Two native exchanges compete on security, coin depth, and fee structures. HTX leans on regulation and PoR, while KuCoin emphasizes broader token access.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose if…
Choose HTX if you prioritize regulatory oversight and monthly proof of reserves.
Choose if…
Choose KuCoin if you want the broadest coin selection and Spotlight IEO access.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.8/ 5 | 3.9/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads From | N/A | N/A |
| Taker Fee | 0.20% | 0.10%▼ lower |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | HTX | KuCoin |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Pass | Pass |
| Proof of reserves published | Pass | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Fail | Fail |
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.) | Fail | Fail |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Staking available | Pass | Pass |
| DeFi integration | Fail | Fail |
| NFT trading | Fail | Fail |
| 500+ coins listed | Pass | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Fail | Fail |
The scores are close: HTX rates 3.8/5 and KuCoin rates 3.9/5. KuCoin has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
Neither HTX nor KuCoin requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
HTX is regulated by AUSTRAC, VARA. KuCoin is regulated by authorities listed on their website. Confirm a exchange's current regulatory status on the relevant regulator's public register before opening an account.
Minimum deposit and negative balance protection data are not confirmed for this pair. Check the regulatory body for each exchange, as the licence tier is a reliable proxy for client fund safety. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each exchange's site.
HTX offers up to 200:1 on perpetual or margin products, versus KuCoin's 10:1 cap. Margin and futures trading carry higher risk than spot crypto; confirm product availability and jurisdiction-specific limits on each exchange's website.
KuCoin charges $0.1 per trade, lower than HTX's $0.2 per trade. Lower commissions benefit active traders who execute many trades per day. Crypto fees are typically quoted as maker/taker rates rather than fixed per-trade commissions; check each exchange's fee schedule for volume-based discounts.
HTX supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, while KuCoin supports KuCoin. HTX has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile. KuCoin has exclusive access to KuCoin.
HTX scores higher on security criteria, with cold storage and proof of reserves. For crypto, cold storage and proof of reserves are key indicators that client assets are protected against exchange failure or hacks.
Both HTX and KuCoin offer staking according to our data. Compare the supported coins, lock-up periods, and estimated annual yields on each exchange before committing funds.
Both HTX and KuCoin list 500+ coins according to our data, making both strong choices for traders seeking broad crypto selection. Check each exchange's specific asset list for the exact coins available in your region.
HTX wins for security because it is VARA/AUSTRAC-regulated and offers monthly Merkle tree proof of reserves.
KuCoin wins for coin selection with 700+ listed coins.
Both HTX and KuCoin offer staking and yield-earning features, making them equally suited for passive crypto income strategies.
HTX offers lower futures maker and taker fees than KuCoin.
Equally matched; neither offers explicit DeFi or Web3 features beyond standard trading.
| N/A |
| N/A |
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free (crypto/bank); card fees apply |
|---|
| Deposit methods | CryptoBank transferCredit cardDebit card | CryptoBank transferCredit cardDebit cardP2P |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | CryptoBank transfer | CryptoBank transferCredit cardP2P |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Network fee only | Network fee only |
|---|
| Regulators | AUSTRAC VARA CIMA | — |
|---|
| Cold Storage | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Proof of Reserves | Yes | No |
|---|
| Staking | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| DeFi Integration | No | No |
|---|
| NFT Trading | No | No |
|---|
| 500+ Coins | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| P2P Trading | No | Yes |
|---|
| Crypto Earn / Savings | No | Yes |
|---|
| Token Launchpad | No | Yes |
|---|
| Active bonuses | 2 offers | 2 offers |
|---|
HTX and KuCoin are closely matched overall. HTX offers monthly PoR with Merkle proof and VARA/AUSTRAC regulation, while KuCoin has no top-tier regulator.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.8 / 5
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