The basic steps to withdraw from Coinbase

To move money from Coinbase to your bank account, you first convert any cryptocurrency you hold into US dollars (or your local currency) on the Coinbase platform itself. Then you link your bank account to Coinbase, request a withdrawal, and Coinbase sends the dollars to your bank. The whole process usually takes three to five business days from the moment you request it, though the conversion to dollars happens when ready.

You do not need to do anything special with your bank — Coinbase handles the transfer using standard banking connections. Your bank will straightforward see a deposit from Coinbase, Inc. appear in your account after a few days, just like any other electronic transfer.

Key Takeaways

  • You must convert cryptocurrency to US dollars on Coinbase before you can withdraw to a bank account — you cannot send Bitcoin or other coins directly to your bank.
  • Linking your bank account to Coinbase requires your routing number, account number, and account holder name, which you can find on a check or in your online banking.
  • Coinbase charges a withdrawal fee that varies by bank and transfer method, usually between $0.15 and $2.00 per transaction.
  • Transfers typically arrive in three to five business days, though weekends and holidays can extend this.
  • Once money lands in your bank account, it is yours — Coinbase has no further claim to it.

Converting your cryptocurrency to dollars on Coinbase

Before you can withdraw anything, you need to sell whatever cryptocurrency you own and convert it to US dollars. On the Coinbase app or website, find the coin you want to sell (Bitcoin, Ethereum, or whatever you hold), select "Sell", enter the amount, and confirm the transaction. Coinbase will show you the exact dollar amount you will receive before you confirm — this is the price you are locked into at that moment.

Once you confirm, the sale is complete and the dollars appear in your Coinbase cash balance when ready. You now have US dollars sitting in your Coinbase account, ready to move to your bank. If you only own a small amount of cryptocurrency and the sale price seems low, you can wait and sell later — there is no rush, and the price will change throughout the day.

Linking your bank account to Coinbase

To withdraw money, Coinbase needs to know which bank account to send it to. Go to your Coinbase account settings, find the "Payment Methods" or "Linked Accounts" section, and select "Add a Bank Account". Coinbase will ask for your routing number, account number, and the name on the account.

You can find this information on a blank check from your checkbook — the routing number is the first set of digits on the bottom left, and your account number follows it. If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or app and look for account details or account information. Your bank's customer service line can also provide these numbers if you call.

After you enter this information, Coinbase may verify the account by making two small test deposits (usually under $1 each) to your bank. Your bank will show these deposits in your account after one or two business days. Coinbase will then ask you to confirm the amounts of these deposits — once you do, your bank account is fully linked and ready for withdrawals.

Requesting the withdrawal

Once your bank account is linked and you have dollars in your Coinbase balance, go to the "Withdraw" section of your account. Select your linked bank account as the destination, enter the dollar amount you want to withdraw, and review the withdrawal fee. Coinbase will show you the exact amount that will arrive in your bank account after the fee is subtracted.

Common withdrawal fees range from $0.15 to $2.00 depending on your bank and the transfer method Coinbase uses. Some banks charge Coinbase a higher fee, which Coinbase passes on to you. Once you confirm the withdrawal, the transaction is submitted and you cannot cancel it — the money is on its way to your bank.

How long the transfer takes

After you request a withdrawal, Coinbase processes it on the same business day if you submit before their cutoff time (usually late afternoon Eastern time). The money then travels through the banking system to your bank, which typically takes two to four additional business days. Weekends and bank holidays do not count as business days, so a withdrawal requested on Friday may not arrive until Wednesday or Thursday.

You can check the status of your withdrawal in the Coinbase app under your transaction history. Once the money lands in your bank account, it is fully yours and Coinbase no longer has any control over it. If a withdrawal takes longer than five business days, contact Coinbase support with your transaction ID.

What happens if your bank account information changes

If you close the bank account you linked to Coinbase or switch banks, you need to update your information in Coinbase before you request another withdrawal. Go back to your payment methods and either update the existing account or add a new one. If you request a withdrawal to a closed account, the transfer will fail and the money will return to your Coinbase balance — you can then request it again to the correct account.

Coinbase will not charge you a second withdrawal fee if the first one fails due to an incorrect account number. However, if you manually entered the wrong account number, Coinbase may not refund the fee, so double-check before confirming.

Withdrawal limits and restrictions

Coinbase sets daily and monthly withdrawal limits that depend on how long your account has been active and how much you have traded. New accounts typically have lower limits — sometimes $1,000 to $5,000 per day — while older accounts with more activity may have higher limits. You can see your current limit in your account settings under "Limits".

If you want to withdraw more than your limit allows, you can request a limit increase through Coinbase support, though approval is not may provide. Some users find that their limit increases automatically over time as they use the account. If you are blocked from withdrawing, contact Coinbase support and ask what you need to do to raise your limit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I withdraw directly to a savings account, or does it have to be checking?

You can withdraw to either a savings or checking account. Coinbase only needs your routing number and account number, which work the same way for both account types. The transfer method and timing are identical.

What if Coinbase shows a different dollar amount than what my bank receives?

The difference is almost always the withdrawal fee. Coinbase shows the fee before you confirm, so check that number against what lands in your account. If the amounts do not match and there is no fee explanation, contact Coinbase support with your transaction ID.

Do I have to pay taxes on money I withdraw from Coinbase?

Withdrawing dollars you already own does not create a new tax event — you only owe taxes when you sell the cryptocurrency itself. Coinbase sends you a tax report each year showing your sales. Consult a tax professional about your specific situation, as tax rules vary by location and income level.

Can someone else's bank account receive my Coinbase withdrawal?

Coinbase requires the account holder name to match the name on your Coinbase account. You cannot withdraw to someone else's account. If you need to move money to a different person, withdraw to your own bank account first, then transfer it from there.

What if my withdrawal is stuck and has not arrived after a week?

Contact Coinbase support with your transaction ID and the date you requested the withdrawal. Provide your bank account number and the amount. Coinbase can check whether the transfer was sent and, if it was, work with your bank to locate it. Some banks delay deposits for security reasons, so your bank may also need to investigate on their end.