How Much Does It Cost to Develop a Cryptocurrency Exchange App like Coinbase?

chirag November 18, 2024
crypto exchange app development cost

Operating since 2011, the Coinbase mobile app has not only become the first unicorn in the cryptocurrency exchange market but also serves as a leading example in the Blockchain and Crypto world. With its extensive services and user-friendly interface, Coinbase has lowered the barrier to entry for newcomers in the crypto trading industry.

What’s more? The app seamlessly connects millions of crypto enthusiasts with the dynamic market of Bitcoin and numerous other crypto assets, sparking a business interest among emerging entrepreneurs. The platform’s popularity has driven demand for similar digital currency trading apps, making several inspiring brands like Rakuten launch their own cryptocurrency trading platforms.

Don’t just take our word for it—let the numbers speak for themselves. Coinbase’ growing popularity is reflected in its impressive statistics:

  • In 2023, Coinbase generated $3.11 billion in revenue and has already made $1.64 billion in the first three months of 2024.
  • The trading volume on Coinbase in Q1 2024 was a staggering $312 billion.
  • By March 2024, customers held $334.71 billion worth of assets on the platform, a remarkable 2.58x increase over the past year.
  • Coinbase boasts 8 million monthly transacting users.

Here is the complete breakdown of Coinbase monthly transacting users from Q1 2018 to Q1 2024:

Coinbase monthly transacting users from Q1 2018 to Q1 2024

These figures underscore Coinbase’s significant impact and growth in the cryptocurrency exchange market. This growing user demand for the Coinbase mobile app has attracted considerable interest from investors worldwide. They are eager to know the crypto exchange app development cost and enter the space to reap the rewards of this thriving market.

On average, Coinbase-like cryptocurrency exchange app development costs range between $30,000 and $300,000 or more. Additionally, if you wish to get both a website and application developed for your cryptocurrency exchange platform, it will further raise the bar of your budget, which can fall somewhere between $100,000 and $500,000. However, this is just a rough estimate. The actual cost can increase or decrease depending on your unique project requirements and various other elements (details later).

With that in mind, let’s delve into the factors, features, and other critical components that determine the cost to develop a cryptocurrency exchange app like Coinbase.

crypto exchange app development cost estimate

Factors Affecting Coinbase-Like Crypto Exchange App Development Cost

Coinbase-like crypto exchange app development cost is not predefined, as several factors influence the final development cost of the crypto platform. Factors such as the developers’ location, app complexity, platform compatibility, tech stack requirements, UI/UX design intricacies, etc., play a crucial role in determining the final cost of crypto platform development.

Let’s discover these factors in detail to get a better understanding of Coinbase-like cryptocurrency exchange app development costs.

How Much Does It Cost to Develop a Cryptocurrency Exchange App like Coinbase?

App Complexity and Features

The more features you want to include in your app, the more complex and expensive it will be to develop. For instance, basic apps with limited features will cost less, while complex apps with advanced functionalities like OTC crypto exchange, real-time trading, crypto wallet integration, and enhanced security measures will cost you more.

Here’s a breakdown of the crypto exchange app development cost and timeline based on the project complexity and functionalities:

App ComplexityAverage TimelineAverage Cost
Simple solution with basic features4-6 months$30,000-$50,000
Medium complex platform with Moderate features4-9 months$50,000-$120,000
Highly complex system with advanced features9 months to 1 year or more$120,000-$300,000 or more

Choice of Platform

The platform you choose—iOS, Android, or cross-platform—greatly impacts the cost to develop a cryptocurrency exchange app like Coinbase. While building the application for a single platform seems a cost-effective option at first, it limits your audience reach. On the other hand, cross-platform development can initially be more expensive, but it allows you to reach a broader audience and can be more cost-effective over time compared to developing separate apps for each platform. This approach ensures you get the best of both worlds — iOS and Android app development.

