How quick do you need it? Coinbase fee is 1% based on bitstamp's rate, but since you haven't purchased from them before, you'll have to jump through a shit ton of verification steps before you can buy. You'll need to upload your Drivers License, bill to show address, add a bank account, link a credit/debit card, and add you phone and SSN. It takes at least a week for them to verify all your documents.
I am not a big fan of Coinbase but what you say about verification is no longer true for small amounts (less than $10k I think). You do not need to do anything anymore than provide your US bank account and password, which Coinbase then uses to make a small $1 deduction from your bank account, using ACH bank transfer (once the ACH bank transfer occurs of course you can and probably should change your bank password). Then you can buy bitcoin from them, and, like you say, it takes a week before you get your BTC. Their fees, while a bit higher than others, are not unreasonable given that they are a US-based company, with reputable backers, and not some outfit in Romania that you will never find if they shut their doors. You get what you pay for.
