Comparison of Kucoin vs Poloniex [ 2024 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

Kucoin

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

Poloniex

Main points

Fees

≈ 0,10%

Earns

Customer service

4/5

≤0,25%

Fees

Earns

4/5

Customer service

Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Buy and hold

Yes

Beginners

Yes

Trading

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 additional benefits for token holders.

Level

≈ 0,10%

≤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.

Poloniex maintains a straightforward and competitive fee structure that benefits a wide range of traders. The exchange primarily operates on a maker-taker fee model, with fees varying depending on the user’s 30-day trading volume. Generally, maker fees start at 0.145% and can go as low as 0.00%, while taker fees start at 0.155% and decrease to 0.10% for high-volume traders. This tiered approach incentivizes frequent trading and offers cost-effective options for active users. Additionally, there are no fees for cryptocurrency deposits, although withdrawal fees vary by cryptocurrency and are adjusted based on network conditions to ensure transactions are processed swiftly.

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.

Poloniex

Security methods: Poloniex employs robust security protocols including cold storage for funds, two-factor authentication, and encryption, ensuring a secure trading environment for its users.
Reputation and Reviews: Over the years, Poloniex has built a solid reputation within the crypto community. It is well-regarded for its user-friendly interface and relatively low trading fees, with numerous positive reviews from users worldwide.
Reputation and Reviews: Over the years, Poloniex has built a solid reputation within the crypto community. It is well-regarded for its user-friendly interface and relatively low trading fees, with numerous positive reviews from users worldwide.
Customer service: Poloniex offers comprehensive customer support with a detailed FAQ section, a ticketing system, and a chatbot to help users resolve issues quickly and effectively. This ensures that users receive the assistance they need in a timely manner.
Transparency: Poloniex provides transparent trading practices and clear fee structures, making it easy for users to understand exactly what they are paying and why. This level of transparency builds trust among users and is a significant factor in choosing Poloniex as a trading platform.

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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

NFT marketplace

Yes

Cripto/debit card

Yes

Full name

Mek Global Limited

Polo Digital Assets, Ltd.

Regulation

Not regulated

Year founded

2017

2014

Founder

Michael Gan

Tristan D’Agosta

Payment methods

Transfers

Mastercard

Yes

Wire transfer

Card

Yes

Comparative table

Kucoin	FEATURES	Poloniex
KuCoin allows users to trade with small amounts, making it accessible for beginners or those trading on a budget.	Minimum Trade	Poloniex allows for relatively small minimum trade amounts, which is ideal for new traders looking to experiment with minimal investment.
KuCoin offers competitive fees, with low transaction costs compared to other exchanges.	Trading and Transaction Fees	Known for competitive, low trading fees, Poloniex is an excellent choice for cost-effective trading.
Supports over 600 cryptocurrencies, providing a wide range of options for traders.	Number of Cryptocurrencies	Offers a broad range of cryptocurrencies, although not as extensive as some larger exchanges.
Offers a vast array of trading pairs, enhancing trading flexibility and opportunities.	Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs	Provides a wide variety of trading pairs, allowing for versatile trading strategies but could expand to include more rare or emerging tokens.
While generally transparent, improvements could be made in regulatory and security disclosures.	Website Transparency	While Poloniex provides essential information, there could be more detailed disclosures about security practices and fund storage.
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	Poloniex does not offer an exchange card for in-store purchases.
Provides secure storage with advanced security features, though not as comprehensive as some specialized wallets.	Storage Offering	Offers secure storage options, but lacks some advanced features like insured custodial services.
Offers competitive staking options and rewards, but not as extensive as some exclusively staking platforms.	Staking and Rewards	Offers some staking options, but the rewards and variety are not as competitive as other leading exchanges.
Both platforms are well-designed, intuitive, and offer full trading functionality.	Mobile App and Desktop	Both the mobile app and desktop platform are user-friendly and reliable, though some users may find them less feature-rich compared to those of top competitors.
Responsive and helpful, but sometimes experiences delays during peak times.	Customer Service	Customer service is available, but response times and the quality of support have room for improvement.
Supports multiple deposit and withdrawal methods with relatively quick processing times.	Deposit and Withdraw	Deposits and withdrawals are handled efficiently, though primarily limited to cryptocurrencies which might limit accessibility for some users.

Key features

Analysis tools

Advanced charting tools, technical indicators

Advanced charting tools, technical analysis

Mobile APP

Yes

Security

High 4,9/5

Additional features

Margin trading, futures trading, staking, KuCoin Earn

Margin trading, staking, Poloniex Earn, Poloniex API

Anonymity

Yes

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

400+

100+

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.

Poloniex provides a straightforward and easy-to-use platform that is ideal for beginners. The interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy to navigate and execute trades.

Value for money

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

Offers good value for money with competitive fees and a wide range of supported cryptocurrencies, making it an affordable option for traders.

Countries of operation

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

Best for

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

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

Base currencies available

USD, BTC, USDT

USD, USDT, 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.

Poloniex offers a wide range of cryptocurrencies and competitive fees. It provides advanced trading tools but has faced some security and regulatory challenges in the past.

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.

Poloniex provides multiple deposit options, including bank transfers and cryptocurrencies. Withdrawals are processed quickly, 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.

Poloniex provides a seamless account opening process. Users need to fill out personal details and verify their identity. The process is fully digital and usually completed within 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.

Poloniex provides extensive customer support through email, live chat, and a help center. Support is available 24/7, and the response times are quick, 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.

Poloniex offers robust security features, including 2FA and cold storage. However, it is not regulated by major financial authorities, which might be a concern for some 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 a seasoned expert on our website and an enthusiastic follower of cryptocurrency trends, I’ve consistently found Poloniex to be a solid choice for those venturing into the world of crypto trading. Its user-friendly interface and competitive trading fees make it especially appealing to newcomers and experienced traders alike. Whether you’re looking to dip your toes into crypto or expand your trading portfolio, Poloniex offers a reliable and efficient platform to meet your needs. I highly recommend giving it a try for a straightforward and cost-effective trading experience.

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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.