No—Monero (XMR) is not tradable on Coinbase. Coinbase’s own converter/price pages explicitly show XMR as “not tradable,” which means you can’t buy, sell, or hold Monero on the platform.
Why Isn’t XMR Listed on Coinbase?
The primary reason is regulatory pressure around privacy coins. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has said the company isn’t planning to support Monero due to regulatory issues—reflecting concerns from policymakers and compliance obligations (AML/CTF, Travel Rule, etc.).
“But Didn’t Brian Armstrong Say ‘Maybe’?”
In public conversations, Armstrong has acknowledged interest in user demand and hinted that maybe one day Coinbase could support privacy coins in a friendlier regulatory climate—but he’s also been clear that the holdup is regulatory. Bottom line today: you still can’t buy Monero on Coinbase.
What to Do Instead (Legit Alternatives)
1) Use a regulated exchange that lists XMR
- Kraken — Historically supports XMR pairs like XMR/USD, XMR/EUR, and XMR/BTC (availability varies by country). Note: there have been region-specific restrictions/delistings in parts of the EU, so check your jurisdiction before proceeding.
Tip: If Kraken is available where you live, you can open an account and trade XMR directly. (If you need a guide, see our “Trade Monero on Kraken” walkthrough.)
2) Buy on Coinbase, then swap off-platform
- Buy BTC or USDC on Coinbase.
- Withdraw to a wallet you control.
- Swap to XMR using an instant-exchange service (compare rates, limits, and reviews first): Quickex, ChangeNOW, ChangeHero, Exolix, Godex, BitcoinVN, PegasusSwap, StealthEX.
Notes: Rates, KYC policies, and availability differ by provider. Always verify the deposit address, minimum amounts, and timeouts before sending.
Step-by-Step: Swapping BTC/USDC to XMR
- Set up a Monero wallet (e.g., Monero.com (Cake), Monerujo, or Stack Wallet) and copy your XMR receiving address.
- On the instant-exchange, choose the pair (e.g., BTC → XMR), paste your XMR address, and review the quoted rate/fees.
- Send the required BTC/USDC to the deposit address the service shows you.
- Wait for confirmations; the service will send XMR to your wallet once complete.
FAQ
Why does Coinbase avoid Monero?
Coinbase has cited regulatory issues around privacy coins. Many exchanges must comply with AML/CTF rules and the FATF Travel Rule, which can be harder to reconcile with default-private assets.
Is there an official Coinbase announcement page for XMR?
Coinbase maintains asset pages that clearly mark assets as “not tradable.” Monero’s page shows it’s not supported.
Has Kraken ever limited XMR?
Yes—there have been country-specific changes (for example, delisting in Ireland and Belgium announced in 2024), underscoring that availability depends on local rules.
Sources: Coinbase asset/converter pages indicating XMR is not tradable; Brian Armstrong’s comments on regulatory hurdles for Monero; and Kraken documentation/news about XMR market availability. }
