How To Transfer From Coinbase To Uphold

Coinbase remains one of the largest and most recognized cryptocurrency exchanges in the US, offering an intuitive platform for buying, storing, and selling over 260 cryptocurrencies.

Uphold is a newer multi-asset digital currency platform that supports over 300 cryptocurrencies, precious metals, and fiat currencies. Uphold is regulated in multiple jurisdictions (including FCA, FINCEN, and the FCIS) and is popular for its “anything-to-anything” swaps across asset classes.

This comprehensive guide will show you how to transfer crypto from Coinbase (Exchange or Wallet) to Uphold — step by step, with essential security tips and the latest fee and platform updates.

Before You Begin: Understanding the Basics

• Coinbase (Exchange): Custodial platform for trading, withdrawals, and deposits. You need to withdraw your crypto using the "Send" function here.
• Coinbase Wallet: Self-custody wallet—transfers from here involve sending from a wallet you fully control. This guide primarily covers Coinbase Exchange, but instructions for Coinbase Wallet are similar.
• Uphold: Centralized exchange/wallet where you deposit crypto using a unique address corresponding to the asset you’re transferring.

Important: Transferring crypto is different from “selling” crypto. Moving between wallets/exchanges does not trigger taxable events in most jurisdictions, but always consult a tax professional for your specific situation.

New to crypto? Check out my updated Coinbase tutorial below!

Pre-Transfer Checklist — Secure & Prepare

• 1. Enable 2-Factor Authentication (2FA) on both Coinbase and Uphold before transferring funds.
• 2. Decide which crypto and network you'll use (e.g., BTC on Bitcoin network, ETH on Ethereum Mainnet, or a stablecoin like USDC via ERC-20).
• 3. Calculate the total fees (see “Fee Comparison” below).
• 4. Copy-and-verify wallet addresses (triple-check!)
• 5. Consider sending a small “test” transaction to confirm everything is set up correctly.

Fee Comparison: Coinbase vs. Uphold (2025)

*Always review the full fee details on each platform before confirming your transaction. Actual blockchain (network) fees fluctuate based on demand.

Step 1: Sign Up For Uphold

The first step is to create an Uphold account. This requires supplying and verifying your personal information and completing Know-Your-Customer (KYC) checks—typically uploading a photo ID. Uphold is regulated by the FCA, FINCEN, and FCIS.

Once approved, enable 2FA for extra security (you’ll find this in your account settings under “Security”).

Uphold offers more than just crypto—trade metals, stocks, and more from a single wallet.

Step 2: Copy Your Uphold Deposit (Receiving) Address

To receive crypto from Coinbase, you need the correct Uphold deposit address corresponding to your chosen cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin or Ethereum). Never send one type of coin to another's address (e.g., ETH to a BTC address).

Here’s how to find your correct wallet address:

1. Log in, go to your Portfolio tab (now accessed via the main dashboard “Assets” section).
2. Select the cryptocurrency you want to deposit (e.g., Bitcoin).
3. Click the menu button (three dots …) at the top right.
4. Select Receive or Wallet Address (label depends on device).
5. Your Uphold deposit address (also called “receiving address” or “public address”) for this crypto will appear. Use the copy button or scan the presented QR code for accuracy.

• Tip: Double-check the address format. For Bitcoin, valid addresses start with 1, 3, or bc1. For Ethereum/ERC-20, they start with 0x.
• Confirm network compatibility (for tokens like USDT or USDC, confirm if using ERC-20, TRC-20, etc.).

Consider using address allowlisting on both Coinbase and Uphold for even greater protection (note: adding a new allowlisted address on Coinbase triggers a 48-hour security hold before withdrawals to that address are possible).

