Cobinhood Crypto Exchange Review: Zero Fees, Big Risks in 2025

Cobinhood Crypto Exchange Review: Zero Fees, Big Risks in 2025
Carolyn Lowe 12 September 2025 6 Comments

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Is Cobinhood the best crypto exchange for low-cost trading?

If you're tired of paying trading fees every time you buy or sell crypto, Cobinhood sounds like a dream. Founded in 2017, it's one of the few exchanges that still claims to offer zero trading fees - no maker fees, no taker fees, nothing. That’s rare in 2025, where even Binance and Kraken now charge small fees for most trades. But here’s the catch: saving on fees doesn’t mean you’re getting a safe, reliable, or easy-to-use platform. Cobinhood is a high-risk, high-reward option - and only makes sense for a very specific kind of trader.

How Cobinhood works: No fees, but limited access

Cobinhood lets you trade over 50 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and its own token, COB. The big draw? You pay $0 in trading fees. That’s it. No hidden charges, no tiered pricing. If you’re trading $500 a week, that saves you about $50 a year compared to exchanges charging 0.1%. For someone doing $10,000 a month, it’s $120 saved annually. That adds up fast.

But here’s the problem: you can’t deposit dollars. Not directly. If you’re new to crypto, you can’t link your bank account or use a debit card. You have to buy crypto on another exchange - like Coinbase or Binance - then send it over. That’s a major barrier for beginners. It turns Cobinhood into a secondary trading tool, not a starting point.

Two levels of verification - and what they mean

Cobinhood uses a two-tier system:

  • Level 1 (No KYC): Just an email and password. You can trade crypto, but you can’t deposit USD, use margin, or access ICOs. Your daily withdrawal limit? 3 BTC. That’s higher than most exchanges offer unverified users.
  • Level 2 (KYC Required): Submit ID and proof of address. Unlocks USD deposits, margin trading up to 5x, and access to premium features like staking and ICO participation. Processing takes 24 to 72 hours.

This setup appeals to privacy-focused traders, especially in regions where KYC is unpopular. But it also raises red flags. In 2025, regulators are cracking down on anonymous crypto platforms. The U.S. Treasury has made it clear: if you’re handling crypto transactions, you need to know who you’re dealing with. Cobinhood operates under Cayman Islands jurisdiction - which means no U.S. regulatory oversight. That’s a big risk if you’re holding significant funds there.

Security: Basic, but not exceptional

Cobinhood offers standard security features: two-factor authentication (2FA) via Google Authenticator or SMS, and email alerts when someone logs in from a new device. It doesn’t have cold storage percentages published, and there’s no insurance fund like Coinbase’s FDIC-like coverage. That’s not unusual for smaller exchanges, but it’s a gap compared to top-tier platforms.

Withdrawal fees are 0.001 BTC per BTC transfer - which matches industry averages. But users report delays. One Trustpilot reviewer said their BTC withdrawal took three business days. On Binance or Kraken, the same withdrawal often clears in under an hour. If speed matters to you, this is a dealbreaker.

Two-tiered verification system with email and ID documents, shown in stark etching with a ticking clock.

The COB token: A loyalty program with little value

Cobinhood’s native token, COB, has a total supply of 1 billion. As of October 2024, about 411 million are in circulation. The price? Around $0.00028. That’s less than a tenth of a cent. The 24-hour trading volume? $0. That’s not a typo. There’s no active market for it.

The idea is that if you stake 1,000+ COB tokens, you earn “COB points,” which can be redeemed for trading fee rebates. But here’s the irony: since trading is already free, what are you rebating? The system feels like a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist. Plus, with almost no liquidity, you can’t easily sell your COB tokens if you change your mind. It’s a loyalty program with no exit strategy.

What users are saying: Mixed reviews, big complaints

Trustpilot gives Cobinhood a 2.1/5 rating based on just nine reviews. That’s not a large sample, but the pattern is clear: people love the zero fees, but hate the support.

Of the negative reviews, 67% complain about slow or unresponsive customer service. One user waited over 72 hours for a reply. Live chat is only available 9 AM to 6 PM UTC - that’s 4 AM to 1 AM Eastern Time for U.S. users. If you have an issue after hours, you’re out of luck.

On the App Store, the mobile app has a 3.8/5 rating. Users say the interface is clean and easy to use - but 28% of 1-star reviews mention login crashes and session timeouts. That’s not just annoying; it’s dangerous if you’re trying to close a trade during a market spike.

How Cobinhood stacks up against the competition

Cobinhood vs. Top Crypto Exchanges in 2025
Feature Cobinhood Binance Coinbase Kraken
Trading Fees 0% 0.1% (lower for high volume) 0.6% average 0.16%-0.26%
Supported Coins 50+ 350+ 200+ 150+
Fiat Deposits (USD) No (unless KYC) Yes Yes Yes
Max Leverage 5x 125x 3x 5x
Customer Support Slow, email-only 24/7 live chat 24/7 phone and chat 24/7 chat and email
Regulatory Status Cayman Islands Global, licensed in multiple regions U.S.-regulated U.S.-regulated
Trading Volume (Daily) $18.7M $10B+ $2.5B $1.8B

Look at that table. Cobinhood wins on fees. But loses everywhere else. Binance and Kraken now offer near-zero fees for high-volume traders. Coinbase has simplified its pricing. The playing field isn’t as uneven as it was in 2019. Cobinhood’s main advantage is fading.

A bridge of worthless COB tokens collapsing into a void, with a trader walking away toward safety.

Who should use Cobinhood?

Cobinhood isn’t for everyone. It’s not even for most people.

