Coinbase has reportedly begun allowing users in mainland China to register accounts using a Chinese national ID and a domestic address. The development, first surfaced through community feedback reported by Odaily on July 14, represents a striking shift for a platform that had previously restricted verification options for Chinese residents.

What we know so far

The report originated from user community feedback compiled by Odaily, a Chinese-language crypto media outlet. A link to a Chinese-language Coinbase signup page was included in the report, suggesting the exchange has at minimum built out infrastructure to support mainland Chinese onboarding.

Previously, Coinbase had limited verification pathways available to users in China, effectively blocking most mainland residents from completing the know-your-customer process required to trade. The shift to accepting Chinese national IDs and mainland addresses removes that barrier, at least on the technical side.

Coinbase itself has not publicly confirmed or commented on the change.

China’s crypto ban, briefly explained

In September 2021, the People’s Bank of China issued sweeping regulations that prohibited crypto trading, mining, and related financial services within the country. The crackdown didn’t stop at domestic companies. It explicitly targeted overseas platforms servicing mainland residents, making it illegal for foreign exchanges to offer services to Chinese users.

That hasn’t stopped Chinese crypto enthusiasts. Many have relied on VPNs and workarounds to access foreign exchanges, creating a gray market that operates in the shadows of Beijing’s enforcement apparatus.

The 2021 ban followed years of escalating restrictions. China had already banned initial coin offerings in 2017 and forced domestic exchanges to shut down.

Why this matters for the market

This also mirrors a pattern in Coinbase’s recent international strategy. The company resumed onboarding users in India in late 2025 after resolving prior regulatory issues in the country.

The lack of official acknowledgment from Coinbase is itself telling. It suggests the company may be testing the waters quietly, perhaps gauging user interest and regulatory response before making any formal announcements. The PBOC has historically responded to perceived violations of its crypto ban with swift enforcement actions.