KuCoin review 2025: High rewards, low fees and 900+ assets to trade

Key takeaways

• KuCoin supports over 900 digital assets, offering spot, futures and options trading, along with automated trading bots and staking services.
• With a base spot trading fee of 0.1% (discounted with KCS), KuCoin remains one of the most cost-effective exchanges for active traders.
• While KuCoin has improved security, past breaches and recent US regulatory issues raise compliance concerns.
• KuCoin offers advanced tools and liquidity but has mixed customer support reviews, making it less ideal for beginners.

KuCoin is a global cryptocurrency exchange that officially launched on Sept. 15, 2017.
Founded by Michael Gan and Eric Don, both early blockchain enthusiasts, the platform was created to provide a user-friendly environment for cryptocurrency trading.

Initially developed in 2013, KuCoin aimed to become the “people’s exchange,” making digital asset trading accessible to everyone. The company is incorporated in the Seychelles and operates its headquarters from there. 

As of February 2025, KuCoin is recognized as one of the top five cryptocurrency exchanges globally. The platform supports over 900 digital assets and offers a variety of trading options, including spot trading, margin trading, peer-to-peer (P2P) fiat trading, futures trading, staking and lending.

The exchange’s 24-hour trading volume is reported to be approximately $1.48 billion, with reserves totaling around $2.22 billion (as of Feb. 28, 2025). 

KuCoin operates in over 200 countries and regions worldwide, including Turkey, India, Japan and the United Kingdom. However, it does not provide services to users in the United States. 

Did you know? KuCoin achieved record net inflows in 2024 of over $262 million, reflecting its growing popularity and trust.

User experience

KuCoin offers a versatile trading experience accessible through multiple platforms: 

• Web platform: Users can access KuCoin’s services directly through their web browsers without the need for additional software installations.
• Mobile applications: KuCoin provides mobile apps for both iOS and Android devices, enabling users to trade cryptocurrencies on the go. These apps are available for download on the App Store and Google Play.
• API access: For advanced users and developers, KuCoin offers a comprehensive API that facilitates programmatic access to its trading platform. This includes REST APIs and WebSocket feeds, allowing for automated trading, real-time market data retrieval and account management.

The platform features a clean and organized layout, making it easy for users to navigate between different sections such as markets, trading, derivatives and account settings. 

Creating an account on KuCoin is straightforward: 

1. Sign-up: Visit the KuCoin website or open the mobile app, and click on “Sign up.”
2. Provide details: Enter your email address or phone number, create a strong password, and agree to the terms of service.
3. Verification: A verification code will be sent to your email or phone. Enter this code to confirm your registration.
4. Account creation: Once verified, your account is created, and you can proceed to set up additional security measures such as two-factor authentication (2FA).

Thereafter, KuCoin has a tiered Know Your Customer (KYC) process. Here’s what users need to provide:

• KYC1 (basic verification): Requires full name, nationality and ID number. Grants limited access to trading and withdrawals.
• KYC2 (advanced verification): Requires an official government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license or national ID) and a selfie for facial recognition. Unlocks higher withdrawal limits and full platform features.
• Institutional KYC: Requires business registration documents, proof of operation and authorized representative details. Provides higher trading limits and exclusive services.

KYC is mandatory for fiat transactions and some trading features, while crypto deposits and limited withdrawals may be available without full verification.

Trading experience

As of February 2025, KuCoin offers an extensive selection of over 900 digital assets for trading and around 1,200 trading pairs. This diverse range includes major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH) and Litecoin (LTC), as well as a wide array of altcoins and emerging tokens.

The platform is known for listing new and promising projects, providing traders with opportunities to explore various digital assets.

KuCoin facilitates transactions in multiple fiat currencies, enhancing accessibility for users worldwide.

The platform supports over 50 fiat currencies through various channels, including P2P markets and credit/debit card integrations. 

Notably, users can deposit and withdraw currencies such as euros and British pounds via bank transfers. 

Did you know? In 2024, KuCoin users created 7.5 million automated trading bots, marking a 36% year-over-year increase and highlighting the platform’s emphasis on advanced trading tools.

