When you hear "Upbit," you’re not hearing about some random startup. You’re hearing about one of the biggest cryptocurrency exchanges in Asia - and one that’s still standing strong in 2026. Despite being launched back in 2017, Upbit didn’t just survive the crypto wars - it became a go-to platform for serious traders, especially in South Korea. But is it right for you? Let’s cut through the noise and look at what Upbit actually offers today.
What Is Upbit, Really?
Upbit is a South Korean crypto exchange built by Dunamu, the same company behind a major stock trading platform. That’s not an accident. They didn’t just slap together a website and call it a crypto exchange. They took what they knew about high-volume, low-latency trading systems and applied it to digital assets. The result? A platform that handles billions in daily trades with near-zero downtime.
As of 2026, Upbit supports over 150 cryptocurrencies and 158 trading pairs. That’s more than most regional exchanges. You can trade Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and even lesser-known tokens like Klaytn or HBAR - all in one place. It’s not the largest selection globally (Binance still wins that), but it’s more than enough for most traders. The platform also runs separate versions: Upbit Global for international users and Upbit Singapore for those in Southeast Asia. All of them follow strict local regulations.
Security: Built Like a Bank
If you care about safety - and you should - Upbit’s security setup is among the best in the industry. It holds ISO 27001, a global standard for information security management systems, along with ISO 27017 and specific controls for cloud security, and ISO 27018 and protection of personal data in the cloud. These aren’t just stickers on a website. They’re third-party verified, audited annually, and required for institutions.
Upbit stores 95% of user funds in cold storage - offline, air-gapped, and protected by multi-signature keys. The rest is kept in hot wallets for trading, but even those are monitored 24/7 with AI-driven anomaly detection. In 2019, hackers stole 342,000 ETH ($53.5 million at the time). Most exchanges would’ve collapsed. Upbit covered the loss entirely, using its own reserves. No user lost a cent. That’s rare. And since then, they’ve doubled down on security - hiring ex-military cyber teams, running a public bug bounty program, and upgrading their infrastructure continuously.
Fees: Simple, But Not Cheap
Upbit charges a flat 0.25% fee on every trade - whether you’re making a market (maker) or taking from it (taker). No tiers. No discounts. No rebates. That’s it.
Compare that to Binance, which offers maker fees as low as 0.01% for high-volume traders. Or to Korean rivals like Bithumb, which charge around 0.13% on average. Upbit’s fee is higher. For someone trading $10,000 a week, that’s $25 in fees - $10 more than what you’d pay on a cheaper platform.
Why does it still work? Because Upbit’s users aren’t just looking for cheap fees. They’re looking for reliability. If you’re holding Bitcoin for months, or making occasional trades, 0.25% isn’t a dealbreaker. But if you’re a high-frequency trader, this could hurt. There’s no VIP program. No volume discounts. No spot trading fee waivers. It’s one-size-fits-all - and that’s a weakness for active traders.
Deposits and Withdrawals: Limited, But Reliable
Upbit doesn’t accept credit cards. Or PayPal. Or Apple Pay. You can only deposit via bank wire transfer. That means if you’re in the U.S., Europe, or Southeast Asia, you’ll need a bank account that supports international transfers. It’s slow - sometimes 1-3 business days. But it’s secure. And once it arrives, your funds are instantly available for trading.
Withdrawals? They’re processed quickly - usually within 15 minutes. But the fees vary by coin. For Bitcoin, it’s 0.0005 BTC per withdrawal. That’s slightly below the global average. For Ethereum, it’s 0.005 ETH. For smaller coins, fees are minimal. No surprise fees. No hidden charges. Just clear, transparent costs.
One thing to note: Upbit doesn’t support direct fiat withdrawals. If you want cash, you have to sell your crypto and send the proceeds to your bank. No instant cash-out options. No linked debit cards. This is a trade-off for the security and compliance they offer.
App and Interface: Clean, But Cluttered
The Upbit mobile app has over 100,000 downloads on Google Play and a 3.2-star rating. That’s not amazing - but it’s not terrible either. Users say the interface is clean and easy to navigate. You can check prices, place orders, and view your portfolio without confusion. The layout is similar to a stock trading app, which makes sense given Dunamu’s background.
