Coinbase Opens U.S. Crypto Futures to Retail Traders With 0.02% Fees

Coinbase has made a significant move by opening the door to U.S. retail traders with regulated crypto futures. This development marks the first instance where American traders can access crypto futures without expiration dates under full regulatory compliance. The platform now offers nano-sized contracts for Bitcoin and Ethereum, with leverage up to 10x. Unlike offshore products, these futures don’t expire monthly and can be held for up to five years. Access requires a separate approval process within Coinbase accounts.

With ultra-low fees starting at 0.02% and capped at $0.15 per trade, Coinbase aims to undercut offshore platforms and bring the volume home. CEO Brian Armstrong called it a breakthrough moment, signaling the platform’s long-term ambition to dominate the U.S. derivatives space. The move comes as Coinbase stock continues its bullish momentum, boosted further by recent legislative support from the GENIUS Act.

By bringing perpetuals into the U.S. regulatory fold, Coinbase is laying the groundwork for a new era in domestic crypto derivatives trading. The introduction of perpetual futures in the U.S. market is a direct result of the GENIUS Act, which has been signed into law. This act provides regulatory clarity and legal certainty, paving the way for broader adoption of stablecoins and other digital assets.

The GENIUS Act has been instrumental in transforming the crypto market by offering a more localized, compliant, and cost-efficient trading environment. Retail traders, who have long demanded such solutions, can now engage in crypto trading with greater confidence and ease. The act not only supports the growth of mature blockchains like Bitcoin and Ethereum but also enhances the safety and reliability of stablecoins such as USDC and DAI.

Coinbase Financial Markets has played a pivotal role in this transformation by providing a platform for perpetual-style futures. This move aligns with the broader trend of tokenization, where digital assets are increasingly being used to drive cross-border payments modernization and other financial innovations. The regulated environment ensures that traders can participate in the crypto market with the assurance of legal compliance and security.

The introduction of regulated crypto futures by Coinbase is a significant step forward for the U.S. crypto market. It not only meets the growing demand for compliant trading solutions but also positions the U.S. as a leader in the global digital currency landscape. As the market continues to evolve, the regulatory clarity provided by the GENIUS Act will likely attract more participants and foster further innovation in the crypto space.