KuCoin (2025): Comprehensive Exchange Review, Fees, Security, Pros and Cons

KuCoin is a name well-known among cryptocurrency traders, especially those who scout for promising altcoins. It’s a centralized cryptocurrency exchange launched in 2017, which within just a few years earned a reputation as “the people’s exchange.” What makes KuCoin special? Above all, its scale: as of 2025, the platform reports having over 40 million registered users worldwide – an impressive growth for a project that started as a small startup. Its global reach is also remarkable: traders from more than 200 countries use KuCoin, spanning Asia, Europe, and the CIS. The exchange offers almost 700 different cryptocurrencies to trade – one of the broadest selections in the market.

From the start, KuCoin emphasized accessibility and a wide range of features. Low fees, its own KCS token with bonuses for holders, a variety of trading instruments (spot, margin, futures, P2P-exchange, trading bots, and much more) – all of these attract both beginners and experienced traders. Meanwhile, the exchange strives to maintain a high level of security and trust: introducing KYC verification, enhancing account protection, and learning lessons from a major hack in 2020 by compensating users’ funds in full afterward.

What can you expect from KuCoin? In this review, written from the perspective of a trader with 11 years of experience, we will take a detailed look at KuCoin’s history and capabilities, walk through the registration process and interface details, evaluate trading conditions, fees, security, and additional functionality. We’ll also present real user feedback and opinions – both positive and critical. Our goal is to provide an honest, comprehensive, and expert assessment so that you can decide whether KuCoin suits your needs. Ready to delve into the nuances of this platform? Let’s begin our journey into the world of KuCoin!

What Is KuCoin?

KuCoin is a cryptocurrency exchange created with the goal of making digital asset trading as easy and secure as possible for people around the world. The official launch took place in September 2017 in Hong Kong, but the project’s roots run deeper: the first version of the platform existed back in 2014 under the name “KuBi.” KuCoin’s founders are a group of seasoned professionals who previously worked on fintech projects (for example, Ant Financial and iBox PAY). This background helped them establish a reliable technological foundation for the exchange. Specifically, one co-founder and the first CEO was Michael Gan, and in 2020, when KuCoin had already entered the top five global exchanges, Johnny Lyu took over as CEO (the company is currently led by a CEO named BC Wong).

The project’s goals were ambitious from the start: the founders wanted to rank among the world’s top ten crypto exchanges and attract a broad community of traders by offering an extensive selection of crypto assets and cutting-edge trading tools. KuCoin’s slogan – “The People’s Exchange” – reflects the team’s philosophy: to make the platform user-friendly for everyone, whether a beginner or a trading veteran, and to give users a sense of belonging to a community. KuCoin is very active in community building – it operates in over 20 languages and has local user groups and official presences in various regions. The company’s headquarters is registered in the Seychelles, with offices in Hong Kong and Singapore.

Today, KuCoin boasts a truly global presence. According to the company, the number of users exceeded 40 million by 2025. In comparison, in early 2018 KuCoin had around 1 million clients, growing to over 30 million by 2023. Such growth clearly demonstrates the community’s trust. The exchange survived the 2017–2018 crypto boom without major technical failures, then saw a surge in new traders in 2021–2022 as the market soared. KuCoin is available in most countries worldwide, including the CIS (including Russia). Despite regulatory complexities, the platform strives to comply with legal requirements: in 2023, the exchange intensified its KYC measures and announced plans to obtain licenses in several jurisdictions (for instance, applying for MiCA licensing in the EU). However, KuCoin is not formally regulated by major financial authorities in large countries (no U.S. or EU licenses, etc.), which allows it to serve a broad international audience but also carries certain risks, which we’ll discuss in the security section.

In summary, KuCoin is a major, all-in-one cryptocurrency exchange geared toward a global market. It offers hundreds of cryptocurrencies, its own ecosystem (exchange + wallet + token + earning services), and aims to combine innovation (new products, listing promising tokens) with user-friendly features. Let’s now take a closer look at how KuCoin works: from account registration to making trades and earning profits.

