How to Use KuCoin in the US — Updated (2024) Trading Guide
While you can trade cryptocurrencies on KuCoin from the US, there’s a frustrating limit on how much you can trade and withdraw on the platform. This is because KuCoin lacks an operating license in the US and can’t provide KYC verification to US-based traders.
A VPN can technically unlock KuCoin’s full features in the US by assigning an IP address in a location where it’s licensed. However, not all VPNs are reliable for trading safely on KuCoin in the US — some have slow speeds, while others just don’t work with the platform.
After extensive research and testing, my team and I found that ExpressVPN is the best VPN for using KuCoin in the US. It has a vast server network, fast speeds, and an audited no-log policy. ExpressVPN is also backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.
Editors’ Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and Expressvpn are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company.
Important! My team and I don’t condone breaking local laws or KuCoin’s terms of service. Since all the recommended VPNs have strict zero-logs policies, they can’t keep track of or see what you do online. It’s your responsibility to use your VPN legally.
Quick Guide: 3 Simple Steps to Use KuCoin in the US with a VPN
- Get a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN because of its huge server network, fast speeds, and 30-day money-back guarantee. Try ExpressVPN with KuCoin.
- Connect to a server. Choose a server where KuCoin is licensed, such as in Europe, Asia, or Africa.
- Log in to your account. You can now trade safely on KuCoin without limits.
Why You Need to Use a VPN to Access KuCoin in the US
KuCoin doesn’t have an operating license in the US, so its Know Your Customer (KYC) verification is not accessible. To prevent money laundering in the country, KuCoin limits the amount you can trade and withdraw on the platform.
A virtual private network (VPN) technically allows you to use KuCoin without restrictions in the US. It does this by rerouting your traffic through a private server in another country, like the UK, where KuCoin has the license to operate. This makes it appear as if you’re connecting from the UK, not the US. However, I don’t condone using a VPN to break local laws.
On the other hand, a VPN offers strong security features to protect your transactions on KuCoin from hackers. Even if you’re only using a local server, transacting with cryptocurrencies is a lot safer with a VPN, especially when you’re relying on unsecure public WiFi.
The Best VPNs to Access KuCoin in the US 2024
1. ExpressVPN — The #1 VPN for Secure Crypto Trading on KuCoin in the US
Key Features:
- Has more than 3,000 high-speed servers in 105 countries
- Its vast server network makes it easy to find and connect to a fast server near you
- You can connect up to 8 devices at once with one subscription
- Works on all device types, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android
- 24/7 customer support via email, live chat, and how-to guides
- 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for KuCoin as it’s fast, secure, and has servers in many countries. It also consistently replaces blocked IP addresses so that there are always more than a few that work with KuCoin. Plus, it has 3,000+ servers in 105 countries, including where KuCoin is licensed to operate, like the UK, Germany, and more.
To make sure you can trade online safely in the US, ExpressVPN uses AES 256-bit encryption, which has never been cracked by hackers. It also offers other advanced security and privacy features to use KuCoin, like:
- Strict no-logs policy — implemented with RAM-based servers to ensure your internet data, including personally identifiable information, is not stored or shared.
- Obfuscated servers — conceal VPN usage from anti-VPN networks by disguising your traffic as regular internet traffic.
- Automatic kill switch — protects your data by automatically disconnecting your internet if the VPN connection is interrupted.
- Split tunneling — allows you to direct only the KuCoin app and web traffic through VPN encryption while allowing other apps and sites to bypass it.
- Private DNS — channels your traffic through private, encrypted DNS servers, so no one else knows the sites you’re accessing.
I tested ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol and it was very fast to trade cryptocurrencies without compromising security or privacy. This protocol also allows me to switch smoothly between WiFi networks without losing connection. Additionally, Lightway includes post-quantum protection to prevent future attacks on your encrypted data.
With a single ExpressVPN subscription, I can secure up to 8 devices at once. But if I configure ExpressVPN to my router, all my devices connected to the same network are secured and they’re counted as 1 connection. This means you can use ExpressVPN with KuCoin safely on any device you own.
The only issue with ExpressVPN is that it is slightly more expensive than the other VPNs I tested. However, the breadth of its servers, security, and high-speed connections it provides make ExpressVPN worth the price for KuCoin.
The 1-year + 3 months plan is the most budget-friendly, and it’s $6.67/month. But all ExpressVPN plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. It has a very responsive live chat support team that responded to my refund request within 2 minutes. 4 days later, I got my money back.
ExpressVPN works with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Nvidia Shield, Xiaomi Mi Box, Chromecast, Roku, Android TVs, smart TVs, routers, and more.