But here’s the catch: with 150+ coins, the app gets cluttered. Finding your favorite token takes a few taps. There’s no customizable dashboard. No advanced charting tools like those on TradingView. You can’t set limit orders with time-in-force options. No stop-losses. No trailing stops. It’s basic trading - perfect for beginners, frustrating for pros.
The web version is slightly better. It has candlestick charts, order books, and trade history. But it still lacks the depth of platforms like Kraken or Binance. If you’re used to analyzing RSI, MACD, or volume profiles, you’ll feel limited.
Who Is Upbit Really For?
Upbit isn’t for everyone. But it’s perfect for some.
- Beginners in Asia - If you’re new to crypto and want a trusted, regulated platform, Upbit is one of the safest places to start.
- Long-term holders - If you buy and hold, the fee doesn’t matter. The security does.
- South Korean users - Upbit dominates here. Local support, KRW deposits, and compliance with Korean law make it the #1 choice.
- Institutional investors - With ISO certifications and institutional custody, Upbit is one of the few exchanges that banks and funds trust.
But if you’re:
- A high-frequency trader
- Looking for low fees
- Wanting credit card deposits
- Need advanced trading tools
…then you’re better off with Binance, Kraken, or even a local exchange like Coinbase.
Final Verdict: Trust Over Speed
Upbit doesn’t try to be the cheapest. It doesn’t try to be the fastest. It doesn’t try to have the fanciest charts. It tries to be the most secure and compliant.
And in 2026, that’s a powerful position. As governments crack down on crypto, exchanges that cut corners are getting shut down. Upbit didn’t cut corners. It built walls. It passed audits. It compensated users after a major hack. It’s not flashy - but it’s reliable.
If you value safety over savings, Upbit is one of the best choices out there. It’s not perfect. But in a world full of shady exchanges, it’s one of the few you can sleep on.
Is Upbit safe to use in 2026?
Yes, Upbit is considered one of the safest crypto exchanges in 2026. It holds ISO 27001, ISO 27017, and ISO 27018 certifications - the highest standards for data security. It stores 95% of funds offline, uses multi-signature wallets, and has a 24/7 monitoring system. After a major hack in 2019, Upbit fully compensated all users and significantly improved its security. It’s trusted by institutions and regulators.
Does Upbit accept credit card deposits?
No, Upbit does not accept credit card deposits. The only way to deposit funds is via bank wire transfer. This is intentional - it reduces fraud risk and aligns with strict regulatory requirements. While this makes funding slower than on platforms like Coinbase, it adds a layer of security that many users appreciate.
What are Upbit’s trading fees?
Upbit charges a flat 0.25% fee on every trade, regardless of whether you’re a maker or taker. There are no volume discounts, no tiered pricing, and no rebates. This is higher than competitors like Binance or Korean rivals such as Bithumb, which charge under 0.15%. For casual traders, it’s manageable. For active traders, it adds up quickly.
Can I use Upbit outside of South Korea?
Yes, Upbit Global and Upbit Singapore are available to users outside South Korea. However, some assets and trading pairs may be restricted depending on local regulations. You’ll need to complete KYC (identity verification), and you can only deposit via bank wire. Customer support is available in English, but the platform is optimized for Asian users.
Does Upbit have a mobile app?
Yes, Upbit has a mobile app available on Google Play and Apple App Store. The app lets you trade, check prices, and manage your portfolio. It has a clean, simple interface but lacks advanced features like stop-loss orders or customizable charts. The Android version has over 100,000 downloads with a 3.2-star rating. Performance is stable, but customer support response times vary by region.
How long do withdrawals take on Upbit?
Most cryptocurrency withdrawals are processed within 15 minutes. However, during high network congestion or maintenance windows, delays can occur. Withdrawal fees vary by coin - for example, Bitcoin withdrawals cost 0.0005 BTC. Fiat withdrawals aren’t supported; you must sell crypto and send the proceeds to your bank account via wire transfer.
Is Upbit better than Binance?
It depends on what you want. Upbit is more secure, regulated, and reliable - ideal for users who prioritize safety over features. Binance offers lower fees, more trading pairs, advanced tools, and credit card deposits. If you’re a professional trader, Binance is better. If you’re a long-term holder or want peace of mind, Upbit wins. Upbit doesn’t compete on features - it competes on trust.