When it comes to choosing a cryptocurrency exchange, two platforms frequently stand out: KuCoin and MEXC. Both have carved strong reputations in the crypto space, offering a wide range of digital assets, advanced trading tools, and competitive fee structures. But which one truly offers better value, security, and features in 2025?
This in-depth comparison explores every critical aspect—from fees and supported cryptocurrencies to security, staking, and unique trading functionalities—helping you make an informed decision based on your trading style, experience level, and investment goals.
Key Differences at a Glance
Before diving into the details, here are the core distinctions:
- Number of Cryptocurrencies: MEXC leads with over 2,960 coins, far surpassing KuCoin’s 700+.
- Trading Fees: MEXC offers zero maker fees and lower taker fees across spot and futures markets.
- Unique Features: MEXC provides copy trading, demo accounts, and ETFs, while KuCoin excels in NFT integration and bot trading.
- Security: MEXC has never been hacked; KuCoin recovered from a 2020 breach but maintains strong post-event safeguards.
- Leverage: MEXC allows up to 200x leverage in futures, compared to KuCoin’s 20x.
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Trading Fees & Deposit Options Compared
Deposit Methods
Neither KuCoin nor MEXC supports direct fiat deposits into the exchange wallet. However, both allow users to buy crypto using third-party payment providers or through P2P marketplaces.
KuCoin supports:
- Visa/Mastercard
- Apple Pay
- Bank transfers
- Skrill
- PayPal
MEXC supports:
- Visa/Mastercard
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- Bank transfers
While KuCoin offers more payment options (notably PayPal and Skrill), MEXC keeps its interface clean and focused on widely used methods.
Crypto deposits are free on both platforms. When purchasing crypto via third parties like Banxa or Simplex, expect fees between 3%–5%, depending on the provider and method.
Trading Fees Breakdown
| Platform | Spot Trading (Maker/Taker) | Futures Trading (Maker/Taker) |
|---|---|---|
| KuCoin | 0.1% / 0.1% | 0.02% / 0.06% |
| MEXC | 0% / 0.05% | 0% / 0.02% |
MEXC clearly wins on cost-efficiency:
- Zero maker fees encourage liquidity provision.
- Lower taker fees benefit active traders.
- Users can further reduce costs by holding the native token (MX).
KuCoin offers a 20% discount when paying fees with KCS, and volume-based rebates, but still can’t match MEXC’s base pricing.
Supported Cryptocurrencies & Trading Pairs
The variety of available assets is crucial for traders seeking niche or emerging tokens.
- KuCoin: Over 700 cryptocurrencies and hundreds of trading pairs.
- MEXC: A massive selection of 2,960+ coins across 2,110+ trading pairs.
MEXC dominates in asset diversity, making it ideal for exploratory traders looking to access early-stage or low-cap altcoins. Its extensive listings often include newly launched projects before they appear on larger exchanges.
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Advanced Trading Features
KuCoin: Tools for Experienced Traders
KuCoin focuses on empowering advanced users with professional-grade tools:
- Trading Bots: Free automated strategies including grid, DCA, and trailing stop bots.
- Order Types: Market, limit, stop-limit, and iceberg orders.
- Charting: Powered by TradingView, with full technical analysis capabilities.
- Futures Options: Two interfaces—Classic (pro) and Lite (beginner-friendly)—with up to 20x leverage.
- Margin Trading: Up to 10x leverage with isolated and cross-margin options.
Additionally, KuCoin integrates deeply with the NFT ecosystem through its wallet and marketplace.
MEXC: Broader Appeal with Innovation
MEXC doesn’t just match KuCoin—it expands beyond it with features that cater to all levels:
- Copy Trading: Mirror successful traders’ moves automatically. Filter by ROI, win rate, followers, and equity.
- Demo Account: Practice risk-free with virtual funds—ideal for beginners.
- Quantitative (Grid) Trading: Set price ranges and let the system trade automatically.
