How to Safely Access KuCoin in the United States in 2024

KuCoin is known for its extensive range of altcoin support, large user base, and user-friendliness. Still, it has one significant flaw: KuCoin has limited use in the United States, China, and India due to a lack of regional licenses. Therefore, KYC verification is also unavailable, leading to fewer trading options and privacy concerns.

You can solve these issues with a VPN for KuCoin. A VPN will help you bypass geo-restrictions, as you can change your location to where KuCoin is available, so you can use it while traveling as well. Also, VPNs help you secure your financial transactions with their robust security features. 

In this article, we'll show you how to use KuCoin in the US with a VPN, present the best VPNs, and discuss how to pick the best option. We'll also provide a list of KuCoin-restricted countries and answer questions about its legality and why it's blocked in the US, as well as answer some FAQs.

How to Use KuCoin in the US with a VPN

To use KuCoin in the US, you need to find a trustworthy VPN with servers in countries where the KuCoin crypto-trading platform has a license. Here's what you need to do:

1. Sign up for a VPN that unblocks KuCoin (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Download and install the VPN app on your crypto-trading device.
3. Launch the VPN app and sign in to your VPN account. 
4. Connect to a VPN server in a country that KuCoin supports (the UK, for example).
5. Create a KuCoin account and verify it.
6. Click 'Buy Crypto,' pick a currency, and input your card payment details.
7. Now, you can trade safely with KuCoin anywhere in the world!

Users who are about to register on KuCoin will need to go through the platform's KYC verification process, which includes providing your personal information and ID photos and going through a face verification test. Therefore, you need to have an ID card from a country where KuCoin is allowed to operate, such as the UK, Germany, France, Brazil, Australia, and more.

Best VPNs for KuCoin in the US - Our Shortlist

1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN to Use KuCoin in the United States in 2024
2. Surfshark - Best KuCoin VPN for Trading on Multiple Devices
3. ExpressVPN – Highly Secure VPN for KuCoin with Fully Obfuscated Network
4. CyberGhost VPN – Fully Automated and User-Friendly KuCoin VPN for US Citizens
5. PIA - Advanced VPN for Trading on KuCoin with High-End Privacy

The Best VPNs for KuCoin in 2024

You'll find the best option if you stick to a set of strict criteria, as talked about in our guide to the best crypto trading VPN. That said, your VPN should have the capability to unblock KuCoin in the USA and worldwide. This means it must offer servers in regions like Europe, South America, and Asia—where the trading platform is available.

Moreover, choosing a VPN with a vast server network is best to ensure fast speeds and smooth trading performance. In addition, it should secure your financial transactions. Therefore, opt for a VPN with obfuscated servers that hide the VPN usage. Then, look for strong security features, such as a kill switch, industry-leading encryption, split tunneling, robust VPN protocols, and a strict no-logs policy. 

Also, consider the devices you’ll use to access KuCoin and select a VPN with numerous simultaneous connections and native software across the board. Don't forget about the price either, as you'll want an affordable VPN with plenty of value. Lastly, choose a VPN with a money-back policy and reliable and knowledgeable customer support. 

Based on the abovementioned criteria, we’ve chosen the 5 best KuCoin VPNs for US citizens:

1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN to Use KuCoin in the United States in 2024

NordVPN is a highly advanced KuCoin VPN for trading in the USA. This VPN has 6,300+ servers in 111 countries, including 2,500+ servers in Europe, 60+ in South America, and 360+ in Asia. That said, you'll get to unblock KuCoin by choosing a server in any region where it is licensed.

NordVPN surpasses its competition in terms of security. You'll benefit from AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption, split tunneling, the NordLynx protocol (in addition to OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec), obfuscated servers that mask your VPN usage, and a kill switch that cuts your Internet connection in the event of a VPN disconnection. 

Moreover, you’ll get a dedicated IP address, double VPN encryption, data leak protection, and the ability to use specialized servers to access KuCoin in the USA and worldwide. On top of that, NordVPN also has an audited, iron-clad no-logs policy. 

Let's not forget that NordVPN is among the fastest VPN providers right now. No matter if you pick a nearby or remote server, you can expect smooth and stable performance. It also supports up to 10 simultaneous connections for mobile and desktop devices for a seamless trading experience, alongside a whole range of apps for various devices.

Everything mentioned above is available for $3.09 per month if you pick its 2-year subscription plan. You'll also get a 30-day money-back policy, in addition to 24/7 live chat support.

2. Surfshark - Best KuCoin VPN for Trading on Multiple Devices

Surfshark is a user-friendly VPN to unblock KuCoin in the US or elsewhere. It all begins with Surfshark's network of 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries, offering hundreds of servers across Europe, Asia, and South America.

