KuCoin Review 2026
Regulatory changesTrust Score™ breakdown
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Exchange health
Our review
Overview
KuCoin is a large global exchange famous for its enormous altcoin selection and early listings. It’s an unusual case for Australians: in November 2025 a KuCoin entity secured AUSTRAC registration, adding AUD deposits via PayID and bank transfer — a genuine advantage over most offshore exchanges. That good news sits alongside a serious regulatory history.
Regulation & the US case
In January 2025 KuCoin (Peken Global) pleaded guilty in the US to operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business, paying roughly US$297M in penalties and exiting the US market; a March 2026 CFTC order made the US bar effectively permanent, and its founders stepped back from management. The new Australian registration is a real compliance step forward, but the felony plea and past weak KYC are legitimate trust concerns.
Security, fees & who it suits
KuCoin was hacked in 2020 (~US$280M) but recovered around 84% and covered users with no losses; it publishes proof-of-reserves today. Spot fees are ~0.1% with KCS discounts. It suits altcoin hunters and Australians who specifically want AUD rails on a global exchange — provided they weigh the governance history.
Fees
| Fee type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Market order (maker / taker) | 0.1% / 0.1% |
| Instant buy / sell / swap | — |
| AUD deposit (PayID, Bank transfer, Card) | Free |
Timeline
KuCoin — frequently asked questions
Is KuCoin available in Australia?
Yes. KuCoin is registered with AUSTRAC as a digital currency exchange, which lets it legally offer AUD services to Australians. You can fund an account with PayID, Bank transfer, Card. Trading crypto is legal in Australia when you use an AUSTRAC-registered platform.
Is KuCoin safe?
KuCoin has operated for about 9 years and has had 1 notable security incident. It publishes proof-of-reserves, backs customer funds with insurance or a protection fund, and supports two-factor authentication. No exchange is risk-free, and crypto is not covered by any Australian government guarantee — enable strong 2FA and move long-term holdings into a self-custody wallet.
What fees does KuCoin charge?
KuCoin's trading fees are around 0.1% maker / 0.1% taker on market orders. AUD deposits via PayID, Bank transfer, Card are typically free. Like most platforms, using an "instant buy" button costs more than a market order because the spread is baked into the price — trade on the market or "pro" screen to pay less.
Is KuCoin regulated in Australia?
KuCoin is registered with AUSTRAC, so it must verify customer identities (KYC) and follow anti-money-laundering rules. It does not hold an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL). Remember that AUSTRAC registration covers financial crime, not consumer protection — it is not a guarantee your money is safe if the exchange fails.
Does KuCoin have a mobile app?
Yes — KuCoin has both iOS and Android apps, alongside a web platform. It lists around 700 cryptocurrencies and offers staking.
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