Registration and KYC

Creating a KuCoin account is relatively straightforward and doesn’t take much time. First, go to the official website (www.kucoin.com) or install the KuCoin mobile app. The registration steps are as follows:

1. Create an account. On the main page, click “Sign Up.” Enter your email or phone number and set up a strong password. You can also enter a referral code if you have one (this gives you bonuses). KuCoin will send a verification code to your email; enter it to confirm your email address.
2. Set up security. Once you log in for the first time, the platform will prompt you to enable two-factor authentication (2FA) – it’s highly recommended to do this right away. Typically, you use the Google Authenticator app: scan KuCoin’s QR code, then enter the generated 6-digit code. You should also set up an anti-phishing code (a specific word that will appear in KuCoin’s emails so you know they are genuine).
3. Complete your profile. In your personal account, you’ll find the “Verify KYC” or “Identity Verification” section. You’ll need to fill out a form with personal information: full name, date of birth, country of residence, address. This basic KYC level (Level 1) verifies your information without uploading documents.
4. Upload documents. For full access to all features, you must pass the next level of KYC verification. KuCoin will ask you to upload a photo of your passport or other government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license) and take a selfie. This is needed to confirm your identity (Level 2 KYC). You might also have to upload a proof-of-address document (utility bill, bank statement), but in most cases a passport and a selfie suffice.
5. Review and confirmation. After submitting, you simply wait while KuCoin’s security team checks your documents. Typically, verification takes from a few hours up to 1–2 days (it can take longer during peak periods). The status is displayed in your profile. Once successful, you’ll be notified and your account limits will be lifted.

It’s important to note that starting in summer 2023, KuCoin made KYC mandatory for all new users. Previously, the exchange was known for allowing trading without identity verification, but now the rules are stricter. According to the official announcement, as of July 15, 2023, every new client must pass KYC to gain full access to the exchange’s products and services. Users who registered before that date could temporarily continue trading without KYC, but with certain limitations. Specifically, without verification you can’t deposit funds (only close positions and withdraw remaining balances), and trading is limited (for instance, selling assets, closing futures positions, withdrawing from Earn, but not opening new trades). In other words, complete trading on KuCoin now requires passing the KYC procedure. This is done to meet global standards (anti-money laundering, etc.) and ensure user safety.

What restrictions apply at each KYC level? At level zero (no verification), you’re essentially barred from depositing and active trading (you can only withdraw any previously deposited funds). KYC1 (basic) usually lets you deposit/withdraw small amounts. KYC2 (full) unlocks the entire functionality: high withdrawal limits (up to 200 BTC per day or more, depending on VIP level), participation in P2P trading, futures, Launchpad, etc. For example, KuCoin previously allowed withdrawals of up to 5 BTC a day without verification, but these details have changed – after completing KYC, the limits are very high, so the average user likely won’t be hindered.

Note that residents of certain countries may be denied service, even if they want to pass KYC. KuCoin’s list of restricted jurisdictions includes the United States, Canada (in part), China, Singapore, and several sanctioned states (North Korea, Sudan, Syria, etc.). Russia is not on this list – KuCoin is available for Russians, and registration/verification go through without issue. However, one caveat: in summer 2022 and 2023, major exchanges (Binance, OKX, etc.) introduced restrictions for Russian users due to sanctions. KuCoin did not directly announce such restrictions, although in August 2024 it limited certain P2P operations for Russian banks under sanctions. Overall, traders from the Russian Federation can still use KuCoin, but you can’t use sanctioned banks on P2P for fiat deposits/withdrawals.

From my own experience, it took me about 10 minutes to register on KuCoin and set up 2FA. I went through verification after it became mandatory – and the process was smooth: my ID photos were accepted on the first try, and within a day my account was fully verified. My advice for newcomers: don’t try to bypass KYC. The era of completely anonymous exchanges is fading, and KuCoin is no exception. Provide valid data straight away, ensuring your peace of mind and better protection. If something goes wrong (like your passport photo is rejected), don’t panic – KuCoin allows multiple attempts, and their support team can help in live chat. In the next section, we’ll look at what awaits you inside your KuCoin account after registration.

KuCoin Exchange Interface

When you first access your KuCoin account, you might experience some information overload. The interface is packed with various sections and buttons – but soon you’ll see that everything is logically organized. KuCoin’s website navigation works through the top menu: “Buy Crypto,” “Markets,” “Trade,” “Derivatives,” “Earn,” “Finance,” and more. On the right side, you’ll always find icons for your profile, notifications, and settings. In the mobile app, these sections are placed on a bottom panel.

