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
The updated terms expand Coinbase's authority to liquidate your assets without notice. Previously, Coinbase could liquidate your property only if you failed to pay for securities you purchased or failed to deliver securities you sold through CCM. The revised language adds a new trigger: if a transfer of securities into your CCM account fails or is reversed, Coinbase can now liquidate your property to cover any losses CCM suffers as a result. This means your assets may be liquidated for reasons beyond your direct control, such as a failed inbound transfer initiated by a third party or a reversal by the sending institution.
View change record →The updated terms authorize Coinbase to automatically transfer your digital assets to a newer protocol version when an 'Asset Transformation' occurs, and you are now instructing Coinbase to conduct these 'Coinbase Supported Migrations' at Coinbase's sole discretion. The terms also establish that Coinbase shall not be liable for any loss resulting from your inability to transfer assets during a migration or from an Asset Transformation itself. This means Coinbase can execute asset transfers without advance notice and without bearing responsibility for any resulting losses, even if the transfer fails or the new asset version performs differently than the original.
View change record →The updated terms introduce a new Direct Deposit feature that allows eligible users to receive paychecks and government benefits directly into their Coinbase Account and optionally convert those funds into digital assets through recurring automatic purchases. The terms state that Coinbase will not charge setup or maintenance fees and will waive trading fees on Direct Deposit conversions, though spreads may apply. However, the terms also establish that digital assets are not FDIC-insured, can appreciate or depreciate relative to USD, and that Coinbase reserves the right to set, modify, or reject transfer limits at its sole discretion. You can enroll by providing your employer or government payer with the virtual account and routing numbers Coinbase provides, and you can change your asset allocation at any time through the Coinbase app.
View change record →How other platforms handle this
Any disputes or claims not subject to arbitration, as set forth in this section, will be resolved exclusively in the federal or state courts of New York, New York, and you and we consent to personal jurisdiction in those courts.
Except as provided in the dispute resolution section above, all claims arising out of or relating to these Terms will be brought exclusively in the federal or state courts of San Francisco, California.
Subject to Section 10.6 , any legal action or proceeding arising under this Agreement will be brought exclusively in the federal or state courts located in San Francisco, California, and the Parties irrevocably consent to the personal jurisdiction and venue therein.
"Unless you and Coinbase agree otherwise, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, the state and federal courts in New York, New York (except for small claims courts, in which case you and we agree to resolve our Disputes in a small claims court of competent jurisdiction) will have exclusive jurisdiction over any Dispute that is not subject to arbitration...Excerpt from Coinbase's User Agreement
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The clause states: “Unless you and Coinbase agree otherwise, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, the state and federal courts in New York, New York (except for small claims courts, in which case you and we agree to resolve our Disputes in a small claims court of competent jurisdiction) will have …”
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