Is Kucoin Available in the US? What you need to know

You’ve probably heard about KuCoin and how it’s one of the biggest crypto exchanges out there. But living in the US, you might be wondering if you can even use it. Can US residents buy and sell coins on Kucoin? In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about using Kucoin from the US. We’ll talk about which services they offer, how to get around any restrictions, and what is the solution if Kucoin just won’t work where you live. Read on to get the full scoop so you can decide if Kucoin is right for you.

Is Kucoin Available in the US?

Yes, Kucoin is available for residents of the United States with limited version due to the need for local license. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Registration and Verification

When you sign up for a Kucoin account, you’ll need to provide some personal details like your name, address, and phone number. Kucoin may require identity verification to ensure compliance with regulations before allowing you to deposit or withdraw certain amounts.

Deposits and Withdrawals

Kucoin allows US customers to deposit and withdraw supported cryptocurrencies with certain restrictions like KYC (full identity verification). However, due to regulations, Kucoin does not currently allow US residents to deposit or withdraw fiat currencies like USD. You’ll need to purchase crypto through another exchange or broker first and then transfer it to your Kucoin account.

Trading and Fees

Kucoin offers hundreds of crypto pairs for trading, including popular coins like BTC, ETH, and USDT as well as smaller cap altcoins. Trading fees are very competitive at just 0.1%. Kucoin frequently runs promotions and events with opportunities to earn even lower fees or win rewards.

Safety and Security

Kucoin takes security seriously and employs mechanisms like two-factor authentication, cold wallet storage, and 24/7 monitoring to help safeguard customer funds and data. However, as with any crypto exchange, there is always some risk of hacking or theft. Only deposit and trade crypto that you can afford to lose.

Kucoin can be a good option for US-based crypto traders looking for a wide selection of altcoins and low fees. Just keep in mind the limitations around fiat transactions and be sure to enable all security features to help protect your account.

How to Use Kucoin in the US?

Kucoin is available for US users to use with certain restrictions. Here’s how to get started:

Create an account

Head to Kucoin.com and click “Sign Up”. Enter an email, password, and username. Verify your email.

Deposit funds

Before you can buy crypto, you’ll need to deposit USD or another currency. Kucoin accepts bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and crypto deposits. Bank transfers and cards typically take 1-3 business days, while crypto is instant.

Trade for crypto

Once your funds are in your Kucoin account, you can trade for all the major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Kucoin’s own KCS token through US-based exchanges. Kucoin has over 700 crypto pairs to choose from.

Withdraw or trade

You can withdraw your crypto from Kucoin at any time or keep it on the exchange to trade for other coins. Kucoin doesn’t have any lock-up periods, and most withdrawals are processed within 30 minutes. However, be aware that withdrawal fees apply for certain coins.

Why do you need a VPN to trade KuCoin in the US?

KuCoin is not officially available for US traders due to regulatory restrictions, so you’ll need a VPN to access it. A VPN masks your real IP address and tricks the exchange into thinking you’re logging in from another country.

Accessing KuCoin Anonymously

With a VPN, you can connect to a server in a country where KuCoin is allowed, like Canada or Singapore. Once connected, KuCoin will think you’re logging in from that location and grant you access. Be sure to choose AstrillVPN that doesn’t keep activity logs and accepts anonymous payment methods like Bitcoin to maximize your privacy.

Avoiding Geo-Blocks

KuCoin frequently blocks IP addresses from the US to remain compliant with regulations. A VPN gets around these geo-blocks by hiding your real IP address and location. As long as you stay connected to a non-US server, KuCoin won’t know you’re actually accessing the exchange from within the States.

Protecting Your Privacy

A VPN also encrypts all the data sent between your device and KuCoin’s servers. This prevents your internet service provider or anyone else from seeing what you’re doing on the exchange or stealing sensitive account info like passwords. For the highest level of privacy, choose AstrillVPN that offers strong encryption and a strict no-logging policy.

Using a VPN is a simple way to access KuCoin and other exchanges that may not officially operate in the US. But be aware that there are risks to trading on unregulated platforms, and your funds may not have the same protections as on US-based exchanges. As with any investment, only trade with money you can afford to lose.