Below are the main sections of your KuCoin account:

• Dashboard. This displays an overview of your portfolio: balances in various currencies, asset distribution, your latest trades. There are also quick links for deposits/withdrawals and security settings. For newcomers, it’s convenient that you immediately see updates about new listings or promotions.
• Markets. This tab houses all trading pairs. You can browse lists like BTC, ETH, KCS markets, etc., or use the search to find the coin you want. Each pair shows the current price, 24-hour change, and volume. Tip for beginners: check out the “Trending” or “New Listings” filters – KuCoin highlights recently added tokens and those trending in the market.
• Trading terminal (Trade). This is the heart of the exchange – the interface for spot and margin trading. It might look crowded at first: a price chart (TradingView) with technical analysis tools, an order book (order depth), an order form (buy/sell), and a feed of the most recent trades. However, KuCoin lets you switch between a simplified and a classic interface. Beginners can use “Convert” mode – a very simple feature to instantly swap one cryptocurrency for another at the market rate, with no need to learn charts and order books. If you’re ready to learn, it’s best to dive into the classic terminal right away: it’s typical for most major exchanges. You can set limit, market, or stop orders. By the way, KuCoin has a “newbie” window that highlights and explains the key interface elements – a sort of built-in tutorial.



• Derivatives. This section contains KuCoin’s futures platform (previously called KuMEX). The futures interface is similar to spot but includes extra panels: for example, leverage info, funding rates, etc. There’s also a subsection for options if you trade them (KuCoin has launched them, though liquidity is still smaller than on Binance).
• Wallet (Assets). This is where you manage your balances. It’s divided into several account types: Main, Trading, Margin, Futures, and Financial (for Earn products). This can be confusing at first: why do I have to move money again? But it’s designed for security. For instance, to trade on spot, you need to move funds from your Main Account to your Trading Account – so if your API key is compromised, the hacker still can’t immediately withdraw your funds while they’re on Main. Transfers between these internal accounts are instant and free. The Assets section also has “Deposit” and “Withdraw” buttons for crypto deposits and external wallet withdrawals. There you can view your transaction history and the status of deposits/withdrawals.
• KuCoin Earn / Finance. This is where you’ll find passive income options: staking, savings, both flexible and fixed deposits. (More details about Earn features in its own section below.) The interface is straightforward: you get a list of available offers with the indicated annual percentage yields (APY), minimum amount, and term.
• Account Settings (Profile & Settings). Clicking the profile icon (usually a circle at the top) opens a menu: KYC Verification, Security Settings, Referral, API Management, etc. Here you can change your password, set an anti-phishing code, create an API key for connecting a trading bot, check your commission level (VIP level), and so on. You’ll also find the Help Center and support resources.

Interface for beginners. Many people wonder if KuCoin is suitable for those who have never traded before. My answer: yes, but with a mild learning curve. In my experience, KuCoin’s interface is slightly less “simplified” than, say, Coinbase or some BTC-only exchanges, but it’s on par with Binance. If you’re completely new, start with the “Buy Crypto” section – on the site, you can buy Bitcoin or USDT using a bank card or P2P in just a couple of clicks. This process is similar to any online payment. Once you have USDT in your balance, you can head to the trading section and buy your chosen coin with a simple Convert form (similar to Binance Convert). Gradually, once you’re comfortable, you can move on to limit orders.

KuCoin tries to make the interface intuitive. For instance, upon first enabling trading, you’ll be prompted to set a trading password – an extra PIN code required for placing orders and withdrawals. At first, it might seem unnecessary, but it’s quite useful (if a hacker gains access to your account, they still can’t immediately drain your funds without your Trading Password). The KuCoin mobile app also has a friendly layout: “Home,” “Markets,” “Trade,” “Futures,” “Assets.” User reviews generally praise the app – it’s rated around 4.5 out of 5 on Google Play and the App Store, and I personally find it among the best in the crypto exchange market.

