This matchup pits KuCoin, a native crypto exchange with broad asset coverage, against Plus500, a regulated crypto CFD broker. The tension centers on asset depth, pricing clarity, and platform features.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose if…
Choose KuCoin if you want a native exchange with 700+ coins, advanced charting tools, and no inactivity fee.
Choose if…
Choose Plus500 if you prefer a regulated CFD platform with strong investor protections, including negative balance protection and segregated client funds.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.9/ 5 | 3.7/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $100 |
| Spreads From | N/A | 0.6 pips |
| Taker Fee | 0.10% | N/A |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | KuCoin | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Pass | Fail |
| Proof of reserves published | Fail | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Fail | Pass |
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.) | Fail | Pass |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Fail |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Fail |
| Features | ||
| Staking available | Pass | Fail |
| DeFi integration | Fail | Fail |
| NFT trading | Fail | Fail |
| 500+ coins listed | Pass | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Fail | Fail |
The scores are close: KuCoin rates 3.9/5 and Plus500 rates 3.7/5. 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.
Plus500 lists a spread from 0.6. 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 Plus500 requires at least $100. This makes KuCoin more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
Plus500 holds top-tier regulation (ASIC, CySEC, CMA), 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 Plus500 provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
KuCoin offers up to 10:1 on perpetual or margin products, versus Plus500's 2:1 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 on commission-based accounts. Commission details for Plus500 are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. 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.
KuCoin supports KuCoin, while Plus500 supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. KuCoin has exclusive access to KuCoin. Plus500 has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
KuCoin scores better on fee criteria (no deposit fee, no inactivity fee). Always check both exchanges' current fee schedules, as maker/taker rates and withdrawal fees vary and are subject to change.
KuCoin offers staking while Plus500 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 Plus500 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.
Plus500 wins for security, with FCA/ASIC/MAS regulation and segregated client funds.
KuCoin wins for lower fees with transparent 0.10% maker/taker pricing.
Plus500 wins for beginners with a clean, beginner-friendly platform and no minimum deposit.
KuCoin offers staking and yield-earning options while Plus500 does not, making KuCoin the better choice for holders who want to earn passive income on their crypto.
KuCoin wins for DeFi & Web3 thanks to staking and native exchange features.
| N/A |
| N/A |
| Inactivity Fee | None | $10/month (after 3 months) |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free (crypto/bank); card fees apply | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | CryptoBank transferCredit cardDebit cardP2P | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPalSkrillApple Pay |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | CryptoBank transferCredit cardP2P | Bank transferCredit cardPayPalSkrill |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Network fee only | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | — | ASIC CySEC CMA FCA MAS |
|---|
| Cold Storage | Yes | No |
|---|
| Proof of Reserves | No | No |
|---|
| Staking | Yes | No |
|---|
| DeFi Integration | No | No |
|---|
| NFT Trading | No | No |
|---|
| 500+ Coins | Yes | No |
|---|
| P2P Trading | Yes | No |
|---|
| Crypto Earn / Savings | Yes | No |
|---|
| Token Launchpad | Yes | No |
|---|
| Active bonuses | 2 offers | None |
|---|
KuCoin lists 700+ coins while Plus500 offers 15+, making coin selection the clearest differentiator in this close comparison.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.7 / 5
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