IC Marketsvs
KuCoinCrypto Exchange Comparison
This comparison pits IC Markets, a regulated CFD broker, against KuCoin, a native crypto exchange. The tension centers on safety versus access to a wider token universe.
Who should choose IC Markets vs KuCoin?
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose if…
Choose IC Markets if you want regulated access to crypto CFDs with segregated client funds and negative balance protection.
Choose if…
Choose KuCoin if you want 700+ coins and native exchange access.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
Best for security
IC Markets vs KuCoin: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  IC Markets |  KuCoin |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 3.9/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | $200 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads From | 0 pips | N/A |
| Taker Fee | 7.00% | 0.10%▼ lower |
IC Markets vs KuCoin Crypto Exchange Pros & Cons
Pros
- ECN-adjacent raw spreads on crypto CFDs, tighter than most retail market makers
- All four platforms (MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView) support crypto CFDs from one account
- ASIC and CySEC regulated with segregated client funds and negative balance protection
- No inactivity fee; 24/7 customer support across multiple channels
Cons
- CFDs only, no real crypto ownership, staking, or on-chain withdrawals
IC Markets vs KuCoin: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
3
IC Markets
criteria wins
3
KuCoin
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | IC Markets | KuCoin |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Fail | Pass |
| Proof of reserves published | Fail | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Fail |
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.) | Pass | Fail |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Staking available | Fail | Pass |
| DeFi integration | Fail | Fail |
| NFT trading | Fail | Fail |
| 500+ coins listed | Fail | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
IC Markets vs KuCoin: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: IC Markets rates 4.1/5 and KuCoin rates 3.9/5. IC Markets 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.
IC Markets lists a spread from 0. Current spread data is not available for KuCoin. Check both exchanges' full fee schedules, including maker/taker rates, for up-to-date pricing.
KuCoin has no minimum deposit, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes KuCoin more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
IC Markets holds top-tier regulation (ASIC, CySEC, FSCA), providing stronger investor protections. KuCoin may be regulated but does not hold top-tier status in our data. Verify regulatory status on each regulator's public register before depositing funds.
For beginners, two factors stand out: KuCoin has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and IC Markets provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
IC Markets offers up to 2:1 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 IC Markets's $7 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.
IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4, while KuCoin supports KuCoin. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and MetaTrader 5 and TradingView and MetaTrader 4. KuCoin has exclusive access to KuCoin.
KuCoin offers staking while IC Markets does not according to our data. Staking lets you earn passive yield on your crypto holdings directly through the exchange. Check KuCoin's supported coins, lock-up terms, and estimated yields before committing.
KuCoin lists 500+ coins while IC Markets does not meet this threshold in our data. For traders who want access to many altcoins, KuCoin has the broader selection. Confirm specific coin availability for your region on each exchange's website.