From personal experience, I liked KuCoin’s interface speed. Pages load quickly, charts don’t lag (given a stable internet connection). I also liked the ability to switch to dark mode or keep it light, depending on preference. If you don’t speak English, the platform is available in several other languages. However, translations can be inconsistent – you might see some parts in English or slightly awkward text. This is a minor downside pointed out by some users: for instance, the Russian interface can be incomplete or poorly translated. Hopefully, KuCoin will address this over time.

Overall, KuCoin’s interface is functional and customizable. A beginner might need a few hours to get familiar with everything, but after that, tasks like placing trades or withdrawing profits become second nature. The key is to not be afraid to experiment: place a small test order, see how stop-losses work, click around (though there’s no demo mode, you can practice with a small amount). KuCoin provides everything you need; just figure out how it all works. Next, we’ll move on to the most exciting part – KuCoin’s trading capabilities.

Trading on KuCoin

KuCoin offers a truly extensive range of trading opportunities – from classic spot trading to advanced derivatives and even automated bots. Let’s go over the main modes and products:

• Spot trading. This is the core – buying and selling cryptocurrency for another cryptocurrency or stablecoin. KuCoin has over 800 trading pairs. The main base currencies are BTC, ETH, USDT, USDC, KCS, and some other stablecoins. For example, you can trade BTC/USDT, ETH/BTC, KCS/USDT, etc. KuCoin is known for supporting a huge number of altcoins, including rare and new tokens that are hard to find on other major exchanges. Its top trading pair by volume is BTC/USDT, as is typical. Spot trading takes place via limit or market orders. You can also set stop orders (stop-limit or stop-market) for loss mitigation or breakout-based profit-taking. Technologically, the platform handles high loads: order execution is fast, with minimal slippage on liquid pairs. For lesser-known tokens, liquidity might be lower and spreads wider – be cautious when trading exotic assets.
• Margin trading. If you want to expand your position using borrowed funds, KuCoin provides margin trading with leverage. Leverage on spot often goes up to 5x–10x, depending on the token. Both isolated margin (borrowed funds tied to a specific pair) and cross margin (a shared margin account) are offered. For instance, you could borrow USDT secured by BTC to buy more BTC (a classic leveraged long), or borrow BTC secured by USDT and sell it short. Interest accrues hourly, and rates depend on supply and demand (KuCoin employs a P2P lending system where other users provide liquidity for margin – more on that later). Margin trading is a tool for experienced traders. Beginners should be cautious with leverage because the risk of losses increases proportionally. However, if you know what you’re doing, KuCoin’s margin feature lets you utilize your capital efficiently and short altcoins – a feature not available everywhere.



• Futures. KuCoin offers futures trading on cryptocurrencies, including perpetual swaps. The KuCoin Futures section is separate. You can use leverage up to 100x on major assets (BTC, ETH, etc.). Contracts are available in pairs with USDT (USDT-Margined) and USDⓈ (KuCoin’s custom futures token, though it’s essentially a stablecoin too). The futures interface is equipped with all necessary tools: market, limit, and stop orders; auto margin replenishment; real-time liquidation price; and eight-hour funding rates. Daily futures volumes often reach hundreds of millions of dollars. While not as big as Binance, KuCoin’s derivatives volumes are comparable to Bybit and OKX. If you’re an active trader wanting high leverage or to hedge, KuCoin Futures can be a solid choice. For example, if you hold an alt portfolio but fear a market dip, you can open a short on BTC to hedge. Remember, futures trading is extremely risky; always use stop-losses. KuCoin gives you powerful tools, but misuse of leverage can quickly lead to liquidation.
• P2P trading (fiat exchange). KuCoin has a P2P platform where users buy/sell crypto directly for fiat currency. This is handy if you want to deposit, say, rubles or hryvnias to the exchange by swapping them for USDT. On the P2P page, you pick an offer from another user, for instance, “Selling USDT for rubles via Sberbank Online at x rate.” The transaction is protected by KuCoin’s escrow system: you send the fiat, and once the seller confirms receipt, the USDT are automatically credited to you (or vice versa). KuCoin supports several major fiat currencies directly: USD, EUR, VND, IDR, CNY, etc. But via P2P you can effectively use any currency if a counterparty is available. KuCoin doesn’t charge fees for P2P trading; revenue comes from the spread between buy/sell rates. Caution: be careful with P2P, choose counterparties with high ratings and a large number of completed trades to avoid fraud. KuCoin acts as an arbitrator in disputes, but it’s best not to rely on that.
• Trading bots. One of KuCoin’s standout features is its built-in crypto trading bots, available to all users for free. In the mobile app or on the website, there’s a Trading Bot section where you can configure automated strategies. The following bot types are offered:
  • Spot Grid Bot – a classic grid trading bot on the spot market. You define the price range and number of levels; the bot buys on dips and sells on rises, capitalizing on sideways movements.
  • Futures Grid Bot – the same grid concept but in futures (can use leverage and trades perpetual contracts).
  • DCA Bot – for dollar-cost averaging. It periodically buys a chosen coin with a set amount, smoothing out your entry points. Ideal for long-term investors wanting to accumulate, say, Bitcoin over time.
  • Infinity Grid Bot – a grid bot without an upper limit, useful for continuously upward-trending markets.
  • Smart Rebalance Bot – automatically rebalances your portfolio to maintain certain asset ratios (e.g., 50% BTC, 30% ETH, 20% USDT), periodically locking in gains from assets that rose and buying more of those that fell.
  • KuCoin occasionally adds new strategies, like an arbitrage bot or a Martingale bot for futures.

