Bybit USA: Can You Use Bybit in the US?

Bybit does not offer crypto trading services or products to customers from the United States. You could use a VPN to access Bybit, but that comes with its own risks. If you are trying to trade cryptocurrency from the US, we suggest using a cryptocurrency exchange that accepts US customers outright. In this article, we are going to list several crypto trading platform alternatives to Bybit, which allow customers from the US to buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies.Key highlights:Bybit is not available to US customers, and attempting to access the platform via VPN can lead to account suspension or frozen funds, so it's not a recommended workaround.Users in the United States can choose from several compliant alternatives, including Kraken, Coinbase, Okcoin, and Robinhood. These platforms offer different features that cater to various experience levels and trading goals.Kraken and Coinbase stand out for regulatory compliance, strong security, and support for fiat trading pairs. Kraken is known for advanced trading tools, while Coinbase is a popular choice for onboarding new crypto users.Robinhood offers a simple, fee-free trading experience for those who want to manage crypto and stocks in one app. However, it has limited token selection, and users do not hold their own private keys.Can you use Bybit in the US?No, Bybit is not available to customers from the United States. If you are residing in the US, you could bypass the restrictions and access Bybit by connecting via a VPN, but that could result in account suspension. Instead of risking getting your account banned and funds frozen trying to use Bybit through a VPN server, we suggest using cryptocurrency exchanges that accept US customers. It is worth noting that the US is not the only country on the list of restricted territories. The full list of restricted countries includes:United States United KingdomMainland ChinaSingaporeQuebec (Canada)Ontario (Canada)North KoreaCubaIranUzbekistanRussian-controlled regions of Ukraine (currently including the Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk regions)SyriaIn addition to the countries and territories listed above, Bybit reserves the right to include other jurisdictions on the list in which they may “determine from time to time to terminate the services at our sole discretion.”Bybit alternatives – Top crypto exchanges for US customersIn the sections that follow, we are going to showcase 4 trading platforms that are fully compliant with US law and allow customers from the United States to trade cryptocurrencies.1. KrakenKraken is a well-established cryptocurrency exchange that provides a platform for buying, selling, and trading various digital assets. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in the United States, Kraken has emerged as one of the prominent players in the cryptocurrency industry.As an exchange, Kraken offers a wide selection of cryptocurrencies, including major ones like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, as well as a range of smaller altcoins. Users can trade these cryptocurrencies against fiat currencies such as the US Dollar, Euro, and others.Kraken is known for its robust security measures, which include two-factor authentication (2FA), encrypted data storage, and cold storage for the majority of user funds. This focus on security has helped to build trust among its users and establish Kraken as a reliable platform – in our opinion, Kraken is one of the safest crypto exchanges out there.The exchange provides a user-friendly interface with advanced trading features for both novice and experienced traders. Users can place market orders, limit orders, and access trading charts and indicators to analyze the market. Kraken also offers margin trading options for those who want to leverage their positions. It is worth noting that users from the US and Canada must meet eligibility requirements in order to qualify for margin trading.Kraken has actively complied with regulatory requirements (including “Know Your Customer” and “Anti Money Laundering” regulations) and has obtained licenses to operate in multiple jurisdictions. This commitment to compliance helps to instill confidence in its users and provides a legally compliant environment for trading cryptocurrencies. Pros:A very good track record on securityGreat customer supportCustomizable trading interfaceOffers markets denominated in fiat currenciesSupports taking for several cryptocurrenciesCons:Lists fewer cryptocurrencies than some competitorsTrading fees are higher than some competitorsRegister a Kraken Account2. CoinbaseCoinbase is a leading cryptocurrency exchange that serves as a platform for buying, selling, and storing digital assets. Founded in 2012 and based in the United States, Coinbase has become one of the most well-known and widely used exchanges in the cryptocurrency industry. It is also the only major publicly traded exchange, trading on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol COIN.Coinbase offers a straightforward and intuitive interface, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced traders. It supports over 200 cryptocurrencies and allows users to easily navigate the platform to initiate trades, monitor market prices, and manage their digital asset portfolios. In addition, Coinbase accepts SEPA payments, allowing users to buy Bitcoin and other crypto with a bank account.One of the notable features of Coinbase is its emphasis on security. The exchange implements robust security measures to safeguard user funds and personal information. These measures include two-factor authentication, offline cold storage for the majority of user funds, and encryption of sensitive data. Coinbase's commitment to security has contributed to its reputation as a trusted platform within the crypto community.Users can execute instant buys and sells at market prices – also known as “market orders” – or set up limit orders to buy or sell at specific price points. The platform also supports recurring purchases, allowing users to automate their investment strategies over time. In addition to its exchange services, Coinbase provides a range of additional features. It offers a mobile app for convenient trading on the go, as well as a secure digital wallet for storing cryptocurrencies. The wallet integrates with