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For Kuwaiti traders, the best exchange is the one you rarely have to think about, it should handle Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) deposits and global compliance in the background so you can focus entirely on the market.
We spent weeks stress-testing 50+ platforms to find the few that actually deliver on that promise. Instead of relying on global reputation alone, we specifically tested local payment gateways, verified native Arabic support, and filtered for top-tier licenses from bodies like the FCA and FinCEN. Because a privacy-focused trader needs different tools than a beginner buying their first Bitcoin, we mapped our top recommendations, from Bybit to Blofin, to the specific strategy they serve best.
List of Top Crypto Exchanges in Kuwait
Deep liquidity with low fees, direct KWD support, Arabic interface, and dedicated Shariah-compliant trading accounts.
Beginner-friendly exchange with industry-leading security, transparent fees, and strong global regulation.
Advanced derivatives platform with stock futures, low fees, institutional-grade API access, and a $700m protection fund.
Ultra-low trading fees with 0% maker rates, 1,900+ coins, and high-leverage futures up to 500x.
Zero-fee P2P marketplace with escrow protection, local KWD payment methods, and seamless access to spot and derivatives trading.
No-KYC derivatives exchange with advanced trading tools, Fireblocks custody, and Proof of Reserves transparency.
How FXEmpire Chose the Best Crypto Platforms in Kuwait
- Regulatory Compliance: We focused on exchanges that hold licenses from leading global financial regulations such as FinCEN in the US, the FCA in the UK, and MiCA compliance in Europe, ensuring the regulatory compliance and consumer-protection standards.
- KWD Support & Local Banking Integration: We favored platforms that support Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) via Quick Buy with bank cards, or P2P trading that lets users fund accounts using a wide range of local payment methods.
- Security & Transparency: We only included exchanges that offer robust security measures like 2FA, withdrawal whitelists, cold storage of assets, and have independently verifiable Proof of Reserves for complete peace of mind.
- Trading Tools & Interface: We tested each platform, looking for features like TradingView charting, advanced conditional orders, support for automated or copy trading, and dedicated Lite Modes for beginners and first time investors.
- Crypto Selection: We compared the number of supported assets on each exchange, looking for those that offer a wide range of coins including large-cap tokens, stablecoins, popular altcoins, and trending memecoins.
- Liquidity & Order Execution: We compared daily trading volumes and order book depth on each platform, focusing on those that offer deep liquidity, minimal slippage, and rapid trade execution.
- Low & Transparent Fees: We compared maker/taker fees, deposit fees, and hidden costs, ranking platforms highly for offering clear, transparent fee structures with no surprise fees.
- Customer Support & Response Time: We tested the customer support on each exchange, looking for fast, helpful support via a range of channels, including live chat and email.
- Arabic Language & Regional Accessibility: We looked for exchanges that natively support Arabic across both their desktop and mobile platforms, with support for Kuwaiti documents during the KYC process.
- Educational Resources & Market Insights: We compared the availability of educational resources such as articles, guides, video tutorials, and easy to understand market analysis, helping beginners and first time investors to understand crypto and how markets work.
Best Crypto Exchanges in Kuwait Comparison Table
| Exchange | Ranking | Taker/Maker | Available Crypto | Accepts Fiat | Payment Methods | KYC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bybit | 4.6 Read Review | 0.1% / 0.1% | 519 | Yes | +2 | Yes |
Kraken | 4.2 Read Review | 0.4% / 0.25% | 532 | Yes | +3 | Yes |
Bitget | 4.7 Read Review | 0.1% / 0.1% | 657 | Yes | +2 | Yes |
MEXC | 4.6 Read Review | 0.01% / 0% | 1767 | Yes | +3 | No |
OKX | 4.6 Read Review | 0.1% / 0.08% | 296 | Yes | +6 | YES |
Blofin | 3.8 Read Review | 0.6% / 0.6% | 412 | No | +8 | No |
Best Overall
- 519Available Crypto
- Payment Methods
- FeesLow
Why We Picked It
Bybit is one of the largest exchanges with over 75 million users worldwide, popular for its advanced desktop platform with deep liquidity across a wide range of spot and derivatives markets. The exchange stands out for its Arabic support and Shariah-compliant accounts that are perfect for Muslim investors.
