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Transferable to your own wallet
Self-custody of cryptocurrencies plays an important role for many users who want to manage their cryptocurrencies and thus their "private keys" themselves and not leave them in the hands of the exchange. Most exchanges offer the option of sending the purchased cryptocurrencies to their own wallet.
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The overall rating is the average of our individual ratings. Our ratings do not constitute investment advice, but merely our personal opinion. You are welcome to use them as rough indicators and additional perspective. In the dynamic and fast-growing crypto sector, parameters can often change from one day to the next, so we cannot guarantee that the rating data is up to date. Therefore, please never use our ratings as an isolated basis for decision-making and not as a substitute for your own research.
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This rating describes our assessment of the fee structure of a stock exchange or broker. It is not only the amount of fees that can differ, but also the type of fees. The most common type of fees for crypto exchanges are the "maker/taker" fees or spreads. In some cases, there are also hidden fees that are not recognizable to users at first glance.
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KuCoin vs Phemex in comparison
Overview
Phemex was founded in 2019 and says it has more than 10 million users. It lists 139 crypto assets by our count and 141 perpetual futures pairs, TradFi included, with up to 150x leverage. Spot trades cost 0.10% at the entry tier, futures 0.01% maker and 0.06% taker, and Phemex publishes a monthly proof of reserves.
- Large selection of coins
- Low fees
- Functional scope of the platform
- Might be complex for beginners
- Mixed user reviews
- Global platform not licensed in the Turks and Caicos Islands
- Low futures fees: 0.01% maker and 0.06% taker at the entry tier
- 141 perpetual futures pairs, TradFi included, with up to 150x leverage
- Grid, martingale and AI trading bots, plus copy trading
- Monthly proof of reserves with a check of your own balance
- Fixed Bitcoin withdrawal fee of 0.000015 BTC
- Not available in the US, the United Kingdom and four Canadian provinces
- No license; AML registrations only
- Permanently banned from trading in Ontario, and on the warning lists of the UK FCA and Singapore's MAS
- Proof of reserves without a named auditor
- Mid-sized coin list of 139 crypto assets
Features Comparison
- Cryptocurrencies
- Cryptocurrencies
0.1
%
0.10%
0.10%
₿
0.00009
0.1
%
0.10%
0.10%
₿
0.000015
837
+
$
5
139
+
$
25
- Discount on fees
- Access to token sales
- Faster support
Exchange Rating
Functions
- Spot, futures and margin trading
- Crypto interest through staking & lending
- Features for professional traders
- Spot, futures and margin trading
- Phemex Earn
- Launchpad
Company Details
Our Review
KuCoin offers a vast selection of cryptocurrencies and trading options, including futures and margin trading, making it attractive to advanced traders. Its low fees and additional features like staking and lending further enhance its appeal. However, the platform's complexity and the lack of a license for its global platform might deter beginners and those prioritizing security. Overall, KuCoin is an excellent choice for those seeking diverse assets and tools but requires careful consideration of its risks.
In our view, Phemex is a good fit for active traders: 141 perpetual futures pairs, TradFi included, with up to 150x leverage, entry-tier futures fees of 0.01% maker and 0.06% taker, a 0.10% spot fee, trading bots and copy trading. A monthly proof of reserves adds transparency, and the coin list, at 139 crypto assets, is mid-sized.
Selection Platform vs Fee Platform
KuCoin focuses on coin variety with 837 cryptocurrencies. Phemex focuses on derivatives, with a 0.06% taker fee on perpetual futures. Different optimizations for different trading priorities.
Coin Selection
KuCoin lists 837 cryptocurrencies, a large selection.
Phemex lists 139. KuCoin has about six times the selection.
Fee Comparison
On spot, Phemex and KuCoin both charge 0.10% taker at the entry level. Phemex's 0.06% is its taker fee on perpetual futures.
Platform Scope
KuCoin offers complete features—spot, futures, margin, staking, lending.
Phemex focuses on derivatives with clear trading view and Phemex Earn.
The Decision
KuCoin at 8.9 suits users wanting a large selection and complete features.
Phemex at 7.8 suits fee-conscious derivatives traders who don't need extensive selection.
About the author
At Exchange Flow, Ethan is recognized as the resident crypto expert. With 10+years of experience navigating the waters of global crypto exchanges, Ethan is a trusted voice in the ever-evolving world of digital currencies. He tests and scrutinizes exchanges so you don’t have to, offering reviews and articles that newbies and seasoned traders alike find invaluable. When he’s not coding, Ethan likes to travel and play retro games. He uses his crypto earnings to fund his trip around the globe.
