How To Use KuCoin in the US: Updated in 2026

If you’re in the US and can’t log into KuCoin to access your accounts, you’re not alone. I remember first reading about the KuCoin crypto crackdown in early 2023 (New York State Attorney General)¹. With the ensuing wave of community posts about deadlines, verification requirements, and what to do next, it was clear that US citizens should be concerned.

Can people in the US use KuCoin? No, as of January 2025, KuCoin accounts identified as US users were closed for trading and login (Reuters)². This is because the crypto platform pleaded guilty to federal charges for operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business and agreed to cease US market operations for at least 2 years.

Existing US users must go through a special withdrawal process in accordance with the exchange’s official Asset Retrieval Guidelines. I’ll walk you through how to withdraw your assets safely, complete the required verification, and transfer your crypto to a compliant US exchange or hardware wallet. Plus, I'll provide a clear guide on how to securely use KuCoin from anywhere.

Is KuCoin Legal in the US?

The US is a KuCoin restricted jurisdiction, and operations are no longer allowed within the country. In January 2025, the exchange pleaded guilty to federal charges for violating anti–money laundering regulations. This includes a complete ban on new account registrations, deposits, and trading services for anyone using a US IP address.

KuCoin won’t let you log in when it detects your IP address is in a restricted region

Can US customers withdraw from KuCoin? US residents can still withdraw assets from KuCoin under the exchange’s official Asset Retrieval Guidelines. You'll need to log in, verify your identity, and withdraw remaining funds to an external wallet or a licensed American exchange. This process is strictly limited to withdrawals, and once your funds are out, your account will remain inactive for trading or deposits.

Why is KuCoin Restricted in the US?

KuCoin’s problems with US regulators stem from a series of enforcement actions that reached a critical point in early 2025. Although the exchange serves more than 40 million users across 200 countries (PR Newswire)³ it pleaded guilty to operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business and agreed to pay around $300 million in penalties.

This plea deal followed DOJ and CFTC investigations that began in March 2024, which alleged that KuCoin allowed US customers to trade without the required registrations and failed to implement proper money-laundering safeguards. As part of the settlement, KuCoin must stop all US operations for at least two years, which means:

• No new US accounts or trading allowed. KuCoin can no longer offer spot, futures, or staking products to users located in the United States.
• Existing US users are limited to asset retrieval. Accounts that were already active before the ban can only withdraw funds in accordance with the official Asset Retrieval Guidelines.
• Non-KYC US users face stricter limits. If your account was never verified, you may need to complete identity checks before KuCoin lets you withdraw or even log in.

In short, KuCoin is no longer legally accessible to US traders, and its focus has shifted entirely to helping them safely withdraw their remaining funds.

Step-By-Step Guide To Withdraw KuCoin Funds

If you still have KuCoin funds sitting in your account, like some of my US colleagues, don’t panic. KuCoin has introduced an official Asset Retrieval process to help you safely withdraw your crypto.

Here’s how to safely withdraw and close your KuCoin account:

1. Follow the Asset Retrieval Guidelines

Visit the KuCoin website. If your account is flagged as a US user, you’ll likely see a message redirecting you to the Asset Retrieval page. Follow that link, and it’ll confirm your eligibility for withdrawal.

If you can’t access your dashboard, open a support ticket right away. Once you’re in, locate and navigate to the Identity Verification section within your KuCoin account.

Confirming your account not only boosts security but also raises your withdrawal limits

2. Verify Your Identity

You’ll need to prove your identity before KuCoin lets you move any assets. Get these ready:

• A valid government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license, or national ID).
• A selfie holding that ID.
• Proof of address, such as a bank statement or utility bill.

KuCoin uses this information to confirm you’re the rightful account owner. Once approved, your account will be temporarily unlocked for withdrawals, but you'll still be unable to trade or deposit.

Ensure the information you provide is accurate and matches the supporting documents you’ll provide

3. Choose Your Withdrawal Destination (Wallet or US-Compliant Exchange)

Before you withdraw, decide where your crypto is going. This part is important:

• If you want long-term safety, use a hardware wallet like Ledger or Trezor.
• If you prefer quick digital access, go with a software wallet such as Trust Wallet or MetaMask.
• If you plan to sell or convert your assets to USD, transfer them to a regulated US exchange like Coinbase, Kraken, or Uphold.

Double-check the destination address before confirming the withdrawal. Once it’s sent, there’s no reversing it.

4. Withdraw Major Tokens First

Start with widely supported coins like BTC, ETH, and USDT, and use networks with the lowest fees (e.g., ERC-20, TRC-20, or BEP-20, depending on compatibility). Make sure the withdrawal chain matches the network of your receiving wallet, as sending coins to an unsupported chain can result in permanent loss.

