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 it’s not without its flaws - especially when you compare it to competitors like Coinbase or Kraken. Let’s cut through the noise and show you exactly what Binance.US delivers in 2026.
What Is Binance.US?
Binance.US isn’t just a smaller version of Binance.com. It’s 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. It’s owned by BAM Trading Services and works under strict AML and KYC rules. That means you can’t use it if you live in New York, Texas, Hawaii, or Vermont. But if you’re in the other 45 states, it’s 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 you’re just starting out. Advanced Trading is where things get serious. You get candlestick charts, 10+ technical indicators, limit orders, stop-losses, and trailing stops. It’s not as overwhelming as Binance.com’s interface, but it’s definitely built for traders who know what they’re doing.
Fees are where Binance.US really shines. Trading fees start at 0.40% for standard trades. But here’s the kicker: you can trade Bitcoin and Ethereum against USD with zero fees. That’s a huge deal if you’re 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.
There’s 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 there’s a $50 minimum - higher than Coinbase’s $2 minimum. That’s 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. That’s a big jump from its 2019 launch, when it only offered 15 coins. In Q1 2025 alone, it added 37 new assets. You’ll find Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, Polkadot, and even smaller tokens like Aave, Uniswap, and Chainlink.
But it’s not as wide as the global Binance platform, which offers over 350 coins. And you won’t find any futures or margin trading here - those are blocked because U.S. regulators don’t allow them on licensed exchanges. If you’re looking to leverage your positions or trade derivatives, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Staking Rewards - One of the Best in the U.S.
If you’re 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%. That’s significantly higher than what Coinbase or Kraken offer on most coins.
They even launched a dedicated staking dashboard in March 2025, calling themselves the “#1 Largest U.S. Staking Platform.” And based on user data, they’re 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 dollar’s 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.
There’s no insurance fund like Coinbase’s FDIC-backed custody, but they do partner with third-party security firms for regular audits. The platform has never been hacked since its launch. That’s 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. It’s not a red flag, but it’s a reminder that this company operates under regulatory pressure. If you’re sensitive to legal risks, that’s 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? That’s where things get shaky. There’s 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 “like talking to angels.” But others report delays. If you’re stuck on a complex issue, you might be waiting hours for a reply.
Verification takes 24 to 72 hours. That’s normal for U.S. exchanges, but Trustpilot reviews show 32% of users had to wait longer than three days. If you’re in a hurry to trade, that’s 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 isn’t for everyone. Here’s 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.
It’s 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.
- You’re a complete beginner who needs hand-holding - Coinbase’s 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.
What’s Next for Binance.US?
Binance.US is trying to expand into the four states it currently can’t serve. Texas is the toughest - their laws are among the strictest in the country. But with Congress working on federal crypto legislation in 2026, there’s hope for clearer rules. If that happens, Binance.US might finally get access to all 50 states.
They’re 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. That’s something they’re actively fixing.
For now, Binance.US remains one of the most competitive exchanges in the U.S. It’s not perfect, but if you’re serious about trading and staking crypto without paying high fees, it’s hard to beat.
Is Binance.US safe to use in 2026?
Yes, Binance.US is safe to use. It’s 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. It’s never been hacked. However, it settled with the CFTC in 2023 for $4.3 million over payment processing violations, so there’s some regulatory baggage. If you’re concerned about legal risks, consider how much trust you place in its parent company’s 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 can’t 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 hasn’t 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 don’t 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, you’ll 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.
What’s the minimum deposit to start trading on Binance.US?
There’s 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.
