Overview
Coinhouse was founded in 2014 in Paris, France, growing out of La Maison du Bitcoin, one of the first physical cryptocurrency spaces in Europe. The company evolved from an educational hub and physical point of sale into a fully regulated digital asset exchange and investment platform. Coinhouse was among the first cryptocurrency service providers to be registered with France's financial markets authority (AMF) as a Digital Asset Service Provider (DASP).
The platform is designed primarily for European users, with a particular focus on the French market. Coinhouse supports purchases via SEPA bank transfer and credit or debit card with 3D Secure authentication, adding an extra layer of fraud protection to card transactions. This emphasis on secure payment processing appeals to users who want confidence that their purchases are protected by established payment security standards.
What sets Coinhouse apart from many competitors is its advisory approach. The platform offers personalized investment guidance and portfolio management services, positioning itself as a bridge between traditional finance and digital assets. For users who want more than a self-service exchange, particularly those making larger investments, Coinhouse's human-assisted services can be a meaningful differentiator.
Getting Started
Getting started with Coinhouse is straightforward, with most users able to complete the process and make their first purchase within a short time.
- Step 1: Create an account at coinhouse.com. Provide your email address, set a password, and confirm your account through the verification email.
- Step 2: Complete identity verification. As a regulated French platform, Coinhouse requires government-issued photo ID and proof of address. Verification is typically processed quickly, though times may vary.
- Step 3: Add a payment method. Link a bank account for SEPA transfers or add a credit or debit card. Card payments use 3D Secure for added protection.
- Step 4: Purchase Bitcoin or another supported cryptocurrency. Select the asset, enter the amount, review the transaction details, and confirm your purchase.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- French regulatory compliance: Registered with the AMF as a Digital Asset Service Provider, offering strong consumer protections under French law.
- 3D Secure card payments: Card transactions are protected by 3D Secure authentication, reducing the risk of unauthorized purchases.
- Advisory services: Personalized investment guidance and portfolio management are available for users who want hands-on support.
Cons
- Limited geographic reach: Primarily serves the French and broader European market, with limited availability outside the EU.
- Smaller asset selection: Supports fewer cryptocurrencies than larger global exchanges.
- Higher fees for card purchases: Card transactions, while convenient, tend to carry higher fees than bank transfers.