Comparison of Kucoin vs Cex.Io [ 2024 ]

The crypto exchanges compared by their commissions, cryptos, security and much more. Here is the Kucoin vs Cex.Io comparison!

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

Kucoin

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

Cex.Io

Main points

Fees

≈ 0,10%

Earns

Customer service

4/5

0,15%/0,25%

Fees

Yes

Earns

4/5

Customer service

Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Buy and hold

Yes

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold

Comparison of fees

Rating

4.3 – Competitive fees with additional rewards for using the native token.

3.8 – Reasonable fees but slightly higher for fiat transactions.

Level

≈ 0,10%

0,15%/0,25%

Brief explanation

KuCoin is renowned for its competitive and appealing fee structure, which is a major draw for traders. The exchange operates on a tiered fee system based on the 30-day trading volume, where fees are reduced as trading volume increases. Typical trading fees start at 0.1% for both makers and takers, which is already lower than many other exchanges. Additionally, users can enjoy further discounts on these fees by holding and using KuCoin’s native token, KuCoin Shares (KCS), to pay for trading fees. This incentivizes both higher trading volumes and the use of KCS within the platform, making it economically beneficial for frequent traders and KCS holders alike. Such a fee structure not only enhances trading profitability but also promotes greater liquidity on the platform.

CEX.IO operates with a transparent fee structure primarily revolving around trading and transaction fees. For traders, the fees are tiered based on the 30-day trade volume, starting from 0.25% for takers and 0.16% for makers at the lowest tier, and decreasing with higher volume. This competitive pricing makes it appealing for both high-volume traders and newcomers. The platform also charges fees for deposits and withdrawals, which vary depending on the currency and method of payment. For example, credit card deposits incur a fee, whereas some methods like bank transfers might offer free deposits depending on the user’s location.

Kucoin

Year Founded: Established in 2017, KuCoin has quickly grown to become one of the major players in the cryptocurrency exchange market. Its rapid growth and sustained operation over the years demonstrate its resilience and ability to adapt to the evolving crypto landscape.
Number of Users: KuCoin boasts a substantial user base, with over 8 million traders worldwide. This extensive community not only underscores the exchange's popularity but also enhances its liquidity, making it a reliable platform for executing trades efficiently.
Security Methods: Following the 2020 security breach, KuCoin significantly upgraded its security measures, implementing multi-layer encryption, enhanced authentication methods, and segregated customer wallets. These robust security protocols help in safeguarding user funds against potential threats.
Trading Volume and Liquidity: KuCoin is known for its high trading volume, which ensures liquidity across its numerous trading pairs. This liquidity is crucial for users to execute large trades quickly and at desired prices without substantial price slippage.
Reputation and Reviews: Despite the challenges, KuCoin has maintained a strong reputation within the crypto community. The platform is well-regarded for its wide range of services, competitive fees, and responsive customer support. Positive reviews from users across various forums highlight its usability and the effectiveness of its customer service team.

Cex.Io

Security Methods: CEX.IO employs a comprehensive security framework which includes two-factor authentication, encryption technology, and cold storage of digital assets, ensuring a high level of user fund safety.
Reputation and Reviews: Since its inception in 2013, CEX.IO has maintained a strong reputation within the cryptocurrency community for reliability and trustworthiness, reflected in positive user reviews across various platforms.
Regulation Compliance: CEX.IO is registered with FinCEN in the USA and complies with international financial regulations, providing a secure trading environment and adhering to legal standards for financial operations.
Customer Service: The exchange offers dedicated customer support with a commitment to resolving user issues promptly, enhancing user trust through effective communication and support.
Trading Volume and Liquidity: CEX.IO consistently shows strong trading volumes, ensuring liquidity and enabling users to execute transactions swiftly and at desired prices, making it a reliable platform for trading major cryptocurrencies.

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Account Minimum

Get started with just $100.

And 1% fee on all cryptocurrency trades.

