KuCoin Futures restricted countries

KuCoin Futures restricts users from certain countries like the U.S., China, and Singapore due to regulatory compliance—attempting to bypass these rules may lead to account suspension or legal issues.

Jul 22, 2025 at 09:00 pm

Understanding KuCoin Futures and Geographic Restrictions

KuCoin Futures is a popular platform for trading perpetual and delivery futures contracts on cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more. However, not all users globally can access these services. The platform enforces geographic restrictions based on regulatory compliance in various jurisdictions. These restrictions are not arbitrary—they are driven by local laws that prohibit or heavily regulate derivatives trading in certain countries. If you're located in a restricted country, your account will either be denied access during registration or suspended if discovered post-signup.

List of Commonly Restricted Countries

KuCoin explicitly prohibits users from the following countries from using its Futures trading services:

• United States
• Canada (specific provinces like Quebec)
• Mainland China
• Singapore
• Cuba
• Iran
• North Korea
• Crimea region of Ukraine
• Syria
• Belarus
• Sudan
• Myanmar (Burma)
  

  These restrictions apply regardless of whether you're a citizen or a resident. Even if you're traveling from a restricted country and attempt to trade using a local IP address, KuCoin’s system may still detect your original location via KYC documents, payment methods, or device information. Attempting to bypass these restrictions may result in permanent account suspension.

  How KuCoin Detects Your Location

  
  KuCoin uses multiple layers of verification to determine your location:
• IP address tracking: Your device’s public IP is checked against known regional databases.
• KYC documentation: During identity verification, uploaded documents (like passports or national IDs) must match your claimed residence.
• Payment methods: Bank accounts, credit cards, or crypto wallets tied to restricted regions raise red flags.
• Device metadata: Time zone, language settings, and SIM card country codes can also be analyzed.
  

  If any of these signals conflict—for example, if your IP shows Singapore but your ID shows the U.S.—KuCoin may freeze your account until you provide clarification. In most cases, if you’re from a restricted country, no amount of technical workaround will override the system’s compliance protocols.

  Steps to Check If You’re Eligible for KuCoin Futures

  
  Before attempting to trade, verify your eligibility through these steps:
• Log into your KuCoin account and navigate to the Futures section.
• If you see a banner or pop-up stating “Futures trading is not available in your region,” you are restricted.
• Visit the official [KuCoin Futures Terms of Service](https://www.kucoin.com/legal/futures-terms) and review Section 3.1 (“Eligibility”) for the most updated list.
• Use a non-VPNs or proxies when checking—these can cause false positives and lead to temporary blocks.
• Contact KuCoin Support via live chat or email and ask directly: “Am I eligible for Futures trading based on my current location?”
  

  Note: If you move from a restricted country to an unrestricted one, you must update your KYC information with local proof of address (e.g., utility bill or bank statement) before resuming Futures trading.

  What Happens If You Trade from a Restricted Country?

  
  Attempting to trade Futures from a restricted country can result in serious consequences:
• Account suspension: KuCoin may lock your account immediately upon detection.
• Loss of funds: Withdrawals may be blocked until compliance review is complete.
• Legal liability: In some jurisdictions (e.g., the U.S.), unauthorized derivatives trading may violate securities laws.
• Reputation risk: Your account history may be flagged, affecting future access to other crypto platforms.
  

  Even if you use a VPN or proxy server to mask your location, KuCoin’s fraud detection system often identifies such attempts through behavioral analytics—like sudden changes in login patterns or mismatched transaction histories.

  Frequently Asked Questions

  Can I use a friend’s account in an unrestricted country to trade Futures?
  
  No. KuCoin requires each user to have their own verified account. Using someone else’s account violates the platform’s Terms of Service and may result in both accounts being banned.

  What if I’m a U.S. citizen living abroad—can I trade Futures?
  
  No. KuCoin restricts U.S. citizens regardless of physical location. You must not hold U.S. citizenship or residency to access Futures.

  Does KuCoin allow spot trading in restricted countries?
  
  Spot trading may still be available in some restricted countries (e.g., Singapore), but Futures are always blocked. Check the specific restrictions per country in the KuCoin Help Center.

  How often does KuCoin update its restricted countries list?
  
  KuCoin reviews and updates its list quarterly or as new regulations emerge. Users receive email notifications if their eligibility changes due to regulatory updates.