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Quick Guide: How to Access Binance for US Customers
With a trading volume of over $24 billion, Binance is the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. But due to US regulations, the service hasn’t been available for US customers since 2019.
If you want to access Binance or set up an account from the US, you can do so with a VPN. VPNs also provide increased protection when conducting any financial transactions. Follow these steps to access Binance from the US:
- Register for a VPN. We recommend NordVPN for its fast, reliable speeds and security protocols.
- Download the software onto your device.
- Log in with the credentials you created at registration.
- Connect to a server in a country that accepts Binance. For strong connections, we recommend Sweden, Switzerland, or Poland.
- Navigate to Binance.com to log into your account, or register for one.
- If you want to sign up for an account, remember that US citizens aren’t allowed to use the exchange. Binance has different levels of verification, and American phone numbers (two-factor authentication) and US forms of ID are not accepted if you want to use the exchange.
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Want to learn more about VPNs and accessing Binance from the US safely and securely? Read our full article below.
Since 2019, American cryptocurrency investors and traders have been unable to access the world’s most popular exchange, Binance.com. With over 500 cryptocurrency coins available and roughly $20 billion traded daily on the platform, it’s by far the largest cryptocurrency exchange.
Since Binance stopped accepting US investors, anyone trying to access the Chinese-owned company from an American IP address will run into digital roadblocks. Both American residents and international travelers with Binance accounts can’t connect to the site due to geo-restrictions and US regulations.
However, accessing Binance from the US is quite simple — you’ll just need a VPN. Not only will you be able to circumnavigate this geo-blocking, but you’ll also be protecting your sensitive financial data and online activity with the amped-up security VPNs offer.
Accessing Binance with a VPN
As the internet and geo-blocking technology have matured, so too has the technology that allows you to circumnavigate these digital obstacles. If crypto investors want to access Binance or their secure crypto wallets for transactions, they can do so with a VPN.
When you’re on American soil, a VPN can reroute your connection through one of their servers in an eligible country of your choice — like Sweden, Switzerland, or Poland, for example. This allows you to hop over these geofences and access Binance legally.
Keep in mind that is against Binance’s terms of use to access the platform with a VPN, so the possibility of your crypto account getting suspended is there, even if it’s unlikely.
How to access Binance from the US with NordVPN
If you want to get into your Binance account or crypto wallet, follow the step-by-step guide below:
- Register for a secure VPN: We’ve tested countless VPN providers, and to ensure your privacy and security for financial dealings, we recommend NordVPN.
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- Set up your account and download the software: NordVPN lets you download its app onto multiple devices. When you’re setting up your monthly or annual payment, you can choose between paying with Bitcoin, by credit cards, or by bank transfer. You can also take advantage of their 30-day free trial.
- Log in: Using the credentials you created at registration, log in with your password and username.
- Connect to a server in a country eligible to use Binance: Binance has updated its list of countries that can use its “Pay with Bank Card” feature. So if you want a full range of features, we recommend connecting to servers in either Sweden, Switzerland, Denmark, or Poland. You can check out their full list of eligible countries here.
- Navigate to Binance.com: Make sure NordVPN is running when you access the cryptocurrency exchange.
- If you want to sign up for and trade with an account, you’ll need to activate two-factor authentication. US-based phone numbers won’t fly for Binance accounts. For higher levels of verification, you’ll need to provide proof of residence in a country where Binance operates. More on that later.
Using Binance with a VPN for additional safety and security
VPNs aren’t just about unblocking websites and content across the globe. The best VPN providers offer the highest-grade security and encryption features to protect you from hackers and other third-party prying eyes that might be interested in getting a hold of your sensitive information.
Just look at the registration process for Binance above. You can see how much sensitive information is passing through online portals — logins and passwords for cryptocurrency accounts and wallets, passports or government ID scans, public Bitcoin addresses, and private keys, just to name a few.
Binance for US Citizens, Residents and Visitors
US regulators have been targeting Binance for money laundering and tax fraud for years, with investigations in May 2021, according to Bloomberg media reports.
Though Binance.US was released to meet the needs of American investors — even bearing the same logo and name as Binance — it’s a separate company with only 50 digital currencies available to customers. Many US-based crypto enthusiasts have claimed it doesn’t fulfill their needs.
So, can you use the original Binance in the US? Yes, if you’re using a VPN, you can set up and register for an account. Just keep in mind that American citizens are not allowed to use the crypto exchange. If you want to set up a Binance account, you must first verify your identity. There’s no option to verify your account with United States credentials or even a US phone number.
Setting up a Binance account in the US
If you want to set up a Binance account, there are a few steps you’ll have to take to verify that you’re from a country that can use it.
- When setting up an account, you’ll need to provide a mobile phone number from an eligible country.
- You’ll need to provide proof of residence by either showing a government-issued ID card, a passport, or a driver’s license.
- You’ll need to pass a facial recognition scan to match the form of ID.
According to Binance, the review time for the verification process is generally around ten days. US-issued IDs are not accepted. You also won’t be able to register an American phone number for verification purposes, either. You’ll need to have a phone number from an eligible country.
Can I Use Binance Without Verification?
Binance used to offer non-verified accounts and still lets longtime unverified users make limited withdrawals for the time being.
For new customers, however, the company is complying with Know Your Customer (KYC) verification. This means that, if you’re looking to sign up for an account, you must be verified. In order to combat money laundering, many crypto exchanges are now implementing these measures to ensure that customers are fully registered and identified.
