If you're looking for a crypto exchange that offers low fees, solid staking options, and a wide selection of coins in the U.S., Binance.US is one of the most talked-about platforms right now. But is it the right fit for you? With over 2.3 million active users and 180+ cryptocurrencies available, it's clearly popular. But itâs not without its flaws - especially when you compare it to competitors like Coinbase or Kraken. Letâs cut through the noise and show you exactly what Binance.US delivers in 2026.
What Is Binance.US?
Binance.US isnât just a smaller version of Binance.com. Itâs a legally separate company, created in September 2019 to operate under U.S. law. While the global Binance platform got into serious trouble with regulators - including a $4.3 billion settlement in 2023 - Binance.US was designed to stay compliant. Itâs owned by BAM Trading Services and works under strict AML and KYC rules. That means you canât use it if you live in New York, Texas, Hawaii, or Vermont. But if youâre in the other 45 states, itâs one of the most powerful tools for trading crypto.
Trading Options and Fees
Binance.US gives you three ways to trade: Instant Buy, Advanced Trading, and Staking. Instant Buy is simple - pick a coin, enter the amount in dollars, and click buy. Perfect if youâre just starting out. Advanced Trading is where things get serious. You get candlestick charts, 10+ technical indicators, limit orders, stop-losses, and trailing stops. Itâs not as overwhelming as Binance.comâs interface, but itâs definitely built for traders who know what theyâre doing.
Fees are where Binance.US really shines. Trading fees start at 0.40% for standard trades. But hereâs the kicker: you can trade Bitcoin and Ethereum against USD with zero fees. Thatâs a huge deal if youâre frequently buying or selling BTC or ETH. Compare that to Coinbase, which charges 0.60% on standard trades, and you can see why active traders stick with Binance.US.
Thereâs no minimum account balance. You can start with $1. The minimum trade size varies by coin, but most allow trades as low as $1. Withdrawals via ACH are free, but thereâs a $50 minimum - higher than Coinbaseâs $2 minimum. Thatâs a common complaint on Reddit, especially from users who make small, regular deposits.
Cryptocurrencies and Trading Pairs
As of early 2026, Binance.US supports 180+ cryptocurrencies and over 240 trading pairs. Thatâs a big jump from its 2019 launch, when it only offered 15 coins. In Q1 2025 alone, it added 37 new assets. Youâll find Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, Polkadot, and even smaller tokens like Aave, Uniswap, and Chainlink.
But itâs not as wide as the global Binance platform, which offers over 350 coins. And you wonât find any futures or margin trading here - those are blocked because U.S. regulators donât allow them on licensed exchanges. If youâre looking to leverage your positions or trade derivatives, youâll need to look elsewhere.
Staking Rewards - One of the Best in the U.S.
If youâre holding crypto long-term, staking is where Binance.US really stands out. It supports staking for 26 different cryptocurrencies, with yields as high as 15% annually. For example, you can stake Solana at 8.5%, Cosmos at 12%, or Ethereum at 4.2%. Thatâs significantly higher than what Coinbase or Kraken offer on most coins.
They even launched a dedicated staking dashboard in March 2025, calling themselves the â#1 Largest U.S. Staking Platform.â And based on user data, theyâre not exaggerating. Over 40% of Binance.US users are actively staking, according to their 2024 internal survey. The process is simple: select your coin, lock it up, and earn rewards automatically. No need to manage validators or run nodes.
Security and Storage
Binance.US stores all customer funds in U.S.-based cold wallets, with a 1:1 reserve ratio. That means every dollarâs worth of crypto you hold is backed by an equal amount stored offline. They also use SMS and Google Authenticator for two-factor authentication (2FA). No biometrics, no hardware wallet integration - but those are standard across most U.S. exchanges.
Thereâs no insurance fund like Coinbaseâs FDIC-backed custody, but they do partner with third-party security firms for regular audits. The platform has never been hacked since its launch. Thatâs a strong track record, especially when you remember that Binance.com faced serious legal issues.
