Comparison of Kucoin vs Ascendex [ 2024 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

Kucoin

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

Ascendex

Main points

Fees

≈ 0,10%

Earns

Customer service

4/5

0,10% /0,20%

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.

4.1 – Low trading fees with discounts for token holders.

Level

≈ 0,10%

0,10% /0,20%

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.

Altcoin Trader’s commission structure is designed with simplicity in mind, aligning with its overall user-friendly approach to cryptocurrency trading. The platform charges a flat fee of 0.25% on all trades, whether you are buying or selling. This rate is quite competitive within the industry, particularly for an exchange that prioritizes ease of use for beginners. The straightforward fee model eliminates any confusion about variable rates that can affect the cost of transactions, making it easier for new traders to understand exactly how much they will be paying per trade. This transparency in fees is part of what makes Altcoin Trader a preferred choice for those new to the crypto markets.

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.

Ascendex

Year Founded: Established in 2015, Altcoin Trader has been in operation for several years, allowing it to develop a deep understanding of the market dynamics and user needs. This longevity in the volatile crypto market underscores its resilience and adaptability.
Security Methods: Altcoin Trader employs robust security measures, including cold storage for the majority of the assets, which significantly reduces the risk of hacks and unauthorized access. This focus on securing user funds is a critical factor in building trust.
Reputation and Reviews: The platform has built a strong reputation within the South African cryptocurrency community. User reviews often highlight the reliability of the service, the responsiveness of customer support, and the ease of use of the platform.
Transparency: Altcoin Trader is known for its transparent operational practices, including clear communication about fees and any changes to the trading environment. This transparency helps build trust and ensures users feel secure in their trading decisions.
Customer Service: The exchange has a dedicated customer service team that is accessible and responsive. This service ensures that users can receive quick and helpful responses to their inquiries or issues, which is crucial for both new and experienced traders.

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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)

Token ASD

Earns

Yes

NFT marketplace

Yes

Cripto/debit card

Yes

Full name

Mek Global Limited

AscendEX (formerly BitMax)

Regulation

Not regulated

Year founded

2017

2018

Founder

Michael Gan

George Cao and Ariel Ling

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes

Mastercard

Yes

Wire transfer

Yes

Card

Yes

Comparative table

Kucoin	FEATURES	Ascendex
KuCoin allows users to trade with small amounts, making it accessible for beginners or those trading on a budget.	Minimum Trade	The minimum trade amount is reasonable, accommodating both small and larger investors.
KuCoin offers competitive fees, with low transaction costs compared to other exchanges.	Trading and Transaction Fees	Fees are competitive but could be improved to match or undercut major competitors.
Supports over 600 cryptocurrencies, providing a wide range of options for traders.	Number of Cryptocurrencies	Offers a decent variety of cryptocurrencies, though not as extensive as larger global exchanges.
Offers a vast array of trading pairs, enhancing trading flexibility and opportunities.	Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs	Limited to more common pairs, lacking the extensive options found on larger platforms.
While generally transparent, improvements could be made in regulatory and security disclosures.	Website Transparency	The website provides clear and straightforward information on fees, policies, and trading options.
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	Altcoin Trader lacks a branded exchange card, limiting the versatility of funds access and usage beyond the digital platform.
Provides secure storage with advanced security features, though not as comprehensive as some specialized wallets.	Storage Offering	Provides secure cold storage options, ensuring a high level of security for stored assets.
Offers competitive staking options and rewards, but not as extensive as some exclusively staking platforms.	Staking and Rewards	Limited options for staking and rewards, not as competitive as other exchanges offering these services.
Both platforms are well-designed, intuitive, and offer full trading functionality.	Mobile App and Desktop	Offers functional mobile and desktop platforms, though they lack some advanced features.
Responsive and helpful, but sometimes experiences delays during peak times.	Customer Service	Responsive and helpful customer service, providing support through multiple channels.
Supports multiple deposit and withdrawal methods with relatively quick processing times.	Deposit and Withdraw	Efficient processes for deposits and withdrawals, though mainly catering to local (South African) users.

Key features

Analysis tools

Advanced charting tools, technical indicators

Technical analysis tools, charting

Mobile APP

Yes

Security

High 4,9/5

High 4,6/5

Additional features

Margin trading, futures trading, staking, KuCoin Earn

Margin trading, futures contracts, staking, AscendEX Earn program

Anonymity

Yes

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

400+

150+

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.

AscendEX offers a well-designed and user-friendly platform that caters to both novice and experienced traders. The interface is intuitive, and the platform provides helpful resources to guide users through the trading process.

Value for money

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

Provides good value for money, offering low trading fees and access to a variety of trading tools and features.

Countries of operation

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

United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Singapore

Best for

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

Great for both novice and experienced traders who want access to a variety of trading tools, low trading fees, and advanced features.

Base currencies available

USD, BTC, USDT

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.

Ascendex, formerly known as BitMax, offers comprehensive trading options including spot, margin, and futures trading. Its advanced trading tools are beneficial for seasoned traders. However, new users might find the platform’s complexity challenging initially.

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.

Ascendex offers diverse deposit and withdrawal methods including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and crypto deposits. Withdrawals are processed quickly, typically within 24 hours. 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.

Ascendex’s account opening is fully digital and quick. Users need to provide personal information and verify their identity. The process is streamlined and user-friendly, allowing for account approval typically 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.

Ascendex offers customer support through email, live chat, and a comprehensive FAQ section. The response time is quick, and support is available 24/7, ensuring users can get help whenever needed.

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.

Ascendex ensures security through 2FA, encryption, and cold storage. While the platform is secure, it is not regulated by top-tier authorities, which might be a concern for some users.

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 Altcoin Trader for South African users new to the cryptocurrency market, given its user-friendly interface and robust security measures. While it offers a decent variety of cryptocurrencies and straightforward deposit and withdrawal processes, potential users should be aware of its limited crypto-to-crypto trading pairs and the absence of credit/debit card support. For those starting out or primarily trading in major cryptocurrencies, Altcoin Trader provides a solid platform to begin your investment journey securely.

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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.