Step 3: Withdraw Cryptocurrency from Coinbase (or Coinbase Wallet)

From Coinbase (Exchange) App or Web (2025):

1. Open the Coinbase app or visit coinbase.com and log in.
2. Ensure 2FA is enabled (find in security settings).
3. From your asset dashboard, locate the cryptocurrency you want to send (e.g., BTC).
4. Click “Send” (mobile) or “Send & Receive” (web).
5. Enter the amount to send and paste the Uphold deposit address you copied earlier. Double-check (or scan QR) for accuracy to avoid loss.
6. Review available network options (e.g., Lightning Bitcoin or base Bitcoin). If network selection is offered, choose the one supported by Uphold.
7. Review all withdrawal and network fees. Fees and estimated arrival times will display on the confirmation screen.
8. (Optional but highly recommended:) For high-value transfers, initiate a test send of a small amount and verify arrival before transferring your full balance.
9. Confirm your transaction and approve 2FA if prompted.
   Note: If you’ve recently added the destination address and enabled address allowlisting, a security hold may apply—wait for clearance, then try again.

From Coinbase Wallet

• Tap the asset you wish to send, select Send, scan or paste your Uphold deposit address, then confirm details and fees.
• Make sure you’re not sending tokens on an unsupported network!

Step 4: Wait for Confirmation — How Long Does It Take?

• Bitcoin: Typically 10 minutes–1 hour, depending on blockchain congestion.
• Ethereum & ERC-20: Usually 2–10 minutes (but can take longer during busy periods).
• Stablecoins (USDC, USDT): Speed depends on network—ERC-20, Tron/TRC-20, and others vary.
• Lightning Network: Bitcoin sent via Lightning on Coinbase can arrive in seconds (be sure Uphold supports this method).

After the transaction is broadcast to the blockchain, you can monitor status in:

• Coinbase: Activity or transaction history
• Uphold: Portfolio > Asset > Transaction history
  You may also use a blockchain explorer (e.g., blockchair.com for BTC/ETH) with the transaction ID (TXID) to track status.

What to Do If Something Goes Wrong

• Transaction not received? Check if it’s pending on the blockchain explorer. If so, wait.
• Sent to wrong network or unsupported address?
  Crypto transfers are not reversible. If you sent coins to the wrong address or sent using the wrong network (e.g., sent ERC-20 tokens to a BTC address), your funds may be permanently lost.
• Test transaction didn’t arrive? Double-check network and address. Contact both platforms’ support only if the transaction is missing despite correct details.
• Transaction is "unconfirmed" for a long time? Network congestion may delay confirmation. If you set low fees, it can take hours.
• Still not sure? Reach out to Coinbase Support or Uphold Support with your TXID and details.

Platform Comparison: Coinbase vs. Uphold

Here’s what you should know before deciding to transfer:

• Asset Variety: Uphold now offers 300+ tokens, metals, and national currencies; Coinbase features 260+ cryptocurrencies.
• Staking: Uphold supports staking for 19 coins/tokens as of March 2025 (including in the US); Coinbase offers staking for a limited set of assets.
• Fees: Uphold features a flat trading fee structure (1.4% for BTC/ETH, 0.25% for stablecoins); Coinbase Advanced offers 0–0.60% trade fees, and withdrawal fees vary by network.
• “Anything-to-anything” trading: Uphold lets you swap between crypto, metals, stocks, and fiat money directly.
• Storage/Security: Both platforms use institutional-grade cold storage and insurance solutions for digital assets. Uphold retains 100% reserves and performs proof-of-reserves attestations.
• Regulation: Both are compliant with global and US/European KYC/AML regulations.

Security Best Practices — Don’t Skip!

• Use Copy & Paste or QR code to transfer wallet addresses—never type manually.
• Triple-check that the pasted address matches what was displayed on Uphold.
• Verify the address format matches the selected coin’s standard (see above for prefixes like 1, bc1, 0x).
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on both Coinbase and Uphold; never share codes.
• Whitelist addresses when possible and be aware of any resulting hold periods.
• For large transfers: send a small test amount first. Confirm arrival on Uphold before moving the rest.
• If available, use the “allowlist-only” feature to restrict withdrawals only to pre-approved addresses.

Common Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

Moving crypto from Coinbase to Uphold is straightforward if you follow the correct process, use the proper deposit address, and confirm all security protocols. Fees and timing can vary, so always be thorough and consider starting with a trial transfer—once a crypto transaction is sent, it can’t be undone.

If you’re considering which platform suits you best for the long-term—think about fees, asset diversity, staking, trading flexibility, and regulatory standing. Both Coinbase and Uphold are reputable, regulated, and feature competitive cold storage security.