How to use Coinbase's instant buy and sell feature?

Coinbase's Instant Buy and Sell feature allows quick crypto transactions; set up an account, choose your crypto, and buy or sell with ease, mindful of fees and limits.

Apr 14, 2025 at 12:21 pm

Coinbase, one of the leading cryptocurrency exchanges, offers a convenient feature known as "Instant Buy and Sell." This feature allows users to quickly purchase or sell cryptocurrencies without having to navigate through complex trading interfaces. In this article, we will explore how to use Coinbase's Instant Buy and Sell feature in detail, ensuring you understand every step of the process.

Setting Up Your Coinbase Account

Before you can use the Instant Buy and Sell feature, you need to have a Coinbase account. If you haven't already, follow these steps to set up your account:

• Visit the Coinbase website and click on the "Sign Up" button.
• Enter your personal information, including your name, email address, and a strong password.
• Verify your email address by clicking on the verification link sent to your inbox.
• Complete the identity verification process by providing the required documents, such as a government-issued ID and a selfie.

Once your account is set up and verified, you can proceed to use the Instant Buy and Sell feature.

Navigating to the Instant Buy and Sell Feature

To access the Instant Buy and Sell feature on Coinbase, follow these steps:

• Log in to your Coinbase account.
• Click on the "Buy/Sell" tab located at the top of the page.
• Select the cryptocurrency you want to buy or sell from the list of available options.

Using the Instant Buy Feature

The Instant Buy feature allows you to quickly purchase cryptocurrencies using your preferred payment method. Here's how to use it:

• Choose the cryptocurrency you want to buy from the list.
• Enter the amount you wish to purchase. You can enter the amount in either the cryptocurrency or your local currency.
• Select your payment method. Coinbase supports various payment options, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and PayPal.
• Review the transaction details, including the total cost, fees, and estimated delivery time.
• Click on the "Buy" button to complete the purchase.

Once the transaction is processed, the purchased cryptocurrency will be added to your Coinbase wallet.

Using the Instant Sell Feature

The Instant Sell feature allows you to quickly sell your cryptocurrencies and convert them into your local currency. Here's how to use it:

• Choose the cryptocurrency you want to sell from the list.
• Enter the amount you wish to sell. You can enter the amount in either the cryptocurrency or your local currency.
• Select your payout method. Coinbase supports various payout options, including bank transfers and PayPal.
• Review the transaction details, including the total amount you will receive after fees.
• Click on the "Sell" button to complete the sale.

Once the transaction is processed, the funds will be transferred to your selected payout method.

Understanding Fees and Limits

It's important to understand the fees and limits associated with the Instant Buy and Sell feature on Coinbase. Here's what you need to know:

• Fees: Coinbase charges a fee for each transaction, which varies depending on the payment method and the amount being transacted. For example, buying with a credit/debit card may incur a higher fee compared to a bank transfer.
• Limits: Coinbase sets limits on the amount you can buy or sell using the Instant Buy and Sell feature. These limits may vary based on your account verification level and the payment method you use.

To view your specific fees and limits, log in to your Coinbase account and navigate to the "Buy/Sell" tab.

Managing Your Transactions

After using the Instant Buy and Sell feature, you can easily manage your transactions on Coinbase. Here's how:

• View your transaction history by clicking on the "Transactions" tab in your Coinbase account.
• Track the status of your buy or sell orders to ensure they are processed successfully.
• Cancel pending orders if needed by clicking on the "Cancel" button next to the order in your transaction history.

By regularly monitoring your transactions, you can stay informed about your cryptocurrency purchases and sales.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use the Instant Buy and Sell feature on the Coinbase mobile app?

A: Yes, the Instant Buy and Sell feature is available on the Coinbase mobile app. Simply download the app, log in to your account, and follow the same steps outlined in this article to buy or sell cryptocurrencies instantly.

Q: Are there any countries where the Instant Buy and Sell feature is not available?

A: The availability of the Instant Buy and Sell feature may vary depending on your country of residence. Coinbase operates in many countries worldwide, but certain features may be restricted in some regions. To check if the feature is available in your country, visit the Coinbase website and review the supported countries list.

Q: Can I set up recurring buys using the Instant Buy feature?

A: Yes, Coinbase allows you to set up recurring buys using the Instant Buy feature. When you initiate a buy order, you can choose to set it as a recurring purchase, which will automatically execute at your specified interval (e.g., weekly or monthly). This can help you dollar-cost average your cryptocurrency investments over time.

Q: How long does it take for the purchased cryptocurrency to appear in my wallet?

A: The time it takes for the purchased cryptocurrency to appear in your wallet depends on the payment method you used. If you buy with a credit/debit card or PayPal, the cryptocurrency is usually credited to your wallet instantly. However, if you use a bank transfer, it may take a few business days for the funds to clear and for the cryptocurrency to be credited to your wallet.