Comparison of Kucoin vs Bitvavo [ 2025 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

Kucoin

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

Bitvavo

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.

4.1 – Low fees with additional discounts for high-volume traders.

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.

Bitvavo’s commission structure is designed to be highly competitive, particularly appealing to both new entrants and experienced traders in the cryptocurrency market. The platform operates on a tiered fee system where the trading fees decrease as the user’s 30-day trading volume increases. Starting from 0.25% for takers and 0.15% for makers, these fees can go as low as 0.03% for takers and 0.00% for makers, depending on the trading volume. This encourages active trading and is beneficial for high-volume traders seeking to minimize costs while maximizing their trading strategies.

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.

Read kucoin review

Bitvavo

Year Founded: Established in 2018, Bitvavo has swiftly risen to prominence within the European market, demonstrating robust growth and stability in a relatively short period. This rapid development signifies strong management and a solid business model, instilling confidence in its longevity and reliability.
Security Methods: Bitvavo places a high priority on security with comprehensive measures to protect user assets. These include cold storage for a majority of funds, two-factor authentication, and advanced encryption technology, ensuring that users' data and funds are safeguarded against unauthorized access and cyber threats.
Possible Regulation: Operating from Amsterdam, Bitvavo adheres to European financial regulations, which are known for their strict standards. Compliance with these regulations not only confirms the legitimacy of the exchange but also ensures it operates under stringent oversight, enhancing user trust.
Reputation and Reviews: Bitvavo has cultivated a positive reputation among its users and in the broader crypto community, reflected in numerous favorable reviews. Users frequently cite the platform's user-friendly interface, low fees, and excellent customer service as major advantages, which speaks to its reliability and the quality of services offered.
Customer Service: Commitment to providing excellent customer support is a cornerstone of Bitvavo's operational philosophy. The exchange offers responsive support through multiple channels, ensuring that users' queries and issues are addressed promptly and effectively, which is crucial for building and maintaining trust, especially in the dynamic environment of cryptocurrency trading.

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Product selection

Native token

Token KCS (KuCoin Shares)

Earns

Yes

NFT marketplace

Yes

Cripto/debit card

Yes

Full name

Mek Global Limited

Bitvavo B.V.

Regulation

Not regulated

Regulated in the Países Bajos

Year founded

2017

Founder

Michael Gan

Unknown

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes

Mastercard

Yes

Wire transfer

Yes

Card

Yes

Comparative table

Kucoin	FEATURES	Bitvavo
KuCoin allows users to trade with small amounts, making it accessible for beginners or those trading on a budget.	Minimum Trade	Bitvavo allows users to start trading with small amounts, making it accessible for beginners.
KuCoin offers competitive fees, with low transaction costs compared to other exchanges.	Trading and Transaction Fees	Bitvavo offers some of the lowest fees in Europe, which are transparent and competitive.
Supports over 600 cryptocurrencies, providing a wide range of options for traders.	Number of Cryptocurrencies	Supports a wide variety of over 50 cryptocurrencies, catering to diverse trading preferences.
Offers a vast array of trading pairs, enhancing trading flexibility and opportunities.	Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs	Offers a robust selection of trading pairs, allowing for versatile crypto-to-crypto transactions.
While generally transparent, improvements could be made in regulatory and security disclosures.	Website Transparency	The website provides clear information about 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	While Bitvavo excels in providing a secure and user-friendly trading platform, the lack of an exchange card limits the flexibility for users to spend and gain direct benefits from their cryptocurrency holdings in everyday transactions.
Provides secure storage with advanced security features, though not as comprehensive as some specialized wallets.	Storage Offering	Provides secure storage solutions with cold storage options for the majority of assets.
Offers competitive staking options and rewards, but not as extensive as some exclusively staking platforms.	Staking and Rewards	Offers staking services with rewards but has room for expansion in terms of options and higher returns.
Both platforms are well-designed, intuitive, and offer full trading functionality.	Mobile App and Desktop	Both the mobile app and desktop platforms are highly user-friendly and well-designed.
Responsive and helpful, but sometimes experiences delays during peak times.	Customer Service	Exceptional customer service with multiple channels for support and quick response times.
Supports multiple deposit and withdrawal methods with relatively quick processing times.	Deposit and Withdraw	Efficient deposit and withdrawal processes, although improvements can be made in variety.

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

Staking, Bitvavo Earn program, API access, fiat on/off ramps

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.

Bitvavo features an intuitive and user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, making it suitable for beginners. The platform focuses on providing a smooth and seamless trading experience.

Value for money

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

Delivers good value for money with low trading fees and a user-friendly interface, making it an affordable choice for European traders.

Countries of operation

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

Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain, Italy

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 traders looking for a user-friendly platform with low trading fees and a diverse selection of cryptocurrencies.

Base currencies available

USD, BTC, USDT

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.

Bitvavo is a European exchange known for its low fees and wide range of cryptocurrencies. It offers a user-friendly interface but lacks some advanced trading features.

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.

Bitvavo supports various deposit methods, including bank transfers and crypto. Withdrawals are processed within a day, with minimal fees, making it user-friendly.

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.

Bitvavo provides an easy and quick account opening process. Users need to fill out personal details and verify their identity. The process is fully digital and typically takes less than a day to complete.

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.

Bitvavo provides support via email and live chat. The support team is responsive and helpful, but the lack of 24/7 support can be a limitation for some users.

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.

Bitvavo employs comprehensive security measures, including 2FA and cold storage. It is regulated by Dutch 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 on our website, I highly recommend Bitvavo for those looking to engage in cryptocurrency trading, especially within Europe. The exchange combines low fees, a user-friendly interface, and robust security measures, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned traders. With its wide range of cryptocurrencies and effective customer support, Bitvavo stands out as a reliable platform to efficiently manage your digital assets.

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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.