Our KuCoin review covers the key features, fees, and digital products. The cryptocurrency exchange landscape is vast, and choosing the right platform is crucial for any investor. KuCoin, known for its extensive altcoin selection and competitive fees, has been a popular contender for years.
This review examines KuCoin’s current state, addressing beginner concerns and experienced trader needs. We’ll explore its recent implementation of KYC (Know Your Customer) protocols, its recovery from a 2020 hacking incident, and current legal situations.
Whether you’re new to crypto or a seasoned investor seeking a new platform, this KuCoin review article provides a comprehensive overview of KuCoin’s strengths, weaknesses, and what to expect.
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KuCoin review: Our verdict
Often called the “People’s Exchange,” KuCoin has earned its reputation for accessibility and a wide range of features.
KuCoin offers an impressive array of coins and tokens, surpassing many established exchanges. This particularly appeals to users looking to invest in new, innovative projects and lesser-known altcoins.
The exchange expanded its global presence by launching a licensed crypto exchange in Thailand, regulated by Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission.
About KuCoin
KuCoin is a global cryptocurrency exchange founded in Singapore by a team of experienced business specialists with backgrounds in projects like Ant Financial and iBox PAY.
Launched in September 2017 and headquartered in Seychelles, KuCoin has quickly become a prominent player in the cryptocurrency market, attracting millions of traders worldwide with its diverse digital assets and innovative features.
To celebrate its 7th anniversary, the crypto exchange launched a global tour dubbed ‘7rust KuCoin, Own Your Future.’
KuCoin Launched the “7rust KuCoin, Own Your Future” Global Tour to Mark its 7th Anniversary in August 2024. The tour will cover key regions, including Asia, Africa, Australia, and Latin America.
KuCoin top features
Most crypto exchanges frequently introduce new features to stay competitive. While many features were released in the past year, below at the top features of KuCoin.
KuCoin Pay launch
KuCoin Pay was announced at the beginning of 2025. Similar to Binance Pay, it is a merchant solution. As the platform’s users grow, merchants may be more keen to integrate KuCoin Pay into their payment systems.
Transactions can be made via the KuCoin app and QR codes.
Update (August 2025) BitTopup integration: KuCoin Pay now works on BitTopup’s marketplace, letting users spend crypto on mobile recharges, gift cards, and game credits—expanding real-world utility for everyday payments.
New trading modes
In 2025, KuCoin introduced three new trading modes to its platform for users: hedge mode, one-click reverse, and market close. Hedge mode, allowing you to hold both long and short positions on the same cryptocurrency, is a game-changer.
Traders may employ hedging strategies to manage their risk and net exposure to a specific cryptocurrency. Managing your risk is essential, especially for medium to long-term traders.
KuCoin S platform
One of KuCoin’s standout features is its focus on community and user engagement. The KuCoin S platform, launched on October 22, 2021, offers social trading and a comprehensive crypto information feed, including token price movements, new listings, crypto news, trending coins, sectors, portfolios, and topics.
Using AI-based algorithms and machine learning, KuCoin S customizes the feed to help users make more informed trading decisions. This platform allows users to connect with fellow traders with similar goals and insights, enhancing the overall trading experience.
KuCoin Fees
KuCoin is known for its competitive fees, but navigating them can seem complex.
This section will break down KuCoin’s fee structure, including maker/taker fees, tiered discounts, and how their native token, KCS, can further reduce your trading costs.
We’ll also explore any additional fees you might encounter, like withdrawal fees and leveraged token management fees.
By the end, you’ll clearly understand what to expect when trading on KuCoin.
Deposit and withdrawal fees
| Fee Type | Method | Fee |
| Trading Fees | Maker | Varies by trading pair (usually 0.0125%) |
| Taker | Varies by trading pair (usually 0.0125%) | |
| Deposit Fees | Cryptocurrency | Free for most cryptocurrencies |
| Bank Account (SEPA) | Varies | |
| Bank Account (Non-SEPA) | Varies | |
| Debit/Credit Card | Varies (usually 2.5% – 4%) | |
| Withdrawal Fees | Bitcoin (BTC) | Varies (network fees apply) |
| Ethereum (ETH) | Varies (network fees apply) | |
| USDT | Varies (network fees apply) | |
| Bank Account | Varies | |
| Debit/Credit Card | Varies |
Trading fees
| Service | Purchase Fee | Maker Fee | Taker Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instant Purchase | Not publicly available | Varies depending on trading pair and KCS holding level (generally 0% – 0.02%) | Varies depending on trading pair and KCS holding level (generally 0.06% – 0.1%) |
| Spot Market (Trading Fees) | Not applicable | Varies depending on trading pair and KCS holding level (generally 0.10%) | Varies depending on trading pair and KCS holding level (generally 0.10%) |
| Futures/Perpetuals (Maker fee / Taker fee) | Not applicable | Varies depending on trading pair and KCS holding level (generally 0% – 0.02%) | Varies depending on trading pair and KCS holding level (generally 0.06% – 0.1%) |
Trading fees can be reduced by holding KuCoin’s native token, KCS—the more KCS you hold, the lower your trading fees. You can find more details on their fee structure on the KuCoin VIP level page.
