Can I close my account with cryptocurrency in it?

No, you must sell or transfer all cryptocurrency and withdraw all cash before you can close your account. All balances must be zero.

Will Coinbase delete all my data?

As a regulated financial institution, Coinbase must retain certain transaction records and identity information for compliance purposes, typically for 5-7 years.

What happens to my transaction history?

Download your transaction history and tax documents before closure. You won't have access to this information after your account is closed.

Will selling my crypto trigger taxes?

Yes, selling cryptocurrency is a taxable event that triggers capital gains or losses. You'll receive tax forms (1099-MISC) from Coinbase for reporting.

Can I transfer my crypto instead of selling?

Yes, you can transfer your cryptocurrency to an external wallet or another exchange instead of selling. This avoids immediate tax events but may incur network fees.

How long does account closure take?

Once you confirm closure with zero balances, the account is closed immediately. You'll receive an email confirmation.

Can I create a new account after closing?

Creating a new Coinbase account after closure may have restrictions. You may not be able to use the same email address for a certain period.

How to Delete Your Coinbase Account - Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

Written & Verified By

Delete.Directory Content Team

Our team of privacy advocates and digital rights experts has helped over 100,000 users reclaim control of their online presence. We test every deletion process to ensure accuracy.

This guide helps you permanently delete your Coinbase account. We believe in digital autonomy: your right to leave any platform should be as easy as joining it. Follow these verified steps to ensure complete account deletion.

How We Verified This Guide

Methodology: Hands-on testing with live accounts

Quick Information

Time Required

15 minutes

Difficulty

medium

Steps

5 steps

Official Resources

Official Coinbase Help - Close Account

Official deletion guide from Coinbase

Additional Resources

[1]

Coinbase Privacy Policy

Official privacy policy

[2]

Coinbase User Agreement

Legal terms regarding account management

[3]

Coinbase Data Retention

Information about data retention policies

Step-by-Step Guide

Sell or transfer all cryptocurrency

Sell all cryptocurrency holdings or transfer them to an external wallet. Your Coinbase account must have zero crypto balance across all assets.

Tips

•Check all crypto wallets
•Transfer to external wallet to avoid selling
•Wait for transactions to confirm
•Consider tax implications of selling

Warnings

•Cannot close with remaining crypto

Withdraw all cash

Withdraw all fiat currency (USD, EUR, etc.) to your linked bank account or payment method. Balance must be $0.00.

Tips

•Withdrawals take 1-5 business days
•Ensure payment method is still active
•Check for any pending deposits

Cancel subscriptions

If you have Coinbase One or other premium subscriptions, cancel them before account closure.

Tips

•Cancel in Settings > Subscriptions
•Wait for billing cycle to end
•Save cancellation confirmation

Close account via website

Log into coinbase.com (not the app), go to Settings > Profile > Activity, and click 'Close Account'. Read warnings and confirm your decision.

Tips

•Must use website, not mobile app
•Download transaction history for taxes
•Confirm all requirements met
•Read warnings about data retention

Warnings

•Account closure only available on website

Confirm closure

Confirm your decision to close the account. Coinbase will process the closure immediately. You'll receive an email confirmation.

Tips

•Closure is immediate
•Save confirmation email
•Coinbase retains some data for compliance

Important Warnings

Financial records retention

As a regulated financial institution, Coinbase must retain transaction records and identity information for legal compliance, typically for 5-7 years.

Must have zero balance

You cannot close your account until all cryptocurrency and cash balances are zero. Withdraw or transfer all assets first.

Website-only closure

Account closure is only available through the Coinbase website, not through the mobile app.

Tax implications

Selling cryptocurrency triggers capital gains/losses. Download tax documents and transaction history before closure.

Pending transactions must complete

All pending buys, sells, sends, and receives must fully complete before closure.

Cannot use same email

After closure, you may not be able to create a new Coinbase account with the same email address for a certain period.

Alternatives to Consider

Keep account with zero balance

easy

Withdraw all funds and crypto but keep account dormant for future use.

Pros

•Can reactivate easily
•Maintains transaction history
•No closure process

Cons

•Data remains on servers
•Account still exists
•May receive notifications

10 min

Transfer to self-custody wallet

medium

Move all crypto to a hardware or software wallet you control before closing.

Pros

•Full control of crypto
•Better security
•No exchange custody

Cons

•Responsible for wallet security
•Transfer fees apply
•Need to manage keys

30 min

Switch to alternative exchange

medium

Transfer assets to different cryptocurrency exchange before closing Coinbase.

Pros

•Continue trading
•May find better features or fees
•Different service options

Cons

•Transfer fees
•New KYC verification
•Learning new platform

45 min

Frequently Asked Questions

No, account closure is only available through the Coinbase website at coinbase.com. You cannot close your account from the mobile app.

References & Citations

[1]
Coinbase Privacy Policy
Official privacy policy
https://www.coinbase.com/legal/privacy
[2]
Coinbase User Agreement
Legal terms regarding account management
https://www.coinbase.com/legal/user_agreement
[3]
Coinbase Data Retention
Information about data retention policies
https://help.coinbase.com/en/coinbase/privacy-and-security/data-privacy/how-long-will-coinbase-keep-my-information

All citations verified as of 11/8/2025. We regularly review and update all external links to ensure accuracy.

Found incorrect information?

We strive for accuracy. If something's outdated or wrong, let us know.

Report incorrect information

Quick Navigation

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Critical Warnings

Financial records retention
As a regulated financial institution, Coinbase must retain transaction records and identity informat...
Must have zero balance
You cannot close your account until all cryptocurrency and cash balances are zero. Withdraw or trans...
Website-only closure
Account closure is only available through the Coinbase website, not through the mobile app....

Last Updated

November 8, 2025

Coinbase Account Deletion

How We Verified This Guide

Quick Information

Official Resources

Additional Resources

Step-by-Step Guide

Sell or transfer all cryptocurrency

Withdraw all cash

Cancel subscriptions

Close account via website

Confirm closure

Important Warnings

Financial records retention

Must have zero balance

Website-only closure

Tax implications

Pending transactions must complete

Cannot use same email

Alternatives to Consider

Keep account with zero balance

Transfer to self-custody wallet

Switch to alternative exchange

Frequently Asked Questions

References & Citations

Found incorrect information?

Quick Navigation

Related Guides

Critical Warnings

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