What you see and what it usually means
| What you see | Usually means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Withdrawals suspended, with a countdown | Automatic 24-hour hold after a security change | Wait; it lifts automatically |
| "User Forbidden" on the withdrawal page | Withdrawals suspended on your account | Open a ticket or online chat |
| Account frozen; no login, withdrawals or trading | Frozen by you for security, or by KuCoin | Self-unfreeze, or contact online support |
| You can only sell, close positions or redeem | Identity verification (KYC) not completed | Complete KYC |
| Email asking you to update your ID, or "Withdrawal Only" | Re-verification needed, or its deadline passed | Reset and redo KYC |
| Notice that services end in your country | Restricted-location exit | Withdraw within the notice's timeline |
Keep screenshots of every notice and email. The exact wording tells you which process you are in.
Why KuCoin restricts accounts
- Security changes. Withdrawals pause for 24 hours after you change or reset 2FA, a password, your phone or email, remove a passkey, or unfreeze your account. KuCoin: withdrawal restrictions.
- Mandatory KYC. Since August 2023 KuCoin requires an ID document and face verification.
- Out-of-date identity details. KuCoin's AML policy says it suspends service if expired identity information isn't updated within a reasonable time.
- Risk monitoring. The policy names patterns such as rapid transfers in and out, a dormant account suddenly reactivated and excessively frequent trading. KuCoin may freeze accounts when a user refuses valid ID or gives unjustifiable explanations, and can review higher-risk users' sources of funds. KuCoin AML/CFT policy.
- Terms of use. KuCoin can suspend services for inaccurate information, suspicious transactions, suspected money laundering or breach of its terms, sometimes without notice.
- Law-enforcement requests. KuCoin asks authorities to state how long a freeze should last; if they don't, it says it will unfreeze within 30 days. It tells the user the reason unless the authority says it can't.
For the wider picture, see why exchange accounts freeze.
How to resolve each type
Contacting KuCoin support
On the website, open the Help Center under Services at the bottom of the homepage, or click "Need any help?" in the bottom-right corner. In the app, tap your profile icon, then Support → Online Support. Chat and tickets run 24/7. Check any email, Telegram or X account claiming to be KuCoin in the Official Verification Center.
24-hour hold or "User Forbidden"
A 24-hour hold can't be shortened; the withdrawal page shows the time left. For "User Forbidden", open a ticket or chat and ask what caused the suspension and what KuCoin needs from you. Once withdrawals return, make sure the funds are in your Funding Account with no open orders.
Frozen account
If you froze it yourself, for example through the link in a KuCoin security email, log in, click "Apply to Unfreeze" and complete identity verification. Otherwise contact online support. KuCoin says it will unfreeze "as soon as possible" but gives no fixed timeline, and unfreezing starts a new 24-hour withdrawal hold. KuCoin: freezing and unfreezing your account.
KYC not done or rejected
KuCoin accepts an ID card, driver's licence, passport or residence permit, plus a face scan. It says KYC typically takes 3–5 minutes and up to 48 hours. Listed rejection reasons include a blurry, covered or expired ID, the wrong document type, a face not visible, or the holder being under 18. Fix the reason shown under Identity Verification and use "Re-Verify". One person can verify only one account. KuCoin: troubleshooting KYC.
Re-verification requests
KuCoin asks for an update when a document expires or your name, ID number or nationality changes, sometimes by email in batches. Use the reset option on the KYC page, or ask support to reset your KYC. Missing the deadline can leave the account on "Withdrawal Only". KuCoin: updating identity verification.
Questions about your funds
KuCoin says users may be asked follow-up questions or to complete in-depth due diligence. Give one clear, consistent explanation backed by documents in your own name. Our free source of funds letter generator and source-of-funds guide help you structure it.
What still works while restricted
For a non-verified account, including one whose KYC was reset, KuCoin says these still work: login and security settings, exporting your history, spot sell orders, closing or reducing futures, repaying margin, redeeming from Earn, and crypto withdrawals at a lower limit. That limit may be reduced or unavailable until you re-verify; your current 24-hour limit is shown on the withdrawal page. Deposits, buying, fiat withdrawals, API creation and sub-account trading are off. An account frozen for other reasons can't log in, withdraw or trade until support resolves it. KuCoin: about identity verification.
Regional exits and closures
KuCoin's terms of use list these restricted locations: the United States and its territories, Singapore, mainland China and Hong Kong, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Russia, Belarus, Ontario and British Columbia, France, the Netherlands, and the Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions of Ukraine. The list can change.
- November 2025: restricted-location users lost every service except withdrawals; positions were closed in early December and accounts became "Withdrawal-Only". Users wrongly flagged could update their KYC. KuCoin announcement.
- October 2026: services ended for users in Russia and Belarus, with individual notices giving deadlines for closing positions and withdrawing. KuCoin announcement.
- United States, January 2025: US accounts were closed; afterwards remaining assets could be withdrawn only through customer service, with a one-time fee. KuCoin announcement.
- EEA, November 2025: after its EU entity was licensed under MiCAR in Austria, KuCoin said EEA users can no longer onboard on KuCoin Global. KuCoin blog.
Under the terms, when KuCoin ends services, withdrawals follow its announcement and leftover assets may be converted. To close your own account, settle anything you owe, then withdraw your eligible assets.
Common mistakes
- Opening a second account. KuCoin allows one verified account per person.
- Buying a "verified" account or lending your KYC. KuCoin's terms prohibit it and allow immediate suspension.
- Using a VPN from a restricted location. The terms look at where you live, and inaccurate information is itself a ground for suspension.
- Ignoring re-verification emails. A missed deadline can mean "Withdrawal Only".
- Changing security settings just before withdrawing. Each change restarts the 24-hour hold.
How we help with KuCoin cases
- We read KuCoin's notices and your chat history to identify the restriction.
- We prepare a KYC resubmission checklist and a clear source-of-funds explanation.
- We draft your messages to KuCoin support and follow-ups that reference your ticket.
- In a regional exit or closure, we help you plan withdrawals within KuCoin's timeline.
Start with a free case review by email. CryptoUnfreeze is independent and not affiliated with KuCoin. Similar cases: OKX, Binance, or browse all exchanges.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take KuCoin to unfreeze an account?
A security hold ends after 24 hours. For other freezes KuCoin gives no fixed time. KYC typically takes minutes, at most 48 hours.
Can I withdraw from an unverified KuCoin account?
Crypto withdrawals work at a lower limit shown on your withdrawal page. Deposits, buying and fiat withdrawals need KYC.
What does "Withdrawal Only" mean?
You can move crypto out but can't trade. KuCoin applies it after a missed re-verification deadline and to users in restricted locations.
My country was added to the restricted list. What now?
Follow the timeline in your notice: close positions and withdraw early. If you don't actually live there, update your KYC through official support.