CoinUp.io Exchange Comparison Tool
CoinUp.io Overview
Fees: Maker 0.06%, Taker 0.12%
Security: Cold storage, 2FA, SSL
Regulation: Cayman Islands registered, no public license
Key Metrics
Founded: 2021
Users: ~1.2M (unverified)
Tokens: 300+
Comparison Summary
| Exchange | Founded | Users | Tokens | Fees | Security | Regulation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoinUp.io | 2021 | ~1.2M | 300+ | 0.06% / 0.12% | Cold Storage, 2FA | Cayman Islands |
| Binance | 2017 | 150M+ | 350+ | 0.10% flat | Multi-layered | Global Licenses |
| Coinbase | 2012 | 110M+ | 250+ | 0.50% - 0.60% | SOC2, ISO27001 | US, EU Licensed |
| Kraken | 2011 | 10M+ | 200+ | 0.16% - 0.26% | Insurance, Audits | Global Licenses |
| KuCoin | 2017 | 30M+ | 700+ | 0.10% flat | Multi-layered | Various Licenses |
Pros
- Low fees compared to most spot-only exchanges
- Wide range of derivatives
- Cold-storage of significant Bitcoin reserve
- 24/7 multilingual support
Cons
- Limited regulatory transparency
- Unverified user count and volume
- Unclear mobile app metrics
- Potential liquidity issues
Quick Take
- Founded 2021, based in Cayman Islands, ops in SG, CA, HK.
- Offers spot & derivatives on 300+ coins, low‑fee model.
- 24‑hour volume ~ $6.5B, BTC holdings ~4,500BTC.
- Security claims strong but lacks public audit details.
- Good for active traders; still uncertain regulatory status.
When you hear CoinUp.io is a cryptocurrency derivatives exchange founded in September 2021, registered in the Cayman Islands and operating from Singapore, Canada and Hong Kong, the first question is whether it can stand shoulder‑to‑shoulder with the industry giants. This CoinUp.io review walks through its core product suite, fee structure, security posture, user experience and how it stacks up against the big players in 2025.
What CoinUp.io Actually Offers
The platform bills itself as a “global crypto derivatives trading hub.” In practice it provides three main services:
- Spot trading of more than 300 digital assets, from Bitcoin (Bitcoin) and Ethereum (Ethereum) to meme coins like Dogecoin and newer entrants such as WorldCoin.
- Margin and futures contracts for the same set of assets, with leverage options up to 125× on select pairs.
- A suite of digital‑asset‑management tools, including issuance services for bespoke tokens and a portfolio dashboard.
The mobile apps for iOS and Android mirror the web UI, delivering real‑time charts, order‑book depth, and push notifications for liquidation events. While the exact download numbers are undisclosed, the app store listings claim “millions of users worldwide.”
Fee Structure - How Low‑Cost Is Low‑Cost?
CoinUp.io promotes a “low‑fee” trading experience. Maker fees sit at 0.06% and taker fees at 0.12%, which undercuts many rivals but still sits above the absolute best rates (e.g., Binance’s 0.10% flat). Withdrawal fees are coin‑specific; for Bitcoin the fee is 0.0005BTC (≈ $57 at current prices), while stablecoins like USDT are free for withdrawals above $1,000.
Because the platform leans heavily into derivatives, funding rates on perpetual contracts vary by market but are generally in line with the industry average of ±0.01% per 8‑hour interval.
Security & Regulatory Landscape
CoinUp.io repeatedly states that “user funds safety is our top priority.” The website lists several security layers:
- Two‑factor authentication (2FA) via Google Authenticator or SMS.
- Cold‑storage of the majority of assets - the publicly disclosed 4,511.62BTC are reportedly held in offline wallets.
- Encrypted SSL/TLS connections for all web traffic.
What’s missing is any independent audit report, insurance coverage details, or clear licensing information. Unlike Coinbase, which publishes SOC‑2 and ISO‑27001 certifications, CoinUp.io’s compliance documents are tucked behind a “partner portal” that requires a registered account. In jurisdictions with strict crypto regulations (EU, US, Japan), the lack of a publicly‑available license could be a deal‑breaker for institutional traders.
