What Countries Does KuCoin Restrict?

KuCoin does not operate in certain regions due to legal and regulatory restrictions. Users in these locations cannot register, trade, or access the platform's services.

KuCoin Restricted Locations List:

• North America: United States
• Asia: Mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand
• Other Jurisdictions: Seychelles-sanctioned countries (Iran, North Korea, Syria, Sudan, Cuba) and countries sanctioned by international laws and conventions to which Seychelles is a party

Bypassing restrictions with a VPN or false location details risks account suspension, frozen assets, or restricted access. Check KuCoin’s terms regularly, as the list may change.

If you’re in a restricted region, you can still trade crypto on exchanges that don’t require KYC. Here’s a list of no-KYC platforms that accept users worldwide.

KuCoin Supported Countries

KuCoin serves over 30 million users across 200+ countries & territories, making it one of the most widely used cryptocurrency exchanges. According to Similarweb data, the highest user engagement comes from:

• Japan (22.27%)
• Philippines (15.05%)
• United States (7.76%)
• Indonesia (6.51%)
• Thailand (3.08%)

KuCoin’s popularity in these regions is driven by support for local fiat deposit options like USD, JPY, THB, and IDR, making it more accessible to traders worldwide.

Is KuCoin Available in the USA?

KuCoin is not officially available in the United States, but some users still access it. As we noted earlier, Similarweb data shows that 7.76% of KuCoin’s traffic comes from U.S. users, suggesting that traders have found ways to use the platform, likely through VPNs or without full KYC verification.

However, this may change soon as KuCoin recently agreed to pay a $297 million fine and withdraw from the U.S. market for at least two years after admitting to operating without a money transmission license and failing to meet AML and KYC requirements.

KuCoin Licenses and Regulation

KuCoin operates with limited regulatory oversight, holding registrations in jurisdictions with minimal compliance requirements. 

It is registered as a Digital Asset Exchange with the Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA) and as a Designated Non-Financial Institution under the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA).

However, regulators in stricter markets have flagged KuCoin for non-compliance. The Dutch Central Bank warned that the exchange was operating without proper registration, citing AML violations. The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) also placed KuCoin on its warning list, stating it was promoting services without authorization.

Does KuCoin Require KYC?

Yes, KuCoin requires identity verification (KYC) for all users. Since August 31, 2023, new users must complete KYC to access any KuCoin services, while existing users without verification face significant restrictions on trading and deposits.

KYC Levels & Withdrawal Limits:

• Not Completed: Limited to $30,000 USDT daily withdrawals, no access to P2P trading.
• Completed KYC: Raises the withdrawal limit to $999,999 USDT and enables full access to P2P and fiat services.

To complete KYC, users must submit personal details, ID photos, and facial verification. Institutional accounts follow a separate process. 

About KuCoin

KuCoin is a global crypto exchange offering spot, margin, and derivatives trading across 1,300+ assets with high-leverage futures, staking, and lending. Launched in 2017 and based in Seychelles, it serves 30+ million users and features KuCoin Token (KCS) for fee discounts and rewards.

Despite its scale, KuCoin operates in a regulatory grey area, facing scrutiny from authorities in the U.S., U.K., and Netherlands. It is registered with the Seychelles FSA and Cayman Islands Monetary Authority but lacks direct approvals in major markets, raising compliance risks.

Final Thoughts

KuCoin remains a major global exchange but operates in a regulatory grey area, restricting access in key markets like the U.S. and China. Users should be aware of potential risks, including account restrictions and evolving compliance requirements.

Before signing up, always review KuCoin’s latest terms and conditions, as regulatory changes can affect its availability.