Developer Location

The cost of hiring developers can vary significantly based on their geographical location. For instance, developers based in North America, Australia and Western Europe typically charge more compared to those in Eastern Europe, Asia, or Africa. Despite the lower rates in these regions, the quality of work remains high, making them cost-effective options without compromising on expertise or outcomes.

Here is a table highlighting the Coinbase-like cryptocurrency exchange app development cost based on the location of crypto app developers:

RegionPrice Range
North America$40–250/hr
Australia$35–150/hr
Western Europe$35–180/hr
South America$25–120/hr
Eastern Europe$25–110/hr
India and Asia$20–80/hr

Security Features

Security is a prime concern in all types of app development and cryptocurrency exchange platform development is a prime example of it. Implementing robust security features such as two-factor authentication, encryption, and fraud detection adds to the development cost but it will be worth the investment. It helps protect sensitive data against significant cyber fraud, making it well worth the expense.

Regulatory Compliance

Adhering to regulatory standards and ensuring compliance with financial laws can also add to the crypto exchange app development costs. This includes integrating features to meet GDPR, KYC (Know Your Customer), AML (Anti-Money Laundering) regulations, and PCI-DSS, which are mandatory for cryptocurrency exchanges.

Integration with Third-Party Services

Incorporating third-party services like payment gateways, analytics tools, and external APIs is a critical aspect of cryptocurrency exchange software development. These integrations necessitate extra coding and testing to ensure smooth functionality, which in turn adds to the overall development cost.

Technology Stack

Choosing the right technology stack is crucial for ensuring smooth app performance and scalability. A more advanced tech stack with robust frameworks, scalable databases, and high-performance servers can increase the initial development cost but can offer better performance and scalability in the long run. On the other hand, a simpler tech stack might reduce initial costs but will not support future growth in the long run.

Here is the quick rundown of the app like Coinbase tech stack

ComponentAndroidiOS
ToolAndroid Studio 3.1.3 (Latest)Xcode 9.3
LanguageKotlinSwift (4.2)
Web ServiceREST APIsAFNetworking, SwiftyJSON, Alamofire
Web Service FormatJSON FormatJSON
DatabaseMySQL (Back-end), SQLite (Local)MySQL
DesignMaterial DesignMVC, MVVM

These are some of the most critical components determining the overall cost to develop a cryptocurrency exchange app like Coinbase. However, these are just the general parameters. The actual estimate of crypto exchange development cost can only be made when the scope of work is prepared after the analysis of these vital factors and the complete project.

After knowing the factors affecting crypto exchange development cost, you are now 80% ready to launch your cryptocurrency exchange platform. However, there are still some vital aspects left that ensure the successful development and implementation of your project: How to develop a secure cryptocurrency app like Coinbase and essential features that make your product a big hit in the crypto world.

Also Read: Cost to Develop a Crypto Payment Gateway like BitPay

Features of Cryptocurrency Exchange App like Coinbase

To build an app like Coinbase, a comprehensive set of features is essential. These features not only enhance user experience but also ensure security, compliance, and functionality. Here is a list of some essential crypto wallet exchange app features that make such an app secure and successful:

Features of Cryptocurrency Exchange App

1. Trading Engine

The trade engine is the base of any best cryptocurrency exchange platform. It plays the role of the main functionality of the exchange by handling:

  • Transactions Execution
  • Balances Calculation
  • Makes Calls to Access the Order Books
  • Match the buying and selling transactions on the exchange

2. User Interface

The UI of a crypto exchange website should be intuitive, visually appealing, easy to navigate, and user-friendly. The design functionality on this front can be challenging as it is easier for a crypto trading bot or blockchain app development agency to get caught up in the complexity of the system and not focus on the design. However, when you outsource a reliable cryptocurrency exchange development company, what you get is a UI that allows users to:

  • Create Orders
  • See transaction history along with filter options
  • Access to indicators and graphics
  • Option to explore all activities on the dashboard
  • Seamless fund withdrawal and deposit

3. User Management

With nearly every cryptocurrency exchange platform attracting millions of users daily, having an efficient user management process is crucial. When it comes to managing users on your crypto exchange platform, there are three key aspects to consider:

Sign Up and Sign In

  • Although cryptocurrency exchanges require a substantial amount of personal data, refrain from asking for user information during the initial registration stage. The sign-up process should be quick and straightforward, allowing users to get started with minimal hassle.

