If you are a crypto trader in the United States, the question “how to use Binance in the US” is likely a source of significant frustration. You look at the global market and see Binance.com dominating with over 400 coins and high-leverage futures. Then, you look at your local options and feel fenced in.
The reality of 2025 is that the US crypto landscape is fragmented. There is no longer a “one size fits all” answer. Depending on whether you live in Florida, Texas, or Kansas, your access to Binance changes drastically. Furthermore, with the recent reinstatement of USD banking rails for Binance.US, the platform has become a viable competitor again, provided you can navigate the verification maze.
This guide is your definitive roadmap. We will cover the difference between the Global and US platforms, how to handle “Crypto-Only” states, the risks of using a VPN, and what to do if you are in a banned jurisdiction.
The “Binance Schism” – Global vs. US
To understand how to use Binance, you must first understand that “Binance” refers to two legally distinct companies. This confusion is the primary reason US users get their funds locked.
What is Binance (Global)?
Binance.com is the world’s largest exchange. It offers massive liquidity, futures trading, and hundreds of altcoins.
- Status: Strictly Prohibited for US residents.
- The Wall: If you attempt to access the site from a US IP address, you will be geo-blocked. If you try to verify your identity with a US Passport, you will be rejected immediately.
What is Binance.US?
Binance.US is a separate entity operated by BAM Trading Services, registered as a Money Services Business (MSB) with FinCEN.
- Status: Available (with exceptions).
- The 2025 Update: After a difficult period where the platform was “crypto-only,” Binance.US officially restored USD services in early 2025. You can now deposit and withdraw US Dollars via ACH bank transfer again.
- Fees: It remains the cheapest option in the US, offering 0% trading fees on select Bitcoin pairs and a standard fee of roughly 0.1%—significantly lower than Coinbase’s ~0.60%.
Pro Tip: The “View-Only” Market Intelligence Strategy
Even though you can’t trade on the Global version of Binance from the US, many experienced traders still keep an eye on it. Here’s why this matters—and how to do it safely.
Binance Global handles far more trading volume than Binance.US, so major price movement usually shows up there first. If you rely only on US-based charts, you’re often seeing the move after it already happened. In practice, that means you’re reacting to an echo rather than the original signal.
A smarter way to navigate this is to place your actual trades on a compliant exchange like Binance.US while monitoring the Global charts for real-time momentum and liquidity shifts. This gives you a clearer sense of breakouts, reversals, and large incoming orders seconds earlier.
This is where BearVPN helps. Binance Global typically redirects US visitors to the US site, even if you only want to view charts. BearVPN stops the redirect by giving you a stable non-US IP for view-only access. You’re not logging in, not trading, and not bypassing restrictions—you’re simply able to see market data that would otherwise be hidden.
How to Use It (Safe & Simple):
Step 1. Open BearVPN and connect to a non-US location (e.g., Singapore or Germany).
Step 2. Go to the Binance Global website—no more forced redirects.
Step 3. Keep the charts open on a separate tab or a second monitor to watch order flow.
Step 4. Execute trades only on Binance.US or another compliant US platform.
This approach gives you better market awareness without breaking any rules.
Where Binance.US Works in 2025: State Availability Map
One of the most common questions is “is Binance available in US” generally. The answer is yes, but the state you live in dictates how you use it. We can categorize US states into three “zones.”
Zone 1: The Green Zone (Fully Supported)
If you live in these states, you have full access. You can link your bank account, deposit USD via ACH, and trade freely.
- Includes: California, Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and most others.
Zone 2: The Yellow Zone (Crypto-Only States)
This is a critical nuance for 2025. In specific states, Binance.US operates but cannot handle US Dollars due to money transmission licensing gaps.
- The States: Kansas and Wisconsin.
- How to Use It: You cannot link a bank account here. To trade, you must use the “Top Up” method:
- Buy USDT or Bitcoin on another exchange (like Coinbase or Cash App).
- Send that crypto to your Binance.US wallet address.
- Trade on Binance.US using that crypto.
Zone 3: The Red Zone (Restricted Jurisdictions)
If you reside here, you cannot open a Binance.US account. The system will reject your proof of address.
- Is Binance Available in New York? No. NY requires a “BitLicense,” which Binance does not have.
- Is Binance Available in Texas? No. Texas regulators have taken a strict stance against the platform.
- Other Banned Areas: Vermont, Hawaii, Washington, Georgia, Ohio, and US Territories (Virgin Islands, Guam).
- Note: If you are in these states, skip to Part 6 for alternatives.
Can You Use Binance in the US with a VPN?
