When navigating the world of cryptocurrency trading, choosing the right exchange is critical. Two platforms often compared are Binance and Binance.US—sister exchanges with distinct features shaped by regulatory environments. While they share branding and some technology, their offerings, availability, and user experience differ significantly. This guide breaks down the essential differences between Binance and Binance.US across key areas including fees, trading tools, available cryptocurrencies, security, and compliance—helping you decide which platform aligns best with your needs.
What is Binance?
Binance is the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by daily trading volume, serving over 250 million users across 180+ countries. Founded in 2017 by Changpeng Zhao, the platform began in China but relocated due to regulatory restrictions, eventually operating without a formal headquarters while maintaining compliance in multiple jurisdictions.
The exchange supports more than 350 cryptocurrencies, including major assets like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and its native token, Binance Coin (BNB). Beyond spot trading, Binance offers a full suite of financial products such as futures trading (up to 125x leverage), margin trading, options, staking through Binance Earn, and even a Visa card for spending crypto. Binance Pay enables instant peer-to-peer transactions with zero fees, enhancing its utility in global payments.
Security is a top priority: Binance employs two-factor authentication (2FA), withdrawal address whitelisting, anti-phishing codes, and stores the majority of funds in cold storage. It also maintains the Secure Asset Fund for Users (SAFU), a $1 billion reserve funded by 10% of trading fees to cover potential losses from security breaches.
Despite its scale, Binance has faced regulatory scrutiny. In 2023, it settled charges with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) related to unregistered securities offerings and admitted to anti-money laundering violations, resulting in a $4.3 billion penalty. Zhao stepped down as CEO, succeeded by Richard Teng.
👉 Discover a secure and versatile trading platform trusted worldwide.
What is Binance US?
Binance.US is a U.S.-based version of Binance, launched in September 2019 to comply with American financial regulations. Operated independently by BAM Trading Services in San Francisco, it uses Binance’s technology and branding but functions as a separate legal entity tailored for U.S. residents.
Available in 34 states—excluding New York, Texas, Vermont, and Washington—the platform focuses on regulatory compliance over feature breadth. It lists over 160 cryptocurrencies, primarily established coins like BTC, ETH, Litecoin (LTC), Solana (SOL), and Cardano (ADA). Unlike global Binance, it does not offer futures, margin, or options trading due to U.S. regulatory constraints.
Spot trading fees are higher: 0.4% maker and 0.6% taker for most pairs, though Tier 0 pairs like BTC/USD trade commission-free. Users can reduce fees by 5% using BNB—less generous than Binance’s 25% discount. The platform supports staking with annual yields up to 12%, offering passive income opportunities on select assets.
Key Differences: Binance vs Binance US
Trading Features and Product Offerings
Binance provides a comprehensive ecosystem suitable for beginners and advanced traders alike. Its platform includes:
- Advanced order types (limit, market, stop-limit, OCO)
- Perpetual and quarterly futures contracts
- Margin trading with up to 10x leverage
- European-style options for BTC and ETH
- P2P trading with zero fees
- OTC desk for large-volume trades
- Integration with TradingView for technical analysis
In contrast, Binance.US limits functionality to meet U.S. standards. While it supports basic and advanced charting, it lacks derivatives trading entirely. This makes it ideal for investors focused on long-term holdings or simple spot trades but less appealing for active traders seeking leverage or hedging tools.
👉 Access advanced trading tools and deep liquidity on a leading crypto exchange.
Fees: Cost Comparison
Trading Fees
Binance offers one of the most competitive fee structures in the industry:
- Standard spot trading fee: 0.1% (maker/taker)
- Reduced to 0.075% when paying fees in BNB
- Volume-based VIP tiers reduce fees further—down to 0.011% maker / 0.023% taker at the highest level
Futures trading starts at 0.02% maker / 0.05% taker, also tiered by volume.
Binance.US fees are significantly higher for most users:
- Base rate: 0.4% maker / 0.6% taker
- Only drops meaningfully at higher volumes (e.g., VIP 5: 0.08%/0.18%)
- BNB discount capped at 5%, offering minimal savings
While BTC/USD pairs are free to trade, most other transactions fall under Tier 1 pricing.
Winner: Binance, due to lower base fees, greater scalability, and stronger incentives.