- All-in-One Platform: Bybit offers a complete platform with spot and derivatives trading, staking and Earn products, as well as advanced copy and bot trading tools. Its wide range of tools caters to all experience levels and helps new traders progress without having to change platforms.
- Direct KWD Support: Bybit lets users buy crypto using Kuwaiti Dinar, without having to leave the exchange. It supports Quick Buy using a bank card or Apple/Google Pay, or P2P trading with a selection of merchants supporting bank transfer and other local payment methods.
- Dedicated Islamic Account: Bybit offers dedicated Islamic Accounts which only gives users access to Shariah-compliant trading products. Developed with CryptoHalal, the Bybit Islamic Account is the first of its kind and perfect for the Muslim population in Kuwait.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 720+ spot & 610+ futures markets
- Supports KWD (bank card, Apple/Google Pay, P2P & third-party providers)
- Low trading fees (0.1% spot)
- Deep liquidity across trading pairs
- Dedicated Lite & Pro modes
Cons
- No free fiat deposits
- No insurance on user deposits
Best for Beginners
- 532Available Crypto
- Payment Methods+1
- FeesHigh
Why We Picked It
Kraken is a US-based exchange established in 2011 that is renowned for its institutional-grade security, beginner-friendly interface, and robust regulatory compliance. With over 13 million users globally, Kraken was voted Best Crypto exchange by Forbes, making it perfect for beginners & first time investors.
- Beginner-Friendly Experience: Kraken’s clean, intuitive interface offers beginners straightforward navigation when buying, selling, or staking crypto. It also offers a wide range of educational content including tutorials and video guides to help first time investors.
- Industry-Leading Security: Security is vital, especially for beginners, and Kraken boasts a flawless security record with no security breaches or lost user funds. It employs leading security measures including 2FA, 95% air-gapped cold storage, and withdrawal whitelisting.
- Highly Regulated: Kraken is one of the most heavily regulated exchanges, with licenses from FinCEN, the FCA, and a MiCA license. This ensures Kraken complies with the strictest financial regulations and the latest crypto regulatory frameworks.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 680+ spot & 330+ futures markets
- Flawless security track record
- Extensive regulatory compliance
- Dedicated Lite & Pro Modes
- Helpful customer support
Cons
- No direct KWD support
- No Arabic support
Best for Derivatives Trading
- 657Available Crypto
- Payment Methods
- FeesLow
Why We Picked It
Bitget is a Singaporean exchange that is popular for its derivatives trading and robust security. With over 550 derivatives markets covering crypto, stocks, and ETFs, it is the perfect platform for advanced traders looking to trade a variety of assets, with API support for algorithmic and high-frequency trading.
- Professional-Grade Platform: Bitget offers a professional-grade trading platform, with advanced features such as TradingView charting, conditional orders, and an institutional-grade API that supports high-frequency trading.
- Range of Trading Products: Bitget offers spot trading, margin trading, and futures trading; however, unlike most exchanges, it also offers stock futures that let users trade assets like Nvidia, Amazon, and more.
- Robust Security: Bitget uses security measures such as 2FA, cold storage, and withdrawal whitelists to protect user accounts. It also maintains a $700m self-insurance fund that backs user deposits in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 760+ spot & 570+ futures markets
- Supports KWD (bank card, Apple/Google Pay & P2P trading)
- Low trading fees (0.1% spot)
- Advanced trading platform
- High security & $700m insurance fund
Cons
- No free deposit options
- Poor customer support
Best for Low Fees
- 1767Available Crypto
- Payment Methods+1
- FeesLow
Why We Picked It
MEXC is a trading-focused exchange that is popular for offering the lowest trading fees in the industry, alongside one of the largest coin selections in the industry. Its advanced trading platform and low trading fees make it ideal for fee-conscious traders looking to minimize fees and maximize profit.
- Industry-Low Trading Fees: MEXC has the lowest trading fees among major exchanges, with 0% maker fees on both spot and futures orders. Taker fees are also competitive, at just 0.05% for spot and 0.02% for futures.
- 50% Taker Fee Discount: Users who hold MEXC’s native token, MX, receive an additional 50% discount on trading fees. Making spot taker fees just 0.025% and futures taker fees 0.01%, the lowest base fees in the industry.