Still, you should be aware: Binance.US settled with the CFTC in November 2023 for $4.3 million over improper payment processing. Itâs not a red flag, but itâs a reminder that this company operates under regulatory pressure. If youâre sensitive to legal risks, thatâs worth considering.
User Experience and Support
The interface is clean, fast, and consistent across web and mobile apps. Both apps are available on the App Store and Google Play, and they offer the same features. No lag, no crashes - even during high-volume trading days.
But support? Thatâs where things get shaky. Thereâs no phone support. At all. You get an AI chatbot, live chat, and a help center with articles and video tutorials. Some users love the live chat - one Reddit user called it âlike talking to angels.â But others report delays. If youâre stuck on a complex issue, you might be waiting hours for a reply.
Verification takes 24 to 72 hours. Thatâs normal for U.S. exchanges, but Trustpilot reviews show 32% of users had to wait longer than three days. If youâre in a hurry to trade, thatâs frustrating. Make sure you have your government ID and proof of address ready - blurry photos or mismatched names cause delays.
Who Is Binance.US For?
Binance.US isnât for everyone. Hereâs who it works best for:
- Active traders - Low fees and advanced tools make it ideal for those who trade daily or weekly.
- Stakers - If you want the highest yields on your crypto, this is one of the best places in the U.S.
- Crypto-only traders - No fiat on-ramps beyond bank transfers. No PayPal, no credit cards.
Itâs less ideal if:
- You live in NY, TX, HI, or VT.
- You need phone support or instant help.
- You want to trade futures or use leverage.
- Youâre a complete beginner who needs hand-holding - Coinbaseâs educational content is better.
Binance.US vs. Coinbase vs. Kraken
| Feature | Binance.US | Coinbase | Kraken |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trading Fees (Standard) | 0.40% | 0.60% | 0.16%-0.26% |
| Fee-Free BTC/ETH Trading | Yes | No | No |
| Cryptocurrencies | 180+ | 250+ | 200+ |
| Staking Yields | Up to 15% | Up to 8% | Up to 10% |
| Futures & Margin | No | No | Yes |
| Payment Methods | Bank transfer only | Bank, PayPal, Card | Bank, Wire |
| Phone Support | No | Yes | Yes |
| Availability | 45 states | All 50 states | All 50 states |
Bottom line: Binance.US wins on fees and staking. Coinbase wins on ease of use and support. Kraken wins on features and availability. Your choice depends on what matters most to you.
Whatâs Next for Binance.US?
Binance.US is trying to expand into the four states it currently canât serve. Texas is the toughest - their laws are among the strictest in the country. But with Congress working on federal crypto legislation in 2026, thereâs hope for clearer rules. If that happens, Binance.US might finally get access to all 50 states.
Theyâre also working on expanding staking options, adding more coins, and improving their educational content. Right now, users say the basics are well-explained, but advanced features like limit orders or stop-losses need better guides. Thatâs something theyâre actively fixing.
For now, Binance.US remains one of the most competitive exchanges in the U.S. Itâs not perfect, but if youâre serious about trading and staking crypto without paying high fees, itâs hard to beat.
Is Binance.US safe to use in 2026?
Yes, Binance.US is safe to use. Itâs a U.S.-licensed exchange with strict KYC and AML policies. All customer funds are held in U.S.-based cold storage with a 1:1 reserve ratio. Itâs never been hacked. However, it settled with the CFTC in 2023 for $4.3 million over payment processing violations, so thereâs some regulatory baggage. If youâre concerned about legal risks, consider how much trust you place in its parent companyâs history.
Can I trade Bitcoin with zero fees on Binance.US?
Yes. Binance.US offers fee-free trading on Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) when paired with USD. That means you can buy or sell BTC/USD or ETH/USD without paying the standard 0.40% fee. This is one of the biggest advantages over Coinbase and Kraken, which charge fees on all trades.
Why canât I use Binance.US in Texas or New York?
