Bitget vs KuCoin – which to choose in 2026
TL;DR
Our rating gives Bitget (9/10) a slight edge over KuCoin (8.5/10). KuCoin still has real advantages – covered below.
Detailed comparison
| Bitget | Metric | KuCoin |
|---|---|---|
| 9.0 ✓ | Rating | 8.5 |
| 0.1% | Spot maker | 0.1% |
| 0.1% | Spot taker | 0.1% |
| 0.02% | Futures maker | 0.02% |
| 0.06% | Futures taker | 0.06% |
| 800+ | Coins | 900+ ✓ |
| 2018 | Founded | 2017 ✓ |
| BGB | Token | KCS |
| Seychelles | Country | Seychelles |
What sets them apart
BitgetBest for copy tradingNumber one for copy trading. 20% fee discount when paying with BGB token
KuCoinAltcoin hunterLots of rare altcoins, convenient P2P exchange. 20% discount with KCS token
Bitget or KuCoin – one of the most common questions beginner traders ask. The answer depends on what you need: best for copy trading or altcoin hunter? We tested both platforms with our own money – completed KYC, bought crypto, traded futures, and withdrew to a wallet. Below is an honest comparison across every criterion that actually matters for trading.
A Quick Look at Each Exchange
BitgetBitget has been operating since 2018, registered in Seychelles. The platform lists 800+ cryptocurrencies. Bitget is a centralized cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2018 and registered in the Seychelles. The platform became famous for copy trading – it lets you automatically replicate the trades of successful traders. The exchange offers over 800 cryptocurrencies, spot and futures trading, staking, lending, and a launchpad for new tokens. Our rating – 9/10.
KuCoinKuCoin has been operating since 2017, registered in Seychelles. The platform lists 900+ cryptocurrencies. KuCoin is a centralized crypto exchange founded in 2017 and registered in the Seychelles. The platform is known for its wide altcoin selection – over 900 cryptocurrencies, including many tokens not found on major exchanges. It offers spot and futures trading, margin lending, staking, P2P exchange, and a launchpad for new projects (Spotlight). Our rating – 8.5/10.
Bitget vs KuCoin Fees – Who Is Cheaper
Fees are the first thing traders look at when choosing an exchange. A 0.05% difference may seem trivial, but on $10,000 in monthly volume that is already $5. And if you trade actively, it adds up fast. On spot, Bitget charges 0.1%/0.1% (maker/taker), while KuCoin charges 0.1%/0.1%. In terms of spot fees, both exchanges are on the same level – no difference. On futures the picture is different. Bitget charges 0.02% maker / 0.06% taker. KuCoin – 0.02% maker / 0.06% taker. On futures fees, both exchanges are equal. Withdrawal fees are a separate expense. For BTC: Bitget charges 0.0005 BTC (~$35), KuCoin – 0.0005 BTC (~$35). For USDT on the TRC-20 network (the cheapest option): Bitget – 1 USDT (TRC-20), KuCoin – 1 USDT (TRC-20). Both platforms incentivize using their native tokens. Bitget offers a discount when paying fees with its BGB token. KuCoin – with its KCS token. If you trade a lot, the discount is significant.
The trading fee is only part of the expense. The real cost of a trade is made up of five elements: spread (the difference between buy and sell price), trading fee, withdrawal fee, currency conversion, and slippage on order execution. On both exchanges, spreads depend on the liquidity of each pair. On major coins (BTC, ETH) spreads are minimal. On rare altcoins the gap between buy and sell price can be significant. Before buying an obscure token, check the order book – it will show the real cost of the trade. Our tip: for small transfers, use the TRC-20 network (USDT) – the fee is minimal. For larger amounts, compare withdrawal costs across different networks directly in the exchange interface.
Trading Tools and Features
Beyond fees, it is important to understand what you can actually do on each exchange. Spot trading is available on both platforms. In terms of coin count, KuCoin leads with 900+ cryptocurrencies. Bitget offers 800+. If you are looking for a specific altcoin, check the listing catalog beforehand. Futures are available on both exchanges. These are leveraged contracts – you can earn (and lose) multiples of what you would in spot trading. Maximum leverage on major pairs: up to 100x–125x. We recommend starting at 2x–5x, especially if you are new to it. Bitget stands out with its copy trading feature – you can automatically mirror trades from other traders. Pick from a leaderboard, set your amount, and trading runs in the background. Great for those who are not ready to trade on their own. Staking is available on both platforms. You can earn passive income on crypto held on the exchange. Rates depend on the coin and the lock-up period.
