Bybit vs KuCoin: Fees, Features & More
Summary: Bybit is the second largest cryptocurrency exchange in the world by trading volume and serves 45 million users from over 160 countries globally. KuCoin is the sixth largest exchange, with 30 million registered customers and accessible from 180 countries worldwide.
The main difference between the two platforms is the selection of cryptocurrency, the accepted deposit currencies, global regulatory licenses and supported features and services.
Bybit is better than KuCoin due to its global regulatory compliance, superior security record, wider selection of tokens, and lower trading fees.
1,400+ Crypto on Spot, Futures & Options Trading.
0.1% Spot Trading & 0.02% Maker and 0.055% Taker.
Regulated with Audited 1:1 Proof-of-Reserves.
Bybit vs KuCoin Overview
Bybit has over 45 million users in over 160 countries, offering access to 1,400+ digital currencies. It follows global regulations and has acquired several licenses. With a daily trading volume exceeding $25 million, it provides an easy way to trade with more than 65 deposit currencies. Security and transparency are a priority, featuring cold wallet storage and 1:1 proof of reserves.
KuCoin serves over 30 million users in 200 countries, supporting over 700 cryptocurrencies with a daily trading volume of $3 billion. It accepts deposits in 30 fiat currencies through multiple payment options. It is not currently regulated by a financial authority. Despite limited global regulation, KuCoin remains a top platform for traders focused on altcoins and diverse trading tools.
For a better look at the specific features of each platform, readers can consult the comparison table below for detailed insights.
Bybit vs KuCoin Products
Both Bybit and KuCoin extend their offerings beyond the basic futures and spot trading services, which include:
Bybit Features
Bybit is a comprehensive platform packed with features designed for all trading styles. Here’s a breakdown of its key offerings:
- Diverse Trading Options: Bybit offers spot trading, futures, and margin trading with up to 125x leverage. It also supports demo trading, allowing users to practice and refine their strategies without risking real funds.
- NFT Marketplace: Bybit’s NFT marketplace enables users to buy, sell, and trade thousands of digital collectibles and artwork directly through the interface.
- Bybit Earn: Users can generate passive income through staking and savings programs, allowing them to earn up to 280% APY on their asset holdings.
- Crypto Loans: It offers crypto loans, allowing users to borrow against their assets without selling them, providing liquidity while retaining ownership of their investments.
- Copy Trading and Trading Bots: Bybit’s copy trading feature lets users follow the strategies of top traders, while its automated trading bots help users implement strategies with minimal effort.
- TradeGPT: The AI-powered tool, TradeGPT, provides personalized trading insights, helping users make informed decisions based on market trends and data.
- Bybit Card: The Bybit Card allows users to convert their crypto to fiat and spend it at any merchant that accepts Mastercard payments.
KuCoin Features
KuCoin is a global crypto exchange offering a variety of services for traders of all experience levels. Here are the key features:
- Extensive Coin Selection: Supports over 700 cryptocurrencies, allowing users to trade stablecoins, memecoins, NFT tokens and altcoins.
- Diverse Trading Options: Provides spot trading, futures, derivatives, and leveraged tokens with up to 100x leverage.
- Earn Programs: Offers staking, lending, and savings features for users seeking to earn passive income on their holdings. Users can choose from 9 different earn products.
- Automated Trading: Includes trading bots to help automate and optimize trading strategies.
- KuCoin Labs: The venture capital branch that invests in innovative Web3 projects and launches them on Spotlight, the new token launch platform.
- KCC Chain: KuCoin supports an ecosystem of decentralized applications with its own blockchain, KCC Chain and native token, KCS.
- KuCard: Spend any of the supported cryptocurrencies on real-life purchases with the KuCoin crypto Visa debit card.
Bybit vs KuCoin Futures Trading
Futures trading is a big deal on both Bybit and KuCoin, with both platforms seeing a lot of activity. Bybit offers over 180 derivatives contracts and up to 125x leverage. One of the best things about Bybit is its 99.99% server uptime, which means a stable trading experience. Plus, it comes with handy extras like copy trading, trading bots, and a demo account for testing out strategies.
KuCoin also does well in the futures space, offering around 100 contracts with coin and USDT-backed options, and up to 100x leverage. While KuCoin may not have as many contracts, it makes up for it by integrating more financial products into its platform.
Bybit vs KuCoin Security
Regulation and security are key considerations when comparing crypto exchanges. Bybit has acquired several key global licenses, is regulated by the CySEC across Europe, holds an MVP license from VARA in Dubai, and is registered with other authorities like the DNB. It also regularly undergoes third-party audits to show transparency in its reserve holdings.
KuCoin, on the other hand, is working to build a regulatory foundation by pursuing licenses in major regions like Asia-Pacific and Europe. While it isn’t fully regulated by any central authority yet, KuCoin is actively seeking licensing to strengthen its compliance efforts. In terms of security, it has cold storage for user funds, implements 2FA and publishes its proof-of-reserves.
Bybit vs KuCoin Fees
Understanding the fee structures of cryptocurrency exchanges is key to maximizing your trading experience. Here's a comparison between Bybit and KuCoin, including their VIP levels and how fees vary:
Bybit Fees:
Bybit’s fees are competitive across the board, and the platform offers free deposits in over 65 fiat currencies. Bybit also has a VIP program that lowers fees based on your trading volume. For example:
- Spot Trading Fee: 0.1% for both makers and takers. The fees can go as low as 0.015% for makers and 0.005% for takers for Pro 6 members.
- Futures Trading Maker Fee: 0.02% - 0%.
- Futures Trading Taker Fee: 0.055% - 0.018%.
KuCoin Fees:
KuCoin aligns with Bybit on basic fees but offers additional discounts for those paying fees with KuCoin’s native token (KCS) and users participating in its VIP program. For instance:
- Spot Trading Fee: 0.1% for both makers and takers. The costs can be reduced to -0.005% for maker fees and taker fees can drop to 0.02% for LVL 12 members.
- Futures Trading Maker Fee: 0.02% - 0.008%.
- Futures Trading Taker Fee: 0.06% - 0.025%.
Both Bybit and KuCoin offer competitive fee structures, with KuCoin slightly edging out on fee rebates for higher VIP levels. However, Bybit has lower futures taker fees and free deposit options, making it a more affordable option for most traders.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, both Bybit and KuCoin offer strong platforms with extensive features for cryptocurrency traders, but they cater to slightly different needs. Bybit’s wide selection of assets, competitive fees, and focus on regulatory compliance make it ideal for traders prioritizing security and variety.
KuCoin, while offering fewer futures contracts, stands out with its broad range of altcoins and unique products like KuCoin Labs and KCC Chain. For traders seeking lower futures fees and free deposits, Bybit is the more affordable choice, while KuCoin’s VIP program and rebates offer advantages for high-volume traders.