Using a bank account as a payment method for US customers

Using a bank account is a great way to deposit funds or to purchase assets so that you can trade on Coinbase immediately, especially if you want to buy and sell with higher transaction limits. 

For instructions on how to link to a bank account or on other payment methods, visit our help page.

How to use a bank account as a payment method

You can do one of two things with a bank account. 

• Transfer funds from your bank account into your Coinbase fiat wallet
• Use your bank account to purchase cryptocurrency directly 

To deposit funds from your bank account to your Coinbase USD wallet:

1. Link your bank account to your Coinbase account
2. You can now initiate an ACH transfer by depositing funds – transfering fiat from your bank account to your USD wallet on Coinbase. 
3. These funds are immediately available to use for buying and selling on Coinbase
   • These funds may not be immediately available to withdraw from Coinbase (or to send to Coinbase Pro) 
   • Go to Available to send off Coinbase on web or Available to withdraw on mobile before confirming your purchase 
4. Once your transaction is confirmed, you should see your deposited fiat or purchased crypto immediately available in your Coinbase Digital Wallet. You can buy, sell, or trade on Coinbase immediately after your purchase.

To purchase cryptocurrency directly using your bank account:

1. Link your bank account to your Coinbase account
2. You can now select your bank account as a payment method when you go to buy cryptocurrency – this will initiate an ACH transfer for the value of your purchase.
3. The crypto you purchase will be immediately available for trading on Coinbase
   • This crypto may not be immediately available to withdraw from Coinbase
   • Go to Available to send off Coinbase on web or Available to withdraw on mobile before confirming your purchase
4. Once your transaction is confirmed, you should see your crypto immediately available in your Coinbase Digital Wallet. You can buy, sell, or trade on Coinbase immediately after your purchase.

When will funds be available to withdraw from Coinbase?

How to determine when funds will be available for withdrawal:

• Before confirming a bank purchase or deposit, Coinbase will tell you when the purchase or deposit will be available to send off Coinbase 
• You’ll see this labeled as Available to send off Coinbase on the website, or Available to withdraw on the mobile app
  • You’ll also be given options if you need to send instantly. 

This is typically provided on the confirmation screen prior to processing a bank transaction.

Why aren’t funds or assets available to move or withdraw off Coinbase immediately? 

When you use a linked bank account to deposit funds to your Coinbase fiat wallet, or use it to purchase cryptocurrency, this type of transaction is not a wire transfer such that Coinbase receives the funds immediately. For security reasons, you will not be able to immediately withdraw or send crypto off of Coinbase. 

There are a variety of factors that will determine how much time it may take until you can withdraw your crypto or funds off of Coinbase. This includes but is not limited to your account history, transaction history, and banking history.

Will my withdrawal availability affect other purchases?

Yes. Your purchases or deposits will be subject to any existing restrictions on the account, regardless of which payment method you used.

In general, debit card purchases or wiring funds directly from your bank to your Coinbase USD wallet do not affect your withdrawal availability – if no restrictions exist on your account, you can use these methods to purchase crypto to send off of Coinbase immediately.