How to close your Coinbase account
To close your Coinbase account, sign in, go to Settings, select Account, and click the "Close Account" button at the bottom of the page. Coinbase will ask you to confirm your identity and reason for closing. You must withdraw or transfer all cryptocurrency and cash from your account before closure is complete — Coinbase will not close an account with a balance remaining.
The process takes a few minutes to start, but your account may take several business days to fully close after you submit the request. During that time, you can still log in and access your transaction history. Once closed, you cannot reopen the same account, though you can create a new one with the same email address if you change your mind later.
Key Takeaways
- You must move all cryptocurrency and cash out of your account before Coinbase will let you close it.
- The close account button is in Settings under the Account section, not in a separate security or privacy menu.
- Coinbase asks you to state why you are closing, but your answer does not affect whether the closure is processed.
- Your transaction history remains available for a limited time after closure, so you can read records before you go.
- Closing your account does not delete your identity verification records, which Coinbase keeps for regulatory reasons.
Empty your account before you start
Coinbase requires a zero balance — both in cryptocurrency and in USD or other fiat currency — before it will process a closure request. If you have any holdings, the close account button will be grayed out or will show an error when you try to click it.
To empty your account, go to your portfolio or holdings page and sell any cryptocurrency you own, or transfer it to a wallet or another exchange. If you have USD or other cash sitting in your account, withdraw it to your linked bank account. This can take one to five business days depending on your bank. Once everything is gone and your balance shows zero, you can proceed to close.
Navigate to the close account option
Sign in to Coinbase on a web browser (the mobile app does not have a close account option). Click your profile icon or avatar in the top right corner and select "Settings" from the dropdown menu.
In Settings, click the "Account" tab on the left side. Scroll to the bottom of the page. You will see a red "Close Account" button. Click it to begin the closure process.
Confirm your identity and submit the request
After you click Close Account, Coinbase will ask you to verify your identity. This usually means entering your password or using two-factor authentication if you have it turned on. Some accounts may be asked to answer security questions or confirm a code sent to your email.
Next, Coinbase will ask you to select a reason for closing — options typically include "I no longer use Coinbase," "I found a better alternative," or "Other." Your answer does not affect whether your account closes. You can select any reason that matches your situation. After you confirm, Coinbase will send a confirmation email to the address on file.
What happens after you submit
Your account will not close when ready. Coinbase typically processes closures within a few business days, though it can take longer during high-volume periods. You can still log in during this time and view your transaction history, balances, and past trades.
Once the closure is final, you will receive an email confirmation. At that point, you will no longer be able to log in. Your account cannot be reopened, but you can create a new Coinbase account using the same email address if you decide to return to the platform later.
read your records before closing
Before your account fully closes, read your transaction history and tax records if you need them. In Settings, look for a "read" or "Reports" section where you can export your trade history as a CSV file or PDF. This is useful if you need records for tax purposes or personal accounting.
After your account closes, Coinbase keeps your records for a limited time, but accessing them becomes harder. It is easier to read everything while you still have access. If you forget and need records later, you can contact Coinbase support, though response times can be slow.
What Coinbase keeps after closure
Closing your account does not erase your identity verification information. Coinbase is required by law to keep records of who opened accounts, when, and what transactions occurred. This information is retained for at least five years for regulatory and anti-money-laundering compliance.
Your personal data — name, address, phone number, and government ID information — will remain in Coinbase's systems even after closure. If you want to know exactly what data they hold, you can request it through their privacy portal, though Coinbase may take weeks to respond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my account if I have pending transactions?
No. Coinbase will not let you close an account with any balance or pending activity. Wait for all transactions to settle and all transfers to complete before you try to close. This usually takes one to five business days depending on what you are moving.
What if I forgot my password and cannot log in?
Use the "Forgot password" link on the Coinbase login page to reset it. You will need access to the email address on file. Once you reset your password, you can log in and proceed with closure. If you cannot access that email, contact Coinbase support, though wait times are often long.
Can I reopen my account after I close it?
No. Once closed, that specific account cannot be reopened. However, you can create a brand new Coinbase account using the same email address. You will need to go through identity verification again, and it will be treated as a fresh account with no history from the old one.
Do I need to close my account to stop using Coinbase?
No. You can straightforward stop logging in and leave your account inactive. However, closing it removes the account from your name entirely and prevents anyone from accessing it if your login credentials are compromised. Closing is the safer choice if you are not planning to return.
How long does it take for my account to fully close?
Coinbase usually processes closures within a few business days, but it can take up to two weeks during busy periods. You will receive an email when the closure is complete. Until then, you can still log in and view your history.