GDAX

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GDAX (now Coinbase Advanced Trade)

GDAX — originally launched as Coinbase Exchange — was Coinbase’s professional trading platform for cryptocurrencies. Built for active traders, it offered advanced order types, real-time price charts, and an open order book, distinguishing it from Coinbase’s simpler wallet interface geared toward casual buyers.

Rebranding and evolution

  • 2015: Launched as Coinbase Exchange to provide a full-featured trading venue.
  • Rebranded to GDAX (Global Digital Asset Exchange).
  • Later renamed Coinbase Pro.
  • Most recently rebranded as Coinbase Advanced Trade.

Despite name changes, the platform’s purpose remained the same: a venue with trading tools and tighter pricing for more frequent or knowledgeable traders.

Key features

  • Advanced order types: market and limit orders, with tools useful for technical analysis.
  • Open order book and real-time charts to track market depth and price action.
  • Maker-taker fee model that generally yields lower effective prices for high-volume traders compared with simple wallet purchases.
  • Support expanded over time from a few major cryptocurrencies to many hundreds of assets.
  • Availability of derivatives: customers can trade crypto futures contracts on the platform where supported.

GDAX/Coinbase Advanced Trade vs. Coinbase wallet

  • Coinbase wallet: simple user interface, single buy/sell prices, convenient for casual or first-time buyers. Pricing tends to include wider spreads and convenience fees.
  • GDAX/Coinbase Advanced Trade: designed for active traders, offers better pricing (narrower spreads) and advanced tools. Assets are transferable between the wallet and the exchange so users can move funds to access more favorable trading conditions.

Fees and subscriptions

  • The exchange uses a maker-taker fee structure; fees vary by volume and whether an order adds or removes liquidity.
  • Subscription services such as Coinbase One do not automatically include access to advanced trading features or waive exchange fees; check the service terms for specifics.

Quick FAQs

  • Is Coinbase Pro being phased out? It was rebranded; its functionality continues under the Advanced Trade name.
  • Can I trade futures? Yes—futures trading is available on the advanced platform where supported.
  • Are there more assets than when GDAX launched? Yes—the platform now lists many more digital assets than the original handful.

Takeaways

  • GDAX was Coinbase’s professional exchange offering tools and pricing aimed at active traders.
  • It evolved through multiple rebrandings and today operates as Coinbase Advanced Trade while maintaining the same core features.
  • Traders seeking more control, lower spreads, and advanced order options typically prefer the exchange over the basic Coinbase wallet.