User Creation

  • A number of exchanges enable users to create their own accounts, while some smaller exchanges assign this responsibility to the admin. Decide which approach suits your platform best, considering factors such as user convenience and security.

User Verification

  • KYC is one of the most crucial parts of a cryptocurrency exchange platform. Your platform can offer various verification types to determine account limits. These types can include personal details, SSN, phone number, photo ID, etc.

4. Admin Panel

The admins in crypto exchange platforms are responsible for managing users and monitoring trade. Based on their access levels, they should be able to see the User ID, email, name, etc., along with the transaction details like timestamp, transaction ID, description, and amount.

The panel should allow admins to  –

  • Change trading fees
  • Manage cryptocurrency listing
  • Add new cryptocurrencies
  • The ability to fund accounts in time of tickets and support issues.

5. Crypto Wallet

The crypto wallet is an indispensable feature of cryptocurrency exchange software development that allows users to receive and send digital currencies. When integrating blockchain wallet features into your crypto exchange platform, there are three things that you would have to consider –

System and User Wallets

  • You can offer multiple types of wallets to users—hot and cold, desktop and mobile, multiple currency wallets, etc. The platform’s crypto money is stored in the system wallet.

Withdrawal and Deposits

  • This wallet functionality allows users to withdraw or deposit amounts through email, ATM, QR code, transfer, etc. Normally, trading and depositing digital currencies happen without any account verification, but it is important to verify the users’ account in order to withdraw the amount.

Creation of Transaction

  • Every user should be able to buy and sell cryptocurrency to other users. For this to happen in real time, you will have to create something like the Coinbase wallet app that focuses on smoothness and transaction speed.

6. Analytics

Analytics is one of the most integral features of cryptocurrency exchange apps. It consists of – Logs and Charts. While the former helps with the analysis of activities on the cryptocurrency exchange, the latter helps in the creation of charts for proper visibility.

Analytics in Coinbase app

7. API

APIs are essential features for a cryptocurrency exchange platform development, enabling external applications to access data or functionalities of the operating system. When implementing APIs, you must consider these three vital aspects:

Private and Public API

  • Private APIs are used internally, such as for writing bots to assist in trading. On the other hand, Public APIs are used by third-party developers.

WebSockets

  • This technology allows for event-based responses from the server without constant polling. This feature is used for sending information related to market moves, trade changes, etc.

FIX Protocol

  • It is the standard that is a must-have for every trading platform, no matter what asset is traded. It enables the external Coinbase or Binance app developers to integrate multiple trading platforms quickly.

8. Database

Normally, there are two types of databases present on the cryptocurrency exchange website: REDIS and SQL. REDIS serves as an operative storage that is fast but not suitable for storing sensitive data. SQL, on the other hand, is persistent and reliable, though slightly slower, making it ideal for securely storing critical information.

9. Multiple Cryptocurrency Support

Supporting a wide range of cryptocurrencies, including popular ones like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Altcoins, etc., is an essential functionality of crypto apps. This diversity attracts a broader user base and offers more trading opportunities. Currently, Coinbase supports around 248 assets on its platform.

Multiple cryptocurrency support in Coinbase app

10. Fiat Integration

Integration with fiat currencies enables users to deposit and withdraw traditional money like USD, EUR, INR, or GBP. This feature is crucial for onboarding new users who are transitioning from traditional banking to crypto trading.