After completing your withdrawals, lock down your KuCoin account to keep it secure. Disable API keys, unlink connected devices, and remove third-party trading apps. If you’ve used KuCoin bots or external portfolio trackers, disconnect those too. Clearing cached logins and stored credentials helps prevent future access risks.

5. Document Everything

Keep a record of every step. Save screenshots, email confirmations, and support tickets. These will help if you ever need to prove account ownership or resolve a withdrawal issue later on.

What To Look for in a VPN for KuCoin

A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and sends it through a secure server, which helps hide your IP address. For KuCoin, it’s best to use a VPN that protects your connection without causing unnecessary account-access issues.

When choosing a VPN for KuCoin, focus on these features:

• Stable connections: Frequent drops or sudden location changes can interrupt access and trigger extra account checks.
• A kill switch: This blocks internet traffic if the VPN disconnects, helping keep your real IP address from being exposed.
• IP and DNS leak protection: This helps prevent your actual location or DNS requests from slipping outside the VPN connection.
• Secure protocols: Options like WireGuard or OpenVPN are widely used for protecting sensitive activity online.
• A no-logs policy: This means the VPN provider states that it doesn’t store your browsing or connection activity.
• Reliable server performance: Consistent servers can help reduce connection problems during login and account activity.

Common KuCoin VPN Errors and Quick Fixes

Even with a reliable VPN, you might still run into occasional login or connection issues on KuCoin. These usually occur due to mismatched IP data, outdated cache, or blocked VPN servers. Here are the most common problems and how to fix them fast.

1. “Access Restricted” or “User Forbidden 4112” error. This appears when KuCoin detects that your connection doesn’t match the region linked to your verified account. To fix this, disconnect and reconnect to a server in the same country you used for KYC verification. Then, clear cookies and cache, reload KuCoin in a private or incognito window. If the issue persists, switch to another server within the same region.
2. VPN connection drops mid-session. Losing your VPN connection while trading can expose your real IP address, which may trigger a temporary login freeze. So, make sure to enable your VPN’s kill switch. Also, turn on Auto-Connect so the VPN reconnects automatically if your internet connection drops.
3. Slow page loads or lag when trading. Heavy server load or long-distance routing can slow down your connection. To fix this issue, connect to the closest available server in a country where KuCoin is supported. Also, change your VPN protocol to WireGuard, Lightway (ExpressVPN), or OpenVPN UDP for faster performance.
4. Login verification code not received. KuCoin sometimes delays verification emails or SMS codes when you connect from a new IP address. So, use the same VPN server each time you log in to maintain IP consistency. Also, check your spam folder or wait a few minutes before requesting a new code.
5. Account temporarily locked after multiple attempts. Frequent failed logins or rapidly changing IP addresses can trigger KuCoin’s fraud prevention system. To fix this, stick to a single server location for all trading sessions. If you’re locked out, contact KuCoin Support and verify your identity to restore access.

Where is KuCoin legal?

KuCoin operates legally in most countries across Europe, Asia, and Latin America, but its availability depends on local financial and cryptocurrency regulations. The platform holds licenses or operates in compliance with regulatory frameworks in several jurisdictions, allowing users there to trade, stake, and access complete KYC services.

If you’re based in a supported country, KuCoin offers full functionality, including margin and futures trading, staking rewards, and fiat gateways. Some of the most stable regions for KuCoin access include:

• Germany
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• Japan
• South Korea
• Mexico

According to KuCoin’s official policy and public statements, the exchange’s services are not available in certain restricted regions. These include:

• The United States and its territories
• Mainland China and Hong Kong
• Singapore
• Thailand
• Malaysia
• Ontario, Canada

In these countries, you can access only limited functions, such as fund withdrawals (if permitted), and cannot complete KYC verification for trading or deposits.

Best KuCoin Alternatives For US Traders

If you’ve already withdrawn your funds from KuCoin, you’ll need a trustworthy, regulated exchange to continue trading or managing your crypto. The following platforms are fully licensed, easy to use, and offer the kind of stability KuCoin users often look for.

FAQs

References

1. https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2023/attorney-general-james-continues-crackdown-unregistered-cryptocurrency-platforms
2. https://www.reuters.com/technology/kucoin-pleads-guilty-agrees-pay-nearly-300-million-us-crypto-case-2025-01-27/
3. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kucoin-surpasses-40-million-registered-users-demonstrating-commitment-to-compliance-and-innovation-302419850.html