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
Customer will not access or use any Service, Documentation, or Customization in sanctioned or embargoed regions or for any prohibited end uses, including but not limited to nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons
Your Input may not include material or information that requires a government license for release or export.
You agree that you are not prohibited from receiving the Services under the laws of the United States, England, Wales, Canada or other applicable jurisdiction. For example, you are not on the U.S. Treasury Department's list of Specially Designated Nationals...
"your Company has implemented ongoing customer sanctions screening against applicable Sanctions Regimes lists and that your Company will not instruct or otherwise cause Coinbase to hold any assets or engage in any transaction that would cause Coinbase to violate applicable AML and Sanctions Laws...Excerpt from Coinbase's User Agreement
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The clause states: “your Company has implemented ongoing customer sanctions screening against applicable Sanctions Regimes lists and that your Company will not instruct or otherwise cause Coinbase to hold any assets or engage in any transaction that would cause Coinbase to violate applicable AML and Sanctions Laws...”
ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 178 platforms. See the full comparison.
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