- Asset Range & Liquidity: MEXC offers over 1,900 cryptos, covering major coins and niche memecoins. It also manages to maintain deep liquidity across almost all its coins, ensuring minimal slippage and rapid execution.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 1900+ spot & 780+ futures markets
- Supports KWD (bank card, Apple/Google Pay)
- 0% maker fees on all trades
- Advanced trading platform
- Up to 500x leverage on futures
Cons
- Not licensed in major regions
- No Lite mode for beginners
Best for P2P Trading
- 296Available Crypto
- Payment Methods+4
- FeesLow
Why We Picked It
OKX is a leading exchange that has one of the highest daily trading volumes in the industry. It is also home to one of the largest P2P marketplaces, with hundreds of verified merchants supporting a wide range of fiat currencies and payment methods, making it ideal for Kuwaiti users looking to quickly and easily fund their accounts.
- Comprehensive P2P Marketplace: OKX features a large P2P marketplace with dozens of verified merchants offering competitive exchange rates to buy and sell KWD. It offers support for a wide range of payment methods including bank transfer, PayMe, and Skrill
- Zero Fees & Escrow Protection: OKX charges zero platform fees for P2P trades, making it cheaper for both buyers and sellers. It also offers escrow protection, where OKX holds the seller’s crypto until the buyer has confirmed the fiat payment.
- Robust Trading Platform: OKX’s P2P marketplace integrates directly with its popular trading platform. This lets users quickly fund their accounts and start trading both spot and derivatives markets with high leverage and deep liquidity.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 350+ spot & 280+ futures markets
- Supports KWD (P2P trading)
- Robust P2P trading platform with local KWD payment methods
- Low trading fees (0.1% spot)
- Advanced trading platform
Cons
- No Lite Mode for beginners
- No insurance coverage on user deposits
Best for No-KYC
- 412Available Crypto
- Payment Methods+6
- FeesLow
Why We Picked It
Blofin is a leading no-KYC platform that is popular for its derivatives trading and robust security. It offers the same trading tools and instruments as leading exchanges, without the requirement of KYC verification. This makes it perfect for privacy-focused users and the strict regulatory landscape in Kuwait.
- No Mandatory KYC: Blofin does not enforce mandatory KYC in order to deposit funds and start trading, simply sign-up with an email address and start trading. It also offers generous withdrawal limits of up to $20,000 per day for no-KYC users
- Advanced Trading Platform: As a derivatives-focused platform, Blofin offers advanced features like TradingView charting, conditional orders, high leverage, and deep liquidity. Offering a reliable trading experience with the tools to support advanced trading strategies.
- Robust Security & Custody: Blofin has partnered with Fireblocks for asset custody, including third-party insurance coverage protecting user assets. It also offers account security measures such as 2FA and biometric authentication, with full Proof of Reserves for added transparency.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 610+ spot & 450+ futures markets
- Supports KWD (third-party providers)
- Low trading fees (0.1% spot)
- Advanced trading platform
- No mandatory KYC
Cons
- No Lite Mode for beginners
- No fiat withdrawals
How to Choose the Best Crypto Exchange for Traders in Kuwait?
What is the current state of crypto regulation in Kuwait?
Kuwait has some of the strictest positions on crypto in the whole Gulf region. The Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) and Capital Markets Authority (CMA) issued a complete ban on most crypto-related activities. The ban prevents the use of crypto for payments, mining crypto, treating crypto as an investment, and prohibits issuing licenses for Virtual Asset Service Providers.
The crackdown on crypto was primarily due to Kuwait’s framework for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing, but also to stop crypto mining from draining electricity and causing power outages across the country.
What crypto taxes do I have to pay in Kuwait?
Kuwait does not impose any personal Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax, meaning any profits generated from investing or trading crypto are completely tax free. Individuals have a tax-free environment in Kuwait given the fact the government does not recognize or regulate crypto activity.
What crypto products are available in Kuwait?
Despite the complete ban on crypto activity, international exchanges still offer a wide range of crypto products to Kuwaiti users. These platforms offer trading products including spot trading, derivatives trading, options, and more. Most leading exchanges also offer staking or “Earn” products that let users generate passive income by staking or locking up tokens.
