About KuCoin
KuCoin is an established global cryptocurrency exchange, launched in 2017 and headquartered in Seychelles. The platform serves millions of users across more than 200 countries, including a significant European user base. KuCoin is recognised for its comprehensive suite of crypto trading products and tools. Users can access spot trading for over 800 cryptocurrencies, including major and niche altcoins, with a variety of EUR trading pairs available. Advanced traders benefit from futures and margin trading with up to 100x leverage, as well as options like trading bots and robust API functionality.
For fiat integration, KuCoin enables Euro deposits and withdrawals via SEPA transfers, credit and debit cards, and selected third-party payment services. The platform also offers staking, lending, and other earn programs, allowing users to generate passive income on their crypto assets. KuCoin’s Launchpad gives early access to new crypto projects, while its marketplace supports NFT trading. The proprietary KuCoin Token (KCS) enables fee discounts and staking rewards.
Recent years have seen KuCoin invest in increased transparency, including the implementation of Proof of Reserves and upgrades to its security protocols following a major breach in 2020. However, KuCoin remains unregulated by any major EU authority and is not registered under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation as of September 2025. This lack of formal European oversight is a significant consideration for users seeking strong regulatory and consumer protection.
Pro's of using KuCoin
- Large Coin Selection: Supports over 800 cryptocurrencies, including many new and niche tokens not found on most regulated European exchanges.
- EUR Support: Enables buying and withdrawing crypto with Euro via SEPA transfers and card payments, providing accessibility for European users.
- Competitive Fees: Low trading fees (from 0.1% or less), with further discounts for holding KCS or high trading volumes.
- Advanced Trading Tools: Offers futures, margin trading, trading bots, API support, and various advanced order types.
- Passive Income Options: Wide range of earn programs, including staking, lending, and liquidity pools, with attractive returns.
Con's of using KuCoin
- Not EU-Regulated: Lacks oversight from European regulatory authorities; not registered under the MiCA regulation, increasing risk for Eurozone users.
- Potential Fiat Limitations: EUR deposits and withdrawals may be delayed or restricted, particularly in certain European countries due to regulatory actions.
- Past Security Breach: Suffered a large hack in 2020; security has improved, but history may concern risk-averse users.
- Legal and Service Uncertainty: Future access for European users could be impacted by ongoing regulatory developments or enforcement.
- Customer Support Delays: During high traffic or complex issues, support responsiveness may be lacking.
What are alternatives for KuCoin
- Kraken: Fully licensed European and US exchange; strong EUR support via SEPA, broad features, high security, and full regulatory compliance.
- Bitstamp: One of Europe’s most established regulated exchanges; reputable for EUR on/off ramping, spot trading, and fiat integration.
- Binance: Large exchange with extensive coin selection, advanced features, and EUR support; holds some EU registrations but faces ongoing scrutiny.
- Bitvavo: Dutch-based, MiCA-compliant exchange; user-friendly, competitive fees, strong Euro integration, and full EU oversight.
- Coinbase: MiCA-compliant; strong brand, EUR support, high security, best for beginners but has higher fees and fewer coins.
- Uphold: Multi-asset platform offering crypto, stocks, and precious metals; EUR on/off ramps, easy to use, but with a more limited coin selection.