Fees and execution

KuCoin is recognized for its competitive fee structure. 

Spot and futures fees 

• Spot trading: The base fee is 0.1% for both makers and takers. Users can reduce this fee by 20% by opting to pay with KuCoin’s native token, KuCoin Token (KCS). For example, with the discount, the effective trading fee becomes 0.08%. Higher-volume traders can benefit from further reductions through KuCoin’s VIP program, which offers progressively lower fees based on trading volume and KCS holdings.
• Futures trading: The standard fees are 0.02% for makers and 0.06% for takers. Similar to spot trading, frequent traders can access lower fees by advancing through VIP tiers.

Deposit and withdrawal fees

• Deposits: KuCoin does not charge fees for cryptocurrency deposits. However, certain fiat deposit methods may incur fees. For instance, euro deposits via SEPA are subject to a 1-euro fee.
• Withdrawals: Fees vary depending on the specific cryptocurrency and network used. For example, withdrawing Bitcoin (BTC) typically incurs a fee of 0.0005 BTC. These fees are subject to change based on network conditions. Additionally, KuCoin occasionally offers promotions; for instance, there was a period when withdrawals of Tether’s USDt (USDT) via the BNB Smart Chain had zero fees.

Additional considerations

• VIP program: KuCoin’s VIP program offers reduced fees and other benefits for users with high trading volumes or significant KCS holdings. Advancing through VIP levels can lead to substantial fee discounts.
• Leveraged tokens: Trading fees for leveraged tokens are aligned with spot trading fees, starting at 0.1%. There are also subscription and redemption fees of 0.1%, along with a daily management fee charged at 23:45 (UTC), which is incorporated into the token’s net asset value.

For the most current and detailed information, it’s advisable to consult KuCoin’s official fee schedule on its website, as fees can change based on market conditions and promotional offers.

In terms of execution, KuCoin’s trading platform is engineered for high performance, capable of processing up to 1 million transactions per second without experiencing overload. 

This robust infrastructure ensures that users benefit from rapid order execution and a reliable trading environment, which is particularly advantageous during periods of high market volatility.

Security

KuCoin employs a multi-layered security system to protect user assets. 

The platform stores assets in independent and separate cold, warm and hot wallets. Cold wallets (being offline) provide enhanced security against unauthorized access. An advanced private key management system within a trusted computing environment ensures the safekeeping of digital assets.

In partnership with Onchain Custodian, KuCoin’s custodial funds are backed by insurance arranged through Lockton, offering an additional layer of protection for user assets.

To safeguard individual accounts, KuCoin implements several security features:

• Two-factor authentication (2FA): Users can enable 2FA to add an extra layer of security during login and withdrawal processes.
• Withdrawal whitelist: This feature allows users to specify trusted wallet addresses, ensuring that withdrawals can only be made to these pre-approved addresses.
• Anti-phishing tools:  KuCoin provides tools to help users identify and avoid phishing attempts, including customizable security phrases that appear in official communications.

Regulatory compliance and incidents of note

Like most crypto exchanges, KuCoin has faced regulatory challenges.

• U.S. legal issues: In January 2025, KuCoin pleaded guilty to operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business in the US and agreed to pay over $297 million in fines and forfeitures. As part of the settlement, KuCoin will exit the US market for at least two years.
• Security breach: In September 2020, KuCoin suffered a major security breach, resulting in the theft of approximately $281 million in crypto assets. The exchange managed to recover a significant portion of the stolen funds through collaborations with other exchanges and law enforcement agencies.
• MiCA compliance: KuCoin’s European subsidiary has recently applied for a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license in Austria, aiming to expand its services across the European Economic Area.

Did you know? KuCoin became the first global cryptocurrency exchange to register with India’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) in 2024, reflecting its commitment to regulatory compliance.

Support 

KuCoin offers multiple channels for customer support:

• 24/7 live chat: Accessible through the KuCoin website, providing real-time assistance.
• Email support: Users can submit inquiries via support tickets for more detailed issues.
• Technical support channel: For API-related or technical concerns, KuCoin provides a dedicated support channel.