Deposit and withdrawal fees can vary depending on the specific method you use. Before making a deposit or withdrawal, it is always best to confirm the latest fees on KuCoin’s website.
The maker and taker fees for Spot Market, Futures/Perpetuals depend on your KCS holding level and the specific trading pair. Generally, maker fees can be as low as 0% and taker fees as high as 0.1%.
Supported cryptocurrencies
KuCoin offers a vast selection of cryptocurrencies for trading. Users can buy and sell over ~1,057 officially listed cryptos on spot and ~469 tradable futures contracts.
This extensive selection and a daily trading volume exceeding $863 million make the Spot market a popular choice for cryptocurrency enthusiasts.
Additionally, KuCoin boasts a thriving Perpetuals/Futures market featuring 318 perpetual contracts. This market’s daily trading volume surpasses $1.5 billion, providing users with opportunities for leveraged trading.
KuCoin key features
KuCoin has established itself as a prominent player in the cryptocurrency exchange market. Known for its wide range of features and user-friendly interface, KuCoin caters to beginners and experienced traders.
While all cryptocurrency exchanges offer similar features, certain tools are unique to each exchange.
Trading features
| Feature | Description |
| Hedge Mode (NEW) | Hold both buy and sell positions on the same cryptocurrency at the same time. |
| One-Click Reverse (NEW) | Close a position and open a new trade in the opposite direction. |
| Market Close (NEW) | Close all of the open positions in one click. |
| Fast Trade | Buy/sell crypto with fiat using various payment methods, including debit/credit cards and bank transfers. |
| Trading Bots | Automate trading strategies using bots to take advantage of market opportunities. |
| Stop-Limit Orders | Set specific prices for orders to execute automatically, locking in profits or minimizing losses. |
| Trailing Stop Orders | Automatically adjust stop-loss prices as the market moves in your favor. |
| API Support | Automate trading activities using KuCoin’s API. |
Earning features
| Feature | Description |
| Staking | Earn rewards by holding certain cryptocurrencies. |
| Lending | Earn interest by lending your crypto holdings to other users. |
| KuCoin Win | Participate in activities to win crypto rewards. |
| Affiliate Program | Earn rewards by referring new users to KuCoin. |
| Savings | Earn interest on deposited crypto, with both flexible and fixed-term products available. |
| KuCoin Earn Select | Higher-risk, higher-reward staking and lending products. |
| Promotional Offers | Frequent promotions for extra rewards on deposits or trades. |
| KCS Bonus | Discounts on trading fees and a share of daily trading fees by holding KCS. |
| Dual Investment | Higher-risk, higher-reward based on price movement without principal protection. |
Other features
| Feature | Description |
| Dark Pool | Place large orders privately without affecting the market price. |
| KuCoin Bonus | Hold KuCoin Token (KCS) for trading fee discounts. |
| Shark Fin | Low-risk, guaranteed return with potential bonuses if the asset stays within a range. |
| Snowball | Price range protection with early redemption option and capped upside potential. |
| KuCoin Labs | Invests in and incubates early-stage crypto projects. |
| GemVote | Users nominate and vote for crypto projects to be listed on KuCoin. |
| KuCoin Card | Spend crypto at merchants worldwide with competitive conversion rates and cashback rewards. |
RWA collateral (August 2025): KuCoin partnered with AlloyX to pilot RWA-token collateral—beginning with RYT from the ChinaAMC USD Digital Money Market Fund—to strengthen collateral options for credit lines and unlock new RWA use cases.
Backed-powered xStocks on KuCoin
KuCoin’s xStocks lets you trade tokenized equities in USDT alongside crypto in one account.
Powered by Backed, the first batch includes SPYx, TSLAx, NVDAx, MSTRx, and CRCLx.
Each token is issued on Solana and backed one-to-one by real shares held with regulated custodians in bankruptcy-remote accounts. Tokens fall under an approved EU prospectus and the Swiss DLT Act, with token holders holding the primary claim to collateral.