How to use KuCoin in the US with AstrillVPN?

To access KuCoin from within the US, you’ll need to use a VPN (virtual private network) to mask your location. AstrillVPN is the most popular VPN for accessing crypto exchanges. Here’s how to set it up:

Sign up for AstrillVPN

Go to AstrillVPN website, get subscription and sign up for an account. Once your account is set up, download the Astrill app on your devices.

Connect to a server outside the US

Open the Astrill app and tap “Connect”. Choose a server location outside the US, like Canada, Hong Kong or Singapore. Tap the server location to connect. This will mask your IP address and make it appear as though you’re accessing the internet from that location.

Access KuCoin

With your VPN connected, open the KuCoin website or app. You’ll now be able to access the full functionality of KuCoin without any location restrictions. You can trade, deposit, withdraw and do anything else you need.

Enable the kill switch

One important security feature in the Astrill app is the “kill switch/App Guard“. This will cut off your internet access if the VPN connection drops, preventing your real IP address from being exposed.

Disconnect when done

When you’re finished using KuCoin, disconnect from the AstrillVPN server. This will turn off the VPN protection and restore your normal internet connection. Only turn off the AstrillVPN when you’re no longer accessing KuCoin or other geo-restricted services

Is kucoin safe?

Many new traders worry about KuCoin’s safety and security. As with any exchange, there are risks to consider, but KuCoin takes measures to protect users and has a solid reputation.

KuCoin is one of the larger crypto exchanges, serving over 8 million users worldwide. They’ve been operating since 2017 without any major security breaches. KuCoin stores the majority of users’ digital assets in cold wallets – offline storage that is not connected to the internet. This method is considered one of the most secure ways to hold cryptocurrency and helps prevent hacking.

KuCoin also uses two-factor authentication, anti-phishing codes, and other security protocols to protect accounts. As always, you should enable two-factor authentication on your account and use a strong, unique password to keep your funds secure.

Some users express concern over KuCoin’s location in Hong Kong. However, KuCoin operates legally and works to comply with all regulations as its partnered with Singaporian crypto asset security platform, Onchain Custodian, which upholds custody of KuCoin’s assets. They have not experienced issues related to their location. Many reputable exchanges are based outside the U.S., including Binance.

While no exchange is 100% foolproof, KuCoin appears to take security and compliance seriously. As one of the larger, more established exchanges that has operated for several years without problems, KuCoin seems reasonably safe and secure for trading crypto, especially if you take recommended account safety precautions. However, as with any investment, only risk money that you can afford to lose. Crypto markets are volatile, so the value of your funds could go down as well as up.

What Makes KuCoin a Good Choice?

Over 700 Coins Available

KuCoin currently offers over 700 coins, including major coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. No matter what crypto coins you’re interested in, there’s a good chance KuCoin will have them available for you to buy and sell. Their selection is always expanding too, so you’ll have access to new and emerging crypto coins.

Low Fees

One of the best parts about using KuCoin is that they charge very low fees for trading cryptocurrencies. Their maker and taker fees are just 0.1%, which is lower than most other major crypto exchanges. They don’t charge any deposit fees either when you fund your account. The low fees on KuCoin mean you get to keep more of the money you earn from successful trades.

High Liquidity

KuCoin has a very high daily trade volume, which means it’s easy to buy and sell cryptocurrencies without major price impacts. You’ll be able to buy and sell quickly to take advantage of market movements. The high liquidity also means that the prices on KuCoin closely track the overall market average, so you won’t end up paying more or selling for less than you would on other exchanges.

Beginner Friendly

KuCoin has an easy-to-use interface that is perfect for beginners who are new to cryptocurrency trading. Everything is clearly laid out and simple to understand. They have tutorials and resources to help you learn the basics. KuCoin is a great exchange for newcomers to get started with, and the simple interface means you’ll be able to start trading with confidence.

24/7 Customer Support

If you ever have any questions or run into issues using the KuCoin platform, their customer support team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can contact them through live chat, email, or telephone. With round-the-clock support, you’ll always be able to get help when you need it.