User Experience & Customer Support
Feedback is mixed. The UI is clean, with a dark‑mode charting panel and a unified order‑book for spot and futures. Some users praise the “single‑screen” approach that lets you trade stocks, crypto, and futures together, while others note occasional latency spikes during high‑volume periods.
Support is reachable 24/7 via live chat, email ([email protected]) and Telegram. Average response times reported on community forums are under 5minutes for chat, but email replies can stretch to a few hours. There is no phone line.
How CoinUp.io Stacks Up - Comparison Table
| Exchange | Founded | Active Users | Listed Tokens | Maker/Taker Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoinUp.io | 2021 | ~1.2M (unverified) | 300+ | 0.06% / 0.12% |
| Binance | 2017 | 150M+ | 350+ | 0.10% flat |
| Coinbase | 2012 | 110M+ | 250+ | 0.50% - 0.60% |
| Kraken | 2011 | 10M+ | 200+ | 0.16% - 0.26% |
| KuCoin | 2017 | 30M+ | 700+ | 0.10% flat |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Low maker/taker fees compared with most spot‑only exchanges.
- Wide range of derivatives, appealing to advanced traders.
- Cold‑storage of a sizable Bitcoin reserve.
- 24/7 multilingual support via chat and Telegram.
Cons
- Regulatory transparency is limited; no public audit or licensing docs.
- User count and volume claims are not independently verified.
- Mobile app ratings and download numbers are unclear.
- Liquidity can dip on less‑popular pairs during market stress.
Who Should Consider Using CoinUp.io?
If you’re a trader who needs both spot and high‑leverage futures without juggling multiple accounts, CoinUp.io offers a convenient one‑stop shop. It shines for users comfortable with a newer platform and willing to accept a bit of regulatory ambiguity in exchange for lower fees and a broad derivatives menu.
Conversely, if you’re based in a jurisdiction with strict crypto licensing (e.g., the United States, the EU) or you prioritize audited security guarantees, you might stick with established exchanges like Binance or Coinbase until CoinUp.io publishes more concrete compliance evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CoinUp.io regulated?
Public information shows the company is registered in the Cayman Islands, but there are no disclosed licenses from major regulators such as the FCA, MAS, or SEC. Users should verify local compliance before depositing large sums.
What is the minimum deposit?
The platform allows a $10 minimum for fiat on‑ramps, but most crypto deposits are limited only by the network’s minimum transaction size.
How fast are withdrawals?
Standard withdrawals are processed within 30‑60minutes for most coins. High‑value withdrawals may be delayed for additional KYC verification.
Can I trade on margin?
Yes, CoinUp.io offers margin trading with up to 125× leverage on selected pairs, subject to a tiered risk‑assessment process.
Is there an insurance fund?
The exchange claims a “self‑insurance fund” for liquidation protection, but no third‑party audit or coverage amount is publicly disclosed.
Jared Carline
15 December, 2024 . 21:28 PM
Regarding the advertised maker fee of 0.06 %, the nominal figure overlooks the hidden cost of withdrawals, which can erode profit margins on high‑frequency trades. Moreover, the taker rate of 0.12 % is double that of some competing platforms that offer volume‑based rebates. The fee schedule also fails to disclose the surcharge applied to fiat deposits, a detail that many traders overlook. In addition, the platform’s claim of “low fees” does not account for the potential spread widening during periods of low liquidity. Consequently, the overall cost structure may be less competitive than the headline numbers suggest.
raghavan veera
20 December, 2024 . 12:46 PM
From a broader perspective, fee transparency is a cornerstone of market integrity, and any omission, however minor, can influence trader behavior over time. While the quoted percentages appear attractive on paper, the cumulative effect of ancillary fees can offset the perceived advantage. It is also worth noting that lower fees often correlate with reduced service levels or limited insurance coverage. Traders should therefore weigh the marginal savings against the potential risk exposure. Ultimately, a holistic assessment of total cost of ownership is more informative than isolated fee percentages.
