Welcome to our beginner's guide to cointraking (often spelled CoinTracking). This FAQ covers the basics of how the platform works, its features, safety, pricing, and whether it's a good choice for new cryptocurrency investors in 2026.

What is cointraking?

cointraking is the common way people search for CoinTracking, a cryptocurrency portfolio tracker and tax reporting service. It lets you import your trading history from exchanges and wallets so you can see your profits, losses, and overall portfolio value in one dashboard. CoinTracking was founded in 2013 and is one of the oldest tools in this space.

The platform supports thousands of cryptocurrencies and connects to many popular exchanges. For beginners, it provides a clear overview of all your crypto assets without needing to manually calculate gains or losses.

How does cointraking work?

cointraking works by importing your crypto transaction history from exchanges and wallets through secure APIs or CSV file uploads. Once your data is imported, the platform automatically calculates your portfolio balance, realized and unrealized gains, and even generates tax reports using methods like FIFO, LIFO, or average cost.

You can also add manual transactions for coins not available on exchanges. The system updates in real time and provides interactive charts to help you understand your performance. Beginners can start with a free account and import their data in just a few minutes.

Is cointraking safe?

cointraking is safe to use because it only requires read-only API access and never holds your private keys. That means you grant permission to view your trading history, but the platform cannot move funds or take control of your assets. CoinTracking also uses SSL encryption and offers two-factor authentication (2FA) for an extra layer of account security.

As with any crypto service, it's wise to revoke API keys you no longer use and avoid storing sensitive information on shared devices. Overall, practicing good security habits keeps your data safe.

How much does cointraking cost?

cointraking offers a free plan for up to 200 transactions and paid plans that scale with transaction volume. The free tier is great for beginners just getting started, as it allows basic tracking and a limited number of imported trades. Paid plans unlock advanced features like automatic tax reports, periodic portfolio balance snapshots, and priority support.

Pricing starts at a modest monthly fee and increases as you need to handle more transactions. For most early-stage users, the free plan provides enough functionality to learn the ropes without committing financially.

Can cointraking help with my crypto taxes?

Yes, cointraking can calculate your capital gains and losses and generate tax reports for many countries. It supports multiple accounting methods such as FIFO (first-in, first-out), LIFO, and average cost, so you can choose the one that best fits your local tax rules. The platform produces reports in formats accepted by tax authorities in the US, UK, Germany, Australia, and others.

However, keep in mind that crypto tax regulations vary by jurisdiction. While cointraking automates the math, you should still consult a tax professional to ensure your specific situation is fully compliant.

What are the pros and cons of cointraking?

The main advantages of cointraking are its comprehensive tax features and long history, while the cons include a complex interface and cost for advanced tools. Here's a quick breakdown:

  • Pros: Accurate trade matching, supports many exchanges, detailed tax reports, real-time portfolio tracking, and a proven track record since 2013.
  • Cons: The interface can feel dated and overwhelming for beginners, advanced features require paid plans, and CSV imports can sometimes be messy if your data contains errors.

If you value deep customization and in-depth tax calculation, the pros may outweigh the cons. But for pure simplicity, other tools might be easier to navigate.

cointraking vs Koinly and CoinTracker: which is better?

cointraking is more customizable than Koinly and CoinTracker, but those alternatives are easier for beginners. Koinly and CoinTracker automate the import process with a user-friendly interface, making them great for casual investors. CoinTracking, on the other hand, offers extensive manual adjustment options, advanced tax methods, and supports a wider variety of historical data.

Choosing the right tool depends on your needs. If you prefer a simple, intuitive dashboard, consider Koinly or CoinTracker. If you plan to grow your crypto portfolio and need deeper reporting, cointraking is a strong contender.

Is cointraking worth it for beginners in 2026?

cointraking is worth trying for beginners thanks to its free tier, but you might find simpler options if you only need basic tracking. The free 200-transaction limit is enough for starting portfolios, and the platform gives you a reliable way to monitor your investments and stay tax-ready as you learn.

Take advantage of the free plan to explore its features. If the interface feels too complex, you can always switch to a more beginner-friendly tool later. The important thing is to start tracking your crypto accurately from day one.

Final Thoughts

cointraking is a powerful, established platform for tracking cryptocurrency portfolios and preparing tax reports. It offers a generous free plan, making it accessible to beginners while still delivering advanced features for experienced traders. The main trade-off is a learning curve and paid tiers for full automation.

Whether cointraking is right for you depends on your comfort level with data and your long-term crypto goals. For many new users, starting with the free tier is a smart way to build healthy tracking habits. As the crypto space evolves, using a reliable tracker like cointraking can keep your portfolio organized and stress-free.