KuCoin vs Deribit: Analysis & Comparison !?

When it comes to crypto trading, choosing the right platform can make all the difference. KuCoin and Deribit are two prominent exchanges catering to different trading needs.

KuCoin is renowned for its wide selection of cryptocurrencies and trading options, including futures and margin trading. On the other hand, Deribit has carved a niche for itself as a specialist in crypto derivatives, particularly options and futures trading, with high leverage.

In this post, we’ll compare KuCoin and Deribit regarding features, trading fees, security, and user experience to help you decide which platform best suits your needs.

KuCoin vs. Deribit: Comparative Table

Feature	KuCoin	Deribit
Foundation	2017, Founded by Michael Gan and Eric Don	2016, Founded by John Jansen, Marius Jansen
Supported Coins	750+ cryptocurrencies	Primarily BTC and ETH
Leverage	Up to 100x	Up to 100x
Trading Volume	High	Moderate
Fees	0.1% Spot, 0.02%-0.06% Futures	0.02%-0.04% Futures
Deposit Methods	Crypto deposits	Crypto deposits
Withdrawal Fees	Variable	Generally lower
Trading Types	Spot, Futures, Margin, P2P	Futures
User Score	High user satisfaction	Positive, but fewer reviews
Unique Features	Earn products, NFT Marketplace	Focus on Derivatives

Both exchanges were founded in the mid-2010s, with KuCoin in 2017 by Michael Gan and Eric Don and Deribit in 2016 by John Jansen and Marius Jansen.

KuCoin offers a broad selection of over 750 cryptocurrencies, allowing diversified trading. Deribit focuses on Bitcoin and Ethereum, providing a niche market for derivatives traders.

Both exchanges offer significant leverage options, up to 100x.

You will find that KuCoin has a high futures trading volume, making it suitable for active traders. Deribit has moderate trading volume but excels in futures trading with competitive fees.

KuCoin supports various trading types: spot, futures, margin, and peer-to-peer. Deribit focuses primarily on futures trading.

Fee structures differ slightly: KuCoin charges 0.1% for spot trading and between 0.02% and 0.06% for futures. Deribit maintains futures fees between 0.02% and 0.04%.

Crypto deposits are supported on both platforms. However, KuCoin generally has variable withdrawal fees, while Deribit imposes lower withdrawal fees.

KuCoin boasts high user satisfaction and offers unique features like earning products and an NFT marketplace. Deribit concentrates on derivatives, providing a specialized trading experience.

 

KuCoin vs Deribit: Products and Services

• Spot Trading

KuCoin offers a wide range of cryptocurrencies for spot trading. This includes well-known coins and a variety of altcoins. The platform provides a comprehensive trading experience suitable for beginners and experienced traders.

Deribit, in contrast, does not support spot trading. It specializes in other types of trading, making it a better fit for traders focusing on futures and options.

• Futures Trading

Both KuCoin and Deribit support futures trading. KuCoin provides extensive tools and a user-friendly interface, catering to a broad audience. You will find various futures contracts available on KuCoin with diverse leverage options.

Deribit is highly focused on futures trading, offering competitive fees and a platform designed for advanced traders. Its futures trading services are renowned for reliability and high liquidity.

• Options Trading

KuCoin does not currently offer options trading. This might be a limitation if you are looking for various trading products.

Deribit excels in options trading. It is one of the few exchanges that provide a robust and sophisticated environment for trading cryptocurrency options. If options trading interests you, Deribit is a clear frontrunner.

• Leveraged Tokens

Leveraged tokens can be traded on KuCoin, providing additional ways to amplify gains or losses. These tokens are designed for those seeking higher risk and reward strategies.

Deribit does not offer leveraged tokens. This may limit your options if you are looking for alternative leveraged products.

• Staking

KuCoin offers staking services across a variety of cryptocurrencies. You can earn rewards by staking your coins directly on the platform. This feature adds a passive income stream to your trading activities.