KuCoin’s trading bots are a great tool, especially for those who can’t watch charts round the clock. By launching a bot, you let an algorithm trade for you 24/7, with no coding required – the interface is intuitive. KuCoin also offers presets and a leaderboard of strategies: you can see how other people’s bots are performing and copy their settings. For instance, if you notice a bot on ETH/USDT yielding +50% monthly returns, you can replicate it (though past performance never guarantees future results). Still, it’s a helpful reference point.

From my experience, I once ran a grid bot on the XRP/USDT pair during a sideways trend – it earned about 5% in a couple of weeks with minimal intervention. A friend of mine runs a DCA bot that buys $10 worth of BTC daily – a convenient way to accumulate Bitcoin bit by bit. Keep in mind a bot doesn’t eliminate market risk: if the price moves sharply against you (e.g., a strong drop), the bot might not prevent losses. So pick your strategies wisely and monitor your bot’s performance periodically.

Volumes and liquidity. KuCoin consistently ranks in the top 10 exchanges by daily trading volume. Spot volumes range around $500–800 million per day at the time of writing, comparable to platforms like Kraken or Bitfinex. Its futures volumes often exceed $1 billion per day. This indicates strong liquidity for most major cryptocurrencies. For top coins (BTC, ETH, SOL, XRP, etc.), you can place large orders without significant slippage. On smaller, less-known altcoins, liquidity may be lower, so spreads might be wider. The upside is that KuCoin lists new and experimental coins quickly, attracting altcoin hunters. For some, it’s an advantage (the chance to invest in “hidden gems” before big exchanges list them); for others, it’s a risk (low-cap coins can crash or get delisted). KuCoin has indeed delisted tokens when their projects failed or went bankrupt, but that’s normal for any large exchange.

In short, KuCoin trading likely covers the needs of almost any crypto user:

• Beginners can buy their first crypto via P2P or with a bank card, and trade on spot with basic orders.
• Experienced traders will find margin and futures with high leverage, diverse order types, and API access for algo-trading.
• Investors and holders appreciate Earn staking and DCA bots for gradually accumulating coins.
• Experimenters can chase fresh listings, take part in KuCoin Spotlight token sales, and explore trading bots with various strategies.

The main caution is risk. KuCoin provides nearly all existing crypto trading tools, so it’s crucial to have a strategy and avoid diving into overly complex features without understanding them. As a seasoned trader, I value KuCoin’s flexibility – here I can both speculate with leverage and invest calmly. But I always remember the golden rule: never invest more than you’re willing to lose, and use stop orders. KuCoin does its part by making trading as convenient and tech-savvy as possible.

Supported Cryptocurrencies

One of KuCoin’s biggest competitive edges is its enormous variety of cryptocurrencies available for trading. While Binance, Coinbase, and other top exchanges generally only list relatively established assets, KuCoin is known for its more liberal approach to listing new coins. As a result, the exchange has become a favorite among altcoin enthusiasts seeking “undiscovered gems.”