Binance.US is blocked in Texas, New York, Hawaii, and Vermont because those states have stricter crypto regulations. New York requires a BitLicense, which Binance.US hasnât applied for. Texas has passed laws that limit which crypto platforms can operate. Until Binance.US gets approval from state regulators, these areas remain off-limits.
Does Binance.US offer margin trading or futures?
No. U.S. regulators donât allow licensed exchanges to offer margin trading or futures contracts. Binance.US follows these rules strictly. If you want to trade leveraged positions or derivatives, youâll need to use an offshore platform - but that comes with higher risk and no U.S. legal protection.
How long does account verification take on Binance.US?
Typically 24 to 72 hours. Most users get verified within two days. But if your documents are unclear, mismatched, or outdated, it can take longer. Some users report delays of up to five days, especially during high-traffic periods. To speed things up, make sure your ID is clear, unexpired, and matches your address proof exactly.
Whatâs the minimum deposit to start trading on Binance.US?
Thereâs no minimum account balance. You can deposit as little as $1 and start trading. The minimum trade size depends on the coin - for Bitcoin, you can buy as little as $1 worth. For smaller tokens, the minimum might be $5 or $10. Withdrawals via ACH require a minimum of $50.
18 Comments
Paul Gariepy
February 8, 2026 AT 15:46 PMI've been using Binance.US for over a year now, and honestly, the fee-free BTC/ETH trading is a game-changer. I trade small amounts daily, and those 0.4% fees add up fast elsewhere. Zero fees on the big two? That's like free coffee every morning. No exaggeration. I've saved over $300 in fees last year alone. Seriously, if you're not taking advantage of this, you're leaving money on the table.
Oliver James Scarth
February 9, 2026 AT 04:24 AMThe notion that Binance.US is "one of the most competitive" exchanges is laughable. In Britain, we have proper regulation, not this half-baked compliance charade. The CFTC settlement alone should raise red flags. This isn't innovation-it's regulatory arbitrage dressed up as progress. Don't be fooled by the low fees; you're trading safety for savings.
Kieren Hagan
February 10, 2026 AT 16:37 PMI appreciate the thorough breakdown, but I think the staking section underplays a critical risk. The 15% yields are attractive, but they're not guaranteed. They're subject to network conditions, validator performance, and platform policy changes. Many users treat staking rewards as interest, but they're not. You're locking up assets in a decentralized system with no FDIC protection. Don't assume it's passive income-it's active participation with risk.
sachin bunny
February 11, 2026 AT 10:02 AMBinance.US is a trap. 𤥠The government is watching everything. They let it operate because they want to track your money. Soon, they'll freeze your account for "suspicious activity" because you staked ETH. They'll say you're funding terrorists. You think this is freedom? It's surveillance with a nice UI. Don't trust them. Move your coins to a hardware wallet. NOW. đ¨
Olivette Petersen
February 12, 2026 AT 07:13 AMI started with $20 on Binance.US last year and just hit my first $1k in staking rewards! Itâs wild how much you can grow when you stop overthinking it. The interface is clean, the app works flawlessly, and the 8.5% Solana yield is just icing on the cake. If youâve been scared to dip your toes in, just start small. You donât need to be an expert-you just need to start.
Michelle Anderson
February 12, 2026 AT 18:36 PMBinance.US is a dumpster fire with a shiny logo. 180 coins? Half of them are shitcoins dumped because Binance.com got banned. Staking yields? Theyâre unsustainable. Theyâre burning cash to lure fools. And zero phone support? Thatâs not a feature-itâs a red flag. If you need help, youâre SOL. Donât be the guy who loses his life savings because he trusted a platform with a chatbot.
laura mundy
February 14, 2026 AT 12:37 PMOf course it's popular. People are desperate. They want easy money. But letâs be real-this isnât finance. Itâs a casino with a spreadsheet. And the fact that youâre calling it "one of the most competitive"? Thatâs the problem. Weâve normalized gambling as investing. This isnât innovation. Itâs desperation.
