Comparison of Kucoin vs Blocktrade [ 2024 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

Kucoin

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

Blocktrade

Main points

Fees

≈ 0,10%

Earns

Customer service

4/5

0,30%

Fees

Earns

3/5

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.

3.9 – Competitive fees with additional benefits for European traders.

Level

≈ 0,10%

0,30%

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.

Blocktrade employs a competitive and transparent fee structure that aligns well with industry standards, making it a cost-effective choice for traders. The platform charges a flat trading fee which is comparable to, if not slightly below, the average fees charged by other exchanges. This straightforward approach ensures that traders can engage in transactions without worrying about variable costs based on the type of trade or the asset being traded. Additionally, Blocktrade does not impose high withdrawal fees, keeping them reasonable and ensuring that users retain most of their earnings. This fee structure is particularly advantageous for frequent traders and those dealing in smaller amounts, as it minimizes the impact of fees on overall investment returns. The clarity and fairness of the fee system at Blocktrade contribute significantly to its attractiveness as a trading platform, especially for those new to the cryptocurrency markets or looking for a cost-effective trading solution.

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.

Blocktrade

Possible Regulation: Blocktrade operates under the regulatory oversight of the Estonian Financial Intelligence Unit and has a legal entity registered in Luxembourg. This adherence to stringent European financial laws ensures a high level of operational integrity and compliance, making it a trustworthy platform for traders.
Security Methods: The platform employs advanced security measures to protect user assets and data. These include the use of secure servers, encryption protocols, and a robust internal security framework. The commitment to security is crucial in gaining and maintaining the trust of users.
Transparency: Blocktrade is known for its clear and transparent operational practices. This includes straightforward disclosures about trading fees and the risks associated with trading cryptocurrencies. Such transparency is essential for building trust with users who value clear and honest communication.
Customer Service: Blocktrade offers dedicated customer support, providing users with timely and helpful assistance on a range of issues, from technical support to transaction inquiries. Good customer service is instrumental in building trust, as it ensures users that the exchange is responsive and attentive to their needs.
Trading Volume and Liquidity: While not among the largest, Blocktrade maintains a healthy trading volume and liquidity, which indicates a stable trading environment. This liquidity is vital for users to execute trades efficiently without significant price slippage, further enhancing trust in the platform’s capabilities.

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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

Blocktrade S.A.

Regulation

Not regulated

Regulated in the UE

Year founded

2017

2018

Founder

Michael Gan

Luka Gubo

Payment methods

Transfers

Mastercard

Yes

Wire transfer

Card

Yes

Comparative table

Kucoin	FEATURES	Blocktrade
KuCoin allows users to trade with small amounts, making it accessible for beginners or those trading on a budget.	Minimum Trade	Blocktrade allows users to start trading with as little as 1 USD for cryptocurrencies and 3 EUR for fiat, making it accessible for beginners and those testing the platform.
KuCoin offers competitive fees, with low transaction costs compared to other exchanges.	Trading and Transaction Fees	Fees are competitive within the industry, typically aligning with or slightly better than average, which benefits frequent traders.
Supports over 600 cryptocurrencies, providing a wide range of options for traders.	Number of Cryptocurrencies	Currently supports only 8 cryptocurrencies, which may be limiting for those looking to diversify beyond the most common coins.
Offers a vast array of trading pairs, enhancing trading flexibility and opportunities.	Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs	Offers a basic range of crypto-to-crypto trading pairs, sufficient for new traders but less so for advanced users.
While generally transparent, improvements could be made in regulatory and security disclosures.	Website Transparency	The website provides clear information about trading conditions and fees, though some users might seek more detailed data on security practices.
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	Lacking a dedicated exchange card, Blocktrade misses an opportunity to provide additional convenience and value to its users through card-linked benefits.
Provides secure storage with advanced security features, though not as comprehensive as some specialized wallets.	Storage Offering	Offers secure cold storage options, but lacks some of the more advanced custody solutions available on other platforms.
Offers competitive staking options and rewards, but not as extensive as some exclusively staking platforms.	Staking and Rewards	Does not currently offer staking or other passive income/reward programs, which could detract from its appeal to long-term investors.
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 well-designed, making trading accessible for all user levels.
Responsive and helpful, but sometimes experiences delays during peak times.	Customer Service	Generally responsive customer service with multiple channels available, though peak times can see delayed responses.
Supports multiple deposit and withdrawal methods with relatively quick processing times.	Deposit and Withdraw	Supports multiple deposit and withdrawal methods including EUR transactions, but the options for other fiat currencies are limited.

Key features

Analysis tools

Advanced charting tools, technical indicators

Basic charting tools

Mobile APP

Yes

Security

High 4,9/5

High 4,6/5

Additional features

Margin trading, futures trading, staking, KuCoin Earn

Staking, Blocktrade Earn program, advanced trading tools, fiat on/off ramps

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.

Blocktrade provides a straightforward and easy-to-use platform, 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.

Provides decent value for money with competitive fees and a focus on European markets, making it a good choice for regional users.

Countries of operation

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

Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia, France

Best for

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

Ideal for European investors looking for a reliable platform with competitive fees and a focus on security.

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.

Blocktrade offers a straightforward trading experience with a limited selection of cryptocurrencies. It focuses on security and ease of use, making it suitable for beginners.

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.

Blocktrade provides standard deposit and withdrawal methods, including bank transfers and crypto deposits. Withdrawal times are moderate, and fees are generally low.

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.

Blocktrade’s account opening process is simple and fully digital. Users need to submit personal details and verify their identity. The process is quick 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.

Blocktrade provides support via email and live chat. The support team is knowledgeable and responsive, but the lack of 24/7 support may be a drawback 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.

Blocktrade ensures security through 2FA, encryption, and cold storage. It is not regulated by top-tier financial 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 reviewer on our website, I highly recommend Blocktrade for traders seeking a secure and regulatory-compliant platform. Its strong adherence to European financial regulations ensures a secure trading environment, which is crucial given the volatile nature of cryptocurrencies. If you’re looking for a straightforward, reliable exchange with competitive fees and solid customer support, Blocktrade should definitely be on your radar.

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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.