KuCoin review: Features, pros and cons of the cryptocurrency exchange

KuCoin is a global cryptocurrency exchange that officially launched on Sept. 15, 2017. Founded by Michael Gan and Eric Don, both early blockchain enthusiasts

Key takeaways:

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.

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:

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:

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

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

Deposit and withdrawal fees

Additional considerations

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:

Regulatory compliance and incidents of note

Like most crypto exchanges, KuCoin has faced regulatory challenges.

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:

Community ratings for KuCoin vary across different platforms:

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:

Kucoin: Pros and cons

Final thoughts

KuCoin is a feature-rich exchange catering to both beginners and advanced traders. With over 900 digital