Deribit does not provide staking services. If passive income from staking is essential to you, KuCoin has the advantage here.

• NFT Marketplace

KuCoin features an NFT marketplace, allowing you to buy and sell non-fungible tokens. This expanding sector offers you opportunities beyond traditional trading.

Deribit does not offer an NFT marketplace. If you are interested in NFTs, KuCoin offers more diverse options.

KuCoin provides a broader range of services, making it a versatile platform for various trading needs. Deribit excels in futures and options trading, catering to advanced traders seeking specialized products.

 

KuCoin vs Deribit: Contract Types

When comparing KuCoin and Deribit, looking at their contract types is essential, as they offer different benefits and drawbacks for various trading strategies.

Inverse Perpetual Contracts

• Deribit: Offers inverse perpetual contracts where the contract size is denominated in USD, but margins and payouts are in the underlying cryptocurrency.
• KuCoin: It also provides inverse perpetual contracts with similar features, making them suitable if you prefer using cryptocurrency for account collateral.

Linear Perpetual Contracts

• Deribit: Focuses on inverse perpetual and options but does not offer linear perpetual contracts.
• KuCoin: Offers linear perpetual contracts, where the margin is in the quote currency (usually USDT). This simplifies calculations and is preferable for those holding stablecoin collateral.

Inverse Futures Contracts

• Deribit: Includes inverse futures contracts. These are similar to inverse perpetual but come with an expiration date.
• KuCoin: Supports inverse futures, which are helpful if you aim to hedge or speculate over a defined period.

COIN-M Futures

• Deribit: Does not offer COIN-M futures.
• KuCoin: Provides COIN-M futures, which use the underlying cryptocurrency for margin and settlement. These are beneficial if you wish to avoid holding fiat or stablecoins.

USD-M Futures

• Deribit: Limited focus on this contract type.
• KuCoin: Supports USD-M futures. These use USD (or stablecoins pegged to USD) for margin and settlement, adding flexibility for traders who prefer stable collateral.

Options

• Deribit: Known for a comprehensive options market, including BTC and ETH options, offering calls and puts with various strike prices and expiration dates.
• KuCoin: Limited or no options trading, making Deribit a better choice if you are interested in options trading strategies.

You can better select the platform that aligns with your trading preferences and financial goals using these contact details. KuCoin provides various derivative products, while Deribit specializes in options and inverse contracts.

 

KuCoin vs Deribit: Supported Cryptocurrencies

When comparing KuCoin and Deribit, the number of supported cryptocurrencies is critical for many traders. KuCoin is renowned for its extensive selection of cryptocurrencies.

KuCoin:

• Supports over 700 cryptocurrencies.
• Offers a wide range of trading pairs across various markets.
• Provides futures and leverage trading for many top cryptocurrencies, including BTC, ETH, LTC, and XRP.

Deribit:

• Focuses more narrowly on fewer cryptocurrencies.
• Primarily supports BTC and ETH for futures and options trading.
• Known for its specialization in derivatives trading, providing high liquidity for these assets.

Futures and Leverage Trading

KuCoin:

• Many cryptocurrencies are available for futures trading
• Popular futures pairs: BTC/USDT, ETH/USDT, and XRP/USDT

Deribit:

• Futures and leverage trading primarily for BTC and ETH.
• We are focused on providing deep liquidity and robust trading tools for these assets.

This difference in the number of supported cryptocurrencies can significantly impact your trading strategy.

KuCoin’s extensive list may offer more opportunities, while Deribit’s specialization might deliver a more focused and professional trading environment for specific assets.

 

KuCoin vs Deribit: Leverage and Margin Trading

Regarding leveraging and margin trading, both KuCoin and Deribit offer distinct features that enable you to amplify your trading positions and potential returns.

KuCoin provides margin trading with up to 10x leverage. If you have $100 in your account, you can trade with $1,000.