What are the main KWD payment methods for crypto exchanges?
| Payment Method | Transaction Fee | Processing Time | Supported Exchanges |
| Bank Transfer (via P2P trading) | Free | Up to 15mins | Bybit, Bitget, OKX |
| Bank Card | Up to 4% | Instant | Bybit, Bitget, MEXC, Paybis |
| Apple/Google Pay | Up to 4% | Instant | Bybit, Bitget, MEXC |
| Digital Wallets (via P2P trading) | Free | Up to 15mins | Bybit, Bitget, OKX |
| Third-Party Payment Providers | Vary by payment method | Instant | Bybit, Blofin |
What security features should I look for when choosing a crypto exchange?
When choosing an exchange in Kuwait, given the lack of local regulation, security should be your number one priority. We suggest looking for features such as:
- International Regulation: Prioritize exchanges that hold licenses from leading financial authorities such as FinCEN, the FCA, or a MiCA license.
- Two-Factor Authentication: Only use platforms that offer 2FA using Google Authenticator or similar apps and avoid platforms that only support 2FA via SMS.
- Withdrawal Whitelisting: Look for platforms that let you set a withdrawal whitelist of pre-approved addresses.
- Cold Storage: Focus on exchanges that store most user assets in air-gapped cold storage instead of hot wallets.
- Proof of Reserves: Only use exchanges that offer fully transparent Proof of Reserves.
- Security Certifications: Look for security certifications such as SOC 2, ISO 27001, or PCI DSS to ensure the exchanges operate to the highest standards.
Is P2P trading allowed in Kuwait, and which platforms have strong KWD P2P markets?
P2P trading is technically banned under Kuwait’s blanket crypto ban, however most international exchanges offer comprehensive P2P marketplaces with support for a range of KWD payment methods. Given the limited on-ramping options for Kuwaiti users, P2P trading has become a popular way for users to buy and sell crypto for KWD.
What are typical trading fees (spot, margin, futures), on major platforms in Kuwait?
| Fee Type | Description | Typical Range / Notes |
| Spot Trading Fees | Maker/taker fees for placing spot orders | 0.1%-0.2% for both maker/taker (can be lower with VIP discounts or holding exchange tokens) |
| Margin Trading Fees | Maker/taker fees for placing spot margin orders | 0.1%-0.2% for both maker/taker (will also incur interest charges) |
| Futures Trading Fees | Maker/taker fees for placing spot margin orders | 0.02-0.03% for maker & 0.05-0.06% for taker orders (will also incur funding rate fees) |
| Interest Charges | Interest incurred when borrowing assets for spot margin trading | 0.0005-0.005% per hour (varies greatly by platform & asset) |
| Funding Fees | Fees incurred when futures trading, which keep derivative prices in line with spot prices | 0.001-0.01% every 8hrs (varies by platform & asset) |
| Buy Crypto Fees | Applies to Quick Buy and Quick Sell KWD transactions | Up to 5% for card transactions, or free via P2P trades |
| Crypto Deposit/Withdrawal Fees | Fee for depositing or withdrawing crypto, typically to cover network fees | $1-10 depending on the network used & network congestion |
About the Author
Shennon HewaCrypto Exchange Analyst
Shennon Hewa is a crypto trader and crypto journalist based in London. Active in the crypto space since 2017, he specializes in scalping, derivatives day trading, and swing trading. At FXEmpire, he has reviewed dozens of crypto exchanges and has extensive knowledge of platform strengths and weaknesses.
Why you can trust FXEmpire
At FXEmpire, we strive to provide unbiased, thorough, and accurate exchange reviews by industry experts to help our users make smarter financial decisions.
Why you can trust FXEmpire
Table of Contents
- List of Top Crypto Exchanges in Kuwait
- How FXEmpire Chose the Best Crypto Platforms in Kuwait
- Best Crypto Exchanges in Kuwait Comparison Table
- Best Overall
- Best for Beginners
- Best for Derivatives Trading
- Best for Low Fees
- Best for P2P Trading
- Best for No-KYC
- How to Choose the Best Crypto Exchange for Traders in Kuwait?