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KuCoin vs FTX

KuCoin logo

KuCoin

Software

The people's exchange for crypto

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
F

FTX

Software

Cryptocurrency derivatives exchange

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

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

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which KuCoin and FTX actually diverge.

Attributes where KuCoin and FTX differ
AttributeKuCoinFTX
Pricing modelUnknownfreemium
Founded20172019

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 KuCoin

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

Only in FTX

  • Options
  • Leveraged Tokens
  • FTT Token
  • Serum DEX

Both cover

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

What people use each for

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

KuCoin

  • Exchanges
  • Trading
  • Altcoinsnot FTX

FTX

  • Exchanges
  • Derivativesnot KuCoin
  • Trading

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.

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

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

Pricing, plan by plan

KuCoin

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

FTX

Free
  • StandardFree
    • Spot trading
    • Futures
    • Options

Which should you pick?

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

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

Questions people ask

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

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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: 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: 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
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: 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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