ETF Products:
- Leveraged ETFs up to 5x with auto-compounding and no liquidation risk.
- Index ETFs tracking sectors like DeFi or Metaverse.
- Futures Leverage: Up to 200x, among the highest in the industry.
These features make MEXC more accessible to new traders while still offering depth for professionals.
Security Measures: Who Protects Your Assets Better?
Security is non-negotiable in crypto.
KuCoin’s Security Framework
After suffering a $150 million hack in September 2020, KuCoin reimbursed all affected users and strengthened its protocols:
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – optional
- Anti-phishing codes
- IP address restrictions
- KYC required for high withdrawals
- Internal risk monitoring team
- Insurance fund for user protection
Despite the past incident, KuCoin has maintained operational integrity since then.
MEXC’s Security Advantage
MEXC boasts a clean security record—no breaches to date.
Key protections include:
- Mandatory 2FA
- Withdrawal address whitelisting
- Full KYC enforcement
- Cold wallet storage with multi-signature tech
- Military-grade encryption
The requirement of 2FA gives MEXC an edge over KuCoin, where it's optional. Combined with proactive anti-phishing alerts, MEXC delivers stronger default security.
Staking & Passive Income Opportunities
Both platforms offer staking, but differ in flexibility and yield potential.
KuCoin Earn
KuCoin’s “Earn” section includes:
- Flexible savings (low APY, instant redemption)
- Fixed-term staking (higher returns)
- ETH2.0 and Polkadot staking options
It’s reliable but less aggressive in yields compared to competitors.
MEXC Staking
MEXC offers:
- Over 30 tokens available for staking
- Flexible options with instant withdrawal
- Locked staking with yields reaching up to 22% APY
Higher maximum returns and broader token selection give MEXC the upper hand for passive income seekers.
Native Tokens: KCS vs MX
| Feature | KCS (KuCoin) | MX (MEXC) |
|---|---|---|
| Fee Discounts | Up to 20% | Tiered discounts |
| Governance Rights | Limited | Voting on listings |
| Utility | Fee payments, mining | DeFi use, Launchpad access |
| Rewards | Daily dividends from trading fees | Airdrops, exclusive events |
Both tokens add value, but MX offers broader utility across DeFi ecosystems and exclusive project access via MEXC Launchpad.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is MEXC safer than KuCoin?
Yes. While both exchanges implement strong security measures, MEXC has never been hacked and enforces mandatory 2FA and withdrawal whitelisting. KuCoin recovered well from its 2020 breach but had a notable vulnerability in the past.
Can I trade futures on both platforms?
Yes. Both offer futures trading with up to 20x leverage on KuCoin and up to 200x on MEXC. MEXC also provides more contract types and better risk management tools.
Does KuCoin offer copy trading?
No. Copy trading is exclusive to MEXC, allowing users to follow top performers automatically—a major advantage for novice traders.
Which exchange has lower fees?
MEXC has lower overall fees, especially with zero maker fees in both spot and futures markets. Taker fees are also cheaper than KuCoin’s standard rates.
Are there demo accounts available?
Only MEXC offers a demo account feature, letting users practice trading with virtual funds. KuCoin does not currently provide this functionality.
Which is better for beginners?
MEXC is more beginner-friendly due to its intuitive UI, demo account, copy trading, and educational resources. KuCoin is better suited for intermediate to advanced users.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
| Criteria | Winner |
|---|---|
| Number of Coins | MEXC |
| Trading Fees | MEXC |
| Security Track Record | MEXC |
| Beginner Features | MEXC |
| Advanced Tools | Tie |
| NFT & Wallet Experience | KuCoin |
While KuCoin remains a solid choice—especially for NFT enthusiasts and bot traders—MEXC emerges as the overall winner in 2025.
With superior asset variety, lower fees, innovative products like ETFs and copy trading, robust security, and strong passive income options, MEXC delivers a more complete experience for traders at every level.
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