Binance.com has different levels of verification. They used to work with three levels (“Basic,” “Intermediate,” and “Advanced”) but have recently brought this down to two. Though withdrawal limits vary from country to country, we’ve provided an average below:
- Verified: You must provide personal details, phone number, a scan of a government-issued ID, and pass a facial recognition scan. Generally for Verified accounts, the daily deposit and withdrawal limit of fiat currency is about $50,000. Cryptocurrency deposits are unlimited, while you can withdraw up to 100 BTC daily.
- Verified Plus: In addition to the personal details, ID, and facial recognition, you must provide proof of address. This ups your fiat withdrawals and deposits to $200,000 per day. There is a crypto withdrawal limit of 100 BTC.
What are Geo-Restrictions and How Do VPNs Bypass Them?
From sports licensing agreements to authoritarian government censorship, geo-restrictions have become commonplace in today’s online world. Companies and governments can establish your physical location by looking at your IP address and then block content not approved within (or outside of) certain geographical borders.
Since Binance isn’t allowed in the United States, the site puts restrictions on devices with American IP addresses. IP addresses, assigned to you by your Internet Service Provider (ISP), are essentially like your physical home or work address, but online.
So if you’re a Swedish citizen visiting the US and trying to access your Binance account from your hotel’s Wi-Fi, the website can figure out you’re not within their approved geographical borders. In these cases, they block access even if you already have an account.
A VPN bypasses geo-restrictions by assigning you an anonymous IP address from any country that you want. In this case, you’d want any country where Binance isn’t restricted. So you’d just connect to a Swiss, Swedish or Polish server. Then you’d be able to access Binance from the US — because the site thinks you’re in one of those countries.
VPNs also provide additional security through anonymous IP addresses and military-grade encryption. We’ll talk more about why you should always use a VPN on hotel Wi-Fi later for security reasons, especially for financial transactions.
7 Features You Need in a VPN When Using Binance
Binance and other top cryptocurrency exchanges have excellent security measures that can protect your sensitive data. But that doesn’t mean you’re safe from online eavesdropping or communication manipulation. This is why you should always be cautious and use a VPN, especially when on public Wi-Fi networks, like hotel, airport, and coffee shop WiFi.
VPNs provide an extra wall of protection against threat actors and keep your information safe. This level of protection is crucial when performing financial transactions, such as when you’re on Binance. Below, we detail the features you need in a VPN, so you know what to look for when picking a provider.
1. Kill switch
A VPN service with a built-in kill switch function is a must. If the VPN connection drops for any reason, a kill switch instantaneously blocks your internet connection. That way, if you’re on a site that has you entering private and sensitive data, you’ll never be subject to an unprotected and unencrypted connection.
2. Military-grade encryption
Premium VPN providers use 256-bit encryption when connecting you to the internet. What this means is that your data becomes so scrambled that even the most skilled web technicians or hackers wouldn’t be able to decode it. This protects your sensitive financial data and browsing activity from third parties.
3. Advanced VPN protocols
Different VPN providers use different VPN protocols. Outdated protocols like PPTP and IPSec have long been cracked by the National Security Agency.
For the highest level of security, we recommend using a VPN service whose protocol is (or is based on) WireGuard or OpenVPN. These two protocols are known for being fast and secure. Most of our top VPNs use one or the other.
4. Vast network of servers
Once you’ve got a VPN, you’ve opened the door to unblocking websites and content around the globe. To ensure that you can access all the content you want, you’ll need a VPN with a wide network of servers distributed across the globe. For instance, NordVPN has more than 5,200 highly secured servers in 60 countries and selects the fastest one available in any given country at any given time.
5. No logs
If privacy protection is your number one concern, you want a truly no-logs provider. NordVPN has been independently audited twice and proven to be a no-logs service. This means that users’ online activities remain confidential, and your devices remain risk-free.
6. Customer service and informational site
You’ll want your VPN provider to offer plenty of informational material on their website. This might include specific explanations of VPN protocols, servers, and tips on how to increase your VPN speeds. A 24/7 customer support service is also essential in case you run into any problems.
7. Regular updates
Premium VPNs constantly keep their software up-to-date and usually roll out updates every few months. You’ll need to make sure to regularly update the VPN as they’re critical security fixes to improve online user safety.
More Articles on Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency
Want to learn more about how to buy crypto? If you’re looking to jump into the waters, be sure to check out some of our articles on digital currencies.
- How to Buy and Sell Bitcoin Safely
- Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Scams to Watch Out For
- The Best Cryptocurrency Alternatives to Bitcoin
How to Access Binance for US Customers: Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about accessing Binance from the US? Click any of our FAQs below for the answer.
Can you use Binance in the US?
Due to US regulations, American citizens have been blocked from accessing Binance’s main site. There is an American version, Binance.US, though that only allows access to about 50 cryptocurrencies.
If you already have a Binance account or are from a country that’s eligible and want to set one up, you can access Binance from the US with a VPN. VPNs change your IP address so you’re accessing the site from an eligible country. Check out our full article for more information.
Why is Binance not allowed in the US?
Due to US government regulations, the original exchange platform stopped accepting American customers in 2019. They launched Binance.US to meet the needs of American investors, but the version of the site only has about 50 cryptocurrencies to trade. The US government has recently investigated Binance for money laundering and tax fraud, as well, according to media reports.
Can I use Binance in the US with a VPN?
Yes. A VPN can change your IP address so that you can access Binance through a server in an eligible country. Keep in mind that this is against Binance’s terms of use, so the possibility of getting your account suspended is there, though it’s very unlikely. Check out our full article for more details.
Taylor Moore
Tech Journalist
Taylor is a tech writer and online journalist with a special interest in cybersecurity and online privacy. He’s covered everything from sports and crime, to AI or cybercrime. For VPNOverview he follows news and developments in online privacy, cybersecurity, and internet freedom.
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