Head-to-head
KuCoin vs MEXC
Which is better for beginners?
KuCoin scores higher for beginners (77.1 vs 68.1 out of 100).
Based on verified data, KuCoin scores higher on the CompareCEX Score at 77.1/100 versus 68.1/100 for MEXC — a 8.9-point gap driven mainly by fees, KYC ease, security track record, and available features. Note: both are custodial platforms that hold your funds until you withdraw, so the security and regulation section below (proof-of-reserves, audits, incident history) matters as much as the fee difference. That doesn't automatically make MEXC a bad choice; it may simply have less verified coverage on one or two criteria. Check the fee table, KYC and country availability, and security section below, since your real costs and access can vary by account tier, region, and verification level.
Side-by-side
Not available in United States.
See a verified alternative →Not available in United States.
See a verified alternative →Fees: what a $1,000 and $10,000 trade actually costs
KYC and availability in the US, UK, Canada, Australia
KuCoin KYC: Required. MEXC KYC: Required.
| Country | KuCoin | MEXC |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Restricted (accounts closed 2025-01-23, checked 2026-09-06) | Restricted (Prohibited Jurisdiction, checked 2026-09-06) |
| United Kingdom | Available (not listed in Restricted Locations, checked 2026-09-06) | Restricted (Prohibited Jurisdiction, checked 2026-09-06) |
| Canada | Unclear (Only Ontario and British Columbia listed as Restricted Locations, checked 2026-09-06) | Restricted (Prohibited Jurisdiction, checked 2026-09-06) |
| Australia | Available (not listed in Restricted Locations, checked 2026-09-06) | Available (not in Prohibited Jurisdictions list, checked 2026-09-06) |
"Unclear" means we have not independently verified this yet — check the exchange's own terms before signing up.
Security and regulation
| Criteria | KuCoin | MEXC |
|---|---|---|
| Security track record | Not verified | PoR ✓ |
Features: futures, margin, apps
| Criteria | KuCoin | MEXC |
|---|---|---|
| Features | Spot, Futures, Margin, Staking, P2P | Spot, Futures, Margin, Staking |
| Mobile app | iOS · Android | iOS · Android |
Who should pick KuCoin, who should pick MEXC
Pick KuCoin if:
- You mostly trade from a phone — iOS and Android apps are both confirmed.
- You trade futures and margin, not just spot.
Pick MEXC if:
- You're cost-sensitive and want the lower fee of the two (see fee table above).
- You mostly trade from a phone — iOS and Android apps are both confirmed.
- You trade futures and margin, not just spot.
Related guides
- What's the cheapest crypto to transfer between exchanges?Network fees, not coin names, decide what a crypto transfer between exchanges costs. Here's how to find the cheapest option before you send.
- What are the cheapest places to buy crypto in 2026?No exchange is cheapest for everyone. Here's a step-by-step way to compare real costs, plus 8 exchanges rated by fee type and what to check first.
- Best Crypto Exchange With Low Fees: MEXC 0% Maker, 0.05% TakerMEXC charges 0% maker and 0.05% taker, the lowest of six exchanges we checked, while Kraken's entry tier costs 16x more on an identical $2,000 round trip.
- Is There a Crypto Exchange With No Fees? The Honest AnswerNo exchange is truly fee-free. Learn where hidden costs like spreads and withdrawal fees hide, plus a 5-step way to check real costs.
FAQ
- Which is cheaper, KuCoin or MEXC?
- MEXC has the lower fee on file based on our verified data — see the exact numbers and sources in the fee table above.
- Do KuCoin and MEXC require KYC?
- KuCoin requires KYC, and MEXC requires KYC, per our verified data.
- Which is safer, KuCoin or MEXC?
- MEXC publishes proof-of-reserves; we don't have that confirmed for KuCoin yet. See the security section above for details.
Crypto assets are volatile and unregulated in many jurisdictions. Not financial advice.