there may be a mismatch between the account number you provided and the account at your bank.
Ask your bank whether they received the ACH transfer from Coinbase. If they did not receive it, ask them to check for any rejection codes or error messages. If they did receive it but it is pending, ask how long they typically hold incoming ACH transfers and whether they need any additional information from you.
If your bank confirms they received the transfer and it has been more than five business days, contact Coinbase support through the Help section of your account. Provide them with the withdrawal transaction ID (visible in your Coinbase transaction history) and the date you requested it. Coinbase can check whether the transfer was sent successfully and, if it was, confirm that the delay is on your bank's end.
Withdrawal holds and waiting periods
Coinbase may place a hold on new accounts that prevents withdrawals for a set period, even if your bank account is linked and verified. This hold typically lasts 7 to 10 days after you first link a bank account, though it can extend longer depending on your account history and the amount you are trying to withdraw.
If you try to withdraw and see a message that says your account is not yet cleared for withdrawals, you must wait until the hold expires. Coinbase will not override this hold. The hold is a fraud prevention measure and applies to all new users.
If you have had your Coinbase account for more than a few weeks and still cannot withdraw, check your account settings to see if there are any pending verification steps. Some users have incomplete identity verification or address information that blocks withdrawals. Coinbase will show you what is missing and how to fix it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I withdraw directly from Coinbase to a credit card or debit card instead of a bank account?
No. Coinbase only allows withdrawals to bank accounts linked through ACH or wire transfer. You cannot withdraw to a credit card or debit card. If you want to use a debit card to access the money, withdraw to your checking account first, then use your debit card normally.
What happens if I enter the wrong bank account number when linking?
Coinbase will send test deposits to the account number you provided. If that account belongs to someone else, those deposits will go to their account. You will not be able to confirm the test deposits, and the account will not link. If this happens, delete the failed bank account from your payment methods and add the correct one. Do not attempt to withdraw until you have successfully confirmed the test deposits.
Why is my withdrawal taking longer than five business days?
Contact your bank and ask if they are holding the deposit. Banks sometimes flag incoming ACH transfers as suspicious if the amount is large, the account is new, or the transfer is unusual for your account. Your bank may need you to confirm the transfer by phone or through their app before they release the money.
Can I withdraw if my Coinbase account is in a different country than my bank?
No. Your Coinbase account and your bank account must be in the same country. If you are traveling or have moved, you will need to update your location information in Coinbase and link a bank account in your current country. Coinbase restricts withdrawals based on the country associated with your account.
Is there a limit to how much I can withdraw at once?
Yes, but the limit depends on your account age, verification level, and transaction history. New accounts typically have lower limits—often $500 to $1,000 per day. As your account ages and you complete additional verification steps, these limits increase. Check your account settings under "Limits" to see your current withdrawal limit. If you need to withdraw more than your limit allows, you can make multiple withdrawals on different days.