What happens when a crypto is delisted from an exchange?

When a crypto is delisted, an exchange stops letting customers buy, sell or convert it on that platform. Exchanges usually announce a timeline first, with a trading cutoff and a later deadline to move the tokens out. Delisting is a decision by one company, not the end of the token itself.

Why do exchanges delist tokens?

Exchanges review the assets they list. Coinbase says delistings often follow changes to a project, a failure to meet its review standards, or the project shutting down. When Binance removed five tokens in March 2025, it cited a routine review of factors such as trading activity, security, market depth, how committed the project team was, and regulatory concerns.

Legal action can also play a role. In December 2020, Coinbase announced it would suspend XRP trading in light of the SEC's lawsuit against Ripple, while keeping XRP deposits and withdrawals open. Coinbase later relisted XRP. Background on the legal question is in is crypto a security.

What happens if a coin is delisted?

The steps differ by exchange, but a common pattern looks like this:

• A notice goes out by email, on social media or in the app.
• Deposits and trading stop on a set date.
• Withdrawals stay open for a period, so holders can move the tokens to a wallet or another platform.
• After the final deadline, remaining balances may be converted or sold.

Kraken's delisting notice for 21 tokens in 2026 is one example. Trading and deposits ended on September 11, withdrawals stay open until December 10, and remaining balances are set to be sold automatically after that. Kraken warned that proceeds may be far below recent prices, or even nothing, because of thin markets. For UK customers, Coinbase has said it would sell leftover delisted tokens and credit the account in USDC.

Can you withdraw delisted crypto?

Usually yes, during the window the exchange sets. Coinbase says that for trading-only delistings customers may still send assets off the platform. When a token is migrating to a new blockchain or contract, though, sends and receives may be paused or cut off after a date, and missing the deadline can mean losing access or value. Withdrawing means paying network fees and having a compatible wallet, covered in how to send and receive crypto.

Does delisting mean a coin is worthless?

Not necessarily. The token still exists on its blockchain and may trade on other exchanges or a decentralized exchange. But losing a major venue can reduce liquidity, which makes it harder to sell at a fair price. That is why exchanges post notices in advance and holders watch for them.