Deposit & Withdrawal Fees
Both platforms offer free crypto deposits.
- Binance: Free fiat deposits via bank transfer; card purchases incur ~3.75%. Crypto withdrawals vary by network.
- Binance.US: No fees for ACH deposits or USD withdrawals. Crypto withdrawal costs can be relatively high.
Available Cryptocurrencies
- Binance: Over 350 cryptos, including emerging altcoins and access to new projects via Launchpad.
- Binance.US: Around 160 cryptos, focusing on compliant, well-established tokens.
Regulatory caution limits innovation on Binance.US, making Binance the clear winner for portfolio diversity.
Regulation and Availability
| Factor | Binance | Binance.US |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | 180+ countries | U.S. only (34 states) |
| Regulatory Status | Licensed in 22 jurisdictions | Registered with FinCEN |
| Prohibited Regions | U.S., Iran, North Korea | Not available in NY, TX, WA, VT |
Binance operates globally but is banned in the U.S., while Binance.US exists solely to serve American users under strict compliance.
Security Measures
Both platforms implement strong security protocols:
- Two-factor authentication (2FA)
- Cold storage (95–98% of assets)
- Address whitelisting
- Insurance funds
However, Binance experienced notable breaches:
- 2019: Hackers stole 7,000 BTC (~$40M at the time)
- 2022: $570M exploit on BNB Chain bridge (partially recovered)
Binance.US has no public record of major breaches, contributing to its reputation as a secure option within the U.S.
Liquidity and Trading Volume
- Binance: Daily spot volume exceeds $50 billion, ensuring tight spreads and fast execution.
- Binance.US: Volume averages around $30 million per day, leading to wider spreads and slippage on less popular pairs.
High liquidity gives Binance a decisive edge for active traders.
User Interface and Experience
Binance offers dual modes—basic and advanced—with full access to charts, order books, futures dashboards, and customizable layouts. The mobile app mirrors desktop functionality.
Binance.US delivers a simplified interface optimized for ease of use. While intuitive for beginners, it lacks depth for experienced traders due to missing advanced markets.
Customer Support
- Binance: Offers 24/7 live chat, email support, multilingual help center. Response times are typically within hours.
- Binance.US: Provides live chat and ticketing but reports longer wait times—sometimes days—especially during KYC verification.
Winner: Binance, for faster response and broader support coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can use Binance and Binance US?
Binance is accessible to users in over 180 countries outside restricted regions like the U.S., Iran, and North Korea. It supports advanced trading features including futures and margin. Binance.US is exclusively for U.S. residents in eligible states and offers only spot trading and staking due to regulatory limitations.
Is Binance.US legal in the USA?
Yes, Binance.US is legal and operates under U.S. regulations. It is registered with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and complies with KYC and anti-money laundering (AML) laws. Users must verify identity using government-issued IDs.
Which app should I use in the U.S.?
If you're located in the United States, download the Binance.US app from the App Store or Google Play. It supports KYC verification with a U.S. ID and allows compliant trading of 160+ cryptocurrencies in supported states.
What’s the difference between USD and USDT on Binance?
USD refers to actual U.S. dollars used in fiat pairs like BTC/USD—available mainly on Binance.US. USDT (Tether) is a blockchain-based stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the dollar, widely used across Binance’s global platform for seamless crypto-to-crypto trading without bank involvement.
Is Binance US shutting down?
No, Binance.US remains operational despite past challenges linked to its parent company's legal issues. It continues to serve users in 34 states and holds FinCEN registration, demonstrating ongoing commitment to U.S. compliance.
Can I transfer funds between Binance and Binance.US?
No—Binance and Binance.US are separate entities with no direct fund transfers between accounts. You must withdraw assets from one platform and deposit them into the other manually via wallet addresses.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
The choice between Binance and Binance.US ultimately comes down to location and trading goals.
Choose Binance if:
- You’re outside the U.S.
- You want access to futures, margin, staking, NFTs, loans, and more
- Low fees and high liquidity are priorities
- You trade frequently or use advanced strategies
Choose Binance.US if:
- You’re a U.S. resident in an eligible state
- Regulatory compliance and security are your top concerns
- You prefer straightforward spot trading without derivatives
While Binance leads in features and global reach, Binance.US fills a vital niche by offering a compliant gateway for American investors.