Binance US vs Binance: How Do They Compare?

For many traders, the choice between Binance US and Binance isn’t as straightforward as it seems. Though they share the same brand, these two exchanges operate under vastly different rules, serving unique markets with distinct priorities. From fee structures and available cryptocurrencies to how they handle security and regulations, there are critical differences you need to know. This article will compare the two exchanges in detail, focusing on trading conditions, features, and suitability for beginner and advanced traders. By the end, you'll know which platform aligns with your trading goals.

Binance US vs Binance - how do they compare?

Binance.US was launched in 2019 as a response to tighter U.S. regulations. U.S. authorities classified some crypto assets on Binance as "securities," which required specific licensing for trading. Rather than restructuring its global platform, Binance created Binance.US, a dedicated platform for U.S. traders.

• Binance. Operates globally but has faced legal challenges in multiple jurisdictions, including Canada, the U.K., and Singapore.

• Binance.US. Complies with U.S. regulations but is not available in six states, including New York and Texas. It operates under stricter rules to ensure user protection.

Supported cryptocurrencies

The availability of cryptocurrencies is one of the most noticeable differences between Binance and Binance.US. Binance, being a global platform, offers an extensive range of over 350 cryptocurrencies and access to 1,358 trading markets. This includes a vast array of altcoins, DeFi tokens, and emerging projects that appeal to advanced traders and investors seeking portfolio diversification. Popular assets like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Binance Coin (BNB), and Dogecoin (DOGE) are just a fraction of what Binance has to offer. It also supports a variety of trading pairs, allowing users to find liquidity and opportunities across a wide spectrum of markets.

In contrast, Binance.US is designed to comply with stringent U.S. regulations, which limits its offering to approximately 150 cryptocurrencies and 191 trading markets. While this list covers major assets like BTC, ETH, and BNB, it excludes many smaller or emerging tokens that are available on the global Binance platform. For example, XRP (Ripple) and certain DeFi tokens are not supported on Binance.US due to regulatory restrictions.

Binance’s extensive range of assets makes it the platform of choice for traders who wish to explore newer or niche cryptocurrencies, as well as those engaging in arbitrage opportunities between markets. Meanwhile, Binance.US is more suited for traders who prioritize major cryptocurrencies and a straightforward selection that aligns with U.S. compliance standards.

Additionally, Binance supports numerous stablecoins, including USDT, BUSD, and USDC, providing flexibility for traders to hedge against volatility. Binance.US also offers stablecoins but with fewer options compared to its global counterpart. For U.S.-based traders who focus on spot trading or long-term investments in major cryptocurrencies, Binance.US remains a viable choice despite its smaller selection.

Fees

Both platforms have competitive fee structures, but key differences exist:

Binance has more affordable non-trading fees, making it a better option for frequent transactions.

User experience

• Binance. Offers a feature-rich platform with tools that may overwhelm beginners.

• Binance.US. Provides a streamlined interface suitable for new traders.

While Binance is ideal for those familiar with advanced trading tools, Binance.US simplifies the process for beginners.

Liquidity and market depth

Binance’s global presence ensures higher trading volumes and deeper liquidity, reducing slippage for large orders. Binance.US, with its smaller user base, may have wider spreads and less efficient order execution.

Regulation

Regulation is one of the defining distinctions between Binance and Binance.US. Binance operates globally but has faced significant scrutiny from regulators in multiple jurisdictions. This includes investigations and restrictions in countries like Canada, Singapore, Japan, and the United Kingdom. Its lack of central regulatory oversight has raised concerns about compliance, which has occasionally led to service interruptions or bans in certain regions.

To address U.S. regulatory requirements, Binance launched Binance.US in 2019. Unlike its global counterpart, Binance.US complies with strict U.S. financial and securities laws, ensuring adherence to the regulations set by bodies like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). This compliance is crucial for maintaining trust among U.S.-based traders and avoiding legal challenges.

However, despite its regulatory focus, Binance.US is not available in all U.S. states. It currently operates in 44 states but remains restricted in New York, Texas, Louisiana, Hawaii, Vermont, and Idaho due to varying local laws. Binance.US also employs Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols, requiring users to verify their identity with government-issued ID and proof of address, a standard process for ensuring compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations.

In contrast, Binance, while globally accessible, is not regulated by a single financial authority. This lack of central oversight allows Binance to offer advanced features such as futures trading, margin trading, and access to a wider range of cryptocurrencies, which are not permitted on Binance.US. However, it also subjects the global platform to periodic regulatory actions and restrictions.

• Binance

  • Operates globally without central regulatory oversight.

  • Faces scrutiny in countries like Canada, Singapore, and the U.K.

  • Offers advanced features like futures and margin trading, which are restricted in many regions.




• Binance.US

  • Fully compliant with U.S. regulations (SEC and FinCEN).

  • Requires KYC verification for all users.

  • Restricted in six U.S. states, including New York and Texas.