Direct link to the website

Product selection

Native token

Token KCS (KuCoin Shares)

Earns

Yes

NFT marketplace

Yes

Cripto/debit card

Yes

Full name

Mek Global Limited

CEX.IO Ltd

Regulation

Not regulated

Regulated in the Reino Unido

Year founded

2017

2013

Founder

Michael Gan

Oleksandr Lutskevych

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes

Mastercard

Yes

Wire transfer

Yes

Card

Yes

Comparative table

Kucoin	FEATURES	Cex.Io
KuCoin allows users to trade with small amounts, making it accessible for beginners or those trading on a budget.	Minimum Trade	CEX.IO allows for small minimum trade amounts, making it accessible for beginners to start trading with a low barrier of entry.
KuCoin offers competitive fees, with low transaction costs compared to other exchanges.	Trading and Transaction Fees	The fees are competitive but could be more transparent, particularly concerning the different tiers and specific services.
Supports over 600 cryptocurrencies, providing a wide range of options for traders.	Number of Cryptocurrencies	CEX.IO supports a diverse range of cryptocurrencies, offering users a broad selection of popular and lesser-known coins.
Offers a vast array of trading pairs, enhancing trading flexibility and opportunities.	Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs	The exchange provides a substantial number of trading pairs, facilitating versatile trading strategies.
While generally transparent, improvements could be made in regulatory and security disclosures.	Website Transparency	The website offers clear information on trading conditions, security protocols, and company policies, making it easy for users to find essential details.
The Kucoin card has a wide range of services, providing convenience and accessibility for in-store purchases, while facilitating the conversion of cryptocurrency to fiat money. It also provides cashback and other benefits. This feature enhances the user experience by expanding the possibilities of using cryptocurrencies in everyday life.	Credit/Debit Card	The card is linked to your crypto account, providing convenience and benefits like crypto cashback on purchases.
Provides secure storage with advanced security features, though not as comprehensive as some specialized wallets.	Storage Offering	Provides secure storage options with a majority of funds held in cold storage, though details could be more accessible to users.
Offers competitive staking options and rewards, but not as extensive as some exclusively staking platforms.	Staking and Rewards	Offers staking for several cryptocurrencies with competitive rewards; however, more coins could be added to enhance this feature.
Both platforms are well-designed, intuitive, and offer full trading functionality.	Mobile App and Desktop	Both platforms are user-friendly and fully-featured, making trading accessible on the go and from desktop devices.
Responsive and helpful, but sometimes experiences delays during peak times.	Customer Service	Customer service is available and helpful but can be slow to respond during peak times. Improvements in response time could enhance user experience.
Supports multiple deposit and withdrawal methods with relatively quick processing times.	Deposit and Withdraw	Deposits are straightforward and usually quick, but withdrawal processes and associated fees need clearer explanations and potentially lower costs.

Key features

Analysis tools

Advanced charting tools, technical indicators

Basic charting tools, technical indicators

Mobile APP

Yes

Security

High 4,9/5

Additional features

Margin trading, futures trading, staking, KuCoin Earn

Margin trading, staking, CEX.io Loan service, fiat on/off ramps

Anonymity

Yes

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

400+

80+

User-friendliness

KuCoin offers a user-friendly platform that is easy to navigate, making it suitable for beginners. The interface is designed to facilitate a smooth trading experience with all necessary features easily accessible.

Features a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, making it suitable for beginners. The platform provides a seamless trading experience with essential features easily accessible.

Value for money

Provides good value for money with competitive fees, a wide range of supported cryptocurrencies, and additional earning opportunities.

Delivers decent value for money with competitive fees and strong security features, suitable for both beginners and experienced traders.

Countries of operation

Global, including United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany

Global, including United States, United Kingdom, Europe, Canada, Australia

Best for

Ideal for traders of all experience levels looking for a platform with a wide range of cryptocurrencies and competitive fees.

Suitable for global traders looking for a reliable and secure platform with competitive fees and a wide range of supported cryptocurrencies.

Base currencies available

USD, BTC, USDT

USD, EUR, GBP, RUB, BTC

Account

Trading

KuCoin provides a wide range of cryptocurrencies and competitive fees. It offers advanced trading tools and a user-friendly interface, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced traders.

