Christy Lynn
Quick answer: KuCoin is a large international exchange known for listing thousands of small altcoins with low trading fees. It is not available to US residents. In January 2025 KuCoin’s operator pleaded guilty to running an unlicensed money-transmitting business, paid about $297 million and agreed to leave the US market, and a March 2026 CFTC order made that ban indefinite. US readers should use a licensed exchange like Coinbase, Kraken or Gemini instead. Outside the US, KuCoin suits experienced altcoin traders who understand its regulatory history.
What is KuCoin?
KuCoin launched in 2017 and grew quickly by listing new and small-cap tokens early. It offers spot trading, futures, trading bots, staking and its own token, KCS, which discounts fees. It has served tens of millions of users worldwide.
KuCoin’s legal history
- January 2025: KuCoin’s parent company, Peken Global, pleaded guilty in US federal court to operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business, agreed to pay about $297 million, and committed to exit the US market. Two founders stepped away from management.
- March 2026: a CFTC order added a civil penalty and barred KuCoin from the US market indefinitely.
- Past hack: KuCoin was hacked for over $200 million in 2020 and recovered most of the funds with help from other projects.
KuCoin fees
Spot trading fees start at about 0.1% and drop with volume and when paying with KCS. Withdrawal fees vary by coin and network.
KuCoin vs Coinbase
- Availability: Coinbase is licensed in the US. KuCoin is not available to US residents.
- Coins: KuCoin lists far more small altcoins. Coinbase lists fewer but more vetted assets.
- Fees: KuCoin’s spot fees are lower than Coinbase’s simple Buy, but Coinbase Advanced narrows the gap.
- Safety: Coinbase is a publicly traded, US-regulated company. KuCoin is offshore with a guilty plea on record.
- Verdict: US readers should use Coinbase or another licensed exchange. See our Coinbase review.
KuCoin vs Binance
- Size: Binance is far larger by volume and liquidity.
- Coins: both list hundreds of coins. KuCoin often lists very small tokens earlier.
- Fees: both charge about 0.1% for spot trades, with discounts for their native tokens (KCS and BNB).
- Regulation: both have pleaded guilty to US charges (Binance in 2023, KuCoin in 2025), and neither serves US residents.
- Verdict: for international users, Binance offers deeper liquidity, while KuCoin appeals to traders hunting small altcoins. Read our Binance review.
Best KuCoin alternatives for US readers
- Kraken: low fees and a broad altcoin list. Visit Kraken
- Coinbase: the largest US exchange. Open an account
- Gemini: security-focused. Visit Gemini
Compare all options in our list of the best crypto exchanges.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use KuCoin in the US?
No. KuCoin is barred from serving US customers. Using a VPN to get around this violates its terms and can lead to frozen funds.
Is KuCoin legit?
It’s a large, real exchange, but it pleaded guilty to US charges in 2025. Outside the US, weigh that history before depositing large sums.
I’m a US user with funds on KuCoin. What should I do?
Follow KuCoin’s official instructions for US customers to withdraw your assets, and move them to a licensed exchange or your own wallet.
Where is KuCoin based?
KuCoin’s operating company is registered in the Seychelles.