11. QR Codes

As cryptocurrencies become accepted at more outlets globally, implementing robust and secure QR scanners has become a vital element of crypto exchange app development. This feature allows users to make transactions with just a few clicks quickly. When integrating a QR code scanner into your product, ensure it offers enterprise-level security protection with data encryption to protect user transactions.

12. Notifications and Alerts

Push notifications keep users informed about market movements, order status, and important updates. Cryptocurrency prices fluctuate hourly, and users can easily miss these changes. With the push notification feature, users receive instant updates for price changes, market news, and other significant events. It helps them stay on top of their trading activities and make timely decisions, leading to higher revenue generation.

You may like reading: Deciphering DeFi App Development Costs, Types & Features

How to Build an App like Coinbase?

Developing an app like Coinbase involves a series of essential steps to ensure it meets the high standards of functionality, security, and user experience. Here is a structured approach to cryptocurrency exchange app development:

Choose the Tech Stack

Define Your Objectives and Features

Start your cryptocurrency exchange app development process by clearly outlining the purpose of your app and the core functionalities it will offer to the users. Also, know your target audience – their pain points and requirements in detail.

Choose the Tech Stack

Next, you need to select the right technology stack that supports scalability, security, and performance. Ensure that the tech stack you choose can handle high-frequency trading and real-time data processing.

Design UI/UX

Design an intuitive and visually appealing UI/UX to ensure your crypto exchange app is easy to navigate and provides a clean, engaging user experience. A well-crafted UI/UX can simplify complex trading operations, support high transaction volumes, and enhance user experience.

Integrate Essential APIs

The next vital step of cryptocurrency exchange app development is API integration. Incorporate APIs that are crucial for functionality, such as trading APIs, payment gateways, and data feeds.

Development

Once the UI/UX design of the Coinbase-like crypto app is ready, it is time to shape your vision into a fully functional reality. This involves integrating the backend and frontend components and developing an app similar to Coinbase.

Testing and Quality Assurance

Before you launch your product to the market, you must conduct thorough testing to ensure its seamless performance. It includes functional, performance, and security testing. Address any issues identified at this stage to enhance the app’s reliability, quality, and user experience.

Deployment and Maintenance

Once testing is complete, deploy the app to the desired platforms. And after deployment, continuously monitor and maintain the app to ensure its long-term success in the ever-evolving crypto market. Address any issues or errors that arise, fix bugs, implement new features, release updates, and ensure ongoing security and performance.

Tap into the Booming Crypto Market with Appinventiv

Challenges in Cryptocurrency Exchange App Development

Even if developing a mobile app similar to Coinbase is a profitable venture, it comes with its own set of challenges. Addressing these challenges effectively is crucial for creating a successful cryptocurrency exchange platform. Here are key challenges and their potential solutions to build an app like Coinbase.

3 Core Concerns in Crypto App Development

Rise in Competition

Challenge: The cryptocurrency market has seen a surge in competition since the advent of Bitcoin, driven by the growing demand for digital currency exchanges. As businesses are continuously entering this lucrative market, standing out in the crowd of leading apps like Coinbase, Exodus, BitPay and Binance, becomes increasingly challenging.

Solutions: There are quite a few ways to enter the space and come out as a market leader even amidst the rising competition. Ways like:

  • Ensure a smooth and intuitive user experience across both your app and website.
  • Explore opportunities within the mobility sector of the crypto exchange market.
  • Offer a wide range of cryptocurrencies to attract diverse traders.
  • Offer both fiat-to-crypto and crypto-to-crypto trading options.
  • Incorporate a decentralized crypto exchange system into your expansion strategy.

Scalability

Challenge: Getting your Bitcoin exchange app platform prepared for millions of users entering and interacting within the space on a daily basis can be difficult to manage. This scalability issue can lead to a number of challenges such as Slow transaction processing time, delayed fund transfers, frequent lags in the platform, etc.