PoR for xStocks via Chainlink is planned. KuCoin says this is the first USDT-denominated tokenized equity platform accessible in most countries.
KuCoin app review: The mobile app
The KuCoin app is a versatile and feature-rich platform that empowers users to trade, manage their crypto holdings, and explore various earning opportunities – all from the convenience of their mobile devices.
Here’s a closer look at what the KuCoin app offers:
- Spot trading: Execute trades easily, with access to many cryptocurrencies, including popular coins and hidden gems from the Dogecoin and Shiba Inu.
- Margin trading (with a caveat): For experienced users, leverage your holdings with margin trading, but be mindful of the increased risk. (Note: Margin trading might be restricted in your region).
- Staking and lending: Earn passive income on your crypto holdings by staking them or lending them to other users.
- KuCoin Earn: This comprehensive suite offers various options to grow your portfolio, including Pool-X staking, AI-powered trading bots, and soft staking with flexible lock-up periods.
- Fiat support: You can easily buy crypto using various currencies with credit/debit cards or third-party payment providers (availability may vary by region).
Mobile features
- Fast track orders: Place orders with priority execution at a slightly higher fee for time-sensitive trades.
- Stop and limit orders: Set up automated order types to manage risk and secure profits.
- TradingView charts: Analyze market movements with advanced charting tools powered by TradingView.
- Push notifications: Stay informed of price movements, order execution, and account activity with real-time notifications.
- Multilingual support: The app caters to a global audience with support for multiple languages.
- Security features: Secure your account with two-factor authentication (2FA) and other industry-standard security measures.
- Community access: Stay connected with the KuCoin community directly through the app, fostering engagement.
It is worth noting that some features, especially those related to fiat on-ramping and margin trading, might be restricted for unverified users. The app may not offer the full spectrum of features on the KuCoin web platform.
KuCoin review: User ratings
| Platform | Rating | Number of reviews |
| Google Play | 4.5/5 | 268k |
| Apple Store | 4.7/5 | 25k |
| Trustpilot | 1.8/5 | 1.4k |
Customer satisfaction
KuCoin’s customer satisfaction is a complex issue. While some users praise its wide selection and past performance, others express concerns about recent developments. Due to legal restrictions, KuCoin is no longer available for US residents.
Another point of contention is KuCoin’s Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements. While some users appreciate the added security, others who previously enjoyed the exchange’s anonymity are unhappy.
There have also been reports of delayed withdrawals, leading some to fear a situation similar to the FTX collapse. However, others defend KuCoin, highlighting its large reserves and claiming these delays are often due to user error.
Overall, KuCoin’s customer satisfaction is divided. Those seeking a user-friendly platform with a vast coin selection may find it appealing, but US residents and those wary of KYC regulations should look elsewhere. It is crucial to do your own research and understand the potential risks before using any cryptocurrency exchange.
Customer support
KuCoin offers 24/7 customer support to assist you with any questions or issues you might encounter while navigating their platform. This section will delve into all the available support options KuCoin provides, including:
Is KuCoin Safe?
When it comes to entrusting a platform with your crypto, security is absolutely crucial. Let’s take a closer look at KuCoin’s security measures and its history of past controversies to assist you in making an informed decision:
Security:
- Multi-layered Approach: KuCoin employs a robust security system that includes industry-standard practices like account encryption, secure login protocols, and regular system audits.
- Active Threat Management: Their dedicated security team constantly monitors threats and vulnerabilities and implements proactive measures to safeguard user assets.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): KuCoin strongly encourages users to enable 2FA, adding an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access.
- Regular Penetration Testing: They conduct regular penetration tests with external security firms to identify and address potential weaknesses in their systems.
- User Education: KuCoin emphasizes user education, providing resources and guides to help users practice safe online habits and protect their accounts.
Insurance:
KuCoin doesn’t offer direct insurance on user funds in case of exchange hacks or losses. However, it partners with a custodian service called Onchain Custodian to safeguard some of its assets.
Onchain Custodian’s insurance is arranged by Lockton, a reputable insurance company, but it only applies to certain assets held by KuCoin, not user funds themselves.
Here’s a breakdown of what KuCoin offers:
- Insurance for Custodial Funds: A portion of KuCoin’s assets is held with Onchain Custodian, a crypto asset custody platform. These custodial funds are insured by Lockton against theft in case of a security breach. This doesn’t apply to user funds on the exchange.
- Insurance fund for Futures Trading: KuCoin has a separate “Insurance Fund” for futures trading. This fund covers potential losses for liquidated positions when the market price falls below a certain point. It’s not an insurance policy for user accounts but a risk management tool for futures contracts.