Editors' Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
2024 Update! ExpressVPN has dropped prices for a limited time to a crazy $6.67 per month for the 1-year plan + 3 months free (you can save up to 49%)! This is a limited offer so be sure to grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
2. CyberGhost — Offers Dedicated IP Addresses to Trade Without Being Blocked by KuCoin
Key Features:
- 11,800+ global servers, plus multiple dedicated IPs in 100 countries
- With an IP address of your own, there’s less chance of your access being blocked
- You can connect up to 7 devices simultaneously
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and more
- Online support via 24/7 live chat and email
- Generous 45-day money-back guarantee on long-term plans
CyberGhost offers dedicated IP addresses in selected countries including the UK and Germany, where KuCoin is fully accessible. Since you have the same IP address every time you connect, it’s less suspicious for online platforms to blacklist it. In addition to military-grade encryption, CyberGhost also protects you online with:
- NoSpy servers — owned and maintained internally by CyberGhost in Romania with no interference from third-party server farms for privacy.
- RAM-Only Servers — wipe out all browsing data from its servers with every reboot.
- WiFi protection — secures your streaming sessions on all public WiFi networks.
- DNS leak protection — routes your online traffic through its private DNS servers.
Since CyberGhost works well on common devices like Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android, I could connect and trade on KuCoin without issues on my local server. You can also use its split tunneling feature on Android devices to encrypt traffic from specific apps, like KuCoin, while others connect directly to the internet.
I also found out that CyberGhost’s global network includes more than 11,800 servers spread across 100 countries. This gives you multiple options to use KuCoin without restrictions. If you experience issues connecting to 1 server, there are many others you can try. However, connecting to a server closest to you will provide the best speeds.
This is because CyberGhost’s distant servers can be slow. The servers in the UK, Germany, and other European countries are good, but they’re not as fast as those in the Americas, depending on your location in the US. You can connect to the servers in Brazil, Argentina, Canada, and Costa Rica for faster speeds when trading on KuCoin.
Fortunately, CyberGhost is very affordable and offers an 84% discount when you purchase its 2-year + 4 months plan. CyberGhost also backs its long-term plans with a 45-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to request a refund if you’re not satisfied. I contacted its support team via live chat and got my money back after 6 days.
CyberGhost works with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Raspberry Pi, Chrome, Firefox, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku, smart TVs, routers, and more.
3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Vast Server Network Gives You Multiple Options for Safe Crypto Trading on KuCoin
Key Features:
- Extensive network of more than 35,000 servers across 91 countries
- With the large server network, you can connect to even more servers in your location
- Allows you to connect unlimited devices at the same time
- Compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and many more
- 24/7 support via live chat, email, and step-by-step guides
- 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans
PIA has an extensive server network of 35,000+ servers across the globe. This makes sure there’s enough bandwidth to support every user. I find it ideal for trading on KuCoin since I could easily avoid congested servers. You can try as many PIA servers as you want for better browsing speeds.
All PIA servers I tested delivered good speeds. But I expected this since PIA has upgraded its network to NextGen or Gen 4 servers. These not only deliver better security, but also provide more consistent speeds with every connection. Its servers in Brazil, Canada, and Costa Rica averaged 41.83Mbps, despite being very far away from me.
During tests, I found out that PIA has MACE to remove annoying ads, trackers, and malware on some suspicious sites you may accidentally visit. This also helped certain pages with crypto news load faster.
Other security features that make PIA stand out as one of the best VPNs in 2024 for trading on KuCoin in the US are:
- Advanced kill switch — prevents the internet from reconnecting until the VPN connection has been established.
- Perfect Forward Secrecy — ensures that if its most recent encryption key is hacked (though unlikely), a very small amount of your data is compromised.
- MACE ad blocker — blocks unwanted ads while you’re browsing the internet.
The only issue I had with PIA is that it’s based in the US, a main member of the 5 Eyes Alliance. However, Deloitte Romania conducted an independent audit on PIA’s zero-logs policy and found that the VPN doesn’t log your data.
Generally, if you’re looking for a premium VPN solution that doesn’t cost much, PIA offers one of the best monthly VPN subscription plans. But I recommend the 2-year + 4 months plan for $2.03/month as it’s more affordable. It is also backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, which I tested by contacting customer support via chat. I got a full refund within 7 days.
PIA works with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Opera, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast, Apple TV, Roku, smart TVs, routers, and more.
Editors’ Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and Expressvpn are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company.