How many coins are on KuCoin? The exact figure is constantly increasing, but KuCoin claims more than 700 cryptocurrencies on the platform. The total number of trading pairs exceeds 1200, covering a wide range of combinations with BTC, ETH, stablecoins, and fiat tokens. For comparison, Binance has about 350–400 coins, while Coinbase has fewer than 200. This puts KuCoin among the exchanges with the broadest range of assets (alongside Huobi/HTX and second-tier platforms like MEXC).

Which types of tokens are listed? Essentially all categories:

• Major cryptocurrencies (top coins): Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), XRP, Bitcoin Cash, etc. – of course KuCoin offers them.
• Stablecoins: USDT, USDC, BUSD (previously supported, though less relevant after the BUSD issues in 2023), TUSD, DAI, etc. KuCoin even has the Tron-based algorithmic stablecoin USDD and its own futures stable token USDⓈ.
• DeFi tokens: KuCoin actively adds tokens from DeFi projects (UNI, AAVE, SUSHI, etc.) and more niche protocols – Yearn, Curve, 1inch, PancakeSwap, etc.
• NFT and GameFi tokens: Many gaming tokens (AXS, SAND, MANA) appeared on KuCoin early on. Also NFT marketplaces, metaverse, and move-to-earn tokens (GMT from STEPN was listed here ahead of many competitors).
• Meme coins: DOGE and SHIB, of course. But also plenty of newer hype coins – from BabyDoge to PEPE – if they get enough traction, KuCoin often lists them quickly. The platform doesn’t shy away from viral trends.
• Blockchain platforms and ecosystems: Solana, Polkadot, Avalanche, Cardano, Near – plus numerous tokens from within these ecosystems. KuCoin was one of the first big exchanges to add Polkadot parachain tokens and Solana ecosystem coins during the DeFi Summer surge.
• Local and rare tokens: KuCoin often lists coins that are popular regionally, e.g., Indian, African, or South American crypto projects. Or even highly experimental microcap tokens that have so far only launched on DEXs. KuCoin is sometimes the first centralized exchange to pick them up. It can be a chance to invest “early” (if you’re lucky) before a listing on Binance. But it also carries extra risk, as unproven projects can collapse.
• Native tokens from IEOs: KuCoin runs the KuCoin Spotlight platform (similar to Launchpad), where new tokens hold their IEOs. Naturally, those tokens immediately start trading on KuCoin. Examples include BitTorrent (BTT) back in the day or various metaverse tokens that KuCoin has promoted.

Such variety is a double-edged sword. On the plus side, traders have access to potential “diamonds” ahead of everyone else. You can buy a token on KuCoin for pennies, and if it eventually lists on Binance and rallies in price, you could see a substantial gain. This also means you don’t need multiple accounts on smaller exchanges – KuCoin consolidates everything in one place. On the downside, many smaller or less-established tokens carry high risk, including potential fraud. KuCoin does some due diligence, but tokens have indeed gone to zero. The exchange delists failed or scam projects, but that can still harm investors if they don’t withdraw in time. So, do your own research before buying. KuCoin provides basic details (under each coin’s “About” section) along with links to official websites and block explorers; do read them carefully.

Rare and exclusive coins on KuCoin. There are examples of tokens that are or were only on KuCoin among large exchanges for some time. For instance, WAX (WAXP) – a gaming/NFT token; Verasity (VRA), Electroneum (ETN) – for a while, KuCoin was the main major platform offering them. By the time you read this, some references may be outdated, but the principle stands: if you’ve heard of a new token, there’s a good chance KuCoin either already lists it or soon will. Sometimes it’s the other way around: a token is removed from Binance, but still available on KuCoin (at least temporarily). That can be beneficial if you still hold that asset and want to trade it.

Number of markets and liquidity. Each coin typically has a USDT pair, often a BTC pair. In rarer cases, it may only have a USDT pair. Liquidity is solid for top-50 coins and decent for top-200. For more obscure tokens, liquidity can be thin, but KuCoin attracts market makers. The exchange is also fast with new listings, so after an initial flurry of trading activity, volume may drop if hype dies down. That’s part of the thrill for those chasing brand-new coins. If a new listing gains traction, volumes can stay high. In short, KuCoin is known for promptly listing new and “trendy” tokens, from Polkadot parachains to meme crazes. You might call it a “haven of altcoins,” but a savvy trader can benefit if they’re selective.