When it comes to the basics, Surfshark covers them more than well. It's built upon protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard, paired with high-end encryption. Then, there's a kill switch, split tunneling, and a strict no-logs policy. In fact, Surfshark's policies and infrastructure have been audited many times in the past, as explained in our complete review of Surfshark.

We'll also add that Surfshark is a speedy VPN and you'll always end up with a fast and stable connection, especially if you use WireGuard. Also, obfuscation is there in the form of a special 'NoBorders' mode, instructing Surfshark to use smaller data packets that are harder to detect.

Surfshark gives you unlimited simultaneous connections as well as native software for practically any desktop or mobile device. You can even install it on a router if you wish to protect your entire household in one go.

When it comes to its price, you'll be happy to know that Surfshark is priced at $2.19 per month for its 2-year subscription plan. Your subscription to this VPN comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, and you'll also benefit from its 24/7 live chat support.

3. ExpressVPN – Highly Secure VPN for KuCoin with Fully Obfuscated Network

ExpressVPN is another capable VPN, offering an extensive server network of thousands of servers in 105 countries. You can connect to any of the 500+ European, 30+ South American, or 50+ Asian servers and unblock KuCoin in the US.

Due to the high number of servers, you can choose the closest one and enjoy ExpressVPN’s impressive speeds. This provider also delivers stable and reliable connections, as we didn’t face any interruptions during our tests.

Aside from offering obfuscation across all its servers, ExpressVPN also has other security features, such as a kill switch, data leak protection, and strong OpenVPN, Lightway, and IKEv2/IPsec protocols for secure financial transactions. It also comes with a no-logs policy, AES-256/WolfSSL encryption, and split tunneling, so you can run KuCoin’s traffic only through the VPN.

Furthermore, ExpressVPN has user-friendly apps for your device, no matter whether it’s a desktop or a mobile one, allowing you to make up to 8 simultaneous connections at once and delivering a smooth trading experience. 

All those features can be yours for $6.67/month, based on ExpressVPN's annual subscription plan. If you’re not satisfied, you can use ExpressVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee and get a full refund. Lastly, its customer support is top-notch, with 24/7 live chat assistance.

4. CyberGhost VPN – Fully Automated and User-Friendly KuCoin VPN for US Citizens

CyberGhost is a peculiar provider with one of the most extensive networks on the market, featuring thousands of servers across 100 countries. More precisely, it offers 6,000+ servers in Europe, 830+ in Asia, and 180+ in South America for bypassing all KuCoin restrictions. 

While CyberGhost lacks obfuscated servers, it offers other robust security features. This VPN employs military-grade AES-256/ChaCha20 encryption, highly secure VPN protocols like WireGuard, IKEv2/IPsec, and OpenVPN, an automatic kill switch, and it recently underwent an audit for its no-logs policy.

Moreover, CyberGhost comes with split tunneling, providing a specialized tunnel for crypto activities that further boosts your KuCoin usage protection. It also offers protection against data leaks, which means that your crypto trading activities will always remain private.

CyberGhost delivers medium-fast speeds and stable trading connections thanks to its reliable VPN protocols. What’s more, it supports various devices (both desktop and mobile) and allows you 7 simultaneous connections. 

Also, it's priced at only $2.19/month for its 2-year plan. Last but not least, it comes with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee on its long-term and a 14-day money-back guarantee on its monthly plans. Furthermore, if you encounter any issues, its customer support is available 24/7 through live chat.

5. PIA - Advanced VPN for Trading on KuCoin with High-End Privacy

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a long-standing VPN with a powerful set of features, mostly aimed at more advanced users who wish to unblock KuCoin. It offers thousands of servers in 90+ countries, covering Europe, Asia, and South America in an excellent way. This VPN also offers servers in every single US state, which is something you won't find elsewhere.

As noted in our Private Internet Access review, it's powered by OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPsec. What's interesting to note is that you can fine-tune those protocols and choose from varying levels of encryption. There are also two types of kill switches, split tunneling, a no-logs policy, and open-source software.

PIA also offers obfuscation if you need an extra layer of privacy. Obfuscation is optional, just like most of the other PIA features. Once you enter its settings, you'll see that there are tons to optimize and fine-tune, allowing you to prioritize performance or security.

This VPN can also be quite fast, but be prepared to do some fine-tuning. In other words, it's not as fast as our other recommendations out of the box. On the plus side, you get unlimited simultaneous connections and applications for any device.

Speaking of subscribing, PIA comes priced at $2.19 per month for its 2-year plan. You'll also get a 30-day money-back guarantee once you subscribe, as well as access to 24/7 live chat customer support.

