Coinbase
Event contracts for US users via Coinbase platform, settled in USDC on Base L2.
- ✓ Coinbase users who want to trade event contracts without leaving the app
- ✓ Crypto-native US traders comfortable with USDC on Base L2
- ✓ Anyone who wants a regulated, well-known crypto platform for event contracts
- ✗ Users who want USD settlement: requires USDC and Base network
- ✗ Traders who need deep liquidity or broad market selection
- ✗ Anyone who wants fully transparent per-trade fees before committing
About this operator
Coinbase is the largest and most regulated cryptocurrency exchange in the United States, and introduced event contract trading for US users in 2024, starting with election prediction markets settled in USDC on Base: its Ethereum Layer 2 network. Coinbase brings its compliance infrastructure, strong brand trust, and large existing user base to prediction markets. Because it is already the primary crypto on-ramp for many US retail investors, Coinbase lowers the barrier to entry for prediction market participation for users who already hold USDC or other assets on the platform.
Quick facts
| Founded | 2012 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, California, USA |
| Type | Crypto Exchange (Event Contracts) |
| Settlement | USDC on Base |
| Fees | Variable (spread-based) |
| Min deposit | $1 |
| KYC | Full KYC (US) |
| Volume | High (largest US crypto exchange) |
| ✓ Data verified April 2026 | |
Coinbase — Scorecard
Editorial ratings based on publicly available data. Your experience may vary.
Coinbase — strengths and weaknesses
- ✓ Most trusted US crypto brand
- ✓ Regulated US entity
- ✓ USDC settlement on Base
- ✗ Limited event contract selection compared to standalone prediction markets
- ✗ Requires USDC on Base: not accessible to non-crypto users
- ✗ US-focused product; international availability varies
- ✗ Spread costs not always transparently displayed before trading
What does it actually cost to trade on Coinbase?
Fees are spread-based and vary by market. Coinbase does not publish a flat event contract fee rate. Base network gas fees are negligible (<$0.01 per transaction). Check the spread on the specific contract you want before trading.
How to start trading on Coinbase
- 1 Create a Coinbase account at coinbase.com if you do not already have one
- 2 Complete identity verification and enable trading on your account
- 3 Buy USDC (or convert existing crypto); USDC settles on Base L2
- 4 Find the event contracts section in the Coinbase app or at base.org to browse markets
Frequently asked questions — Coinbase
What event contracts does Coinbase offer? +
Coinbase offers event contracts for US users settled in USDC on Base, its Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain. The offering covers election and political events, economic outcomes, and financial market contracts. Contracts trade directly within the Coinbase app and wallet ecosystem without needing a separate account.
Is Coinbase prediction market regulated? +
Coinbase is a regulated US entity, a publicly traded company (NASDAQ: COIN) with extensive US regulatory approvals. Its event contract product operates within this regulated framework. Settlement on Base (a CFTC-adjacent on-chain venue) means the contracts carry both crypto and regulatory considerations.
How does Coinbase settle event contracts? +
Coinbase event contracts settle in USDC on Base, its Ethereum Layer 2. Winnings go directly to your Coinbase USDC balance, which you can hold, swap, or transfer. The Base network provides low-cost settlement; gas fees are typically under $0.01 per transaction.
What fees does Coinbase charge for event contracts? +
Fees on Coinbase event contracts are spread-based and vary by market. Coinbase does not publish a single flat fee for event contracts. Check the platform for the spread on specific markets. Base network gas fees are negligible (typically under $0.01 per transaction).