Coinbase charges a 0.2% processing fee on Lightning Network bitcoin transfers and a 0.01% processing fee capped at 20 USDT on USDT withdrawals, with separate network transaction fees applying in addition to both processing fees.
This analysis describes what Coinbase's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
This provision establishes explicit percentage-based processing fees for Lightning Network and USDT transfers that are charged in addition to separate network transaction fees, creating a dual-fee structure for these transfer types. The 20 USDT cap on USDT processing fees provides a defined maximum cost for large USDT withdrawals.
The updated fee schedule removes the pre-published 1% fee for instant unstaking and instead discloses the fee only at the moment a user requests to unstake. This means users can no longer review the exact cost before initiating a transaction through the published schedule. The revision also explicitly includes converting a pending standard unstake to an instant unstake as a fee-triggering action. No fee continues to apply if a user waits for the full unbonding period.
View change record →Introduces specific processing fees for Layer 2 Bitcoin withdrawals and stablecoin transfers, indicating monetization of alternative transfer methods.
View full change record →Under this provision, users sending bitcoin via Lightning Network pay a 0.2% processing fee plus a separate network fee on each transfer. USDT withdrawal users pay 0.01% capped at 20 USDT plus a separate network fee, meaning the total cost of USDT withdrawals above approximately 200,000 USDT is capped at 20 USDT in processing fees before the network fee.
Cross-platform context
See how other platforms handle Lightning Network and USDT Processing Fees and similar clauses.
Compare across platforms →"When you send bitcoin from Coinbase via the Lightning Network, we will charge a processing fee equal to 0.2% of the amount of bitcoin transferred. All USDT withdrawals sent from your Coinbase account will be charged a processing fee equal to 0.01% of the amount transferred, with a maximum of 20 USDT. A separate network transaction fee will also apply.Excerpt from Coinbase's Fee Schedule
REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: Processing fees on stablecoin and Lightning Network transfers may require evaluation under state money transmission laws, which in some jurisdictions regulate fees on electronic money transfers.
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This provision establishes explicit percentage-based processing fees for Lightning Network and USDT transfers that are charged in addition to separate network transaction fees, creating a dual-fee structure for these transfer types. The 20 USDT cap on USDT processing fees provides a defined maximum cost for large USDT withdrawals.
Under this provision, users sending bitcoin via Lightning Network pay a 0.2% processing fee plus a separate network fee on each transfer. USDT withdrawal users pay 0.01% capped at 20 USDT plus a separate network fee, meaning the total cost of USDT withdrawals above approximately 200,000 USDT is capped at 20 USDT in processing fees before the network fee.
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