KuCoin is an excellent choice for cryptocurrency trading thanks to their low fees, high liquidity, wide selection of coins, and easy to use interface.

KuCoin Features

Here are some of Kucoin features:

User-Friendly Interface

KuCoin has an intuitive interface that is easy to navigate for both beginners and experienced traders. The dashboard provides an overview of your portfolio, recent trades, and price charts. You can also easily buy, sell, and trade crypto with just a few clicks. The simple and clean design makes it easy to find whatever you need.

Low Fees

KuCoin charges some of the lowest fees in the industry. Trading fees are a flat 0.1% per trade. This means whether you’re trading $100 or $100,000, you’ll pay the same low percentage. KuCoin does not charge any deposit fees and only charges nominal withdrawal fees to move your funds off the exchange. These low fees allow you to keep more of your money in your own pocket.

Enhanced Verification Required

To use Kucoin, you’ll need to go through their “enhanced verification” process which requires submitting personal information like your Social Security number, photo ID and a selfie. This allows Kucoin to stay compliant with US regulations. The verification process typically only takes a few minutes, but can take up to a day in some cases. Without enhanced verification, you’ll have very limited access to features.

High Liquidity

KuCoin has a large selection of crypto assets and high trading volumes. This means you can easily buy and sell major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin as well as smaller market cap altcoins. The high liquidity and trading volumes mean you’ll get good prices when buying and selling. You won’t have to worry about slippage eating into your profits or causing large losses.

Multiple Order Types

KuCoin offers all the advanced order types experienced traders expect. You can place market orders, limit orders, stop-loss orders, take-profit orders, and trailing stop orders but with verified accounts. The variety of order types allows you to develop and implement sophisticated trading strategies.

24/7 Customer Support

KuCoin provides customer support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via online chat and email. The support team can help you with account issues, trading questions, deposit and withdrawal problems and more. They aim to respond to all inquiries within 30 minutes. Support is available in English, Chinese, Korean, Russian and Spanish.

KuCoin is a full-featured cryptocurrency exchange that provides an easy way for US traders to invest in a wide range of digital assets..

Security and Safety of Kucoin for US Customers

As a US customer, security and safety are likely top of mind when considering any cryptocurrency exchange. Kucoin takes the security of its platform and your digital assets very seriously. They employ bank-level encryption, multi-factor authentication, and cold storage to keep funds secure.

• When you first sign up for Kucoin, you’ll enable two-factor authentication (2FA) which adds an extra layer of protection for your account. Kucoin supports Google Authenticator, SMS, and email 2FA methods. It’s a good idea to use Google Authenticator or SMS over email for maximum security.
• Kucoin also uses bank-level SSL encryption to protect all data transmitted between Kucoin and you. Your account information, transactions, and communications are all encrypted. Additionally, the majority of user digital assets are kept in cold storage wallets that are disconnected from the internet. Only a small portion is kept in hot wallets to facilitate quick withdrawals and deposits.
• Kucoin conducts regular security audits and penetration tests and works with reputable cybersecurity firms to identify and address any vulnerabilities. They have a dedicated security team monitoring the exchange 24/7 for any suspicious activity. If Kucoin detects unauthorized access or believes your account is at risk, they will notify you immediately.
• While no exchange is 100% hack-proof, Kucoin’s security practices are on par with major global exchanges. As long as you take responsibility for the security of your own account by enabling 2FA and using a strong, unique password, you can feel reasonably confident Kucoin will keep your digital assets and transactions secure.
• If you do experience security issues with your Kucoin account for any reason, their support team is available 24/7 to assist you. They aim to resolve any problems as quickly as possible. Your protection and peace of mind are top priorities for Kucoin.

What KuCoin Can Do to Improve?