Comparing the Top VPNs for Using KuCoin in the US

Why Using a VPN for KuCoin Is Needed in the US?

If you're from the US, it's essential to use KuCoin because the crypto platform is unavailable in the country. And if you're in a country where KuCoin works, you still need a VPN to hide your online activity, protect your privacy, and do your financial transactions securely.

Unless you're in a supported region, you'll see the following message: “Sorry, you have failed to pass the verification. Verification Results: Restricted by relevant laws and regulations, the services are currently not provided for your located country/region.” 

Here are some additional reasons to use a KuCoin VPN in America:

• Access KuCoin from the US and Elsewhere – By using a VPN, users can connect to a server in a different country, allowing them to access KuCoin without any limitations.
• Use KuCoin While Traveling Abroad - A VPN provider allows you to use KuCoin when traveling by allowing you to obtain your home country's IP from anywhere.
• Prevent Legal Crypto Issues - Crypto transactions are still unregulated in most of the world. You can sidestep potential legal issues in the long run by ensuring your online anonymity on time.
• Go Around Firewall Restrictions - Workplaces and schools often employ firewalls that block crypto platforms. A VPN is the most effective tool to eliminate firewall-based blocks.
• Protect Your Digital Financial Transactions - A VPN secures your traffic with military-grade encryption, protecting your financial transactions from cyberattacks. 
• Guard Yourself Against Data Theft - Hackers can compromise your KuCoin account in multiple ways and can even extract your highly sensitive information, unless you use a VPN.
• Access KuCoin Safely on Public Wi-Fi - You can use a VPN to encrypt any type of network, which means that you can use even public Wi-Fi networks in complete privacy.
• Conceal Your Web Browsing Activity - Your ISP knows everything you do online, and it's forced to retain your data for up to 6 months. You can bypass this intrusion with VPN encryption.
• Circumvent ISP Bandwidth Throttling - A VPN will help you negate throttling by hiding your online data. Since your ISP won't get to see what you do online, it won't be able to slow you down.

How to Find the Best VPN for KuCoin?

A good VPN will give you the ability to unblock KuCoin from anywhere. It should also have a wide server network, a no-logs policy, and strong privacy features. Here's everything you need to keep in mind:

• Ability to Use KuCoin from Anywhere - If you're from a country where KuCoin doesn't work, you'll want your VPN to be able to unblock the crypto platform.
• Number and Location of VPN Servers - Your chosen VPN needs to have as many servers as possible in as many locations as possible. Going with nearby servers will give you the fastest performance possible.
• Verified No-Logs Policy - There's no need to allow anyone to see your crypto activities, and that includes your VPN as well. We recommend picking a VPN with an audited no-logs policy.
• Powerful Protocols and Data Encryption - Make sure your chosen VPN uses strong protocols such as OpenVPN and WireGuard. Those need to be paired with robust encryption ciphers, like AES-256 and ChaCha20.
• Obfuscated Servers - If you're in a more restrictive country, you'll appreciate having a VPN that uses obfuscation. That's because obfuscation uses smaller data packets, which means you'll more easily evade anti-VPN blocks and detection systems.
• Kill Switch and Split Tunneling - A kill switch will protect you if your VPN connection drops. Split tunneling allows you to create two tunnels, where one of those will use your regular, non-VPN connection.
• Browsing-Friendly Performance - The best VPNs out there will slow you down by 10% to 15%, so be extra careful if you have a relatively slow baseline connection.
• Simultaneous Connections and Supported Devices - Think about how many devices you want to cover and pay attention to the number of simultaneous connections you'll get. Also, aim for a VPN that offers native software across the board.
• Pricing and Value - The best VPN doesn't have to cost a lot, so make sure you're getting your money's worth. We recommend investing in a long-term plan, as that's where you'll find the biggest discounts.
• Money-Back Guarantees and Customer Support - What you'll want is a VPN with a generous money-back guarantee lasting for at least 30 days. Also, your VPN should offer 24/7 live chat support as well.

What Is KuCoin?

KuCoin is a cryptocurrency exchange platform that allows you to buy, sell, and trade over 750+ crypto tokens. At the moment, it's available in more than 200 countries, providing a whole range of trading tools and services to its users. That includes spot trading, margin trading, futures trading, and several investment options.

What's unique about KuCoin is a token called 'KuCoin Shares' (KCS), which acts as a way to attract new users to the platform. Holders of KCS receive a daily dividend, equal to 50% of trading feeds on the platforms. Those with enough CKS in their exchange account also receive a discount on trading fees.

Even though KuCoin is available in most countries around the world, it offers a very limited version in the United States, and it's banned in China.