Vijay Kumar
25 December, 2024 . 04:10 AM
Hey folks, if you’re planning to dive into CoinUp’s derivatives, start by calibrating your leverage to match your risk appetite. The platform caps leverage at 125× on select pairs, which is tempting but can wipe out a position in seconds if the market swings. Use the built‑in portfolio dashboard to monitor margin ratios in real time; it’s a lifesaver during volatile sessions. Also, remember that the cold‑storage reserve of 4,500 BTC is a good security signal, but it doesn’t replace the need for personal 2FA and strong passwords. Finally, keep an eye on the funding rates for perpetual contracts – they can swing positive or negative and affect your net P&L.
Edgardo Rodriguez
29 December, 2024 . 19:26 PM
Indeed, the presence of a sizable cold‑storage reserve, coupled with mandatory two‑factor authentication, provides a foundation of security, yet the absence of publicly audited insurance policies introduces an element of uncertainty, especially for institutional participants; the platform’s “self‑insurance fund” remains unverified, and without third‑party validation, risk assessments become speculative; therefore, diversifying assets across multiple exchanges, while maintaining rigorous personal security hygiene, mitigates exposure to potential systemic vulnerabilities.
mudassir khan
3 January, 2025 . 10:43 AM
The regulatory opacity of CoinUp.io is a glaring weakness; without a clear licensing framework, users are left to speculate about compliance. This lack of transparency undermines confidence, particularly for those operating under strict jurisdictional oversight.
Bianca Giagante
8 January, 2025 . 02:00 AM
While the concerns about licensing are valid, it is important to acknowledge the platform’s proactive steps, such as implementing SSL/TLS encryption and cold‑storage solutions, which demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding user assets. Additionally, the 24/7 multilingual support team can assist with compliance queries, providing a degree of reassurance despite the limited public disclosures.
Andrew Else
12 January, 2025 . 17:16 PM
Sure, fees look cheap until you factor in withdrawal costs.
Susan Brindle Kerr
17 January, 2025 . 08:33 AM
Honestly, this exchange tries too hard to be everything at once, and it ends up being a jack‑of‑all‑trades, master of none.
Danielle Thompson
21 January, 2025 . 23:50 PM
It’s true that the platform aims for breadth, but the user‑friendly interface and round‑the‑clock chat support really help smooth the learning curve 😊.
Eric Levesque
26 January, 2025 . 15:06 PM
America deserves exchanges that put our users first, not offshore schemes.
alex demaisip
31 January, 2025 . 06:23 AM
The architecture of CoinUp.io’s fee matrix warrants a granular dissection, beginning with the maker remuneration of 0.06 %, which ostensibly positions the exchange favorably against legacy venues; however, when one deconstructs the fee schedule, it becomes evident that the taker surcharge of 0.12 % introduces a bifurcation in cost exposure that can disproportionately impact market makers who rely on liquidity provision. Moreover, the withdrawal fee model, calibrated per asset class, imposes a tiered structure whereby Bitcoin withdrawals attract a fixed 0.0005 BTC levy, translating to a tangible expense in volatile market conditions. In contrast, stablecoin egress is rendered fee‑free above the $1,000 threshold, a design choice that incentivizes high‑volume movements but simultaneously skews the cost equilibrium. The platform’s derivative offering extends to perpetual contracts with funding rates that oscillate within a narrow ±0.01 % band per eight‑hour interval, a parameter that, while competitive, demands vigilant monitoring to preempt inadvertent negative funding accruals. From a security perspective, the deployment of cold‑storage for the majority of assets, quantified at approximately 4,511.62 BTC, signifies a robust custodial posture; yet the absence of third‑party audit attestations raises questions regarding internal governance protocols. Regulatory considerations further compound the risk matrix; registration within the Cayman Islands provides a degree of operational latitude, but the lack of explicit licensing from recognized financial authorities such as the FCA, MAS, or SEC constrains the exchange’s legitimacy in jurisdictions with stringent compliance mandates. Consequently, while CoinUp.io presents a compelling proposition for active traders seeking low‑fee environments and a diversified derivatives suite, the confluence of opaque regulatory status, variable withdrawal fees, and limited audit visibility necessitates a prudent risk assessment prior to capital allocation.
