Is KuCoin available in the US?

KuCoin is unavailable in the U.S.. After exiting the U.S. market, the exchange stopped allowing Americans to register, log in, or trade. Full feature access requires completing KYC, which is mandatory for new accounts.

Some users attempt to bypass geo-blocking using a VPN to appear as if they’re in a supported region. This carries significant risks, including account suspension and frozen assets.

Is KuCoin available in the U.S.?

So, can you use KuCoin in the US? As of January 2025, the answer is no. KuCoin left the U.S. market following a $290 million settlement with federal regulators. U.S. residents can no longer trade, register, or log in, and existing American accounts were closed after official notice from the exchange.

The platform's availability also varies by country due to regional restrictions and local blocks. In some jurisdictions, it’s limited or fully disabled, while in others the platform remains open.

Verification further restricts access. KuCoin’s full feature set is available only to users who complete KYC. In the U.S., KYC is unavailable because the exchange doesn’t hold a license. As a result, U.S. users face restrictions such as withdrawal limits and no access to deposit services.

Many people consider using a VPN as a workaround, since it masks a user’s IP address and makes the connection appear to come from a region where KuCoin is not restricted. However, if the platform detects VPN activity, the account gets frozen or closed – along with the assets inside it.

What U.S. users can and can’t do on KuCoin

To understand how to use KuCoin in US, you need to consider two factors: the restrictions placed on U.S. users and the platform’s KYC requirements. From August 31, 2023, all new accounts must complete KYC to access KuCoin’s products and services.

Without full verification, a U.S. user’s access is heavily constrained. In this mode, you cannot:

• create sub-accounts
• generate API keys
• buy crypto with a bank card or online payment methods
• deposit crypto
• withdraw fiat
• open new trading positions

Users can still manage assets already on the account: they can sell existing crypto and close open positions to secure a result or reduce risk.

Withdrawal rules also depend on verification status. Verified users can withdraw both crypto and fiat, while unverified accounts are restricted to smaller crypto-only withdrawals.

KYC requirements introduce additional risks. During verification, KuCoin may request card details. If the card’s issuing country doesn’t match the user’s connection location, the platform may treat this as an attempt to bypass restrictions – which lead to an account freeze and locked assets.

If these limitations are a dealbreaker, you may want to start with a quick comparison of other spot trading options.

Why some traders use VPNs

The search query “can KuCoin be used in the US?” reflects ongoing confusion about the platform's accessibility. Technically, KuCoin isn't blocked by geographic IP restrictions, but U.S. regulatory pressure creates a gray zone. Many American users bypass this uncertainty using VPNs to connect as if from jurisdictions where the exchange operates without legal complications.

Functionality differences are another reason. With limited access, certain features become unavailable, and a VPN is viewed as a way to restore full functionality – but only if the user already has a verified account and connects through a region where KuCoin operates normally.

This approach, however, carries legal and account-level risks. KuCoin’s terms of use state that registered users must not be U.S. residents. While using a VPN is not inherently illegal, it can violate platform rules. In such cases, KuCoin may suspend the account, restrict access to services, or take action affecting digital assets – often contrasting outcomes with those of users who do not rely on VPNs.

The risk grows when identity verification or payment data is required. During KYC checks, KuCoin may request card information, and if the card’s issuing country does not match the location implied by the VPN, it can expose an attempt to bypass restrictions. This can result in an account freeze or locked funds.