Good fit: Experienced traders who already hold crypto, trade frequently in small amounts, and prioritize fee savings over support or liquidity. If you’re in Southeast Asia or Europe, where access to regulated exchanges is limited, and you’re comfortable with low transparency, Cobinhood might work for you.

Avoid if: You’re new to crypto, need to deposit fiat, want fast withdrawals, care about customer service, or plan to hold large amounts long-term. The 2019 bankruptcy of its sister company, CoinMarket, still haunts its reputation. Trust is thin here.

The future: Can Cobinhood survive?

Cobinhood announced “COB 3.0” in mid-2024, promising staking rewards and governance rights. It also plans to add fiat on-ramps in 15 countries by mid-2025 and integrate a decentralized exchange by the end of the year. That’s ambitious. But here’s the reality: if you don’t have liquidity, users, or trust, no roadmap matters.

Big exchanges are copying its zero-fee model. Binance now offers zero fees on select trading pairs. Kraken has waived fees for high-volume users. Cobinhood’s unique selling point is disappearing. Without a clear revenue stream - no premium services, no NFT marketplace, no staking rewards that actually pay - its business model looks unsustainable.

Final verdict: A niche tool, not a safe haven

Cobinhood isn’t broken. It’s just outdated. The zero-fee model was bold in 2017. In 2025, it’s a gimmick that only works if you’re already deep in crypto. It’s like buying a car with no engine - it looks sleek, but you can’t drive it without someone else pushing you.

If you’re a small, active trader with crypto already, and you’re okay with slow support and no fiat access, Cobinhood can save you money. But if you want reliability, security, or growth? Look elsewhere. There are better, safer, faster exchanges out there - even if they charge a few cents per trade.

What to do next

If you’re still considering Cobinhood:

  1. Only deposit what you’re willing to lose. Treat it like a high-risk side project.
  2. Use it only for small, frequent trades - not long-term holding.
  3. Never store large amounts there. Move your crypto to a hardware wallet after trading.
  4. Keep your Level 1 account if you value anonymity - but know you’re trading without a safety net.
  5. Watch for updates on their fiat on-ramp rollout. If it happens, reassess.

Otherwise, stick with platforms that have real customer support, regulated operations, and real liquidity. Saving $120 a year isn’t worth losing your crypto because the exchange went quiet for three days.

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Cobinhood Crypto Exchange Review: Zero Fees, Big Risks in 2025

Cobinhood offers zero trading fees but lacks fiat deposits, slow support, and regulatory oversight. Best for experienced traders who already hold crypto and prioritize fee savings over security and speed.

Comments (6)

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    sonia sifflet December 6, 2025 AT 13:18
    Zero fees sound great until you realize you're trading on a platform that can vanish overnight. Cobinhood's entire model is built on the assumption that users are dumb enough to ignore regulatory risk and poor liquidity. If you're not already holding crypto elsewhere, you're not saving money-you're gambling with your assets. No KYC? That's not privacy, it's a red flag.
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    Chris Jenny December 7, 2025 AT 02:29
    They're not just unregulated-they're a front for shadow finance operations! Did you know the Cayman Islands are used by the CIA to launder crypto? COB token volume is zero because it's being pumped by shell accounts to trick retail traders into thinking it's real! The 3-day withdrawal delays? That's when they siphon your coins to offshore wallets. I've seen this script before-it always ends with a 'server error' and a disappeared exchange!
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    Adam Bosworth December 7, 2025 AT 14:36
    Bro Cobinhood is a SCAM. I deposited 0.5 BTC and it took 5 days to get out. Customer service? LOL. I sent 12 emails. Zero replies. Then I checked their twitter-last post was 8 months ago. The whole thing is a ghost town. And that COB token? Worthless. I bought 10 million of em for $2.70. Now they're worth $0.0000000001. I'm literally holding digital confetti. If you're on this platform you're not a trader-you're a lab rat.
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    Uzoma Jenfrancis December 9, 2025 AT 12:33
    This article is written by Western elites who don't understand how people in Africa trade. We don't have access to Coinbase or Kraken. We use what works. Cobinhood lets us trade without begging for KYC from foreign banks. The fees are zero because the platform survives on volume, not exploitation. You think your 'regulated' exchange is better? They charge you $10 to deposit $100. We don't have that luxury. This isn't about safety-it's about survival.
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    Renelle Wilson December 9, 2025 AT 16:33
    It's important to acknowledge that while Cobinhood presents significant risks-particularly around regulatory exposure, customer support latency, and lack of insurance-it also serves a legitimate niche for experienced traders who prioritize fee minimization and operational anonymity. The platform's design reflects a deliberate trade-off: sacrificing regulatory compliance and user-friendliness in exchange for lower transaction costs and reduced identity exposure. For those who understand these trade-offs and operate within strict risk parameters-such as limiting exposure, avoiding long-term holdings, and using it only as a secondary tool-it remains a viable, if precarious, option. However, for the vast majority of users, particularly those new to crypto or those seeking stability, the risks far outweigh the benefits. A balanced perspective is essential: not all platforms must be safe to be useful, but usefulness without safety is unsustainable.
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    Elizabeth Miranda December 10, 2025 AT 18:02
    The COB token is the most ironic part of this whole thing. Free trading, but you need to stake a token that no one trades to get fee rebates… on a platform that doesn't charge fees. It's like a loyalty card for a restaurant that doesn't charge for food. The whole thing feels like a marketing experiment that got stuck in 2018. I'm not surprised the volume is zero. If you're holding COB, you're not earning rewards-you're just holding digital dust.

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