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$100 in doge: a lesson in hidden crypto fees

Hidden Fees on Coinbase Spark User Frustration | A Concern for Crypto Traders

By

Jasper Lee

Sep 21, 2025, 07:21 AM

Edited By

Samantha Lee

Updated

Sep 21, 2025, 11:37 AM

2 minutes needed to read

A frustrated person looking at their phone with a chart showing fees and cryptocurrency values in the background.

A growing number of people are expressing frustration with hidden fees on Coinbase, following a user's recent experience of losing $5 upon purchasing Dogecoin with a $100 transfer. Users feel that fee disclosures lack transparency.

This incident highlights significant changes in user experiences on crypto platforms like Coinbase, where many feel clarity in fees has declined. A commenter acknowledged, "You weren’t looking because it does show a fee on the final submit screen," pointing to a possible lack of attention rather than system failure.

Shifting User Experiences

Since 2019, many people have distanced themselves from crypto, only to return and find the fee structure altered. This change has raised concerns about transaction costs across the board. Just last week, one user lamented their unexpected fee loss, stating, "I just lost $5 for no reason."

Essential User Insights

  1. Checking for Fees: Users need to pay closer attention to fee displays on the final confirmation screens, as one individual mentioned.

  2. Advanced Trading Mode: A user recommended switching to advanced options for transparency on fees, potentially resulting in savings.

  3. Using Coinbase Wallets: Some pointed out that utilizing the Coinbase wallets might yield better profits. "USE THEIR WALLET!! THAT'S WHERE THE PUMP IS," claimed one enthusiastic participant.

Economic Sentiment

Users appear divided; while frustrations persist over hidden fees, many are actively sharing strategies for smarter trading practices. Despite the mixed sentiment, there’s a noticeable push for increased clarity on transaction costs across the platform.

"If you can park about $10K in USDC, you'll make enough in interest to cover the monthly membership," one commenter noted, suggesting a smart move for larger investments.

Key Takeaways

  • β–³ Many users recommend advanced trading mode for fee visibility.

  • β–½ Frustration over hidden fees in regular transactions remains.

  • β€» "You're welcome Coinbase, I'll stick to not gambling," reflects user sentiment on lost money.

As discussions about fees continue, will platforms like Coinbase adapt to user frustrations? As demand for clearer practices grows, there’s a real possibility competitors might rise to fill the gaps in service. The evolving landscape could lead to stronger regulations pushing for transparent fee structures, benefiting the broader crypto community. While parallels exist with the early tech stocks, the lesson remains clear: transparency is key to winning user trust.