CEX.IO offers a secure and user-friendly platform with a good range of cryptocurrencies. It supports fiat integration and has competitive fees but lacks some advanced trading tools.

Deposit and withdrawal

KuCoin offers multiple deposit and withdrawal methods, including bank transfers and crypto. Withdrawals are processed efficiently, usually within a day, with low fees.

CEX.IO provides multiple deposit options, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and cryptocurrencies. Withdrawals are processed quickly, usually within a day, with competitive fees.

Account opening process

KuCoin provides an easy and fast account opening process. Users need to provide personal information and verify their identity. The process is fully digital and usually completed within a day.

CEX.IO offers a straightforward account opening process. Users need to provide personal information, verify their identity, and the process is typically completed within a day, making it efficient and user-friendly.

KYC required?

Yes

Customer Service

KuCoin provides extensive customer support via email, live chat, and phone. The support team is responsive and available 24/7, making it reliable for users globally.

CEX.IO provides customer support via email, live chat, and phone. The support team is responsive and available 24/7, ensuring users get timely assistance.

Security

KuCoin provides robust security with 2FA, encryption, and cold storage. However, it is not regulated by major financial authorities, which might be a concern for some users.

CEX.IO offers comprehensive security measures, including 2FA, encryption, and cold storage. It is regulated by several financial authorities, ensuring high security for investors.

Which of these exchanges is for you?

Alejandro Borja

In concluding our comprehensive review of KuCoin as part of Threenvest’s analysis, it’s evident that KuCoin stands out as a formidable player in the global cryptocurrency market. With an expansive array of over 700 cryptocurrencies available for trade and a presence in over 200 countries, KuCoin offers a rich trading experience that caters to both novice traders and seasoned investors. The platform’s strength lies in its extensive selection of trading options which includes spot, margin, and futures trading, alongside advanced features like leveraged tokens and a robust API that appeals to a technologically savvy clientele. However, KuCoin’s lack of formal regulatory oversight in significant markets like the U.S. poses a considerable limitation, reflecting a critical area where it trails behind competitors that boast strong regulatory frameworks. From Threenvest’s perspective, while KuCoin demonstrates robust security measures and a commitment to user safety, exemplified by its recovery actions during the 2020 security breach, potential users should weigh these against the absence of regulatory assurances that can offer additional layers of protection. The platform’s innovative approach to customer service, extensive educational resources, and competitive fee structure further solidify its position as a top choice for users looking to explore the crypto space. However, the challenges associated with regulatory uncertainties and potential geo-restrictions should be carefully considered by anyone looking to engage with KuCoin. Overall, KuCoin’s offerings make it a worthy consideration for those seeking a comprehensive and dynamic trading platform, provided they are comfortable with the associated risks and limitations highlighted in this review.

Xavier Tarrasó

As one of the experts reviewing CEX.IO on our website, I’ve had a positive experience with their platform overall. It’s a great choice for both newcomers to cryptocurrency and seasoned traders. The user interface is straightforward, making navigation and trading uncomplicated. Additionally, their security measures give me confidence in recommending CEX.IO as a reliable place to trade and store digital assets. For anyone looking to dive into crypto trading or expand their portfolio, CEX.IO offers a solid, dependable foundation.

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How do we review crypto exchanges?

At Threenvest, we conduct a thorough review process to evaluate and rank the world’s leading crypto exchanges. Our goal is to offer an unbiased assessment, providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions on which ones best suit your needs. We strictly adhere to the guidelines of our editorial policy.

We collect data directly from exchanges through detailed questionnaires and conduct first-hand testing and observations during crypto exchange demonstrations. Questionnaire responses, combined with demonstrations and hands-on research from our experts, feed into our proprietary evaluation process that scores each provider’s performance on more than 15 factors. The end result produces star ratings ranging from poor (one star) to excellent (five stars).

For more details on the categories considered when rating brokers and our process, read our full methodology.

Risk Disclaimer

Investing in cryptocurrencies is very risky, you should only invest the money you are willing to lose. Also you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong.

Neither Threenvest, nor the author, are recommending you to invest with this article.