Assets, Bitcoin

Do I Actually Own Bitcoin on Coinbase?

As Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies become more popular, people are wondering if they actually own the Bitcoin they’ve bought on Coinbase. The answer is a bit complicated, but essentially, yes, you do own your Bitcoin on Coinbase.

When you buy Bitcoin on Coinbase, you are buying it from Coinbase itself, not another user. This means that you are not subject to the same risks as you would be if you were buying from another person, as that person could theoretically disappear with your Bitcoin.

NOTE: WARNING: Coinbase does not actually own any of the Bitcoin that it holds for customers. When you buy Bitcoin from Coinbase, it is not stored with them directly, but rather placed in custodial wallets. This means that Coinbase is essentially acting as an intermediary between you and the actual Bitcoin blockchain. Therefore, you do not actually own the Bitcoin on Coinbase, but instead have a legal claim to it that is held by Coinbase for safekeeping.

However, it’s important to remember that Coinbase is a centralized exchange, which means that it is subject to hacks and other security risks. This is why it’s important to always keep your Bitcoin in a wallet that you control, and not on an exchange.

In conclusion, yes, you do own your Bitcoin on Coinbase, but it’s important to remember that it is stored on a centralized exchange which comes with its own risks. For maximum security, always store your Bitcoin in a wallet that you control.

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