KuCoin Trading: How to Trade Crypto for Beginners

Jan 12, 2024

KuCoin is a popular cryptocurrency exchange platform that offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of cryptocurrencies for trading. For beginners entering the world of cryptocurrency trading, KuCoin provides an accessible and diverse marketplace to buy, sell, and trade various cryptocurrencies.

How to Register an Account on KuCoin

Register a KuCoin Account

Step 1: Visit the KuCoin website

To initiate the process, head to the KuCoin website. Look for the prominent "Sign Up" button, typically displayed in black. Clicking on this button will redirect you to the registration form, where you can begin the account creation process.

Step 2: Fill in the registration form

To register a KuCoin account, you have the option to choose between two methods: using your [Email] or [Phone Number] as your preference. Here’s a step-by-step guide for each approach:

With your Email:

Enter a valid email address.
Create a secure password. Make sure to use a password that combines letters, numbers, and special characters to enhance security.
Read and agree to the User Agreement and Privacy Policy of KuCoin.
After filling in the form, Click the "Create Account" button.

With your Mobile Phone Number:

Enter your phone number.
Create a strong and unique password. Make sure to use a password that combines letters, numbers, and special characters to enhance security.
Read and agree to the User Agreement and Privacy Policy of KuCoin.
After filling in the form, Click the "Create Account" button.

Step 3: Complete the CAPTCHA

Proceed to complete the CAPTCHA verification, a necessary step to verify that you’re a human user and not an automated bot. This additional security measure helps maintain the platform’s integrity and safeguards user accounts.

Step 4: Access your trading account

Congratulations on successfully registering your KuCoin account! You’re now ready to explore the platform and utilize its wide array of features and tools.

Verify KuCoin Account: Step-by-Step Guide

To access your KuCoin account, navigate to the Account Center and proceed to Identity Verification in order to provide the necessary details.

1. Individual Verification

For individual account holders:

If you have an individual account, please select "Identity Verification", then click "Verify" to fill in your information.

Personal information submission.
Uploading ID photos.
Facial verification and review.

Completing this verification grants access to additional benefits. Please ensure that all entered information is accurate; discrepancies may affect the review outcome. Review results will be communicated via email; your patience is appreciated.

1.1 Provide Personal Information

Fill in your personal details before continuing. Verify that all entered information matches your document details.

1.2 Provide ID Photos

Grant camera permissions on your device, then click "Start" to capture and upload your ID photo. Confirm that the document details align with the information entered earlier.

1.3 Complete Facial Verification and Review

After confirming the photo upload, click "Continue" to proceed with facial verification. Choose the device for facial verification, follow the prompts, and complete the process. Once done, the system will automatically submit the information for review. Upon successful review, the standard Identity Verification process concludes, and you can view the results on the Identity Verification page.

2. Institutional Verification

For institutional account holders:

Choose Identity Verification Switch to Institutional Verification.
Click "Start Verification" to enter your information. Given the intricacy of institutional verification, a review officer will contact you after submitting your request via the designated KYC verification email: [email protected].

How to Trade on KuCoin

How to Deposit Crypto to KuCoin

A deposit involves transferring cryptocurrency into a KuCoin account, either from an external source or another KuCoin account. Internal transfers between KuCoin accounts are labeled as "internal transfers," while transfers from external sources can be tracked on the respective blockchain. KuCoin now facilitates direct deposits into different account types, such as Funding, Trading, Margin, Futures, and sub-accounts.

Steps to Enable Deposits:

1. Complete Identity Verification before enabling deposits.

2. Once Identity Verification is completed, navigate to the deposits page to gather the necessary information for the transfer.

For web users: Click on "Assets" in the upper-right corner of the homepage, then select "Deposit".

For app users: Select "Deposit" from the homepage.

3. On the deposit page, choose the asset from the dropdown menu or search using the asset name or blockchain network. Then, select the account for the deposit or transfer.

