Comparison of Kucoin vs Bitpanda [ 2024 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

Kucoin

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

Bitpanda

Main points

Fees

≈ 0,10%

Earns

Customer service

4/5

0,10%/1,49%

Fees

Earns

4/5

Customer service

Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Buy and hold

Yes

Beginners

Trading

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 with some additional costs for non-crypto trading.

Level

≈ 0,10%

0,10%/1,49%

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.

Bitpanda’s fee structure is designed to be transparent and straightforward, which benefits users by making it easy to understand the costs associated with trading and transactions. The platform charges a variety of fees, including trading fees, withdrawal fees, and deposit fees, although deposits in some methods like bank transfers may be free. Trading fees vary depending on the asset and can be slightly higher compared to some competitors, typically around 1.49% for buying and selling cryptocurrencies. This is offset somewhat by the convenience and range of services Bitpanda offers, including the ability to trade precious metals alongside digital assets. Overall, while the fees are not the lowest in the market, the high level of service and security provided by Bitpanda may justify the costs for many users.

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.

Bitpanda

Year Founded: Established in 2014, Bitpanda has been operational for nearly a decade, providing it ample time to build a robust platform and gain extensive industry experience. Its longevity is a testament to its reliability and the trust it has cultivated among its users.
Number of Users: Bitpanda serves over a million users, demonstrating widespread acceptance and trust within the cryptocurrency community. A large user base not only reflects customer satisfaction but also adds to the platform's liquidity and overall market stability.
Security Methods: Bitpanda employs state-of-the-art security measures including SSL encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), and cold storage of funds. These practices ensure that user assets are protected against unauthorized access and potential cyber threats.
Possible Regulation: Adhering strictly to European regulations, Bitpanda is compliant with the stringent legal standards required within the EU. This compliance ensures that the platform operates with transparency and accountability, further establishing its credibility.
Reputation and Reviews: Bitpanda boasts positive reviews and a strong reputation within the financial technology community. It has been recognized for its user-friendly interface, comprehensive educational resources, and responsive customer service, all of which contribute to its high customer satisfaction ratings.

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Account Minimum

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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

Bitpanda GmbH

Regulation

Not regulated

Regulated in Austria

Year founded

2017

2014

Founder

Michael Gan

Eric Demuth, Paul Klanschek, Christian Trummer

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes

Mastercard

Yes

Wire transfer

Yes

Card

Yes

Comparative table

Kucoin	FEATURES	Bitpanda
KuCoin allows users to trade with small amounts, making it accessible for beginners or those trading on a budget.	Minimum Trade	Bitpanda allows small minimum trades, making it accessible for beginners to start with little capital.
KuCoin offers competitive fees, with low transaction costs compared to other exchanges.	Trading and Transaction Fees	Fees are competitive, though crypto deposit fees could be improved.
Supports over 600 cryptocurrencies, providing a wide range of options for traders.	Number of Cryptocurrencies	Bitpanda supports a solid range of over 350 cryptocurrencies, suitable for most traders.
Offers a vast array of trading pairs, enhancing trading flexibility and opportunities.	Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs	Offers a decent selection of trading pairs, but more could be added, especially on Bitpanda Pro.
While generally transparent, improvements could be made in regulatory and security disclosures.	Website Transparency	High level of transparency regarding fees, security measures, and company information.
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 Bitpanda Card offers seamless integration with the platform, providing flexibility and convenience for everyday spending and access to various benefits like cashback and easy conversion between different asset types.
Provides secure storage with advanced security features, though not as comprehensive as some specialized wallets.	Storage Offering	Provides secure storage solutions, including cold storage, although it lacks a dedicated user-controlled wallet.
Offers competitive staking options and rewards, but not as extensive as some exclusively staking platforms.	Staking and Rewards	Offers staking options and rewards through the Bitpanda Ecosystem Token (BEST), adding value for users.
Both platforms are well-designed, intuitive, and offer full trading functionality.	Mobile App and Desktop	Both mobile and desktop platforms are highly user-friendly and well-designed, offering a seamless experience.
Responsive and helpful, but sometimes experiences delays during peak times.	Customer Service	Customer service is generally praised for its responsiveness and helpfulness, though availability could improve.
Supports multiple deposit and withdrawal methods with relatively quick processing times.	Deposit and Withdraw	Bitpanda supports multiple deposit and withdrawal methods, but could improve by removing deposit fees.

Key features

Analysis tools

Advanced charting tools, technical indicators

Basic charting tools

Mobile APP

Yes

Security

High 4,9/5

Additional features

Margin trading, futures trading, staking, KuCoin Earn

Stocks and ETFs trading, metals trading, savings plans, Bitpanda Pro exchange

Anonymity

Yes

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

400+

50+

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.

Bitpanda is known for its clean and intuitive interface, making it an excellent choice for beginners. The platform is easy to navigate, and the process of buying and selling cryptocurrencies is straightforward.

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 financial products, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced traders.

Countries of operation

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

Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France, Spain

Best for

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

Great for European investors looking for a user-friendly platform with a wide range of financial products and competitive fees.

Base currencies available

USD, BTC, USDT

EUR, CHF, GBP, USD, TRY

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.

Bitpanda is user-friendly and supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies. It is particularly good for European users, offering easy fiat integration and competitive fees. However, it 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.

Bitpanda offers a variety of deposit options, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets. Withdrawals are processed 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.

Bitpanda offers a seamless and user-friendly account opening process. Users need to provide personal information, verify their identity, and typically, the account is approved 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.

Bitpanda provides extensive support through email, live chat, and a help center. The response time is quick, and support is available 24/7, making it reliable for users globally.

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.

Bitpanda offers comprehensive security measures, including 2FA, encryption, and cold storage. It is regulated by Austrian 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 an expert at Threenvest, I highly recommend Bitpanda for investors seeking a versatile and user-friendly platform, especially those based in Europe. Bitpanda’s broad range of assets from cryptocurrencies to precious metals, combined with its intuitive interface, makes it an excellent choice for both newcomers and seasoned traders. However, do consider the platform’s regional availability and fee structure to ensure it aligns with your investment strategies and geographic location.

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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.