You’ll need to maintain your margin level to avoid liquidation when your margin drops below the required threshold. KuCoin charges a funding rate, which varies depending on market conditions and the specific cryptocurrency being traded.

On the other hand, Deribit specializes in futures and options trading, offering significantly higher leverage. For Bitcoin, you can leverage up to 100x. With Ethereum, you can leverage up to 50x.

Given the high leverage, the margin requirements are stricter, and risk management becomes crucial.

Deribit employs an auto-liquidation mechanism to protect against significant losses, and it also charges a funding rate that fluctuates based on market demand.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	KuCoin	Deribit
Maximum Leverage	Up to 10x	Up to 100x (BTC), 50x (ETH)
Margin Requirement	Varies by asset	Strict, based on leverage used
Liquidation	Below margin threshold	Auto-liquidation system
Funding Rate	Variable	Variable, market-driven

By understanding these features, you can make a more informed decision on which platform best aligns with your trading strategy.

 

KuCoin vs Deribit: Trading Volume

When evaluating KuCoin and Deribit, trading volume is a critical factor. Higher trading volumes often indicate better liquidity, leading to more efficient trading, better execution, and reduced slippage.

KuCoin Trading Volume

KuCoin has established itself as one of the leading cryptocurrency exchanges in terms of trading volume. According to the search results, KuCoin boasts a more extensive user base and trading volume than Deribit.

This high volume shows substantial liquidity, which benefits traders by minimizing slippage and improving order execution speed.

Deribit Trading Volume

Deribit, on the other hand, specializes in crypto derivatives. Although it may not have as high a spot trading volume as KuCoin, its derivatives trading volume is impressive.

In August 2024, Deribit’s derivatives market volume rose to $42 billion, reflecting significant growth even in a generally declining market.

Metric	KuCoin	Deribit
User Base	Larger	Smaller
Spot Trading Volume	Higher	Lower
Derivatives Volume	Lower	Higher

Impact on Trading Efficiency

Higher trading volumes on KuCoin generally result in better liquidity for spot trading, enhancing efficiency and reducing slippage.

On the derivatives side, Deribit’s high trading volume leads to better contract liquidity, which is crucial for traders looking to enter and exit positions quickly.

While KuCoin excels in spot trading volume, Deribit leads in the derivatives market. Choose the platform that aligns with your trading needs—whether you prefer the depth of spot markets or the leverage of derivatives trading.

 

KuCoin vs Deribit: Futures Trading Fees and Rewards

When trading futures on KuCoin, you will encounter a structured fee system. The maker fee is 0.02%, and the taker fee is 0.06%.

These rates can significantly impact your trading costs, especially if you are a frequent trader. You can benefit from additional fee discounts and rewards if you participate in KuCoin’s various promotional campaigns.

In comparison, Deribit has a slightly different fee structure. For Bitcoin and Ethereum futures, the maker fee is -0.01% (a rebate), and the taker fee is 0.05%.

This means that you get paid a small rebate by providing liquidity, which can enhance your profitability.

However, the taker fees are generally lower than what KuCoin charges, making it more cost-effective for those who frequently take liquidity from the market.

Fee Comparison

Fee Type	KuCoin (Futures)	Deribit (Futures)
Maker Fee	0.02%	-0.01% (Rebate)
Taker Fee	0.06%	0.05%
BTC Withdrawal Fee	0.0004 BTC	Varies (depends on the network)
Deposit Fee	Free	Free

For example, executing a trade on KuCoin worth 1 BTC with a 0.02% maker fee will pay 0.0002 BTC. On Deribit, for the same trade with a -0.01% maker fee, you receive a rebate of 0.0001 BTC.

KuCoin offers you deep liquidity, but Deribit incentivizes market-making more effectively.

Regarding rewards, KuCoin runs loyalty programs and futures trading campaigns where you can win bonuses like USDT shares.

Deribit, meanwhile, focuses on offering fee rebates and maintaining a user-friendly platform that appeals to novice and experienced traders.