Can You Use Binance in the US with a VPN? Many traders hope that a VPN will act as a workaround to access Binance.com from the States. However, while tools like BearVPN can successfully hide your location to let you access the site, using them for actual transactions is incredibly risky in 2025.
The Mechanics of the Ban
When you turn on a VPN, you appear to be in a country like Switzerland or Poland. You can load the login page. However, Binance Global has implemented “Intermediate Verification” for all users.
Why VPNs Fail at the “KYC Wall”
- Liveness Checks: Verification now requires a live facial scan via your webcam or phone. You must blink, turn your head, or open your mouth. This prevents the use of static images or bought IDs.
- ID Mismatch: Even if your VPN says you are in Poland, you must upload a Government ID. If you upload a US Driver’s License, the system will detect you are a “US Person” and lock the account instantly.
- The “Stealth” Risk: If you manage to buy a fake account, you risk a “Withdrawal Suspension.” Binance’s security algorithms flag data center IP addresses (which VPNs use). If flagged, you will be asked to do a video call with support holding your ID. If you cannot do this, your funds are gone.
The Only Exception: If you are a non-US citizen traveling in the US, you can legitimately use a VPN to access your home account, provided your ID documents are from a supported country.
How to Use Binance in the US (The Legal Way)
For most users, the correct strategy is to master Binance.US. Here is the step-by-step guide to navigating the 2025 onboarding process.
Step 1: Registration and Referral
Go to Binance.US. If you have a referral code, enter it now (the referral program was reinstated in September 2025).
Step 2: The SSN Requirement
If you are specifically wondering how to use Binance in the US without an SSN, the short answer is: you can’t—at least, not on the centralized exchange.
- The Regulatory Wall: Because Binance.US is a federally regulated Money Services Business (MSB), they are legally bound to collect a Social Security Number from every user. This is mandatory for tax reporting and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance. There is no “skip” button or workaround for this step in 2025.
- The Privacy Alternative: If you are strictly against providing your SSN, you cannot use Binance.US or any other centralized exchange (CEX). Your only valid option is to leave the banking system behind and use a Decentralized Exchange (DEX) like Uniswap, where your wallet address serves as your only identity.
Step 3: Document Verification Tips
To avoid the dreaded “Verification Pending” limbo:
- Lighting: Ensure no glare is covering your name on your ID.
- Background: Place your ID on a dark, solid surface.
- Browser: If the selfie camera fails, switch to the mobile app or use Incognito mode on Chrome.
Step 4: Funding (USD is Back)
As of Feb 2025, you can link your bank via Plaid or add your routing number for ACH transfers.
- Warning: ACH deposits have a 10-day withdrawal hold. You can trade immediately, but you cannot move the crypto off the platform for roughly 10 days.
Troubleshooting – Stuck Funds and Withdrawals
If you are asking “how do I get my money out of binance,” you likely fall into one of two categories.
Scenario A: Funds Stuck on Old Binance.com Account
If you had an account years ago and are now blocked:
- Do not hide: Do not use a VPN. Log in from your US IP.
- Withdrawal Only Mode: You should see a screen restricting trading but allowing withdrawal.
- Support Ticket: If locked, open a ticket titled “US User Account Closure.” You may be asked to verify your US identity to prove ownership. Once verified, they will typically grant a 72-hour window to withdraw assets.
Scenario B: “Withdrawal Suspended” on Binance.US
If you see an error code regarding risk management:
- Check Negative Balance: Did a previous bank deposit bounce? If so, you owe Binance money. You must deposit fresh cash to cover the negative balance before withdrawals unlock.
- Check Time-Lock: Ensure your ACH deposit has cleared the 10-day hold period.
Best Alternatives for Banned States
If you live in New York, Texas, or Washington, you need an alternative.
1. For New York (The Hardest State)
- Coinbase: Holds the BitLicense. Higher fees, but fully legal.
- Gemini: NY-native exchange. exceptional security, slightly lower fees than Coinbase.
2. For Texas and Washington
- Kraken: The best alternative to Binance. It offers advanced features, staking, and Margin trading (for eligible users). It is fully operational in Texas.
- Crypto.com: A solid mobile-first option with wide availability.
3. For “No SSN” / Privacy Seekers
- DEXs (Uniswap/PancakeSwap): No accounts, no KYC. You trade directly from your wallet. However, you cannot deposit dollars; you must already own crypto.
- Bisq: A peer-to-peer network that allows you to buy Bitcoin with fiat without a central authority.
Final Thoughts
The landscape for Binance in the US has stabilized in 2025. The days of easily bypassing bans with a VPN are over, but the return of USD services to Binance.US makes the legal platform a powerful tool for low-fee trading. By identifying which “Zone” your state falls into and following the compliant path, you can trade safely without the constant fear of frozen funds.
