KuCoin vs MEXC in 2026 — Fees, No-KYC, Which Accepts You
KuCoin and MEXC are both altcoin-heavy exchanges known for reduced or optional KYC at basic limits — but that allowance is tightening on both under global AML rules. In 2026 MEXC advertises ultra-low spot fees (0% maker) and remains a go-to for fast, no-KYC access; KuCoin offers a broad altcoin range but requires identity verification. Pick MEXC for the lowest spot fees; verify current KuCoin fees before trading.
| Feature | KuCoin | MEXC |
|---|---|---|
| Spot fee (maker / taker) | Check current fees on the exchange⚠ not in our data | 0% / ~0.05% |
| Futures fee (maker / taker) | Check current fees on the exchange⚠ not in our data | 0% / 0.02% |
| KYC | Mandatory (full ID verification) | Reduced / optional, tightening⚠ varies by region |
| No-KYC access | No — full KYC required | Yes — basic limits |
| Withdrawal limit (unverified) | Limited without full KYC⚠ reported, not audited | ~10 BTC/day in some regions⚠ reported, not audited |
| US access | Verify on official terms⚠ not in our data | ✗ Blocked |
| Country coverage | Most of world | 170+ countries |
| Derivatives / futures | Yes | Yes |
| Restriction trend | Tightening | Tightening |
| Best known for | Wide altcoin selection | Ultra-low spot fees, no-KYC access |
Fees: which is cheaper?
MEXC advertises 0% maker spot fees (around 0.05% taker) with frequent zero-fee promotions, plus 0% maker / 0.02% taker on futures. We don’t hold audited KuCoin fee figures, so check current fees on the KuCoin site before trading. On our data, MEXC is the cheaper venue for spot.
KYC and no-KYC: which is easier to join?
Both appear on our no-KYC exchanges list: MEXC as optional (email sign-up). KuCoin belongs there no longer — its referral programme is open only to users who have completed KYC, and commission on a new account starts from the day that verification is approved. On both, unverified withdrawal limits are region-dependent and shrinking — MEXC’s unverified daily limit is commonly cited around 10 BTC in some regions and far lower elsewhere (reported, not audited). Confirm the current cap in the exchange’s Security Center.
Country access: which accepts you?
MEXC does not serve US retail — see MEXC in the US — and blocks the US, UK, Canada and Singapore among others (MEXC restricted countries). KuCoin publishes its own list in Article 17(5) of its Terms of Use, last updated 29 July 2026: the US and its territories, Singapore, mainland China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Ontario and British Columbia, France, the Netherlands and five occupied regions of Ukraine (KuCoin restricted countries). US residents should use a US-regulated exchange such as Coinbase or Kraken.
Which should you pick?
- Lowest spot fees & fast no-KYC access: MEXC.
- Wide altcoin selection with reduced KYC: KuCoin (verify fees and your country).
- US resident: neither — use a US-regulated exchange.
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- BlockedUS, UK, Canada, Singapore, China, Hong Kong
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Frequently asked questions
Is KuCoin or MEXC cheaper in 2026?
On the data we hold, MEXC is cheaper for spot, with 0% maker fees and frequent zero-fee promotions, plus 0% maker / 0.02% taker on futures. We don't hold audited KuCoin fee figures, so check current fees on the KuCoin site before trading.
Do KuCoin and MEXC require KYC?
No longer symmetrically. MEXC still opens an account on an email address with reduced verification at basic limits, while KuCoin requires identity verification: its referral programme is limited to users who have completed KYC, and commission on an invited account only starts once that verification is approved.
Do KuCoin and MEXC accept US users?
Neither does. MEXC blocks US sign-ups, and KuCoin names the United States and its territories in Article 17(5) of its Terms of Use after its operator pleaded guilty in January 2025 to running an unlicensed money transmitting business, paid more than $297 million and agreed to leave the US market for at least two years.
Which has more altcoins, KuCoin or MEXC?
Both are altcoin-heavy exchanges with large listings; KuCoin is known for its wide altcoin selection and MEXC for a large altcoin range plus ultra-low spot fees. For low fees and fast access, MEXC is the usual pick.
Is KuCoin available in France or the Netherlands?
No. Both are named as Restricted Locations in Article 17(5) of KuCoin's Terms of Use, so MEXC is the less restrictive of the two in Western Europe on paper. Neither holds an EU licence you can rely on: KuCoin's Austrian entity is authorised but, per the FMA's notice of 18 May 2026, still may not commence business operations.
Which exchange is more restrictive by country?
It depends on the region. KuCoin closes France, the Netherlands, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, which MEXC does not name, while MEXC blocks the United Kingdom, which KuCoin does not name. Both close the United States, Singapore, mainland China and Hong Kong, and KuCoin restricts only Ontario and British Columbia rather than the whole of Canada.