Solution: The only way to ensure that the platform is ready to take the load of thousands of active users and millions of transactions on a daily basis is to incorporate robust backend architecture that comes with promising load balancing, etc.

Security Vulnerabilities

Challenge: Maintaining robust security to protect user data and funds from potential breaches is a major concern when developing a similar app like Coinbase. The platform must be protected against a range of threats, from sophisticated hacking attempts to internal fraud.

Solution: Implement advanced security measures, including encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular security audits. This approach ensures that your app is fortified against threats and vulnerabilities, protecting both user data and assets.

With this, we have now looked at all things enough to get you started with the world of cryptocurrency exchange domain and earn your own share of value at the back of loyal customers. The next step? Get in touch with a reliable cryptocurrency exchange development company and develop a similar app like Coinbase.

Start Your Crypto Exchange App Development Journey with Appinventiv

The cryptocurrency market has surged dramatically in recent years, drawing millions of users from around the globe. According to Statista, the global cryptocurrency market is projected to reach from $51.53 billion in 2024 to $71.72 billion in 2028, showing an annual growth rate of 8.62%. This explosive growth signifies that the popularity of crypto platforms is not merely a passing trend but a dire necessity of today’s digital economy.

So, if you want to stay competitive in the world of decentralized finance and make your crypto company stand out of the crowd, you must get in touch with a reliable cryptocurrency exchange development company like Appinventiv to start your decentralized journey.

Our skilled team of blockchain developers is ready to guide you through every phase of your project, from project planning and budget evaluation to deployment and post-launch maintenance. We offer tailored solutions to meet your specific business needs, ensuring your platform is secure, scalable, user-friendly, and positioned for success in the ever-evolving crypto landscape.

Before beginning the cryptocurrency exchange app development journey, we will also share with you a detailed quotation on the crypto exchange app development cost and timeline.

Reach out to us today to develop a secure and scalable crypto app like Coinbase.

FAQs

Q. How much does it cost to develop an app like Coinbase?

A. Typically, Coinbase-like cryptocurrency exchange app development cost ranges between $30,000 to $300,00 or more. However, this is just a rough estimate. The actual cost to develop a cryptocurrency exchange app like Coinbase can increase or decrease depending on the factors mentioned above in the blog.

Contact our blockchain developers and get a detailed quotation to know how much does it cost to develop a cryptocurrency exchange app like Coinbase.

Q. How long does it take to build a cryptocurrency exchange app?

A. Cryptocurrency exchange software development typically takes between 4 months to a year or more, depending on the complexity of features, security requirements, types of cryptocurrency exchange app development, the development team’s expertise, and various other factors.

Discuss your project idea with efficient crypto wallet app developers and get a more precise estimate for the crypto exchange app development timeline tailored to your unique project requirements.

Q. How to build a secure crypto exchange app like Coinbase?

A. Coinbase follows several security measures to ensure the security of its crypto platform, users’ data, and assets.

  • Coinbase stores 98% of customer funds offline, thus minimizing the risk of loss or theft. In addition to the funds, Coinbase stores bitcoins in secure, global vaults and safe deposit boxes.
  • To protect data, Coinbase disconnects private information from the internet, reducing hacking risks. The data is encrypted with AES-256, split through redundancy, and stored on FIPS-140 USB devices and paper backups, which are distributed worldwide.
  • The platform enforces two-step verification for all user accounts, requiring a code sent to the user’s phone in addition to the password and username. It also ensures secure website traffic with HTTPS-encrypted SSL. Lastly, all the wallets and private keys that Coinbase uses come with AES-256 encryption.
  • For authentication security, Coinbase hashes passwords using bcrypt with a 12-cost factor and accepts only strong passwords for account creation or resets. Additionally, application credentials are stored separately from the database and codebase to further enhance security.

By adopting these comprehensive security practices like Coinbase, you too can build a secure cryptocurrency exchange platform that protects user data and assets effectively.

THE AUTHOR
chirag
Blockchain Evangelist
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