Understanding these fees and rewards helps you maximize your potential profits and choose the platform that best suits your trading style.

 

KuCoin vs Deribit: Deposits & Withdrawal Options

KuCoin and Deribit offer distinct options for deposits and withdrawals, impacting your convenience, speed, and cost.

KuCoin supports many cryptocurrencies, such as BTC, ETH, KCS, SHIB, and DOGE. You can also use fiat for deposits. Supported fiat options include USD, EUR, and more. Payment methods vary from bank transfers to credit cards.

Deposits on KuCoin are generally processed within minutes for cryptocurrencies but may take a few days for fiat due to bank processing times.

Withdrawal times for cryptocurrencies can be almost instantaneous, depending on network congestion. KuCoin imposes minimum and maximum limits that vary per cryptocurrency and method.

Deribit, on the other hand, is more specialized in cryptocurrency trading, particularly with Bitcoin and Ethereum.

It doesn’t support fiat deposits or withdrawals, limiting its options to cryptocurrencies only. This might be inconvenient if you prefer more traditional payment methods.

Deposits and withdrawals on Deribit are processed quickly, thanks to its focus on cryptocurrency transactions. However, the speed can still be affected by network conditions.

Processing times are generally reliable, within minutes to a few hours. Minimum and maximum limits are also specified for each cryptocurrency, ensuring flexibility depending on your trading size.

Feature	KuCoin	Deribit
Supported Currencies	USD, EUR, BTC, ETH, KCS, SHIB, DOGE	BTC, ETH
Payment Methods	Bank transfer, credit card, crypto	Crypto only
Processing Times	Crypto: minutes, Fiat: days	Minutes to hours
Minimum Limits	Varies by method and currency	Varies by currency
Maximum Limits	Varies by method and currency	Varies by currency

Your choice between KuCoin and Deribit will largely depend on your preference for fiat support and cryptocurrency options.

 

KuCoin vs Deribit: Native Token Usage

KuCoin has its native token known as KuCoin Token (KCS). Launched in 2017, KCS serves multiple purposes within the KuCoin ecosystem.

One of the primary benefits of holding KCS is the ability to receive discounted trading fees. You can enjoy various fee discounts based on your holdings, significantly reducing your overall trading costs.

Additionally, KCS holders are rewarded with daily bonuses. The rewards are calculated based on the amount of KCS you hold and the overall trading volume on the platform.

Deribit, on the other hand, does not have a native token. The platform focuses primarily on futures and options trading for Bitcoin and Ethereum.

As a result, you won’t find token-based incentives or discounts when trading on Deribit. Instead, the platform offers competitive fee structures and high liquidity to attract traders.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	KuCoin (KCS)	Deribit
Native Token	Yes	No
Discounted Fees	Yes, based on KCS	No
Token Rewards	Daily bonuses for KCS	Not applicable
Additional Utilities	Various in-exchange perks	Not applicable

When considering which platform might be more beneficial based on native token usage, KuCoin offers multiple advantages through its KCS token. At the same time, Deribit does not employ a token-based incentive system.

 

KuCoin vs Deribit: KYC Requirements & KYC Limits

When comparing KuCoin and Deribit, understanding their KYC requirements and limits is crucial for evaluating privacy, security, and accessibility.

KuCoin has enforced mandatory KYC for all new users since July 15, 2023. Without KYC verification, your access to most features is restricted, though you can still withdraw funds. Here’s a look at KuCoin’s KYC levels:

• Level 1: Basic personal information and ID verification. Benefits include higher daily withdrawal limits.
• Level 2: Additional document verification. Unlocks even greater limits and features.

Required documents for KuCoin include a valid government-issued ID, proof of address, and sometimes a selfie for face verification.

Deribit, on the other hand, has a more flexible approach. While KYC is not mandatory for all activities, it is required for higher limits and specific features. Deribit has the following KYC levels:

• Level 0: No KYC. Very low withdrawal and trading limits.
• Level 1: Basic personal information. Moderate withdrawal and trading limits.
• Level 2: Proof of ID and address. Higher limits and full platform access.

