U.S. individual account setup

How to Sign Up for Coinbase and Set Up Your Account

Start on Coinbase’s official website or app. Create an individual account, verify your contact details and complete the identity checks shown in your account. Set up secure sign-in before adding money.

By Crypto Dispensers · Reviewed November 3, 2026

Ivory profile card in a navy holder beside an envelope and brass key.
AI-generated editorial illustration.

How to sign up for Coinbase

For a U.S. individual account, have an email and phone you can access, your legal name and an accepted government-issued ID ready. Coinbase verifies age and requires you to be at least 18. If you already have an account, start with account recovery.

  1. Open Coinbase directly and choose Sign up. Select Individual when prompted.
  2. Verify your email and set a unique password. Enter your name as it appears on your ID.
  3. Verify your phone and confirm your country. Read the agreement and privacy notice, then complete the requested information.
  4. Open the identity verification flow and follow the document and camera prompts for your account.

Coinbase’s new customer guide

What to check if verification stalls

  • Email or phone code missing: Check the address or number you entered. Reopen the official app or site and follow its resend prompt.
  • ID rejected: Check the document type, expiry and name. Use clear lighting and capture the full document. Follow any prompt to continue on a phone.
  • Review pending: Check the status before submitting again. Use the secure account flow for documents and follow the instructions shown.

Coinbase identity verification

Set up security and check funding

Use a passkey or security key where supported and check how you’d regain access if you lost your phone. Keep verification codes private. Only add a payment method if you plan to use it and check its eligibility, fees and limits first.

Check three separate milestones

For example, a verified email lets you continue signup, but you may still see an identity check. After approval, a bank deposit can appear in your balance before it’s available to send or cash out. Check account verification, payment eligibility and balance availability separately before planning a purchase or transfer.

Coinbase security guidance · Coinbase available balance

How we reviewed this guide

We checked Coinbase’s public signup, verification and security guidance. The readiness example is our own. We used AI assistance for drafting and illustration. We reviewed the published instructions without opening an account. Crypto Dispensers offers crypto services and has a commercial interest in provider choices.

Our editorial standards

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