Important Notes:

Ensure consistency between the network chosen for deposit and the network used for withdrawal.
Some networks might require a memo in addition to the address; include this memo when withdrawing to avoid potential asset loss.

Deposit USDT.

Deposit XRP.

4. Additional information may be needed during the deposit process. Follow instructions carefully.

5. Copy your deposit address and paste it into the withdrawing platform to initiate the deposit into your KuCoin account.

6. To enhance your deposit experience, KuCoin may pre-credit deposited assets into your account. As soon as assets are credited, they become immediately available for trading, investing, purchasing, and more.

7. Notifications regarding deposit outcomes will be sent via email, platform notifications, text messages, and other relevant means. Access your KuCoin account to view your deposit history for the past year.

Notice:
1. Asset types available for deposit and their supporting networks are subject to real-time maintenance or upgrades. Regularly check the KuCoin platform for smooth deposit transactions.

2. Certain cryptocurrencies have deposit fees or a minimum deposit amount requirement. Their details can be found on the deposit page.

3. We use pop-up windows and highlighted prompts to signify important information that requires attention.

4. Ensure compatibility of deposited digital assets with the supported blockchain networks on KuCoin. Some tokens work solely with specific chains like ERC20, BEP20, or their own mainnet chain. Contact customer service if unsure.

5. Each ERC20 digital asset has a unique contract address, serving as its identification code. Verify that the contract address matches the one shown on KuCoin to prevent asset loss.

How to Buy Crypto by Third-party Banxa and Simplex on KuCoin

To buy cryptocurrency through Banxa or Simplex, follow these steps:

Step 1: Log in to your KuCoin account. Navigate to ’Buy Crypto’ and select ’Third-Party.’

Step 2: Choose the type of coins, input the amount, and confirm the fiat currency. Payment methods available will vary based on the chosen fiat. Select your preferred payment method—Simplex or Banxa.

Step 3: Before proceeding, read and acknowledge the Disclaimer. Click ’Confirm’ to proceed, redirecting you to the Banxa/Simplex page for payment completion.

For any queries regarding your orders, directly contact:

Banxa: [email protected]
Simplex: [email protected]

Step 4: Follow the checkout process on the Banxa/Simplex page to finalize your purchase. Ensure accurate completion of all steps.

Step 5: Check your order status on the ’Order History’ Page.

Notes:

Simplex facilitates purchases for users across various countries and regions through credit card transactions, provided your country or region is supported. Select the coin type, specify the amount, confirm the currency, and then click "Confirm."

How to Buy Crypto with a Bank Card on KuCoin

Web App
Follow these steps for purchasing crypto with a bank card using KuCoin’s Fast Buy feature:

Step 1: Sign in to your KuCoin account and navigate to ’Buy Crypto’ -- ’Fast Trade’.

Step 2: Select the cryptocurrency and fiat currency for your purchase. Choose ’Bank Card’ as the payment method.

Step 3: If this is your first time, proceed to complete the KYC Verification process. If you’ve previously undergone KYC for other trading activities on KuCoin, you may skip this step.

Step 4: After passing KYC, return to the previous page to link your card for the purchase. Enter your card details to complete the linking process.

Step 5: Once your card is linked, proceed with your crypto purchase.

Step 6: After completing the purchase, access your receipt. Click ’View Details’ to find the record of your purchase in your Funding Account.

Step 7: To export your order history, click on ’Buy Crypto Orders’ under the Orders column

Mobile App

To purchase crypto via a bank card on the KuCoin mobile app, follow these steps:

Step 1: Launch the KuCoin app and sign in to your account. If you’re a new user, tap on ’Sign Up’ to initiate the registration.

Step 2: Access the homepage and select ’Buy Crypto’ by tapping on it.

Or tap Trade then go to Fiat.

Step 3: Access ’Fast Trade’ and tap ’Buy.’ Select the fiat and cryptocurrency type and input the desired amounts.

