KuCoin vs. Coinbase | Side-by-Side Comparison

KuCoin vs. Coinbase Overview

KuCoin is an exchange platform well noted for its anonymous trading feature, and the platform can be accessed both on desktop and mobile devices. It also has its own cryptocurrency called KuCoin Shares (KCS), and users get discounted trading fees by holding KCS coins. They allow over 300 trading pairs and consistently update the list.

Coinbase is a United States-based cryptocurrency exchange company that is FDIC regulated and renowned for safety and diverse cryptocurrency options. Coinbase also boasts other features like Coinbase Pro, Coinbase wallet, and Coinbase Prime to enhance users’ experience on the platform.

Cryptocurrencies Available

KuCoin has a very large cryptocurrency offering, even more than Coinbase. It lists about 600 digital currencies, including the major ones by market cap. The platform offers very low fees to traders and also accepts fiat currencies.

Coinbase lists 150 cryptocurrencies on the platform and allows users to stake a selection of four. New users interested in learning can utilize the platform’s educational resources to improve their skills.

Fees

KuCoin fees are amongst the lowest in the market. No monthly fees or fees to deposit crypto are required, but there is a fee for depositing fiat currency depending on the currency being deposited.

Coinbase users pay higher fees when compared to other similar exchanges. The withdrawal fees for international transfers differ by currency, and the trading fee is classified based on the taker and maker fees. It charges 0 to 0.50 percent per transaction and 2.49 percent for card transactions.

Spread fee – 0.5%

Pricing tier	Taker fee	Maker fee
Up to $10K	0.60%	0.40%
$10k-$50k	0.40%	0.25%
$100k-$1M	0.20%	0.10%

Staking and Credit Card Options

Coinbase users can fund their accounts using credit or debit cards, provided the cards have a valid billing address. They can also stake the following selection of coins to receive yields on their investment. Coinbase does not currently offer its own credit card for users.

KuCoin has a staking pool known as Pool-X, where users can stake their cryptocurrencies and earn rewards. 

You can stake 15 coins on the platform: ATOM, LUNA, KSM, ANC, MATIC, EOS, TOMO, VSYS, WAN, TRX, ZIL, HYDRA, OUSD, LINK, and ADA.

The platform also allows you to purchase using fiat, but it has to be done using a third-party app, you can use Apple Pay, Google Pay, and your credit or debit card but not bank transfer.

Coinbase offers a 4% crypto rewards Visa debit card to its users. You can choose a crypto reward and earn up to 4% back on all your purchases. The card has no annual fees, and no credit check is required.

Security

Coinbase is a relatively secure platform and utilizes cold storage, 2-factor authentication, and Biometrics to secure users’ accounts.

KuCoin uses industry-standard security measures like KYC verification, multi-factor authentication, encryption, and an extra layer of protection.

How to Decide Between KuCoin and Coinbase

KuCoin offers a broader range of digital currencies than Coinbase as well as lower fees, it also has lower privacy concerns. On the other hand, Coinbase is licensed to operate in the United States, and KuCoin is not. Coinbase also provides phone support for its users, which is rare for many exchanges.

Traders in the United States will consider Coinbase a better option, while investors outside the United States may prefer KuCoin.