The Truth About Crypto Exchanges in 2025: Why KuCoin Might Shock You

A man in front of screens showing crypto charts. The words Kraken, Kucoin and Coinbase

In 2025, finding the right crypto exchanges means looking beyond just “is it safe?” You need low fees, strong trading features, and ways to earn passive income. Here’s a head-to-head breakdown of KuCoin, Coinbase, and Kraken—so you know exactly which one is best for your needs.

1. Account Creation & Access Accessability

ExchangeAvailable almost worldwideKYC Required?Our Rating
KuCoinYes Not required for basic use9
CoinbaseYes, with some country restrictions Yes9
Kraken Yes Yes8

Signing up on any of the three is straightforward. However, KuCoin stands out for its no-KYC option, letting users access core features instantly. Coinbase and Kraken require full verification before trading, which adds an extra layer of security but slows down access.

Get up to 50 USDC free on Coinbase
Get up to 50 USDC free on Coinbase

2. Trading Fees

ExchangeBase FeeDiscounts for Volume/Token
KuCoin~0.1%Yes, with KCS token
CoinbaseUp to 1.5%Yes
Kraken~0.26%Yes, based on volume

KuCoin usually offers the lowest trading fees, especially with KCS token discounts and volume-based tiers. Kraken has competitive fees too. Serious traders will save money with the advanced version of Coinbase.

3. Number of Cryptos Available

ExchangeTotal Coins
KuCoin750+
Coinbase~250
Kraken~220

KuCoin wins hands down here, offering 700+ cryptos—way more than Kraken or Coinbase. As a result, you get more altcoin opportunities and better access to new projects early. Kraken supports around 200; Coinbase less than that.

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4. Features & Trading Options

ExchangeSpotFuturesStakingTrading Bots
KuCoin
Coinbase
Kraken

We love KuCoin because is built for both amateur and advanced traders: futures, margin, bots, P2P, and passive income tools like staking and lending. Kraken offers futures and margin but with fewer coins. Coinbase is the most beginner-friendly. So, If you’re looking for functionality, KuCoin leads.


5. Security & Trust

ExchangeSecurity RatingSecurity FeaturesInsurance/Fund
KuCoinVery High2FA, address whitelisting, anti-phishing codesSAFU Fund
CoinbaseVery HighSOC 2 compliance, biometric loginsPrivate insurance
KrakenVery HighGlobal Settings Lock, Master Key, 2FAInternal reserve fund

👉 Winner: All three are solid in 2025.

All three exchanges rate high in security, with cold storage, 2FA, and insurance mechanisms in place.

Get up to 50 USDC free on Coinbase
Get up to 50 USDC free on Coinbase

6. Best For…

If You Want To…Use This Exchange
Skip KYC & start fastKuCoin
Use bank cards easilyCoinbase
Maximize safetyCoinbase
Earn with bots/stakingKuCoin

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Use?

If you want low fees, access to hundreds of altcoins, and fast onboarding without KYC, then KuCoin is hands-down your best bet. It gives you the most bang for your buck, especially if you’re trading frequently or looking to explore new tokens early.

On the other hand, if you prioritize simplicity and you’re okay with paying higher fees for a clean, beginner-friendly experience, then Coinbase is a solid choice. It’s built for ease of use and has a trusted reputation, particularly for people buying crypto with debit or credit cards.

Meanwhile, if you’re a serious trader or someone who puts security above everything, then Kraken is the beast you want. It’s built like a fortress, with institutional-grade protection and powerful features for pro traders.

Ready to Start?

Please, leave us a comment with your favorite crypto exchange. Also, if you’re interested in discovering the most promising altcoins in 2025, check out this other article.

Thank you for visiting BlokInvestor!



Disclaimer: The content on this website is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or legal advice. We are not financial advisors, and the opinions expressed here are not a substitute for professional financial guidance. Cryptocurrency investments carry significant risks, including the potential for financial loss. Always conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. We are not responsible for any financial losses or damages resulting from the use of the information provided on this site. This post contains affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.

Enzo Zeppeli is a crypto analyst and DeFi enthusiast obsessed with emerging altcoins and long-term staking strategies. Co-founder of BlokInvestor.

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