Coinbase has opened account registration for users in Mainland China, significantly simplifying its Know Your Customer (KYC) process. As of July 14, 2026, users can now verify their identity using a Chinese national ID card and a residential address in Mainland China, according to reports confirmed by Wu Blockchain with Coinbase staff.
Previously, the platform required a Chinese passport and a verified Hong Kong address, which many potential users found restrictive. The new procedure reportedly allows verification in as little as one minute, though processing times may vary based on compliance checks. The change was first spotted on social media, with multiple users reporting successful registration.
Despite the streamlined registration, China’s strict ban on direct trading between the yuan and cryptocurrencies on public exchanges remains in place. Users must still comply with local laws and Coinbase’s guidelines. Coinbase has not indicated whether this change is permanent or global in scope, but it marks a notable move to tap into one of the world’s largest online populations.