the exchange, allowing users to seamlessly transfer funds between the two platforms.It is worth noting that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has recently filed a lawsuit against Coinbase, accusing it of selling unregistered securities. While at this point, it’s impossible to predict how the legal process will play out, even the most negative outcome for Coinbase would likely result in nothing more than the exchange delisting cryptocurrencies that the SEC deems securities. A far more likely outcome would be that the SEC and Coinbase reach some kind of agreement, especially given the fact that the regulator cleared Coinbase when it got listed as a public company on the Nasdaq stock exchange.Pros:Strong track record on securityOne of the best ways to onboard into cryptoLists fiat currency-denominated trading pairsA highly liquid exchangePublicly-traded companySupports staking for selected crypto assetsCons:Relatively high feesDoesn’t offer any form of leveraged tradingRegister a Coinbase Account3. OkcoinEstablished in 2013, Okcoin is a cryptocurrency exchange headquartered in San Francisco. In the decade since its founding, the platform has expanded its services to 192 countries, catering to a wide range of users around the world.In terms of trading features, Okcoin offers various order types, including market orders and limit orders, allowing users to execute trades based on their specific requirements. The platform provides real-time market data, trading charts, and analysis tools to assist users in making informed trading decisions. OKCoin strives to ensure regulatory compliance and has obtained licenses to operate in multiple jurisdictions. This compliance underscores its commitment to providing a legitimate and trustworthy trading environment for users not only in the US but across the globe.Apart from its exchange services, OKCoin offers a mobile application for convenient trading on the go, which is available for both iOS and Android devices. The app provides users with access to their accounts, real-time market updates, and the ability to execute trades when on the go.Furthermore, OKCoin is dedicated to user education and offers resources to help users expand their knowledge about cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. The exchange provides educational articles, tutorials, and market insights, empowering users to make informed decisions and stay updated with the latest developments in the crypto space.Pros:Streamlined user interfaceTrading fees are lower for VIP usersOKB token grants special perks to holdersHighly liquid marketsCons:Doesn't list as many tokens and coins as most competitorsNot available in the USHigher starting fees than other exchangesRegister an Okcoin Account4. RobinhoodRobinhood is a popular trading platform that allows users to trade cryptocurrencies alongside traditional financial assets. Launched in 2018, Robinhood Crypto is an extension of the Robinhood brokerage app, which initially gained popularity for its commission-free stock trading services. The company trades on the Nasdaq exchange under the HOOD symbol.The platform provides a simple and user-friendly interface, making it accessible to individuals who are new to cryptocurrencies. One of the notable features of Robinhood Crypto is its commission-free trading model, which allows users to trade cryptocurrencies without paying any transaction fees. This approach has attracted many users who appreciate the cost-saving aspect of the platform. It is also worth mentioning that some users have criticized this model in the past, as Robinhood offsets fees that could have been generated with fees by selling their user data to third parties.Robinhood Crypto offers additional features to enhance the trading experience, including real-time market data, price charts, and basic analysis tools. The platform also offers recurring investments, enabling users to automate regular purchases of cryptocurrencies over time.It's important to note that Robinhood Crypto operates as a custodial exchange, meaning that users' cryptocurrencies are held within Robinhood's systems rather than in personal wallets. While this approach offers convenience, it also means that users do not have direct control over their private keys, which may be a consideration for those who prioritize self-custody and security. On the other hand, that’s a criticism that could be levied against any centralized trading platform.Robinhood Crypto integrates seamlessly with the broader Robinhood app, allowing users to manage their cryptocurrency investments alongside their traditional investments, all within a single platform. This integration makes it convenient for users who prefer a unified interface for managing their crypto assets next to their stock holdings. However, as a purely crypto investment platform, Robinhood lacks the broad selection of digital assets that other exchanges on our list offer.Pros:Offers commission-free crypto trading, which appeals to cost-conscious users.Very easy to use and beginner-friendly, making it a good entry point for new investors.Lets users manage crypto alongside stocks and ETFs in the same app.Supports recurring purchases for those interested in automated investing.Cons:Lists a limited number of cryptocurrencies compared to other exchanges.Users don’t hold their private keys since it’s a custodial platform.Has been criticized for practices like selling user order flow data.Lacks advanced features like margin or detailed trading tools for experienced users.Register a Robinhood Crypto AccountThe bottom lineWhile Bybit blocks US citizens from accessing its trading products and services in order to comply with relevant regulations, here are several alternatives for US customers that are unfortunately not permitted to trade on Bybit. Exchanges like Kraken, Coinbase, Okcoin, and Robinhood are all great options that abide by the US’s strict regulators, but still allow US customers to trade crypto. Several of these options are not only considered a good choice for US traders, but are widely regarded as the best crypto exchange platforms in the industry in general.If you are interested in other ways of buying Bitcoin, we suggest giving our guide on how to buy Bitcoin with Amex a read. For additional options, you can also check how to buy BTC with Apple Pay and how to buy BTC with a prepaid card.