The documents needed for Deribit’s KYC process include a government-issued ID, proof of address, and additional documentation based on the KYC level.

Examining Limits:

Exchange	KYC Level	Withdrawal Limits	Trading Limits
KuCoin	Level 1	Moderate	Moderate
KuCoin	Level 2	High	High
Deribit	Level 0	Very Low	Very Low
Deribit	Level 1	Moderate	Moderate
Deribit	Level 2	High	High

 

Privacy & Security Impact:

KuCoin’s compulsory KYC enhances security and compliance, reducing the risks of illegal activities. Deribit’s optional KYC provides more privacy but limits access without verification.

Considering these factors helps you decide which exchange aligns with your privacy, security, and trading flexibility needs.

 

KuCoin vs Deribit: User Experience

When comparing KuCoin and Deribit, you’ll find differences in their platforms, interfaces, and features across mobile apps and web interfaces.

KuCoin offers a user-friendly interface designed for ease of use. The platform’s design is intuitive, making navigation smooth whether you are a beginner or an experienced trader. To know more, check this KuCoin futures tutorial.

Deribit, on the other hand, focuses on providing a slick and professional trading environment, which seasoned traders especially appreciate. Its interface may appear more complex initially, but it offers a robust trading experience once mastered. To know more, check this Deribit futures tutorial.

Mobile apps are crucial for on-the-go trading. KuCoin’s mobile app is highly rated for its performance and accessibility, allowing you to trade effortlessly anywhere, anytime.

Deribit’s mobile app offers advanced trading features, emulating its web counterpart. It might take some time to get used to, but it provides powerful tools for serious traders.

Feature	KuCoin	Deribit
Ease of Use	Beginner-friendly, intuitive	Intermediate to advanced
Speed	Fast, responsive	Efficient, optimized
Design	Clean, colorful	Professional, sleek
Functionality	Wide range of supported cryptos	Specialized in leverage trading
Mobile App	High usability, simple navigation	Advanced features, steeper learning curve

KuCoin’s design emphasizes accessibility and ease, making it simple for new users. Meanwhile, Deribit provides a professional trading experience, which might require some learning but rewards with advanced functionality.

 

KuCoin vs. Deribit: Order Types

When comparing KuCoin and Deribit, each platform’s variety of order types plays a crucial role in executing effective trading strategies.

Market Orders allow you to buy or sell immediately at the best available price. Both KuCoin and Deribit support this for quick trades.

Limit Orders let you set a specific price to buy or sell. If the market reaches that price, the order is executed. This is available on both exchanges.

Stop Orders are vital for managing risks. KuCoin offers stop-limit and stop-market orders, while Deribit provides similar functionality with stop orders.

Conditional Orders are available on both platforms to help you execute trades based on specific conditions. These include advanced versions like trail stops and OCO (One-Cancels-the-Other) orders.

Post-Only Orders ensure your order adds liquidity to the market. KuCoin supports this, allowing traders to avoid taker fees.

Reduce-Only Orders automatically adjust position sizes, making it easier to manage existing trades. Deribit supports this type, which helps leverage positions.

Comparison Table

Order Type	KuCoin	Deribit
Market Orders	✅	✅
Limit Orders	✅	✅
Stop Orders	✅ (Limit, Market)	✅
Conditional Orders	✅	✅
Post-Only Orders	✅	❌
Reduce-Only Orders	❌	✅

Understanding these order types helps you tailor your trading strategies to specific needs and market conditions. KuCoin and Deribit offer robust options that cater to beginners and experienced traders.

 

KuCoin vs Deribit: Security Measures & Reliability

• Security Measures

KuCoin emphasizes user security through several advanced measures.

The platform uses bank-level encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), anti-phishing codes, and address allowlisting. Creating a trading password offers additional protection for transactions and withdrawals.

