Coinbase, the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the United States, has announced the delisting of three major digital assets: XRP, Bitcoin Cash (BCH), and Ethereum Classic (ETC). These coins will no longer be supported in Coinbase Wallet as of January 2023 due to what the platform describes as "low usage." With the deadline quickly approaching, holders of these assets must decide how to manage their holdings.
This move may raise concerns, but it’s important to understand that delisting doesn’t mean your assets are lost or worthless. However, taking proactive steps is essential to maintain access and control over your cryptocurrency.
Why Are XRP, Bitcoin Cash, and Ethereum Classic Being Delisted?
Delisting cryptocurrencies is not uncommon, especially when user demand declines or regulatory and technical complexities arise. In this case, multiple factors contributed to Coinbase’s decision.
Regulatory Challenges: The Case of XRP
XRP has faced prolonged regulatory scrutiny, most notably from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The SEC filed a lawsuit against Ripple Labs, the company behind XRP, alleging that the token was sold as an unregistered security, raising over $1.3 billion in an ongoing digital asset offering.
While the legal battle continues, this uncertainty has made exchanges cautious. Although some platforms still support XRP, others—like Coinbase—have chosen to remove it to mitigate compliance risks.
Blockchain Splits: Hard Forks in Bitcoin Cash and Ethereum Classic
Both Bitcoin Cash and Ethereum Classic recently underwent hard forks, a process where a blockchain splits into two separate chains due to disagreements within the community about development direction.
Josh Fraser, co-founder of Origin Protocol, explains:
“One half of the community wants to take the blockchain in one direction and the other half wants to go in another direction. When this happens, people who had the coin now have two, and the value is split.”
After a hard fork, one chain often becomes dominant while the other sees reduced adoption. This fragmentation can impact stability and investor confidence—factors that influence exchange listing decisions.
Low Usage and Economic Viability
Ultimately, Coinbase evaluates assets based on multiple criteria: user demand, security, regulatory compliance, and trading volume. Assets with low activity generate less revenue for the exchange and require ongoing maintenance. As Fraser notes:
“Exchanges support many digital assets, but they also have processes to determine what stays and what goes. If an asset isn’t being traded enough, it may not make financial sense to keep it.”
Low usage across these three networks likely played a key role in the delisting decision.
What Does Delisting Mean for Your Funds?
Here’s the most critical point: your assets are not at risk.
Coinbase has confirmed that even after delisting, any remaining XRP, Bitcoin Cash, or Ethereum Classic will remain tied to your wallet address. They will be securely held and accessible using your recovery phrase.
However, you won’t be able to view or transfer these assets through the Coinbase Wallet interface after January 2023. To regain full control, you’ll need to import your recovery phrase into another non-custodial wallet that supports these networks.
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As Reeve Collins, co-founder of Tether and SmartMedia Technologies, emphasizes:
“Just because they’re not listed doesn’t mean they’re at any risk. They will be held at Coinbase until you decide to move them.”
But leaving them indefinitely isn’t ideal.
“That would be like leaving cash in a vault somewhere,” Collins adds. “You can’t trade or sell them unless you move them.”
The good news? All three cryptocurrencies remain widely supported across the broader crypto ecosystem.
Your Options for Managing Delisted Coins
If you hold XRP, Bitcoin Cash, or Ethereum Classic, you have several strategic choices:
1. Self-Custody Your Assets
The crypto community often repeats: “Not your keys, not your coins.” This mantra underscores the importance of self-custody—holding your private keys rather than relying on third-party platforms.
Self-custody gives you full control and reduces counterparty risk, especially important after events like the FTX collapse.
Recommended solution: Hardware wallets like Ledger support all three delisted coins. By transferring your assets to a Ledger device, you ensure long-term security and accessibility.
👉 Discover how self-custody can protect your digital wealth.
2. Transfer to Another Exchange
Numerous exchanges continue to support XRP, Bitcoin Cash, and Ethereum Classic. While Coinbase dominates in the U.S., global platforms like Binance offer broader asset coverage.
Before transferring:
- Confirm the receiving exchange supports the specific coin.
- Double-check deposit addresses to avoid irreversible losses.
- Consider trading fees and withdrawal limits.
Fraser notes:
“There are hundreds of exchanges worldwide. Just because one platform removes a coin doesn’t mean it disappears from the market.”
3. Sell Your Holdings
Selling is a valid option if you’re uncertain about the future of these assets or wish to reallocate capital.
Keep in mind:
- Selling triggers a taxable event.
- Transferring to another wallet or exchange does not incur taxes.
Fraser advises:
“If you’re holding a lot of Bitcoin Cash and you sell it now, you’ll take a tax hit. But moving it? No tax consequence.”
Evaluate your financial goals and consult a tax professional if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Will I lose my XRP, Bitcoin Cash, or Ethereum Classic after delisting?
A: No. Your assets remain safe on Coinbase and are tied to your wallet address. You can access them using your recovery phrase in another compatible wallet.
Q: Can I still withdraw my coins before January 2023?
A: Yes. Coinbase allows withdrawals before the cutoff date. After that, you’ll need to use your recovery phrase to import the wallet elsewhere.
Q: What happens if I do nothing?
A: Your coins won’t disappear, but you’ll lose easy access through Coinbase Wallet. You’ll need technical know-how to recover them later.
Q: Are these coins worthless now?
A: No. Delisting doesn’t affect intrinsic value. XRP, BCH, and ETC remain active in global markets with strong community support.
Q: Which wallets support these delisted coins?
A: Popular options include Ledger (hardware), Trust Wallet, Exodus, and Atomic Wallet—all support XRP, BCH, and ETC.
Q: Is this a sign that these cryptocurrencies are failing?
A: Not necessarily. Delisting reflects exchange-specific policies—not project viability. Many decentralized networks thrive independently of major exchanges.
Final Thoughts: These Coins Are Still Valuable
Despite being removed from Coinbase Wallet, XRP, Bitcoin Cash, and Ethereum Classic retain value and utility within the broader crypto economy. As Josh Fraser puts it:
“Tens of thousands of people around the world like these coins and support them. They’re all going to be fine. Coinbase is a large exchange, but there are many others.”
The key takeaway? Take action before the deadline. Whether you choose self-custody, transfer to another exchange, or sell your holdings—make an informed decision based on your investment strategy.
Don’t wait until access becomes complicated. Secure your assets now and stay in control of your financial future.
👉 Start managing your crypto portfolio with confidence today.