Risks of trading so many altcoins. Keep in mind that just being on KuCoin doesn’t guarantee quality. KuCoin cannot protect you from market risks, including token collapses. If a project is abandoned or found to be fraudulent, the token can get delisted and crash. Hence, if you’re going into small-cap coins, do thorough research and diversify. The exchange is basically giving you access; the rest is up to you.

Regular listing updates. KuCoin adds new pairs weekly, like a steady flow of “gifts” for traders. You can often find fresh tokens from Arbitrum, Optimism, or whatever’s trending on Crypto Twitter. For example, in 2023 there was a wave of AI-token hype (Fetch.AI, SingularityNET, etc.), which KuCoin quickly listed. Likewise for meme tokens like PEPE. Some might see that as turning the exchange into a “market for everything,” but a skilled trader can filter out junk and seize legitimate opportunities.

For more conservative investors, KuCoin is still fine: you can simply stick to top coins or stablecoins. There’s no obligation to dabble in riskier altcoins. Still, it’s nice to have an expansive selection in case you decide to broaden your portfolio in the future. The exchange basically gives you the keys to the entire crypto universe – from Bitcoin to the most exotic token. But with great choice comes great responsibility: diversify wisely and avoid impulsive FOMO.

KCS (KuCoin Token)

KuCoin’s own token, KCS (KuCoin Shares), deserves special attention. Like many crypto exchanges, having a native token is a way to reward users and build an internal economy. However, KuCoin has gone further than the standard model by introducing a unique bonus system for KCS holders.

Key facts about KCS:

• Launch and standard: KCS was issued in 2017 (nearly simultaneously with the exchange’s launch) and initially ran on Ethereum as an ERC-20 token. The total supply was capped at 200 million KCS, but there is a burn mechanism (see below). In 2021–2022, KuCoin launched its own KCC network (KuCoin Community Chain), and KCS also became the native token on that chain.
• Purpose: KCS is a utility token within KuCoin’s ecosystem. It’s not just an “exchange share,” despite the name KuCoin Shares; it serves multiple practical functions on the platform: fee discounts, special offers, bonus payouts, and participation in new project launches.
• Price performance: KCS is among the top 100 cryptocurrencies by market cap and is listed not only on KuCoin but also on some other platforms. Its price is sensitive to KuCoin’s performance – for example, in the 2021 bull market, KCS saw significant growth, followed by corrections. For holders, the bigger draw is the dividends and benefits rather than just speculation.

Perks for KCS holders:

1. Trading fee discounts. If you hold KCS, you can enable fee payment in KCS. This grants a 20% discount on trading fees. For instance, the standard 0.1% fee drops to 0.08%. A similar mechanism exists with BNB on Binance – it incentivizes users to buy and hold the exchange’s native token. Even if you hold just a little KCS, activating “Pay fees in KCS” is beneficial: fees are automatically deducted from your KCS balance, saving your USDT or other base currency.
2. Daily bonuses (dividends) – KuCoin Bonus. This is arguably KuCoin’s most distinctive feature, introduced very early on. The exchange distributes 50% of its daily fee revenue among KCS holders, a process called the KCS Bonus. Essentially, by simply holding KCS in your KuCoin account, you receive small daily payouts in various cryptos – a share of the exchange’s revenue. The payout is proportional to how many KCS you hold: the more tokens, the bigger the bonus. There’s just a minimum threshold – you need at least 6 KCS to be eligible. The bonus is paid in major coins like BTC, ETH, and KCS itself directly to your account. It’s much like a dividend to a stockholder, as the exchange transparently redistributes half its earnings back to the community. Reviews are often enthusiastic about this: “I earn passive income just by holding KCS.” Naturally, the bonus size depends on the exchange’s trading volumes and the overall KCS distribution among holders. In bull markets with high volume, these payouts can be significant (historically hitting around 5–8% APR); in bear markets, they shrink. But the concept is highly appealing and fosters trust.
3. Participation in new projects (Launchpad/Spotlight). KuCoin hosts token offerings via the KuCoin Spotlight platform. To receive an allocation of tokens, you often need to hold a certain amount of KCS. Sometimes it’s a lottery among KCS holders; other times, allocations are proportional. Either way, KCS holders gain early access to promising tokens, potentially at a discount. If the project performs well, the ROI can be impressive.
4. VIP levels and benefits. Besides the base 20% discount, KuCoin has 12 VIP levels that depend either on your 30-day trading volume or on how much KCS you hold. In other words, you can earn a higher VIP tier even without massive trading if you hold enough KCS. VIP status further reduces fees (down to 0.02% taker and even negative maker fees at top tiers), offers priority support, beta testing access, and other privileges. Thus, KCS paves the way to “premium client” perks.
5. Voting and governance. KCS also functions as a governance token in the KuCoin ecosystem: for instance, votes on which new coins to list have been held among KCS holders (the more KCS you have, the more voting power). There’s also talk of creating a full DAO around KCS to steer the platform’s development.
6. Additional promotions and campaigns. KuCoin periodically runs extra benefits for KCS holders, such as token airdrops of new projects, commission coupons, NFT giveaways, etc. In 2022, there were promotions where holding certain amounts of KCS unlocked loot boxes with prizes. Also, lending KCS on the P2P platform can yield high interest, given demand from margin traders (they borrow KCS to pay fees or to sell it short, for example).

