KuCoin has emerged as one of the most dynamic players in the global cryptocurrency exchange landscape. Known for its user-centric design, expansive asset listings, and strong focus on security, KuCoin serves millions of users worldwide. With a mission to "facilitate the free flow of digital value globally," the platform has built a reputation for innovation, accessibility, and technical excellence.
This comprehensive guide explores KuCoin’s trading volume, supported cryptocurrencies, fee structure, margin trading capabilities, and key details about its founding team and global presence — all optimized for clarity, relevance, and search intent.
What Is KuCoin?
KuCoin, often referred to as the "People’s Exchange," is a leading cryptocurrency exchange that enables users to buy, sell, and trade digital assets with ease. The platform emphasizes intuitive interface design, fast registration, and robust security protocols. It supports spot trading, futures contracts, peer-to-peer (P2P) trading, and instant crypto purchases via credit or debit cards.
As of recent data, KuCoin has facilitated over $1.2 trillion in lifetime trading volume and serves more than 20 million users across 200+ countries. Its ecosystem extends beyond simple trading — it includes the KuCoin Token (KCS), community-driven initiatives, and advanced trading tools designed for both beginners and experienced traders.
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Who Founded KuCoin?
KuCoin was established by a team of tech-savvy entrepreneurs: Michael Gan, Eric Don, Top Lan, Kent Li, John Lee, Jack Zhu, and Linda Lin. The idea began in 2013 when Michael Gan and Eric Don wrote the first lines of code at a café — a modest start that would grow into a global fintech powerhouse.
Michael Gan graduated from Chengdu University with a degree in Computer Software Engineering. He began his career as a developer at companies like MikeCRM and Missyi Inc., gaining expertise in microservices, DevOps, and agile development. Later, he served as a technical expert at Ant Financial and was a senior partner at Kf5.com before co-founding KuCoin.
Eric Don holds a bachelor's degree in Network Technology from China’s University of Electronic Science and Technology. Prior to KuCoin, he worked in the IT sector as a senior IT partner for YOULIN.COM, KITEME, and REINIOT — experiences that helped shape KuCoin’s technological foundation.
Michael Gan served as CEO until 2020, when Johnny Lyu took over leadership of the exchange. Under his guidance, KuCoin has expanded its product offerings and strengthened its compliance framework.
When Was KuCoin Launched?
KuCoin officially launched in August 2017, entering the market during a period of rapid growth in blockchain adoption. Since then, it has consistently evolved its platform to meet changing user demands and regulatory expectations.
Where Is KuCoin Based?
KuCoin operates internationally with headquarters located in the Seychelles. The company also maintains operational offices in Hong Kong and Singapore, enabling it to serve a diverse global audience. Despite its international presence, KuCoin complies with regional regulations and adjusts service availability accordingly.
Restricted Countries on KuCoin
While KuCoin serves users in over 200 countries, certain jurisdictions face restrictions due to regulatory requirements. Notably:
- United States: KuCoin is not licensed to operate in the U.S., but American users may still access some features.
- Other supported regions include Turkey, India, Japan, Canada, the UK, and Singapore, among many others.
Users are encouraged to verify local regulations before signing up.
Which Cryptocurrencies Are Supported on KuCoin?
One of KuCoin’s standout features is its vast selection of tradable assets. The platform lists nearly 700 cryptocurrencies, making it one of the most inclusive exchanges in terms of token availability.
Popular trading pairs include:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Tether (USDT)
- Binance Coin (BNB)
- Cardano (ADA)
- XRP (XRP)
- USD Coin (USDC)
- Dogecoin (DOGE)
- Polkadot (DOT)
- Uniswap (UNI)
New tokens are regularly added through KuCoin’s listing process, often giving early access to emerging projects in decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, and Web3 ecosystems.
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What Are KuCoin’s Fees?
KuCoin uses a tiered fee structure based on two main factors:
- User Level: Determined by 30-day spot trading volume and minimum KCS holdings.
- Token Class: Tokens are categorized into classes (A to C), affecting trading fees.
Spot Trading Fees
For Level 0 traders:
- Maker fee: 0.10% for Class A tokens
- Taker fee: 0.10% for Class A tokens
Fees increase slightly for lower-tier token classes (up to 0.30%).
There are 12 user levels in total. Higher-volume traders enjoy reduced fees. Additionally, users who pay fees using KCS (KuCoin Token) receive a 20% discount.
Futures Trading Fees
Futures trading offers competitive pricing:
- Maker fees: Range from 0.02% (Level 0) down to –0.015% (Level 12)
- Taker fees: Vary between 0.06% and 0.03%, decreasing with higher tiers
This negative maker fee incentivizes liquidity provision on the platform.
Deposits and Withdrawals
- Deposits: Free for all cryptocurrencies
- Withdrawals: Fees vary by asset and network conditions
Always check the latest withdrawal rates on the platform before initiating transactions.
Can You Use Leverage or Margin Trading on KuCoin?
Yes — KuCoin offers multiple leveraged trading options:
Margin Trading
Users can trade on margin using isolated or cross-margin modes. Leverage ranges up to 10x, depending on the trading pair. This allows traders to amplify their positions using borrowed funds.
Futures Contracts
KuCoin Futures supports leverage of up to 100x, one of the highest in the industry. However, users must complete KYC verification to access these advanced features.
Leveraged Tokens
These are synthetic assets that provide built-in leverage without requiring margin management. They automatically rebalance and are ideal for short-term speculative strategies.
These tools cater to active traders seeking high-risk, high-reward opportunities — but they come with increased risk of liquidation.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How much trading volume does KuCoin have?
A: KuCoin has recorded over $1.2 trillion in lifetime trading volume, with billions traded daily across spot and futures markets.
Q: Is KuCoin safe to use?
A: Yes, KuCoin implements advanced security measures including cold storage, multi-signature wallets, two-factor authentication (2FA), and regular audits. However, users should always practice personal security hygiene.
Q: Does KuCoin require KYC?
A: Basic account functions don’t require KYC, but full access — especially for futures and high-leverage trading — requires identity verification.
Q: Can I earn passive income on KuCoin?
A: Yes. KuCoin offers staking, savings products, referral rewards, and liquidity mining programs where users can earn returns on their crypto holdings.
Q: What is KCS used for?
A: KCS (KuCoin Token) provides fee discounts, grants access to token sales (like Spotlight), enables voting in community decisions, and entitles holders to share in platform revenues.
Q: How does KuCoin compare to other exchanges?
A: Compared to peers, KuCoin stands out for its wide token selection, low fees for high-volume traders, innovative products like leveraged tokens, and strong community engagement.
Final Thoughts
KuCoin continues to solidify its position as a major force in the crypto exchange space. With strong trading volume metrics, an extensive list of supported assets, flexible fee models, and powerful trading tools like margin and futures with up to 100x leverage, it appeals to both retail and advanced traders.
Whether you're exploring new altcoins or executing complex derivatives strategies, KuCoin offers a versatile environment built for performance and accessibility.
As always, conduct thorough research and consider risk management before engaging in leveraged trading or investing in volatile digital assets.