Comparison of Kucoin vs Bitflyer [ 2024 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

Kucoin

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

Bitflyer

Main points

Fees

≈ 0,10%

Earns

Customer service

4/5

0,10%

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.

4.0 – Competitive fees with some discounts for high-volume trading.

Level

≈ 0,10%

0,10%

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.

BitFlyer structures its commission fees with an aim to be transparent and competitive, though they are often perceived as slightly higher than some of its global competitors. The exchange charges a flat fee for transactions, which can vary slightly depending on the market conditions and the specific services used. For instance, trading Bitcoin typically incurs a fee of about 0.1% to 0.15%, but this can differ for other cryptocurrencies or more complex transactions such as futures or options trading. Importantly, these fees contribute to the high level of security and regulatory compliance that BitFlyer offers, making it a trusted platform despite the slightly higher costs.

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.

Bitflyer

Year Founded: BitFlyer has been operational since 2014, giving it a long-standing presence in the cryptocurrency world. This longevity in the rapidly evolving digital currency landscape speaks to its stability and enduring commitment to its users.
Security Methods: BitFlyer employs rigorous security measures, including compliance with multiple regulatory standards across jurisdictions. It uses advanced encryption and follows strict internal security protocols to safeguard user data and funds.
Possible Regulation: The exchange is one of the few that has successfully navigated the strict regulatory environments of Japan, the United States, and Europe. It holds significant licenses, including the prestigious New York BitLicense, enhancing its credibility and trustworthiness.
Reputation and Reviews: BitFlyer's reputation in the crypto community is strong, bolstered by positive reviews from users who praise its user-friendly platform and security practices. Its regulatory compliance further reinforces its reputation as a trustworthy platform.
Trading Volume and Liquidity: With a substantial trading volume and high liquidity, BitFlyer offers users the advantage of better price stability and the ability to execute large transactions with minimal impact on the market price, making it a reliable platform for trading major cryptocurrencies.

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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

bitFlyer, Inc.

Regulation

Not regulated

Regulated in Japón

Year founded

2017

2014

Founder

Michael Gan

Yuzo Kano

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes

Mastercard

Yes

Wire transfer

Yes

Card

Yes

Comparative table

Kucoin	FEATURES	Bitflyer
KuCoin allows users to trade with small amounts, making it accessible for beginners or those trading on a budget.	Minimum Trade	BitFlyer allows relatively low minimum trades, making it accessible for beginners.
KuCoin offers competitive fees, with low transaction costs compared to other exchanges.	Trading and Transaction Fees	Fees are slightly higher than average, which may deter frequent traders.
Supports over 600 cryptocurrencies, providing a wide range of options for traders.	Number of Cryptocurrencies	Offers a moderate selection of major cryptocurrencies, but lacks variety in altcoins.
Offers a vast array of trading pairs, enhancing trading flexibility and opportunities.	Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs	Supports a solid range of trading pairs, suitable for most traders’ needs.
While generally transparent, improvements could be made in regulatory and security disclosures.	Website Transparency	High transparency regarding security practices and compliance, fostering user trust.
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	bitFlyer offers a prepaid card in Japan, which can be used for online and in-store purchases. This card allows users to spend their crypto directly, making it convenient for daily use.
Provides secure storage with advanced security features, though not as comprehensive as some specialized wallets.	Storage Offering	Provides secure cold storage options, ensuring safety for user funds.
Offers competitive staking options and rewards, but not as extensive as some exclusively staking platforms.	Staking and Rewards	Offers basic staking features and rewards but not as extensive or competitive as other exchanges.
Both platforms are well-designed, intuitive, and offer full trading functionality.	Mobile App and Desktop	Both mobile and desktop platforms are user-friendly, well-designed, and reliable.
Responsive and helpful, but sometimes experiences delays during peak times.	Customer Service	Generally responsive and helpful customer service, though some users may experience delays.
Supports multiple deposit and withdrawal methods with relatively quick processing times.	Deposit and Withdraw	Efficient deposit and withdrawal processes, but could be improved with more payment methods.

Key features

Analysis tools

Advanced charting tools, technical indicators

Basic to intermediate charting tools

Mobile APP

Yes

Security

High 4,9/5

Additional features

Margin trading, futures trading, staking, KuCoin Earn

Spot trading, margin trading, Bitflyer Lightning exchange, recurring buys

Anonymity

Yes

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

400+

10+

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.

Bitflyer features a simple and intuitive interface, ideal for beginners. The platform focuses on providing a seamless trading experience, making it easy for new users to buy and sell cryptocurrencies.

Value for money

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

Provides reasonable value for money with low trading fees and a user-friendly platform, making it a good choice for beginners.

Countries of operation

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

Japan, United States, Europe

Best for

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

Great for beginners and experienced traders in Japan, the US, and Europe who want a user-friendly platform with competitive fees.

Base currencies available

USD, BTC, USDT

JPY, USD, EUR, 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.

Bitflyer provides a secure and easy-to-use platform with a decent selection of cryptocurrencies. It is particularly popular in Japan. However, it lacks some of the advanced trading features found on other major exchanges.

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.

Bitflyer offers secure and efficient deposit and withdrawal methods, including bank transfers and crypto deposits. Withdrawals are processed within a day, and fees are competitive .

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.

Bitflyer’s account opening process is easy and efficient. Users need to provide personal information, verify their identity, and address. The process is fully digital and typically takes less than a day.

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.

Bitflyer offers customer support via email and live chat. The support team is responsive, and support is available 24/7, making it convenient for users needing immediate help.

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.

Bitflyer ensures high security with 2FA, encryption, and cold storage. It is regulated by Japanese authorities, ensuring strong 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 an expert on our website, I recommend BitFlyer for users new to cryptocurrency trading due to its user-friendly interface and robust security measures. While its trading fees are a bit higher and the variety of cryptocurrencies somewhat limited, BitFlyer’s strong regulatory compliance and excellent platform stability make it a reliable choice for those prioritizing security and ease of use. If you’re starting your crypto journey, BitFlyer is a commendable option to consider.

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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.