Connect KuCoin
Trade supports the KuCoin Unified Trading Account and Classic Account for spot and USDT/USDC perpetuals. This guide covers what to prepare on KuCoin and what to enter in Trade.
Prepare on KuCoin
Check your account mode on KuCoin: Unified Trading Account or Classic Account.
Create an API key. Set a passphrase for it and keep a note of it. KuCoin requires the passphrase.
Tick General. For a unified account also tick Unified; for a classic account tick Spot and Futures (a classic account needs Futures whichever markets you trade). To transfer funds in Trade, also tick FlexTransfers; KuCoin then requires an IP allowlist. Don’t tick Withdrawal.
If the key has an IP allowlist, add your Trade server’s egress IP addresses to it. The Add account window lists them under Server egress IPs. Choose Copy all egress IPs.
A sub-account is a separate exchange account. Use the sub-account’s own API key and add it in Trade as its own account.
Account mode and position mode
There are two account modes. Choose the one that matches your account on KuCoin. On a mismatch the account can’t be saved, and Trade doesn’t switch the mode for you.
| Account mode | Supported markets | perpetual position mode |
|---|---|---|
| Unified Trading Account | spot and USDT/USDC perpetuals, sharing one account and margin | one-way mode. Nothing to set up |
| Classic Account | Spot and USDT/USDC perpetuals | Two-way positions. Trade verifies and switches this when you save |
Neither mode supports margin markets. If KuCoin refuses the position mode switch on a Classic Account, close positions and cancel orders, then save again.
Contract leverage is set in the combo, and Trade applies it on the exchange.
Enter it in Trade
In Trade, open Accounts, choose Add account and select KuCoin. For the general steps, see Connect an exchange.
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| API key | Your KuCoin API key |
| Secret Key | The secret for the same key |
| Passphrase | The passphrase you set when you created this key |
| Account name | A name of your choice |
| Account mode | Unified Trading Account or Classic Account |
| Supported markets | Spot and perpetuals. Select the ones you trade |
Choose Verify and add.
Common questions
KuCoin says the passphrase is wrong (400004)
Make sure the case matches exactly what you set when you created the API key. If you left it empty, enter it, or create a new key.
“Account mode does not match the exchange”
Under Account mode, choose the one that matches KuCoin, then save.
The account mode of an existing account can’t be changed
Combos still hold positions on this account, or orders are still open. Close or reset the combos, cancel the orders, then change it.