KuCoin has come a long way since launching in 2017, quickly becoming one of the top crypto exchanges. However, there’s always room for improvement. Here are a few areas KuCoin could focus on to provide an even better experience for U.S. users:

• One of the biggest issues for KuCoin customers in the U.S. is the limited number of coins available to trade. KuCoin offers over 700 different cryptocurrencies, but many of the most popular ones like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin are not currently available to U.S. traders due to regulatory issues but they can be accessed via US based exchange. KuCoin should continue working with regulators to get more coins approved for the U.S. market.
• The KuCoin website and mobile apps could use an updated, simplified design. The interface can seem cluttered and confusing, especially for new crypto users. A streamlined, intuitive design would make the platform much more accessible. Simplifying the signup and account verification process would also help new customers get started more easily.
• KuCoin’s customer support is available 24/7, but response times can be slow, and the support staff is not always able to resolve issues. Improving response times and providing additional training for support staff would result in a much better customer experience, especially when issues arise. Offering phone support in addition to live chat and email would provide another way for customers to get help quickly.
• While low fees are one of KuCoin’s biggest selling points, the spread on certain trading pairs can be quite high. Reducing the spread for major trading pairs like BTC/USDT would make KuCoin more competitive and benefit all traders.

KuCoin has built a strong reputation as an innovative crypto exchange, but focusing on these key areas of improvement could help the platform gain more mainstream popularity and better serve its U.S. customers. By expanding coin offerings, simplifying the interface, improving customer support, and reducing fees, KuCoin would become an even more attractive option for both new and experienced crypto traders in the U.S.

Can I use a free VPN for KuCoin?

Yes, you can use a free VPN service to access KuCoin if you’re in the US. However, there are some things to keep in mind.

Free VPNs typically come with limitations like slower speeds, data caps, and less security. The free servers are often overloaded, which can slow down your connection and access to KuCoin. Free VPNs also tend to log your activity and sell your data to third parties, compromising your privacy.

That said, a free VPN will allow you to spoof your location and access KuCoin with certain restrictions. However, for the private and secure experience, you’re better off going with a paid VPN service.

Paid VPNs such as Astrill offers faster speed, unlimited data, strong encryption, and a no-logging policy. AstrillVPN offers 3 plans and works great for accessing KuCoin. With a paid VPN, you’ll get access to more server locations, allowing you to choose a server in a country where KuCoin is available. Your connection will be faster, and your activity and information will be kept private.

Why can’t I trade on KuCoin with a VPN?

KuCoin blocks VPN usage to comply with regulatory requirements and prevent fraudulent activity. As an exchange available in the US, KuCoin must follow strict KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) regulations. Requiring verified personal information helps ensure only legitimate users access the platform.

Using a VPN hides your real IP address and location, making it difficult for KuCoin to verify your identity. This poses risks like account takeovers, money laundering, and other illegal acts. To maintain a safe, regulated trading environment, KuCoin restricts access from VPNs and other anonymous proxy services.

While this policy may be an inconvenience, KuCoin is obligated to protect users and uphold the law. The good news is KuCoin is available to US citizens and residents, you just need to access it directly rather than through a VPN.

To trade on KuCoin from the US, you’ll need to provide personal details like your full name, address, Social Security number, and a government-issued photo ID. KuCoin uses this information solely to confirm you are who you say you are, as required for their US operations. Your private details are kept confidential and not shared with any third parties.

Once your identity is verified, you’ll have full access to KuCoin’s services. This includes a robust trading platform with over 700 cryptocurrencies, interest-earning wallets, staking pools, lending markets, and more. KuCoin aims to provide a safe, positive experience for all users, regardless of location or background. By banning VPNs and strict KYC procedures, KuCoin creates an equitable environment where everyone can participate openly and securely.

While the verification process can seem tedious, it helps legitimize the crypto industry and brings us one step closer to mainstream adoption. By complying fully with US regulations, KuCoin is paving the way for cryptocurrency to become a trusted, regulated market available to all.

FAQs

Here are some common FAQs to help put you at ease:

Conclusion

With a few easy steps, you can access all the great features and coins KuCoin has to offer, no matter where you are in the US. Just set up a VPN, use their mobile app, or go the P2P trading route. KuCoin may not be available directly in the US yet, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t take advantage of their services. So don’t wait around, sign up with KuCoin today and join the growing community of US-based users already profiting. The world of crypto never sleeps, so make sure you have access to every exchange out there.

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