Comparison Table: Best VPNs to Access KuCoin in the US
| Global Servers and Countries | Privacy and Security Features | Accepts Cryptocurrency | Best Plan and Price | Money-Back Guarantee | |
| ExpressVPN | 3,000+ servers in 105 countries | TrustedServer technology, Strict no-logs policy, Obfuscated servers, Automatic kill switch, Split tunneling, and Private DNS | Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, USDC, BUSD, PAX, GUSD, and more | 1-year + 3 months plan at $6.67/month | 30 days |
| CyberGhost | 11,800+ servers in 100 countries | Multiple VPN protocols, RAM-Only Servers, WiFi protection, and DNS leak protection | Bitcoin | 2-year + 4 months plan at $2.03/month | 45 days |
| PIA | 35,000+ servers in 91 countries | Advanced kill switch, Perfect Forward Secrecy, and MACE ad blocker | Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and more | 2-year + 4 months plan at $2.03/month | 30 days |
Editors’ Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and Expressvpn are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company.
How I Tested and Ranked the Best VPNs For Accessing KuCoin in the US
While testing VPNs to determine the best ones for KuCoin in the US, I focused on specific features like:
- Extensive server networks — a vast network ensures you can connect to a server where KuCoin is fully accessible, but also not too far from your location.
- Reliable security and privacy features — all the VPNs I recommend have features like AES-256 encryption, zero-logs policy, and leak protection for your security.
- Easy access to KuCoin — during testing, I verified that these VPNs consistently unblocked KuCoin and provided uninterrupted access to all its features.
- Fast speeds — my tests confirmed that the recommended VPNs offer fast enough connections to reduce delays in market-sensitive actions.
- Reliable customer support — each of these VPNs offers efficient customer service via 24/7 live chat and email, ensuring you get timely assistance.
- A money-back guarantee — I only shortlisted VPNs with at least 30 days to ask for a refund, so you have enough time to evaluate their features without committing.
How to Sign Up for a KuCoin Account in the US
- Get a VPN. Subscribe to a VPN that’s proven to work with KuCoin. I recommend ExpressVPN for its outstanding speeds, security features, and extensive server network for smooth KuCoin trading in the US
- Connect to a VPN server. Connect to a US server for a local KuCoin account. Alternatively, choose a server in a European country where KuCoin is licensed to get a full-featured KuCoin account.
- Create a KuCoin account. Access the KuCoin platform and initiate the sign-up process using your phone number or email, along with a secure password.
- Verify your account. If you signed up while connected to a European server, check your email or phone for the activation code. Enter the code to confirm your identity. This step enhances security and raises your withdrawal limits.
- Log in and verify your identity. Navigate to the Identity Verification section within your KuCoin account and confirm your identity. This boosts your security and unlocks KuCoin’s full features. Make sure to upload valid and correct documents.
- Wait for verification. The verification process may take some time, depending on KuCoin’s internal procedures. Once the review is completed, you’ll receive a notification of the result via email or SMS.
- Start trading on KuCoin. With your account verified, you are now ready to trade cryptocurrencies on KuCoin without restrictions and explore all its features.
FAQs on How to Use KuCoin in the US
Is it illegal to use a VPN to access KuCoin in the US?
It’s not illegal to use a VPN to access KuCoin from the US, but it goes against KuCoin’s Terms of Use if you connect to a VPN server outside the US. KuCoin doesn’t permit US residents to be registered users so it has the right to suspend your account if you’re caught.
KuCoin as a service is legal in the US, but due to regulatory compliance, certain features, including KYC verification, are restricted. Without verification, US-based users can only withdraw 1 BTC per day and access limited customer support.
Why can’t I trade on KuCoin with a VPN?
First, make sure that you’re using one of the best VPNs for KuCoin. Otherwise, try these simple hacks:
- Switch servers — certain VPN servers may be under maintenance or their entire IP address has been blocked by KuCoin.
- Change VPN protocols — some protocols are better at overcoming restrictions than others, so it helps to try switching.
- Clear cookies and cache — browsers store location data in cookies and cache, so clearing these data can help align your location with the VPN server you’re connected to.
- Verify your account — make sure your account is verified to fully access all KuCoin features.
- Contact customer support — if the issue persists, you should reach out to your VPN’s customer support for tailored advice.
- Try a different VPN — if the above steps don’t work, consider switching to a different VPN that works in the US. Some VPNs have more global servers and better security features for online anonymity.
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Access KuCoin from the US with Ease Today
Not all VPNs work with KuCoin if you want to use the platform without restrictions in the US. On the other hand, accessing a sensitive platform like KuCoin can be risky without a VPN — especially if you often trade using public WiFi networks. Without any encryption on your traffic, hackers can steal your data easily.
Fortunately, you can unlock the full potential of KuCoin in the US with a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN. With its robust security features and vast server network, ExpressVPN enables you to trade safely on KuCoin. What’s best, You can try ExpressVPN risk-free, as it is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