Community ratings for KuCoin vary across different platforms:

• Capterra: Users have given KuCoin an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars, highlighting its extensive range of cryptocurrencies and user-friendly interface.
• G2: Reviews are mixed, with some users praising its diverse coin offerings and smooth user experience, while others express concerns about customer support and security.
• Sitejabber: Reports a low rating of 1.1 stars out of 5, based on 24 reviews, indicating significant customer dissatisfaction, particularly regarding service and security issues.
• Reviews.io: Shows an average score of 2.1 out of 5 from 212 reviews, with only 28% of users recommending the platform.

However, it’s important to note that disgruntled users are far more likely to leave a review than those with a positive experience.

Additional services

KuCoin distinguishes itself from other cryptocurrency exchanges by offering a variety of unique services and features:

• Staking: KuCoin’s staking feature allows users to earn rewards by locking their cryptocurrencies, offering diverse options such as flexible and fixed-term staking for assets like Ether, KuCoin Token, Polkadot (DOT) and more. Additionally, the KCS Staking 2.0 program enables users to earn daily rewards and enjoy benefits like trading fee discounts and VIP privileges. 
• KCS and KuCoin bonus: KuCoin’s native token, KCS, provides benefits such as trading fee discounts and profit-sharing rewards for holders.
• Advanced trading bots: KuCoin offers automated trading tools, including:
  • Grid bots: For buying low and selling high.
  • DCA bots: For consistent investment.
  • Portfolio rebalancing bots: For asset allocation.
  • Spot martingale bots: For advanced trading strategies.
• KuCard: Crypto Visa debit card — KuCoin’s Visa-backed debit card allows users to convert and spend cryptocurrencies in real-time at millions of merchants worldwide, supporting 54 cryptocurrencies as of October 2024.
• Options trading platform: KuCoin launched an options trading platform in October 2024, offering a user-friendly interface, low capital entry (as little as 10 USDT) and high-leverage opportunities for traders.
• KuCoin Research: A dedicated platform for in-depth market analysis, cryptocurrency project reports, trend forecasting and educational content to support informed investment decisions.

Kucoin: Pros and cons

Final thoughts 

KuCoin is a feature-rich exchange catering to both beginners and advanced traders. With over 900 digital assets, low fees and diverse trading options — including spot, futures and options — it remains one of the most versatile platforms. 

However, its regulatory issues, particularly its US exit, raise compliance concerns. Despite security improvements since the 2020 breach, past vulnerabilities remain a cautionary factor. Customer support and transparency are also common points of criticism.

Nevertheless, for non-US users, KuCoin is a strong choice. While not the most beginner-friendly, it offers high liquidity and professional-grade features, making it ideal for experienced traders exploring emerging tokens.

FAQs

1. What is KuCoin?

KuCoin is a global cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2017, offering spot trading, futures trading, staking and lending. It supports over 900 digital assets and serves millions of users worldwide.

2. How do I create an account on KuCoin?

Visit the KuCoin website or download the mobile app, click “Sign up,” enter your email or phone number, create a password, and verify your account. You can then enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security.

3. What are KuCoin’s trading fees?

KuCoin charges a base fee of 0.1% for spot trading, which can be reduced by 20% when using KCS. Futures trading fees start at 0.02% for makers and 0.06% for takers, with further discounts available for VIP users.

4. Does KuCoin support US users?

No. As of January 2025, KuCoin has exited the US market due to regulatory issues. US residents are advised to withdraw their funds before losing access.

5. What security measures does KuCoin have?

KuCoin uses multifactor authentication, withdrawal whitelisting and encryption to protect user accounts. Assets are stored in a mix of cold, warm and hot wallets, with additional custodial insurance provided by Onchain Custodian.

6. What is KuCoin’s KYC process?

KuCoin has tiered verification: KYC1 allows limited access with basic ID details; KYC2 requires a government-issued ID for full access; and Institutional KYC provides higher trading limits for businesses.

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