Step 4: Choose ’Bank Card’ as the payment method. If you haven’t added a card, tap ’Bind Card’ and complete the card binding process.

Step 5: Enter your card information and billing address, then tap ’Buy Now.’

Step 6: Once your bank card is bound, proceed to purchase crypto.

Step 7: Upon completing the purchase, view your receipt by tapping ’Check Details’ under your Funding Account.

Please reach out to our 24/7 customer support via online chat or submit a ticket if you have any other questions.

How to Buy Crypto via P2P Trading on KuCoin

Website

Mastering P2P trading is vital for all cryptocurrency enthusiasts, particularly those new to the field. Purchasing cryptocurrency via KuCoin’s P2P platform is incredibly straightforward and only requires a few simple clicks.

Step 1: Log in to your KuCoin account and navigate to [Buy Crypto] [P2P].

Before trading on the P2P market, add your preferred payment methods.

Step 2: select the cryptocurrency you want to purchase. Use filters to refine your search, e.g., buy USDT with 100 USD. Click [Buy] beside the preferred offer.

Confirm the fiat currency and the crypto you wish to buy. Enter the fiat amount you intend to spend; the system will calculate the corresponding crypto amount. Click [Place Order].

Step 3: You’ll see the seller’s payment details. Transfer the payment to the seller’s chosen method within the stipulated time. Utilize the [Chat] function to communicate with the seller.

Once the transfer is made, click [Confirm Payment].

Important Note: You need to transfer the payment directly to the seller through a bank transfer or other third-party payment platforms based on the seller’s payment information. If you have already transferred payment to the seller, do not click [Cancel] unless you have already received a refund from the seller in your payment account. Do not click [Confirm payment] unless you have paid the seller.

Step 4: After the seller confirms your payment, they will release the cryptocurrency to you, and the transaction is considered completed. You can click [Transfer Assets] to view the assets.

If you encounter delays in receiving the cryptocurrency after confirming payment, use [Need Help?] to contact Customer Support for assistance. You can also prompt the seller by clicking [Remind Seller].

Note: You can’t place more than two ongoing orders simultaneously. Complete an existing order before initiating a new one.

KuCoin APP

Step 1: Log in to your KuCoin App and tap [Trade] - [Fiat].

Alternatively, tap [P2P] or [Buy Crypto] from the App homepage.

You can use the Fast Trade or the P2P zone to trade with other users.

Step 2: Tap [Buy] and select the crypto you want to buy. You will see the available offers on the market. Tap [Buy] next to the preferred offer.

Step 3: You will see the seller’s payment information and terms (if any). Enter the fiat amount you want to spend, or enter the crypto amount you want to get. Tap [Buy Now] to confirm the order.

Step 4: Tap [Pay] and you will see details of the seller’s preferred payment method. Transfer funds to their account accordingly within the payment time limit. After that, tap [Payment Complete] to notify the seller.

You may tap [Chat] to contact the seller at any time during the trade.

Important Note: You need to transfer the payment directly to the seller through a bank transfer or other third-party payment platforms based on the seller’s payment information. If you have already transferred payment to the seller, do not tap [Cancel] unless you have already received a refund from the seller in your payment account. Do not tap [Transferred, notify seller] or [Payment Complete] unless you have paid the seller.

Step 5: The order status will be updated to [Waiting for the Seller to Confirm Payment].

Step 6: After the seller confirms your payment, they will release the crypto to you and the transaction is complete. You can view the assets in your Funding Account.

Note:
If you encounter delays in receiving the crypto after confirming the transfer, contact the seller via [Chat] or tap [Appeal] for Customer Support assistance.

Similar to the website, remember that you can’t have more than two ongoing orders simultaneously.

How to Open a Trade on KuCoin via the Web App

Step 1: Accessing Trading

Web Version: Click on "Trade" in the top navigation bar and choose "Spot Trading" to enter the trading interface.

