Coinbase referral
You get: A crypto bonus after your first qualifying trade · Referrer gets: Paid after the referee's qualifying trade, usually in crypto
Coinbase referral rewards are released after the new user buys or trades a minimum amount of crypto, not when the account opens — and both sides are usually paid in crypto rather than local currency. Identity verification must be completed first, which is where most referrals stall: an account created but never verified earns nobody anything. Two further points are worth knowing. The programme is not available in every country Coinbase serves, and the qualifying amount and payout have both changed repeatedly over the years, so numbers published on referral sites are rarely current. Some markets have also run a separate Coinbase Earn mechanic, which is a different thing entirely and should not be confused with the referral bonus. Check the Invite friends section of your own Coinbase account for what applies where you are. On RefDuo, matching is free — Coinbase pays the reward. As with any crypto product, the value of a reward paid in crypto can move after it lands.
Frequently asked questions
When does Coinbase pay the referral reward?
After the new user completes identity verification and buys or trades at least the qualifying amount. Creating an account is not enough on its own.
Is the Coinbase referral reward paid in cash?
Usually in crypto rather than local currency. Because it is crypto, its value can change after you receive it.
Is the programme available everywhere Coinbase operates?
No. Referral availability, the qualifying amount and the payout differ by country, and the programme is not offered in every market Coinbase serves.
Why do published Coinbase referral amounts vary?
Coinbase has revised the qualifying threshold and the payout several times. Aggregator sites rarely update. Your own account is the reliable source.
Is Coinbase Earn the same as the referral programme?
No. Coinbase Earn rewards you for learning about specific assets and is unrelated to referring someone. The two are often confused.