KuCoin Restricted Countries

As of right now, KuCoin isn't available across a group of countries, with the United States and China being the biggest markets missing access to the platform. Here's the full list of where KuCoin is not available:

• United States (including Puerto Rico, Guam, and other US territories).
• Singapore
• China (including Hong Kong)
• Cuba
• Iran
• North Korea
• Syria
• Crimea
• Thailand
• Malaysia
• Uzbekistan
• Canada (Ontario)
• India

As you can see, KuCoin is accessible in almost every country except for those mentioned above. Thus, if you’re located in the US or China, you’ll have a wide range of countries to choose from when picking which VPN server to connect to. 

Make sure that you always pick the server closest to you, so you can get optimal speeds and the best performance possible. Picking a remote VPN server will almost always affect the speed of your Web connection.

Is KuCoin Available in the US?

KuCoin is available in the US but in a very limited form. The crypto platform doesn't have a specific license to operate in the US, which prevents American citizens from going through KuCoin's verification process.

In practice, this means that US citizens can access KuCoin and create an account. They can also withdraw 1 to 2 BTC every 24 hours, but that rule can suddenly change. To gain full access to the platform, registered KuCoin users need to prove their identity by uploading their ID card and going through a video-based verification process.

The problem is that KuCoin's verification process isn't available for those in the US. In other words, those from the US can't access KuCoin's full set of features, unless they use a VPN, which we'll talk about just below.

Why Is KuCoin Banned in the US?

KuCoin is banned in the US because the crypto platform failed to register with the US Financial Crimes Enforcement Network as a money services business. Also, KuCoin's founders have been recently charged with violating anti-money laundering laws.

More precisely, the lack of KYC ('Know Your Customer') and AML (anti-money-laundering) programs in the US have made KuCoin available to be used for criminal purposes. On top of that, the US FTC also filed a lawsuit against KuCoin, claiming that the platform failed to register as a futures commission merchant.

That said, the future of KuCoin in the US doesn't seem too bring. With several ongoing investigations targeting the crypto platform, it can take years for KuCoin to resolve its legal status in the US. Most likely, that will never happen.

Can You Use KuCoin In the US?

Yes, it's possible to use KuCoin in the US - but if you stick to minimal withdrawals only. You won't be able to complete KuCoin's verification process, so you won't gain full access to the platform.

The only way to use KuCoin in the US without any limitations is to have another country's citizenship, as you'll get to use that ID card to prove your identity. To make that process even possible, you'll need to use a VPN, such as NordVPN.

Connect to a VPN server in a country with full access to KuCoin. It's best to pick the country where your ID card originates from and then complete KuCoin's ID check. Once you've done that, you'll gain full access to the platform, even in the US.

Is KuCoin Legal in the US?

No, KuCoin doesn't have the required legal permissions in the US. This crypto platform is available in the US, and you can sign up for an account. However, your withdrawals will be limited to 1-2 BTC per day because KuCoin doesn't have full permission to operate in the US.

If you're a US citizen with another country's citizenship, you can use those ID documents to prove your identity and gain full access to KuCoin. Just make sure to use a VPN to initialize KuCoin's verification process. More precisely, we recommend you use NordVPN, as it offers servers in 111 countries.

Is It Advisable to Use a Free VPN for KuCoin?

No, it's not advisable to use a free VPN service to trade on KuCoin. In fact, there are plenty of extra reasons why using a free VPN is never a good idea.

Free VPNs come with limited bandwidth, so you'll be forced to stick to an allowance. They also have incredibly slow speeds, and since their servers are typically overcrowded, they'll throttle your speed.

Also, most free VPNs generate revenue by collecting your sensitive information and selling that data to third parties. We've also seen quite a few malicious free VPNs that inject ads as you browse the Web.

If you'd like a safer option, we recommend going for a free VPN trial offer. For example, NordVPN's trial can be started on Android and lasts for 7 days. This VPN also has a 30-day money-back policy that applies to all its supported devices.

Once you've gone through a few trials, you'll have an easier time picking a VPN. That's where our central guide to the top VPN services will come in handy.

Final Thoughts

KuCoin is a widely known crypto platform that's available in almost every country. However, it doesn’t own licenses for the US, China, Singapore, Canada (Ontario), or India. Furthermore, conducting any kind of crypto trading without protection can be risky. With a VPN, you can secure your financial activities and change your virtual location, allowing you to use KuCoin even while traveling.

The most effective option right now is NordVPN, which comes as the best VPN to use KuCoin in the US or anywhere else. NordVPN comes with strong unblocking capabilities, lightning-fast speeds, and stable crypto trading support. By giving you servers in 111 countries, you'll get unlimited options to gain full access to KuCoin, as well as total data privacy.

That’s all for our guide on choosing the best VPN for KuCoin. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to comment below. Thank you for reading!