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FTX vs KuCoin

F

FTX

Software

Cryptocurrency derivatives exchange

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
KuCoin logo

KuCoin

Software

The people's exchange for crypto

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: FTX the exchange collapsed and FTX Trading Ltd filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on 11 November 2022; KuCoin unavailable for U.S. traders until at least 2027 following regulatory issues; U.S. users have only withdrawal access
  • They diverge on capability: FTX covers Options, KuCoin covers Trading Bots.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which FTX and KuCoin actually diverge.

Attributes where FTX and KuCoin differ
AttributeFTXKuCoin
Pricing modelfreemiumUnknown
Founded20192017

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), platforms (Web, Ios, Android), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in FTX

  • Options
  • Leveraged Tokens
  • FTT Token
  • Serum DEX

Only in KuCoin

  • Trading Bots
  • Lending
  • Staking
  • KCS Token
  • KuCoin Wallet

Both cover

  • Futures Trading
  • Spot Trading
  • Web support
  • Ios support
  • Android support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

FTX

  • Exchanges
  • Derivativesnot KuCoin
  • Trading

KuCoin

  • Exchanges
  • Trading
  • Altcoinsnot FTX

Both are used for exchanges, trading, on those jobs the choice comes down to price and fit rather than capability.

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

FTX

  • The exchange collapsed and FTX Trading Ltd filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on 11 November 2022
  • Around 130 affiliated companies including Alameda Research entered the same proceedings, with more than 100,000 creditors and assets and liabilities each between $10 billion and $50 billion
  • Founder Sam Bankman-Fried resigned as CEO on the filing and was replaced by John J. Ray III
  • It is not a service anyone can sign up for; the estate exists to repay creditors

KuCoin

  • Unavailable for U.S. traders until at least 2027 following regulatory issues; U.S. users have only withdrawal access
  • Customer support quality is variable with reported delays during high-volume trading periods
  • Thin liquidity on lesser-known and altcoin trading pairs
  • Limited educational materials and no insurance coverage for user assets

Pricing, plan by plan

FTX

Free
  • StandardFree
    • Spot trading
    • Futures
    • Options

KuCoin

Free
  • Basic AccountFree
    • Spot trading at 0.10%/0.10% base fees
    • Futures trading
    • Staking and earning

Which should you pick?

Choose FTX if

  • You need options.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android.
  • You also want leveraged tokens.
FTX review

Choose KuCoin if

  • You need trading bots.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android.
  • You also want lending.
KuCoin review

Questions people ask

Is FTX or KuCoin better?
Neither clearly leads. FTX starts at Free and KuCoin at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, FTX or KuCoin?
FTX starts at Free and KuCoin at Free.
Does FTX or KuCoin run on more platforms?
FTX runs on Web, Ios, Android. KuCoin runs on Web, iOS, Android.
Can I use FTX for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is FTX best used for?
FTX is most often used for exchanges, derivatives, trading. Of those, derivatives is not what KuCoin is typically brought in for.
What can FTX do that KuCoin cannot?
FTX covers Options, Leveraged Tokens, FTT Token, Serum DEX. KuCoin covers Trading Bots, Lending, Staking, KCS Token. Both handle Futures Trading, Spot Trading, Web support, Ios support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

FTX: What happened to FTX?

FTX filed for bankruptcy on November 11, 2022, after revelations about Alameda Research's massive holdings of FTX's token (FTT) triggered a liquidity crisis. The platform collapsed within days as a competing rescue deal fell through.

Source
KuCoin: Is KuCoin available in the United States?

KuCoin is unavailable for trading in the U.S. until at least 2027 following a January 2025 guilty plea. U.S. users have withdrawal-only access.

Source
FTX: Can I recover funds from FTX bankruptcy?

FTX has been in Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings since November 11, 2022. Customer funds have been subject to claims through the bankruptcy process, with asset recovery efforts ongoing.

Source
KuCoin: What is KuCoin's trading fee structure?

Spot trading fees are 0.10%/0.10% base (0.08%/0.08% with KCS discount). Futures fees are 0.02% maker/0.06% taker. Withdrawal fees are network-dependent and dynamic.

Source
KuCoin: How many cryptocurrencies and trading pairs does KuCoin support?

KuCoin supports 1,115+ cryptocurrencies and 1,312+ trading pairs.

Source
KuCoin: What trading features does KuCoin offer?

KuCoin offers spot trading, futures/derivatives, copy-trading with leaderboards, P2P marketplace, staking, token launchpad (Spotlight), NFT/Web3 wallet, and automated trading bots including DCA, grid, and martingale strategies.

Source
KuCoin: What platforms does KuCoin support?

KuCoin is available as a web-based interface and native iOS and Android mobile apps with TradingView chart integration.

Source
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