Elmer Detres
4 February, 2025 . 21:40 PM
That extensive breakdown is spot‑on; the interplay between fee tiers and regulatory ambiguity creates a nuanced risk‑reward profile, and traders should calibrate exposure accordingly, perhaps allocating only a portion of their capital until further compliance documentation is released.
Tony Young
9 February, 2025 . 12:56 PM
One practical tip for new users: enable both Google Authenticator and SMS‑based 2FA to add a redundancy layer; if one channel fails, you still retain access. Also, make use of the “price alerts” feature on the mobile app – it can notify you instantly when a token breaches a pre‑set threshold, which helps in managing stop‑losses without constant screen monitoring. Finally, periodically review the “account activity” log; unexpected IP logins can be an early warning sign of compromised credentials.
Fiona Padrutt
14 February, 2025 . 04:13 AM
In my view, the exchange’s aggressive leverage limits are a double‑edged sword: they attract high‑risk traders, but they also increase the systemic risk for the platform, which could lead to cascading liquidations during market stress.
Briana Holtsnider
18 February, 2025 . 19:30 PM
The platform’s lack of transparent audit is a red flag; I would advise staying on the sidelines until they publish verifiable security reports.
Corrie Moxon
23 February, 2025 . 10:46 AM
It’s encouraging to see a newer exchange taking bold steps in offering derivatives, and with a bit more regulatory clarity, CoinUp could become a solid option for both retail and professional traders.
Jeff Carson
28 February, 2025 . 02:03 AM
🤔 I’m curious how the platform plans to scale its liquidity pools as trading volume grows; perhaps integrating with external market makers could bolster depth and reduce slippage.
Anne Zaya
4 March, 2025 . 17:20 PM
Looks like a decent option for those who want both spot and futures in one place.
Emma Szabo
9 March, 2025 . 08:36 AM
From a user‑experience standpoint, the seamless transition between spot charts and futures order books is a refreshing design choice, eliminating the need to juggle multiple tabs. The color‑coded depth visualizer, paired with real‑time tick data, empowers traders to make split‑second decisions with confidence. Moreover, the platform’s multilingual live‑chat support, staffed around the clock, bridges the communication gap for non‑English speaking users, fostering a more inclusive environment. While the fee structure is competitive, the community would benefit from a transparent tiered‑volume discount program, similar to what Binance offers, to reward high‑frequency traders. Security-wise, the combination of cold‑storage, 2FA, and SSL encryption sets a solid baseline; however, publishing third‑party audit results would further cement trust. Overall, CoinUp.io presents a compelling blend of functionality and accessibility, positioning itself as a noteworthy contender in the crowded exchange arena.
Fiona Lam
13 March, 2025 . 23:53 PM
Honestly, the aggressive marketing feels off‑putting; it’s like they’re trying too hard to convince us.
OLAOLUWAPO SANDA
18 March, 2025 . 15:10 PM
Everyone’s hyped about low fees, but the hidden costs will bite you later.
Alex Yepes
23 March, 2025 . 06:26 AM
In conclusion, a thorough due‑diligence process should encompass a multi‑dimensional analysis of CoinUp.io, integrating fee calculus, security architecture, regulatory posture, and operational resilience. The fee schedule, while ostensibly attractive, must be contextualized against withdrawal and funding costs to ascertain the true cost of trading. Security considerations extend beyond cold‑storage holdings; the absence of publicly available audit certificates necessitates a cautious approach, particularly for institutional participants. Regulatory ambiguity, stemming from Cayman Islands registration without explicit licensing, imposes additional compliance burdens on users operating under stringent jurisdictional frameworks. Liquidity dynamics, especially on lower‑volume pairs, should be monitored closely, as depth can deteriorate during market stress, potentially amplifying slippage. Users are advised to employ robust personal security measures, including dual‑factor authentication and regular credential rotation. Engaging with the platform’s 24/7 support channels can alleviate operational friction, yet response variability underscores the importance of preparedness for delayed assistance. As the broader crypto ecosystem evolves, exchanges that proactively publish audit reports and secure recognized licenses will likely achieve greater market confidence. Therefore, prospective traders should weigh the interplay of low fees, derivative offerings, and the current transparency gaps before allocating capital to CoinUp.io.