Michael Sullivan
February 15, 2026 AT 23:42 PMYou didn't even mention the fact that Binance.US uses the same backend as Binance.com. Same codebase. Same devs. Just a different nameplate. The "separate legal entity" is a legal fiction. The real risk isn't regulation-it's infrastructure. If Binance.com gets hacked tomorrow, guess who gets breached next? They're one breach away from wiping out 2.3 million accounts. And you're telling people it's safe?
perry jody
February 16, 2026 AT 10:42 AMI switched from Coinbase after they raised fees. Binance.US is way better for active traders. The Advanced Trading interface is clean, and the $1 minimum trade is perfect for testing new coins. Iâve been staking ADA and DOT for 6 months now-rewards are consistent. The only thing I miss is PayPal deposits, but Iâve gotten used to ACH. Totally worth it.
Paul Jardetzky
February 17, 2026 AT 17:49 PMIf youâre new to crypto, donât overcomplicate it. Binance.US is perfect for beginners who want to learn. The educational videos are actually useful. I started with just buying $5 of BTC every week. No drama. No leverage. Just consistent buys. Now Iâm staking ETH and learning how validators work. Itâs not about getting rich-itâs about building habits. This platform makes that easy.
orville matibag
February 18, 2026 AT 12:36 PMI live in Texas. Can't use it. But I watch what happens on Binance.US. The whole thing feels like a slow-motion train wreck. They're trying to be legit, but they're still Binance. The community is divided-half love the fees, half fear the backlash. It's like watching a company try to scrub its name off a crime scene. The money's good, but the vibes? Not great.
aryan danial
February 20, 2026 AT 06:18 AMThe entire premise of this review is naive. You treat Binance.US as if it's a neutral platform. But it's not. It's a corporate entity operating under the shadow of a $4.3 billion settlement. The staking rewards? They're funded by speculative trading volume, not real value. You're not earning yield-you're funding a liquidity bubble. And the "zero fees"? That's a bait-and-switch. They make money on order flow, not trading fees. You're the product.
Danica Cheney
February 21, 2026 AT 18:48 PMI tried it. Took 5 days to verify. Support was useless. Ended up switching to Kraken. Just saying.
Kyle Pearce-O'Brien
February 22, 2026 AT 01:12 AMThe real story here isn't the fees or staking-it's the institutional capture. Binance.US is the Trojan horse for centralized control. The "compliance" narrative is a smokescreen. They're not protecting users-they're protecting the system. The 1:1 reserve? Prove it. The audits? Who audits the auditors? This isn't decentralization. It's capitalism with a blockchain logo.
Matthew Ryan
February 23, 2026 AT 10:05 AMI've used all three exchanges. Binance.US is the most reliable for consistent trading. The UI doesn't lag. The API works. The support chat, while slow, actually resolves issues eventually. I don't care about phone support-I care about uptime. And it's been flawless for me. If you're trading regularly, this is the most stable option.
Nathaniel Okubule
February 24, 2026 AT 23:36 PMFor anyone considering Binance.US: verify your identity early. Have your documents ready. Don't wait until you're ready to trade. I waited a week, then got rejected because my address proof was from my old apartment. Took another 4 days to resubmit. It's not hard, but it's easy to mess up. Be meticulous. It's worth it.
Robin Ădis
February 25, 2026 AT 21:52 PMLetâs be honest-the reason Binance.US has lower fees is because theyâre not paying for compliance. Theyâre cutting corners. The CFTC settlement wasnât about payment processing-it was about ignoring AML rules. Theyâre playing chicken with regulators. And youâre the one who gets wiped out when they lose. This isnât finance. Itâs Russian roulette with crypto.
Joshua Herder
February 26, 2026 AT 21:30 PMYou call this a review? This is a corporate brochure. You mention the CFTC settlement like itâs a footnote. You praise the staking yields like theyâre guaranteed. You ignore the fact that over 60% of new users on Binance.US lose money in their first month. This isnât education. Itâs manipulation. The platform is designed to make you trade more, not save more. And youâre here selling it like itâs a miracle.