While KuCoin utilizes custodian insurance for some of its assets, it’s important to remember that user funds on the exchange are not directly insured.
Trust project, proof-of-reserves, and institutional custody on KuCoin
KuCoin’s BitGo integration marks a shift from pure trading to verifiable custody and risk control. You keep assets with BitGo Singapore and still route orders through KuCoin’s infrastructure via the Go Network.
That off-exchange settlement model reduces counterparty exposure while preserving liquidity. And insurance coverage up to $250 million adds a backstop if something goes wrong.
KuCoin’s Trust Project goes beyond custody. It publishes monthly Proof of Reserves using Merkle Trees so you verify balances. Two layers apply: on-chain visibility and operational segregation for institutions.
Audits snapshot reserves, with anonymized balances rolled into a Merkle Root. You fetch a Merkle Proof, check inclusion, then compare on-chain assets to liabilities. PoR is point-in-time, not a guarantee, but repeated audits build confidence. See KuCoin’s PoR and Audit page.
2025 highlights
- Compliance & markets: KuCoin submitted its MiCA license application in the EU and supported the official opening of KuCoin Thailand (first fully regulated local exchange under the brand).
- Listings: Added 170+ new tokens and 106 new futures assets in H1 2025.
- Institutional trust: BitGo Go Network integration reaffirmed with $250M insurance under the broader “$2 Billion Trust Project.”
- Products & usage: Global expansion of KuCoin Pay and KuCard; significant growth in Trading Bot adoption with new AI enhancements.
How to register
Ready to embark on your crypto journey with KuCoin? Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your account:
1. Head to the website:
- In your web browser, navigate to the official KuCoin website.
2. Sign up for an account:
- Look for the “Sign Up” button at the homepage’s top right corner.
3. Choose your registration method:
- You can create your account using either your email address or phone number.
4. Enter your information:
- Provide your chosen email address or phone number.
- We suggest creating a strong password following security best practices (uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols).
- (Optional) Enter a referral code if you have one.
5. Agree to terms and conditions:
- Carefully review KuCoin’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
- Check the box to indicate your agreement before proceeding.
6. Complete the verification process:
- Depending on your chosen region and desired features, you might encounter two verification levels:
- Basic verification usually involves entering a simple code sent to your email or phone number. This basic level allows you to deposit and trade some cryptocurrencies.
- KYC verification: For full account functionality, including fiat deposits/withdrawals and higher trading limits, KuCoin may require KYC verification. This involves submitting a government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license) and potentially a selfie for facial recognition.
7. Congratulations, you’re in!
- Once you’ve completed the verification process (if required for your chosen level), your KuCoin account will be ready to use!
Additional notes:
- All new users must complete Identity Verification to use KuCoin at all (policy in force since Aug 31, 2023). Always refer to KuCoin’s official website for the latest information.
- Enabling two-factor Authentication (2FA) after signup secures your account and prevents unauthorized access.
How We Rate Cryptocurrency Exchanges
We manually review the crypto exchanges on our list. Below are the key metrics we check before listing a crypto exchange on the website. For further details, you can also take a look at our cryptocurrency exchanges rating guide, featured on ValueWalk.
Fee structure
Deposit methods
Regulations
Customer support
Digital assets & liquidity
FAQs
No. Before the US charges over anti-money laundering violations, US-based users could trade in KuCoin with restricted access. KYC is being gradually enforced, preventing US-based traders from using KuCoin. US-licensed exchanges such as Coinbase or Kraken are a better choice.
Yes. KuCoin has a high trust score of 10/10 on CoinGecko and a 4/5 liquidity score. In 2020, a hack led KuCoin to enhance its security. They now offer a $1M bug bounty and more user protection features. However, the U.S. Department of Justice indicted KuCoin for violating the Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money laundering laws.
KuCoin launched in Singapore. It is now based in Seychelles. This strategic move helps it navigate different regulatory environments. Being in Seychelles allows KuCoin to offer a wide range of services globally.
It depends. Coinbase offers a smoother user experience than KuCoin. However, Coinbase has a reputation for poor customer support. If you have a large, risky portfolio, consider moving it to Binance or KuCoin for better support and features.
KuCoin’s popularity stems from its appeal to beginner and experienced crypto traders.
It offers low trading fees, many coins, including hard-to-find altcoins, and access to features like margin trading and staking.
KuCoin has low trading fees and a wide variety of cryptocurrencies. The platform supports margin and futures trading.
It also has robust automated trading options, including trading bots. KuCoin’s mobile app is user-friendly and efficient for trading on the go.