KuCoin Trading: How to Trade Crypto for Beginners

App Version: Simply tap on "Trade".

Step 2: Selecting Assets
On the trading page, assuming you wish to buy or sell KCS, you would enter "KCS" into the search bar. Then, you would select your desired trading pair to conduct your trade.

Step 3: Placing Orders
At the bottom of the trading interface is the panel for buying and selling. There are six order types you can choose from:

Limit orders.
Market orders.
Stop-limit orders.
Stop-market orders.
One-cancels-the-other (OCO) orders.
Trailing stop orders.

Below are examples of how to place each type of order

1. Limit Order

A limit order is an order to buy or sell an asset at a specific price or better.

For instance, if the current price of KCS in the KCS/USDT trading pair is 7 USDT, and you wish to sell 100 KCS at a KCS price of 7 USDT, you can place a limit order to do so.

To place such a limit order:

Select Limit: Choose the "Limit" option.
Set Price: Enter 7 USDT as the specified price.
Set Quantity: Define the Quantity as 100 KCS.
Confirm Order: Click on "Sell KCS" to confirm and finalize the order.

2. Market Order

Execute an order at the current best available market price.

Take the KCS/USDT trading pair for example. Assuming the current price of KCS is 6.2 USDT, and you wish to quickly sell 100 KCS. To do this, you can use a market order. When you issue a market order, the system matches your sell order with the existing buy orders on the market, which ensures a swift execution of your order. This makes market orders the best way to quickly buy or sell assets.

To place such a market order:

Select Market: Choose the "Market" option.
Set Quantity: Specify the Quantity as 100 KCS.
Confirm Order: Click on "Sell KCS" to confirm and execute the order.

Please note: Market orders, once executed, cannot be canceled. You can track order and transaction specifics in your Order History and Trade History. These orders are matched with the prevailing maker order price in the market and can be impacted by market depth. It’s crucial to be mindful of market depth when initiating market orders.

3. Stop-Limit Order

A stop-limit order blends the features of a stop order with a limit order. This type of trade involves setting a "Stop" (stop price), a "Price" (limit price), and a "Quantity." When the market hits the stop price, a limit order is activated based on the specified limit price and quantity.

Take the KCS/USDT trading pair for example. Assuming the current price of KCS is 4 USDT, and you believe that there is resistance around 5.5 USDT, this suggests that once the price of KCS reaches that level, it is unlikely to go any higher in the short term. As such, your ideal selling price would be 5.6 USDT, but you don’t want to have to monitor the market 24/7 just to maximize these profits. In such a scenario, you can opt to place a stop-limit order.

To execute this order:

Select Stop-Limit: Choose the "Stop-Limit" option.
Set Stop Price: Enter 5.5 USDT as the stop price.
Set Limit Price: Specify 5.6 USDT as the limit price.
Set Quantity: Define the Quantity as 100 KCS.
Confirm Order: Click on "Sell KCS" to confirm and initiate the order.

Upon reaching or exceeding the stop price of 5.5 USDT, the limit order becomes active. Once the price hits 5.6 USDT, the limit order will be filled as per the set conditions.

4. Stop Market Order

A stop market order is an order to buy or sell an asset once the price reaches a specific price (the "stop price"). Once the price reaches the stop price, the order becomes a market order and will be filled at the next available market price.

Take the KCS/USDT trading pair for example. Assuming the current price of KCS is 4 USDT, and you believe there is resistance around 5.5 USDT, this suggests that once the price of KCS reaches that level, it is unlikely to go any higher in the short term. However, you don’t want to have to monitor the market 24/7 just to be able to sell at an ideal price. In this situation, you can choose to place a stop-market order.

Select Stop Market: Choose the "Stop Market" option.
Set Stop Price: Specify a stop price of 5.5 USDT.
Set Quantity: Define the Quantity as 100 KCS.
Confirm Order: Click on "Sell KCS" to place the order.

Once the market price reaches or surpasses 5.5 USDT, the stop market order will be activated and executed at the next available market price.

5. One-Cancels-the-Other (OCO) Order

An OCO order executes both a limit order and a stop-limit order concurrently. Depending on market movements, one of these orders will activate, automatically canceling the other.

For instance, consider the KCS/USDT trading pair, assuming the current KCS price is at 4 USDT. If you anticipate a potential decline in the final price—either after rising to 5 USDT and then dropping or directly decreasing—your objective is to sell at 3.6 USDT just before the price falls below the support level of 3.5 USDT.

To place this OCO order:

Select OCO: Choose the "OCO" option.
Set Price: Define the Price as 5 USDT.
Set Stop: Specify the Stop price as 3.5 USDT (this triggers a limit order when the price reaches 3.5 USDT).
Set Limit: Specify the Limit price as 3.6 USDT.
Set Quantity: Define the Quantity as 100.
Confirm Order: Click on "Sell KCS" to execute the OCO order.

6. Trailing Stop Order

A trailing stop order is a variation of a standard stop order. This type of order allows setting the stop price as a specific percentage away from the current asset price. When both conditions align in the market’s price movement, it activates a limit order.

With a trailing buy order, you can swiftly purchase when the market rises after a decline. Similarly, a trailing sell order enables prompt selling when the market declines after an upward trend. This order type safeguards profits by keeping a trade open and profitable as long as the price moves favorably. It closes the trade if the price shifts by the specified percentage in the opposite direction.

For instance, in the KCS/USDT trading pair with KCS priced at 4 USDT, assuming an anticipated rise in KCS to 5 USDT followed by a subsequent retracement of 10% before considering selling, setting the selling price at 8 USDT becomes the strategy. In this scenario, the plan involves placing a sell order at 8 USDT, but only triggered when the price reaches 5 USDT and then experiences a 10% retracement.

To execute this trailing stop order:

Select Trailing Stop: Choose the "Trailing Stop" option.
Set Activation Price: Specify the activation price as 5 USDT.
Set Trailing Delta: Define the trailing delta as 10%.
Set Price: Specify the Price as 8 USDT.
Set Quantity: Define the Quantity as 100.
Confirm Order: Click on "Sell KCS" to execute the trailing stop order.

How to Open a Trade on KuCoin via the Mobile App

Step 1: Accessing Trading

App Version: Simply tap on "Trade".

Step 2: Selecting Assets

On the trading page, assuming you wish to buy or sell KCS, you would enter "KCS" into the search bar. Then, you would select your desired trading pair to conduct your trade.

Step 3: Placing Orders

At the trading interface is the panel for buying and selling. There are six order types you can choose from:

Limit orders.
Market orders.
Stop-limit orders.
Stop-market orders.
One-cancels-the-other (OCO) orders.
Trailing stop orders.

Below are examples of how to place each type of order

1. Limit Order

A limit order is an order to buy or sell an asset at a specific price or better.

For instance, if the current price of KCS in the KCS/USDT trading pair is 8 USDT, and you wish to sell 100 KCS at a KCS price of 8 USDT, you can place a limit order to do so.

To place such a limit order:

Select Limit: Choose the "Limit" option.
Set Price: Enter 8 USDT as the specified price.
Set Quantity: Define the Quantity as 100 KCS.
Confirm Order: Click on "Sell KCS" to confirm and finalize the order.

2. Market Order

Execute an order at the current best available market price.

Take the KCS/USDT trading pair for example. Assuming the current price of KCS is 7.8 USDT, and you wish to quickly sell 100 KCS. To do this, you can use a market order. When you issue a market order, the system matches your sell order with the existing buy orders on the market, which ensures a swift execution of your order. This makes market orders the best way to quickly buy or sell assets.

To place such a market order:

Select Market: Choose the "Market" option.
Set Quantity: Specify the Quantity as 100 KCS.
Confirm Order: Click on "Sell KCS" to confirm and execute the order.