P2P and Fiat Trading
P2P is a popular way to buy crypto with local currency. You trade directly with another user: send fiat payment and receive crypto. No intermediaries – the exchange acts as an escrow to protect both sides. Bitget: P2P exchange supports multiple local currencies and payment methods. The selection of sellers is growing – Bitget is actively developing its P2P section. P2P fee is 0%. KuCoin: P2P exchange supports multiple local currencies and payment methods. KuCoin is actively developing its P2P section – the seller selection is growing. You can buy USDT, BTC, and ETH. Tip: when buying large amounts on P2P, split the transaction into several parts – this reduces risk and keeps things smooth.
Security and KYC
Security is something you do not think about until you run into a problem. Exchange hacks, frozen accounts, phishing emails – in crypto these are real risks. Here is what both platforms offer. Bitget: Bitget stores user funds in cold wallets with multi-signature protection. Two-factor authentication, anti-phishing codes, and withdrawal address whitelisting are all in place. The exchange has created a $300M protection fund to compensate losses in case of incidents. It regularly publishes Proof of Reserves reports confirming 1:1 backing of funds. KuCoin: KuCoin stores the majority of funds in cold wallets with multi-signature protection. It uses 2FA, anti-phishing codes, a trading password, and address whitelisting. In 2020, the exchange suffered a $280M hack but recovered most of the funds and fully compensated user losses. In terms of market tenure, KuCoin leads – it has been operating since 2017. The longer an exchange runs without major incidents, the greater the trust. Verification (KYC) on Bitget: KYC verification is mandatory. The basic level requires a passport or ID card plus a selfie. Processing takes from 10 minutes to a few hours. Without KYC, trading and withdrawals are restricted. Verification (KYC) on KuCoin: KYC verification is mandatory for all users. A passport or ID plus a selfie is required. Without verification, trading and withdrawals are unavailable. Processing takes from 15 minutes to a few hours. Our advice: enable two-factor authentication (2FA) right after signing up. Set up an anti-phishing code – it appears in every email from the exchange and helps you tell genuine notifications from scams. For storing large amounts, use a hardware wallet – only keep on the exchange what you are actively trading.
Who Should You Choose
BitgetBitget is the best pick for those who want to copy the trades of professionals. If you lack the time or experience for independent trading – Bitget copy trading lets you earn from others' strategies. It also works well for traders who need a wide selection of altcoins.
Open BitgetKuCoinKuCoin is the best choice for those hunting rare altcoins and wanting to invest in tokens at an early stage. Built-in trading bots help automate strategies. The KCS token with dividends is a nice bonus for active users.
Open KuCoinPros and cons
Bitget
KuCoinOur Verdict
In our assessment, Bitget (9/10) comes out ahead of KuCoin (8.5/10). Bitget is an exchange that made copy trading its signature feature. 800+ coins, a native BGB token with a 20% fee discount, and one of the most user-friendly interfaces for copying trades. But KuCoin should not be written off. KuCoin is the best choice for those hunting rare altcoins and wanting to invest in tokens at an early stage. For those tasks, KuCoin may be the better fit. Many traders keep accounts on both exchanges – for different purposes. Try both – registration is free.
FAQ
Which is better – Bitget or KuCoin?
Bitget received a rating of 9/10, KuCoin – 8.5/10. Bitget number one for copy trading. 20% fee discount when paying with bgb token. But KuCoin is also a solid choice: it lots of rare altcoins, convenient p2p exchange. 20% discount with kcs token. Different tasks call for different exchanges.
Where are fees lower – Bitget or KuCoin?
Spot fees are the same: 0.1%/0.1%. On futures, they are equal as well. The total cost of trading depends on spreads, volume, and whether you use token discounts.
Which has more coins – Bitget or KuCoin?
KuCoin offers 900+ cryptocurrencies – more than 800+ on Bitget. If you are looking for a specific rare token, check the exchange catalog before signing up.
Are Bitget and KuCoin available worldwide?
Both exchanges operate in most jurisdictions worldwide.
Can you trade futures on Bitget and KuCoin?
Yes, both exchanges support futures trading. Bitget: maker 0.02%, taker 0.06%. KuCoin: maker 0.02%, taker 0.06%. Maximum leverage on major pairs – up to 100x–125x.
Which exchange is safer – Bitget or KuCoin?
KuCoin has been around longer (since 2017) – a longer track record. Both platforms use cold storage and 2FA. Regardless of your choice, we recommend not keeping large amounts on any exchange – use a hardware wallet instead.
Is KYC verification required on Bitget and KuCoin?
Bitget: KYC verification is mandatory. KuCoin: KYC verification is mandatory for all users. Without verification, trading and withdrawals on most exchanges are limited or unavailable.
Can you use both exchanges at the same time?
Yes, and many traders do exactly that. One exchange for main trading, the other for altcoins or futures. Registration on both is free.
Updated: April 2026
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