Coinmama has long been recognized as a beginner-friendly gateway into the world of cryptocurrency. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, it operates as a consumer-focused platform under Wellfield Technologies. Designed for users who want a straightforward way to buy, sell, and swap digital assets, Coinmama emphasizes simplicity over advanced trading features. But with high fees and limited functionality, is it still a viable choice in today’s competitive crypto landscape?
This in-depth review explores Coinmama’s security, usability, fee structure, supported assets, and customer experience to help you determine whether it aligns with your crypto goals.
Key Features at a Glance
- Founded: 2013
- Headquarters: Vancouver, Canada
- Regulatory Compliance: Registered with FinCEN (U.S.), FCA (UK), FINTRAC (Canada), and CBI (Ireland)
- KYC Required: Yes, for buying and selling; not required for crypto swaps
- Minimum Fiat Deposit: $5
- Supported Cryptocurrencies: 82 for trading, over 500 tokens via crypto swaps
- Fiat Currencies Supported: 44 for deposits, only USD, EUR, and GBP for withdrawals
- Native Token: None
- Deposit Methods: Bank transfer (ACH), credit/debit card, e-wallets (e.g., PayPal, Revolut), SEPA, SWIFT, and third-party payment processors
- Withdrawal Methods: Credit/debit card, SEPA, SWIFT, and third-party processors
- Customer Support: Email only
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Who Is Coinmama For?
Coinmama is best suited for beginners or casual investors who prioritize ease of use over cost efficiency or advanced tools. If you're looking to:
- Buy cryptocurrency quickly without navigating complex trading interfaces
- Use a non-custodial platform that doesn’t hold your funds
- Access a wide range of fiat deposit options
- Swap tokens without KYC verification
Then Coinmama may meet your basic needs. However, if you value low fees, robust customer support, or advanced trading capabilities like staking or leverage, you’ll likely find better options elsewhere.
Security and Transparency
One of Coinmama’s strongest points is its non-custodial model. Unlike many exchanges, it does not store users’ crypto or fiat balances. Instead, transactions occur directly between your wallet and third-party processors like Paybis. This reduces the risk of large-scale fund theft from exchange breaches.
However, in 2019, Coinmama suffered a data breach that exposed emails, usernames, and hashed passwords of approximately 479,000 users. While no funds were lost—thanks to its non-custodial design—the incident raised concerns about data handling practices.
Additional security features include:
- Two-factor authentication (2FA) via email (enabled by default)
- KYC verification after first transaction
- Compliance with AML regulations across multiple jurisdictions
Despite these measures, Coinmama lacks transparency in key areas:
- No proof-of-reserves audits
- No public bug bounty program
- Outdated FAQ and fee disclosures
User Experience and Interface
Coinmama offers a clean, desktop-only interface designed for simplicity. The platform is intuitive for first-time buyers but feels outdated compared to modern exchanges.
Buying Crypto
The purchase process is streamlined:
- Enter wallet address
- Select cryptocurrency and amount
- Choose payment method
- Complete KYC (if required)
- Confirm transaction
Transactions are processed through Paybis and typically settle within minutes. During testing, a £100 ETH purchase reached my Ledger wallet in under five minutes.
Selling Crypto
Selling requires manually sending crypto to a provided Coinmama address—a more cumbersome process than automated withdrawals on other platforms. Withdrawals are limited to USD, EUR, and GBP, and only via credit/debit cards or SWIFT transfers.
Search and Discovery Tools
The search function is minimal—just a basic bar with no categorization or trending listings. Newcomers may struggle to explore beyond major coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
A built-in Bitcoin calculator exists but offers limited utility, redirecting users to the main buy page. More useful is the crypto swaps tool, which supports over 500 tokens without KYC or account creation—though it’s oddly hidden from the main navigation.
Fees: A Major Drawback
Coinmama’s most criticized aspect is its high and inconsistent fees.
While the site advertises a maximum fee of 3.9%, real-world testing reveals much higher costs:
- A $1,000 purchase can incur fees between 10%–15%, depending on payment method
- A £23.69 ETH sale was charged £5.69—over 24% in fees
- Withdrawal fees are also inflated: up to 14.31% via SWIFT for Litecoin
Fees vary significantly by region and payment type, with no detailed breakdown provided before confirmation. This lack of transparency makes budgeting difficult and undermines trust.
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Supported Cryptocurrencies and Fiat Options
Coinmama supports 82 cryptocurrencies for direct purchase—fewer than competitors like Binance or Coinbase. However, its crypto swaps tool opens access to over 500 tokens without KYC, giving it an edge in token variety.
Fiat support stands out: users can deposit in 44 currencies, including AUD, HKD, and VND—more than most centralized exchanges. However, cashing out is restricted to just three currencies (USD, EUR, GBP), limiting global usability.
Customer Support and Resources
Coinmama claims 24/7 email support but failed to respond to outreach attempts during testing—even after three weeks. No live chat, phone support, or ticketing system is available within the platform.
The Coinmama Academy blog offers helpful educational content on blockchain basics and market trends—an excellent resource for beginners. However, practical guides on using the platform itself are sparse.
An FAQ section exists but contains outdated information, especially regarding fees and withdrawal limits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Coinmama safe to use?
Yes, Coinmama uses a non-custodial model, meaning it never holds your funds. While it experienced a data breach in 2019, no financial losses occurred. Always use strong passwords and enable 2FA for added protection.
Do I need to complete KYC on Coinmama?
KYC is required after your first purchase or sale. However, you can use the crypto swaps tool without verification or creating an account.
Can I trade or stake on Coinmama?
No. Coinmama does not support spot trading, margin trading, staking, P2P markets, or advanced order types. It functions solely as a buy/sell gateway.
Why are Coinmama’s fees so high?
Coinmama partners with third-party payment processors like Paybis, which contribute to elevated transaction costs. The advertised 3.9% cap often doesn’t reflect actual charges.
Is there a mobile app?
No official mobile app is available. Users must access the platform via desktop browser.
Does Coinmama work worldwide?
Most countries can access the crypto swaps tool. However, users from the U.S. (except New York and Louisiana), Russia, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, and others are restricted from buying/selling services.
Final Verdict
Coinmama delivers on simplicity but falls short on cost-efficiency and modern functionality. Its non-custodial model enhances security, and its broad fiat deposit options cater to international users. Yet excessively high fees, poor customer support, and an outdated interface make it hard to recommend over more competitive platforms.
It remains a viable option for absolute beginners who value ease over savings—but even then, alternatives with better pricing and features exist.
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