Coinbase Delays Solana Transactions Due to Memecoin Frenzy: What’s Happening?

Recent Solana transactions on Coinbase have faced significant delays, sparking reactions among users.

This situation emerged following an exponential increase in activity on the Solana network, triggered by the launches of the memecoins "TRUMP" and "MELANIA," announced on January 18 and 19, 2025, respectively.

These events caused congestion on the blockchain, putting pressure not only on Solana but also on Coinbase's infrastructure.

The Cause of Solana Delays on Coinbase: A Mix of Congestion and Internal Management

According to Brian Armstrong, CEO of Coinbase, the platform had not anticipated such a surge in activity related to Solana. "Our team is working to scale Solana’s infrastructure," Armstrong stated on January 19 via X (formerly Twitter).

However, some reports suggest that the delays on Coinbase may not be solely due to the blockchain network but also to internal transaction management within the exchange.

Mert Mumtaz, CEO of Solana infrastructure provider Helius, emphasized that "the delays on Coinbase are not directly tied to the Solana blockchain." The network has maintained 100% uptime over the past 90 days, demonstrating technical stability despite the activity spike.

The congestion originated from the launch of memecoins by Donald Trump and Melania Trump’s team. Released ahead of the January 20 presidential inauguration, the memecoins attracted a massive number of users.

Moonshot, the platform designated for purchasing these tokens, registered over 200,000 new on-chain users, significantly increasing trading volume on Solana.

This intense traffic slowed processing times, negatively impacting the user experience on Coinbase. Some users reported delays of up to 15 hours for completing USDC transactions on Solana, prompting criticism toward both the blockchain and the exchange.

Coinbase: A Solution on the Horizon?

In response to the issues, a Coinbase spokesperson stated: "We are aware of the delays some users are facing and are actively working to resolve the issue. Fiat purchase, sale, and withdrawal operations are unaffected."

Coinbase’s efforts are focused on optimizing its infrastructure to handle activity surges generated by unpredictable events like the memecoin launches. However, it is clear the platform must improve its adaptability during congestion to provide a more reliable service for users.

Despite the recent challenges, Solana continues to be one of the most high-performing blockchains, thanks to its scalability and low transaction costs. The network maintained operational infrastructure during the activity spike, showcasing resilience that could strengthen user trust in the long term.

For Coinbase, the main challenge will be to prevent similar issues from damaging the exchange’s reputation. As one of the most popular platforms in the United States, its role in the crypto ecosystem is crucial, and managing infrastructure for blockchains like Solana will be key to its future success.

Conclusion

The case of delayed Solana transactions on Coinbase highlights the importance of robust and scalable infrastructure to cope with the volatility of the crypto sector.

Although Solana has demonstrated considerable technical reliability, recent events underline that even the best ecosystems can be tested by external factors.

Coinbase, on the other hand, must work to ensure a stable user experience regardless of activity surges.

With continued interest in Solana and the rise of memecoins, it will be interesting to see how these players tackle similar challenges in the future.

Report by Gue22 🌐🚀 Let me know your thoughts in the comments!