Coinbase Adds In-App DEX Trading for U.S. Users

Coinbase has introduced a decentralized exchange (DEX) trading feature within its U.S. mobile app, offering select users the ability to trade on-chain assets directly through integrated wallets and DEX platforms like Uniswap and Aerodrome. The feature is currently available to most U.S. users, excluding residents of New York [1]. This development marks a key expansion of Coinbase’s DeFi capabilities, allowing users to access Base-native tokens—assets issued on Coinbase’s Ethereum-based scaling solution—without leaving the app [2].

The new functionality supports on-chain trading with integrated DEX aggregation for best pricing, and Coinbase is covering network fees at launch to reduce friction for early users [3]. The company emphasizes that this feature aligns with its goal of becoming a comprehensive “everything app” for crypto users, combining centralized and decentralized services into one platform [4]. CEO Brian Armstrong highlighted the launch as a strategic move to enhance user access to newly issued tokens and support developers by facilitating product distribution through Coinbase [5].

By enabling in-app DEX trading, Coinbase is streamlining the user experience and reducing the need for users to navigate multiple platforms to access decentralized markets. The integration also reflects the growing demand for permissionless trading options, as DEX platforms do not require users to provide personal information such as names, addresses, or identification [6]. This aligns with broader trends in the DeFi space and could potentially boost liquidity on Base-based DEXs, as users migrate assets to decentralized platforms for trading.

The rollout is expected to contribute to increased Total Value Locked (TVL) on Base, with a likely acceleration in token launches seeking immediate exposure through Coinbase’s large user base. Market reactions have historically mirrored those seen with similar integrations, such as Binance and Robinhood’s DEX features, which triggered surges in decentralized trading volume [2]. Coinbase’s launch could also influence governance assets on Base and Solana ecosystems as the feature expands to more blockchains [3].

While the move comes amid a broader cooling in retail crypto interest, as evidenced by a recent "Sell" rating from Compass Point, it reflects Coinbase’s ongoing innovation strategy to adapt to shifting market dynamics and regulatory scrutiny [7]. The integration of DEX capabilities into its core app represents a significant step in bridging centralized and decentralized markets, offering a more seamless experience for traders and supporting the continued growth of DeFi ecosystems.

Source:

[1] title1: Coinbase launches DEX trading for US users amid volume decline (url: https://www.theblock.co/post/366198/coinbase-launches-dex-trading-for-us-users-amid-volume-decline)

[2] title2: DEX Trading (url: https://www.coinbase.com/trade-crypto/dex)

[3] title3: Coinbase (url: https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-3-1025649-20250809)

[4] title4: Coinbase Adds DEX Trading to U.S. Platform in Push Toward ... (url: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/coinbase-adds-dex-trading-u-160001992.html)

[5] title5: Coinbase (COIN) Adds DEX Trading to U.S. App in Push ... (url: https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/08/08/coinbase-adds-dex-trading-to-u-s-app-in-push-toward-becoming-an-everything-app)

[6] title6: Coinbase Adds In-App DEX Trading for U.S. Users (url: https://www.bankless.com/read/coinbase-adds-in-app-dex-trading-for-u-s-users)

[7] title7: Coinbase Receives Downgrade to ‘Sell’ as Retail Interest Cools: Compass Point (url: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/coinbase-rolls-dex-trading-app-180150058.html)