Does Coinbase freeze accounts?

To ensure the safety of both you and Coinbase and to remain compliant with regulations in the jurisdictions Coinbase operates, we may need to place restrictions on certain services for various reasons. Because of this, when asking “does Coinbase freeze accounts?” it's important that we distinguish between disabling buy/sell services, closing a Coinbase account, and preventing access to funds. Select the options below to learn more.

Due to violations of our User Agreement, Coinbase may disable access to buy/sell services on your account for reasons including, but not limited to, high risk of fraud. If this happens, you will maintain the ability to transact with crypto, and cashout any funds in your cash balance, to a verified bank account. Only buy/sell services will be disabled.

Due to violations of our User Agreement, Coinbase may initiate closure of customer accounts for reasons, including, but not limited to, engaging in prohibited activity. When an account closure happens, buy/sell services are disabled and you will no longer be permitted to use your Coinbase account as a crypto balance. However, access to your balances are not “frozen” as you will be able to send any remaining crypto balances from your Coinbase account to a wallet address of your choice. Additionally, before the account closure proceeds, you will be able to cash out any remaining cash balance from your account to a verified bank account.

Note: If a buy or cash add is pending when an account closure happens, the balance will be available to send/cash out once the transaction completes.


In extremely rare circumstances, and only where required by law or authorized by the Coinbase User Agreement, Coinbase may block or "freeze" customer funds on our platform. For example, we will take this action when:

  1. We are required to comply with an order from a court or other authority that has jurisdiction over Coinbase, compelling us to restrict access to funds.

  2. We are required by law to freeze or block assets in compliance with a sanctions program, including, but not limited to sanctions programs administered by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

For reference, our Prohibited Businesses and Prohibited Use Policy.

Related articles: