Binance vs. Binance US: Which Should You Use?
Key Takeaways
- Binance.com offers more features, a wider breadth of cryptocurrencies, and lower fees than Binance.US.
- Binance.com is not available in the USA.
In this guide, we’ll do a head-to-head comparison between Binance and its American counterpart — Binance.US. By the time you’re finished reading, you’ll better understand the differences between the two platforms.
Summary: What’s the difference between Binance and Binance.US?
Binance.com shut down in the United States in 2019 due to pressure from regulators.
In response, the company released Binance.US specifically to comply with US regulatory requirements. While Binance.US offers a similar user interface, it is limited in terms of features and cryptocurrencies offered.
Trading Fees Comparison
Winner: Binance.com
Binance.com offers some of the lowest transaction fees in the industry.
While Binance.US also offers relatively low fees, buying and selling cryptocurrencies is marginally more expensive.
Binance.com: 0.075 - 0.1% fees for trades under $1 million
Binance.US: 0.076 - 0.57% fees for trades under $1 million
User Interface Comparison
Winner: Binance.US
While both platforms have a similar user interface, Binance.US may be a better choice for beginner investors.
Binance.com, with its extensive list of features and tools, can be overwhelming for new users.
Because Binance.US lacks many of the same advanced features, it may be less intimidating.
Cryptocurrency Selection Comparison
Winner: Binance.com
To stay compliant with American regulations, Binance.US offers fewer currencies than Binance.com.
Binance.com: 400+ cryptocurrencies
Binance.US: 160+ cryptocurrencies
Advanced features
Winner: Binance.com
Binance.com is renowned for its wide array of features including futures trading, option trading, margin trading, and a comprehensive suite of staking options.
Unfortunately, regulations in the United States prevent Binance.US from offering many of these same features.
Binance.com: Futures trading, option trading, margin trading, crypto lending, staking
Binance.US: Staking
Is Binance.US legal in the United States?
Binance.US is legal in all US states except:
- Alaska
- Hawaii
- Maine
- New York
- Texas
- Vermont
While Binance.US was designed to comply with American regulations, the platform has been dealing with issues of its own.
In October 2023, the platform halted conversions to the US dollar. Binance.US claimed that the SEC’s aggressive stance on cryptocurrency led to banking partners being hesitant to deal with crypto exchanges.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use regular Binance in the US?
No. Due to regulatory restrictions, US residents are not allowed to use the global Binance platform. Instead, US residents should use Binance.US — a platform designed specifically for American regulatory requirements.
- What happens if Binance catches you using a VPN?
Using a VPN to access Binance from a restricted country like the USA violates the platform's terms of service. If you are caught, Binance may freeze or close your account, potentially leading you to lose your crypto holdings.
- Which Binance should I use?
If you are a resident of the United States, Binance.US is the best choice due to regulatory restrictions. For those outside the US, the global Binance platform offers a broader range of features and a wider selection of cryptocurrencies.
- Is Binance.US and Binance.com the same company?
Binance.US is owned by the same parent company as Binance.com.