Comparison of Kucoin vs Hitbtc [ 2024 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

Kucoin

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

Hitbtc

Main points

Fees

≈ 0,10%

Earns

Customer service

4/5

0,10%/0,20%

Fees

Earns

3/5

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%

0,10%/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.

HitBTC Trading Fees Overview HitBTC uses a straightforward fee structure that follows a maker-taker model. The standard fee is 0.1% for makers and 0.25% for takers. However, the fee decreases with higher trading volumes, incentivizing frequent and high-volume trading. For instance, users with significant monthly trading volumes can benefit from fees as low as -0.01%, essentially earning rebates on their trades . The exchange also offers tiered fee discounts based on trading volume over the last 30 days. This means that the more you trade, the less you pay in fees, which can be advantageous for active traders. Additionally, HitBTC supports various withdrawal methods, each with its own associated fees, primarily network fees for the cryptocurrency being withdrawn . Summary of HitBTC’s Commissions HitBTC’s commission structure is designed to be competitive and transparent. Regular users face a 0.1% maker fee and a 0.25% taker fee, with opportunities for rebates and lower fees for high-volume traders. The tiered fee system encourages increased trading activity by offering progressively lower fees based on the user’s trading volume over the past 30 days. Withdrawal fees vary depending on the cryptocurrency and its network conditions, while there are no deposit fees for digital assets. Overall, HitBTC’s fee structure benefits frequent traders, though beginners and low-volume traders should be aware of the standard rates. The exchange’s commitment to transparent and competitive fees makes it a strong contender for those looking to minimize trading costs while maximizing trading opportunities.

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.

Hitbtc

1. Security Methods HitBTC employs robust security measures, including two-factor authentication, cold storage for the majority of funds, IP monitoring, and withdrawal whitelisting. These measures ensure that user funds are well-protected against potential breaches and hacks.
2. Volume Managed With high trading volumes across a wide array of cryptocurrencies, HitBTC provides substantial liquidity. This is beneficial for traders looking to execute large orders without significant price fluctuations, ensuring smoother trading experiences.
3. Transparency Although the corporate structure is somewhat opaque, HitBTC maintains transparency in its fee structure and trading processes. The platform provides detailed information on fees, trading pairs, and supported cryptocurrencies, which helps build trust with its users.
4. Trading Volume and Liquidity HitBTC consistently ranks among the top exchanges in terms of trading volume, offering deep liquidity across its extensive range of trading pairs. This high liquidity is crucial for executing trades quickly and at favorable prices.
5. Withdrawal and Deposit Policies HitBTC offers a straightforward withdrawal and deposit process with a variety of supported cryptocurrencies. While fiat withdrawals and deposits are limited, the platform’s clear policies and reasonable fees make it a reliable choice for crypto-to-crypto trading.

Comparison sponsored by the best exchange

eToro

eToro Special Offer*

Earn up to 4.90% APY on uninvested cash with eToro USA.

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

HIT Solution Inc.

Regulation

Not regulated

Year founded

2017

2013

Founder

Michael Gan

Unknown

Payment methods

Transfers

Mastercard

Yes

Wire transfer

Card

Yes

Comparative table

Kucoin	FEATURES	Hitbtc
KuCoin allows users to trade with small amounts, making it accessible for beginners or those trading on a budget.	Minimum Trade	Giottus has a low minimum trade amount, making it accessible for users with varying investment sizes.
KuCoin offers competitive fees, with low transaction costs compared to other exchanges.	Trading and Transaction Fees	Competitive fee structure with no fees for makers and 0.20% for takers, lower than the industry average.
Supports over 600 cryptocurrencies, providing a wide range of options for traders.	Number of Cryptocurrencies	Supports a decent range of major cryptocurrencies and some altcoins, though not as extensive as some larger exchanges.
Offers a vast array of trading pairs, enhancing trading flexibility and opportunities.	Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs	Offers various crypto-to-crypto trading pairs, sufficient for most traders but not exhaustive.
While generally transparent, improvements could be made in regulatory and security disclosures.	Website Transparency	Provides clear and transparent information on fees, services, and features, ensuring users are well-informed.
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	No exchange card available for in-store purchases or additional benefits, which is a significant drawback.
Provides secure storage with advanced security features, though not as comprehensive as some specialized wallets.	Storage Offering	Secure storage solutions with most funds held in cold storage and insured custodial services through Bitgo.
Offers competitive staking options and rewards, but not as extensive as some exclusively staking platforms.	Staking and Rewards	Offers some staking options, but they are not as extensive or rewarding as those available on other platforms.
Both platforms are well-designed, intuitive, and offer full trading functionality.	Mobile App and Desktop	The mobile app is highly rated for its user-friendly design and multilingual support, providing a seamless trading experience.
Responsive and helpful, but sometimes experiences delays during peak times.	Customer Service	Responsive customer service available through live chat and email, but the lack of phone support is a minor limitation.
Supports multiple deposit and withdrawal methods with relatively quick processing times.	Deposit and Withdraw	Supports multiple deposit methods including bank transfers and UPI, with quick processing times, but fiat transactions are limited to INR.

Key features

Analysis tools

Advanced charting tools, technical indicators

Mobile APP

Yes

Security

High 4,9/5

Additional features

Margin trading, futures trading, staking, KuCoin Earn

Margin trading, futures trading, staking, HitBTC API

Anonymity

Yes

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

400+

800+

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.

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

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, EUR, 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.

HitBTC offers a wide range of cryptocurrencies and advanced trading tools. It has competitive fees but lower liquidity compared to larger exchanges.

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.

HitBTC supports various deposit methods, including bank transfers and crypto. Withdrawals are processed efficiently, with low 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.

HitBTC provides a straightforward and fully digital account opening process. Users need to submit personal information and verify their identity. The process is quick and usually 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.

HitBTC provides customer support via email and live chat. The support team is responsive and helpful, but the lack of 24/7 support may 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.

HitBTC 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 an expert at Threenvest, I recommend HitBTC for traders who seek a diverse range of cryptocurrencies and advanced trading features. The platform’s robust security measures provide peace of mind, and its competitive fee structure is advantageous for high-volume traders. However, be mindful of the potential delays in customer support and the lack of corporate transparency. Overall, HitBTC is a solid choice for experienced traders looking to leverage a wide array of digital assets.

Read kucoin review

View all comparisons against Kucoin

Read hitbtc review

View all comparisons against Hitbtc

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.