---
title: "How to use a crypto exchange"
description: "Learn How to Use a Crypto Exchange to Buy and Sell Tokens"
---

# How to use a crypto exchange

Coinbase is a centralized [**cryptocurrency exchange platform**](https://www.alchemy.com/dapps/best/crypto-exchanges) that allows users to buy, sell, convert and store cryptocurrency. [Coinbase](https://www.alchemy.com/dapps/coinbase) has features that let you check for prices and trends in the cryptocurrency market through a beginner-friendly user interface.

With over 73 million users across 100\+ countries, Coinbase is known to be one of the biggest and most popular crypto exchanges in the world. This article will explain the step-by-step process for how to make your first trade on coinbase.

## **1. Create a crypto exchange account**

Users can trade cryptocurrencies on the Coinbase website and on the Coinbase app, and the process is pretty similar for both methods.

1. Go to the [Coinbase website](https://www.coinbase.com/) on your desktop computer \(or download the mobile app for Android or iOS\)
1. Click on the Get Started button if you don’t have an account already
1. Sign in to Coinbase if you have an account
1. If you don't have an account, create a new account, and go through the different identification process
1. Add a preferred payment method to enable you to fund your account

<ImageBlock
  src="https://media.alchemy.com/1703816498-create-a-crypto-exchange-account.png"
  alt="Coinbase sign-up page for creating a crypto exchange account"
  width={1349}
  height={663}
/>

Note: common KYC/AML processes for creating new crypto exchange accounts include submitting your contact information and forms of identification such as a photo of your driver's license and a current picture of your face.

## 2. Click on the buy or sell button

The whole verification process takes about 15 to 20 minutes. After your bank account and identity have been successfully verified you can buy cryptocurrency.

1. Click on the buy button
1. Specify the amount of money you want to spend by clicking on the number area
1. Select the cryptocurrency you want to buy \(e.g. Bitcoin\)
1. Double-check the cryptocurrency and the payment method

<ImageBlock
  src="https://media.alchemy.com/1703816537-buy-or-sell-crypto.png"
  alt="Coinbase buy screen: choosing an amount and cryptocurrency to purchase"
  width={1364}
  height={589}
/>

## 3. Preview your trade

1. Click on the preview button to check the details of your transaction
1. If the details are correct, click on the buy now button
1. Your transaction should go through instantly

<ImageBlock
  src="https://media.alchemy.com/1703816587-preview-trade.png"
  alt="Coinbase trade preview showing price, payment method, and fees before buying"
  width={369}
  height={636}
/>

The details you want to confirm before clicking "buy now" include:

- **Pay with** - the designated payment method
- **Price** - the price of the asset
- **Coinbase fee** - the fee paid to Coinbase for the transaction, \(they charge 1% on all cryptocurrency transactions\)

## 4. Move your tokens to a self-custody wallet

Once you have made your trade, it is best practice to move your tokens to a self-custody wallet like [Coinbase Wallet](https://www.alchemy.com/dapps/coinbase-wallet) and [MetaMask](https://www.alchemy.com/dapps/metamask). Self-custody wallets are wallets that you own completely, unlike exchange wallets which are custodied by the exchange itself.

The easiest method of [transferring tokens on Coinbase to a self-custody wallet](https://help.coinbase.com/en/wallet/sending-and-receiving/how-do-i-move-assets-between-my-coinbase-wallet-and-my-coinbase) is to download the Coinbase Wallet and migrate tokens using the withdraw functionality.