KCS tokenomics: A key element is the buyback and burn mechanism. KuCoin uses part of its quarterly profits to repurchase KCS from the market and destroy them. Consequently, the total supply is gradually reduced, creating scarcity and potentially boosting the price if demand remains steady. The ultimate goal is to shrink the original 200 million supply to 100 million. Currently, about ~98 million KCS are in circulation (meaning roughly half have been burned so far). This is favorable for investors, as diminishing supply can support price growth.

Real KCS returns. Many wonder if it’s worthwhile to hold KCS not just for price appreciation but also for the bonuses. It depends on your goals:

• Active traders: If you trade frequently on KuCoin, it’s almost a must to hold some KCS for the 20% fee discount, which can significantly improve your profitability over time.
• Investors: If you believe in KuCoin’s growth, KCS is a way to share in that success (remember, 50% of trading revenue goes back via bonuses). Essentially, KCS makes you a “co-owner” of the exchange’s profits – a rare concept in crypto, akin to a dividend-paying stock. On high-volume days, your bonus yield can exceed typical bank interest rates.
• IEO participants: Holding KCS for Spotlight or other token sale participation can be very profitable when strong projects launch. Allocation in a token that then surges by 5–10x has happened before.
• Drawbacks: Of course, KCS is volatile and remains a risky altcoin. Its fate is tied to KuCoin’s reputation and success. When the 2020 hack occurred, KCS’s price dipped. Also, in bear markets, exchange activity is lower, so bonuses diminish.

Recent developments: In 2023, KuCoin launched a new loyalty program for KCS, adding reward tiers for long-term holders. There’s a “KCS Pioneer” status for very early investors with extra perks like special bonuses, exclusive events, KuCoin merchandise, etc. All of this aims to strengthen the token’s community.

My personal view: I hold a portion of my portfolio in KCS long term. I started with a small amount just for trading-fee discounts, but over time I’ve appreciated the daily bonus payouts, which trickle in as small amounts of BTC, ETH – it may seem small, but it adds up over a year, effectively offsetting my trading fees. That said, it’s wise not to go overboard: an exchange token also carries risk. If KuCoin encounters major problems, KCS will suffer. But as long as KuCoin keeps growing, KCS is an interesting asset to hold.

In conclusion, KuCoin Token (KCS) is more than just a bonus point system; it’s a cornerstone of the exchange’s ecosystem. Its holders get fee reductions, daily “dividends” (KuCoin Bonus), special platform privileges, and a say in how the project evolves. Thanks to the revenue-sharing model, users have added incentive to keep their assets on KuCoin and remain loyal – precisely what the exchange wants. Compared to competitors like Binance’s BNB or OKX’s OKB, only KuCoin’s KCS offers a direct daily share of the exchange’s trading fees. For any dedicated KuCoin user, KCS typically ends up being part of their portfolio.

Igor Lementov - Financial Expert and Analyst at Trading-Today.net