  • Prioritizes security and legal compliance but lacks advanced trading features.

Safety and security

Both platforms prioritize user protection, but Binance.US offers additional compliance-based safeguards.

• Binance. Implements robust security measures, but it's 2019 breach (resulting in a $40M loss) underscores the need for user vigilance.

• Binance.US. Ranked as one of the top secure exchanges in 2023, with features like two-factor authentication (2FA) and anti-phishing codes.

Considerations for traders

When deciding between Binance and Binance.US, several key considerations can influence your choice as a trader. Geographic availability, the range of trading tools, and deposit and withdrawal options significantly differ between the two platforms. Understanding these distinctions can help you align your selection with your trading strategy and personal preferences. Below is a detailed comparison of these critical factors.

Pros and cons

While Binance offers a vast array of features and trading opportunities on a global scale, Binance.US prioritizes regulatory compliance and simplicity for U.S. traders. Below is a detailed table summarizing their overall pros and cons.

Risks and warnings

• Regulatory uncertainty. Binance’s global operations face ongoing scrutiny, which may lead to restrictions or service interruptions.

• Limited accessibility. Binance.US is unavailable in six U.S. states, limiting options for residents in those regions.

• Fee transparency. Binance.US’s higher debit card fees can erode profits for traders unaware of alternative funding methods.

• Security breaches.No platform is immune to hacking. Users should enable 2FA and use secure wallets for storage.

The choice is simple if you’re clear with what you want

Anastasiia Chabaniuk Author, Financial Expert at Traders Union

If you're trying to choose between Binance US and Binance, the decision isn't just about the number of cryptocurrencies or trading fees — it’s about how each platform fits your specific needs as a trader. Binance US sticks to U.S. regulations, so while it’s a great place to trade safely and start simple, it doesn't have features like futures or margin trading that are available on Binance. Binance, on the other hand, opens the door to a larger variety of cryptocurrencies, better staking options, and more earning programs. For beginners, it's worth thinking about whether you value a simpler, secure setup or want access to more advanced tools.

Another big difference is customer support. Binance US offers help designed for U.S. users, which can feel more personal and accessible if you're new and run into problems. Binance, with its global reach, might not feel as specific to your needs when handling issues. If you're planning to try staking or earning programs, Binance often has higher interest rates and more options. Think about what matters more — stronger support for a local market or access to global trading opportunities.

Conclusion

The choice between Binance and Binance.US ultimately depends on your location, trading goals, and experience level. Binance offers unparalleled features, making it ideal for advanced traders. However, U.S. residents are limited to Binance.US, which provides a compliant, beginner-friendly environment. Evaluate your needs carefully to make the most of your cryptocurrency trading journey.

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Team that worked on the article

Oleg Tkachenko

Author and expert at Traders Union

Oleg Tkachenko is an economic analyst and risk manager having more than 14 years of experience in working with systemically important banks, investment companies, and analytical platforms. He has been a Traders Union analyst since 2018. His primary specialties are analysis and prediction of price tendencies in the Forex, stock, commodity, and cryptocurrency markets, as well as the development of trading strategies and individual risk management systems. He also analyzes nonstandard investing markets and studies trading psychology.

Also, Oleg became a member of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (membership card No. 4575, international certificate UKR4494).

Learn about our editorial policies

Chinmay Soni

Developmental English Editor

Chinmay Soni is a financial analyst with more than 5 years of experience in working with stocks, Forex, derivatives, and other assets. As a founder of a boutique research firm and an active researcher, he covers various industries and fields, providing insights backed by statistical data. He is also an educator in the field of finance and technology.

As an author for Traders Union, he contributes his deep analytical insights on various topics, taking into account various aspects.

Mirjan Hipolito

Cryptocurrency and stock expert

Mirjan Hipolito is a journalist and news editor at Traders Union. She is an expert crypto writer with five years of experience in the financial markets. Her specialties are daily market news, price predictions, and Initial Coin Offerings (ICO).

Glossary for novice traders

Diversification

Diversification is an investment strategy that involves spreading investments across different asset classes, industries, and geographic regions to reduce overall risk.

Investor

An investor is an individual, who invests money in an asset with the expectation that its value would appreciate in the future. The asset can be anything, including a bond, debenture, mutual fund, equity, gold, silver, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and real-estate property.

Leverage

Forex leverage is a tool enabling traders to control larger positions with a relatively small amount of capital, amplifying potential profits and losses based on the chosen leverage ratio.

Volatility

Volatility refers to the degree of variation or fluctuation in the price or value of a financial asset, such as stocks, bonds, or cryptocurrencies, over a period of time. Higher volatility indicates that an asset's price is experiencing more significant and rapid price swings, while lower volatility suggests relatively stable and gradual price movements.

Ethereum

Ethereum is a decentralized blockchain platform and cryptocurrency that was proposed by Vitalik Buterin in late 2013 and development began in early 2014. It was designed as a versatile platform for creating decentralized applications (DApps) and smart contracts.