Deribit also places high importance on security. It utilizes robust 2FA, withdrawal allowlisting, and PGP email encryption. Regular security audits are conducted to maintain a high level of protection.

• Reliability

KuCoin has faced security incidents in the past. Most notably, in 2020, it experienced a significant hack but quickly responded by working with other exchanges and law enforcement to recover a substantial portion of the stolen funds.

This incident led to an enhancement of its security protocols.

Deribit is known for its reliability and has not experienced any high-profile security breaches. Its commitment to rigorous security practices contributes to its strong reputation among users.

Security Features Comparison

Feature	KuCoin	Deribit
2FA	Yes	Yes
Anti-Phishing Codes	Yes	No
Withdrawal Allowlisting	Yes	Yes
Bank-Level Encryption	Yes	No
PGP Email Encryption	No	Yes

Both exchanges offer solid security features, but the slight edge may go to KuCoin for its additional protective measures like anti-phishing codes. However, Deribit’s impeccable track record underscores its reliability in maintaining fund safety.

Incident Response

KuCoin’s response to its security breach involved aggressive and transparent actions to recover funds and strengthen security measures. These efforts have reassured many users of its reliability.

Deribit’s lack of significant incidents is a testament to their preemptive security approach. They maintain a high-reliability standard by consistently executing security audits and updates.

 

KuCoin vs Deribit: Regulatory Compliance

When evaluating KuCoin and Deribit on regulatory compliance, it’s essential to consider their adherence to legal and ethical standards in various jurisdictions.

KuCoin

KuCoin prioritizes regulatory compliance actively. The platform has implemented robust security measures to ensure a secure trading experience.

Notably, it has registered with India’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), making it among the first global crypto exchanges to do so. This registration underscores its commitment to complying with local laws and regulations.

Deribit

Deribit, based in the Netherlands, offers its trading services in over 200 countries. While it has expanded globally, it faces challenges due to varying regulations in different regions.

Deribit relocated its operations to Panama to circumvent the stringent European Union regulations, highlighting some compliance hurdles.

Audits and Certifications

KuCoin has not publicly disclosed extensive information on third-party audits or certifications. Its efforts toward regulatory compliance are more transparent in its partnerships and registrations.

Deribit also does not frequently publish details on audits or certifications, which can affect perceptions of transparency.

Challenges and Controversies

KuCoin has faced some security challenges in the past, including hacking incidents. Despite these issues, KuCoin has worked on enhancing its security protocols to rebuild trust.

Deribit, while avoiding severe controversies, still grapples with the regulatory landscape, impacting its operational strategies.

Aspect	KuCoin	Deribit
Headquarters	Seychelles	Netherlands (relocated to Panama)
Registration	India’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU)	Panama
Audits/Certifications	Limited public details	Limited public details
Security Issues	Past hacking incidents, improved security	Minimal significant issues, regulatory evasion
‘aj regulatory evasion’ can be replaced with ‘relocation due to regulations’

 

Conclusion

When deciding between KuCoin and Deribit, consider your specific needs and preferences.

If you are a trader looking for a wide variety of altcoins, KuCoin is more suitable. It offers numerous cryptocurrencies that may not be available on other exchanges.

Deribit, in contrast, excels in derivatives trading. If you prefer to trade futures and options, this platform provides advanced tools and features tailored for those markets.

Key Points to Consider:

• KuCoin: Ideal for altcoin trading
• Deribit: Best for futures and options trading

Both exchanges have their strengths. Choosing the best platform depends on what you prioritize in your trading strategy.

If you value a diverse selection of coins, KuCoin might be your top pick.

If you’re focused on derivatives, Deribit could better meet your needs.

Compare KuCoin and Deribit with other major exchanges

• KuCoin vs BingX
• KuCoin vs Bitget
• KuCoin vs MEXC
• Deribit vs Bybit
• Deribit vs BitMEX