Cryptocurrency traders and investors often look to Binance for its vast selection and deep liquidity—but if you’re in the United States, Binance.com is off-limits. Beginning in 2019, U.S. regulators raised a host of compliance concerns that effectively barred Americans from the international platform. In response, Binance launched Binance.US—a separate entity aiming to satisfy U.S. laws. Yet even this solution has faced its own hurdles.
Below, we guide you step by step through why Binance.com was banned, how Binance.US operates today, what workarounds exist (and why they’re risky), and the most common questions you may have. By the end, you’ll clearly understand your legal, compliant options for trading cryptocurrencies in America.
Is Binance Banned in US
Yes. Binance.com, the global exchange, has been off-limits to American residents since 2019 due to regulatory non-compliance with U.S. securities, anti-money laundering, and sanctions laws. In response, Binance launched Binance.US as a separate, U.S.-registered platform. While Binance.US is legally permitted in most states, it offers a smaller selection of coins, limited trading features, and is unavailable or restricted in several jurisdictions.
Why Is Binance Banned in US
When the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), and the Department of Justice (DOJ) first targeted Binance in 2019, their concerns centered on four main areas:
1. Unregistered Securities & Derivatives
Regulators alleged that Binance operated as an unregistered securities exchange, broker-dealer, and clearing agency—warnings Binance didn’t fully heed.
2. Money Laundering & Sanctions Violations
In November 2023, Binance and CEO Changpeng Zhao pled guilty to money-laundering and sanctions-related charges, resulting in over $4 billion in fines.
3. Weak Compliance Controls
Reports revealed that from 2017 to 2022 Binance knowingly matched trades between U.S. persons and sanctioned entities, flaunting OFAC rules and lacking robust KYC/AML checks.
4. Transparency & Asset Handling
Investigations uncovered commingling of customer funds—including transfers to founder-owned entities—and insufficient market surveillance tools.
These cumulative offenses made clear that Binance.com could not operate lawfully for U.S. residents, leading to the 2019 ban.
A History about Binance Ban in US
To see how these developments unfolded, consider this timeline:
| Date | Milestone |
| 2019 | Binance.com banned for U.S. residents; Binance.US launched. |
| Oct 2020 | “TaiChi” leak alleges strategy to mislead regulators. |
| May 2021 | DOJ & IRS open money-laundering and tax investigations. |
| Jun 2023 | SEC files 13 charges; Binance.US halts USD deposits/withdrawals. |
| Nov 2023 | Binance & Zhao plead guilty; $4 billion penalties imposed. |
| Apr 2024 | Oregon revokes Binance.US license over Zhao’s convictions. |
| Feb 19, 2025 | Binance.US restores USD services after 19 months. |
| Feb 2025 | Court grants 60-day stay on SEC lawsuit against Binance. |
This sequence shows a back-and-forth of regulatory action and Binance’s attempts at remediation.
How to Unblock Binance in the US
Although Binance.com is geo-restricted for American IP addresses, some users attempt to bypass these limits via VPN. Here’s how to bypass Binance ban in the US:
Step 1. Choose a Reliable VPN Provider
- Select a VPN with high-speed servers in countries where Binance.com remains accessible (e.g., Canada, Germany, Japan).
- Ensure the VPN offers strong encryption and a strict no-logs policy.
Step 2. Connect to a Non-U.S. Server
- Launch your VPN and select a server outside the United States.
- Confirm your IP address has changed using an external “What’s My IP?” tool.
Step 3. Access Binance.com & Attempt Login
Visit Binance.com and sign in as usual. The site should no longer detect a U.S. IP.
Note: If you have previously registered with U.S. details, your account may still be flagged.
Step 4. Proceed with Caution During KYC
- Binance’s identity verification will require a passport or driver’s license showing your real country of residence.
- A mismatch between your VPN location and your ID may lead to verification failure or account suspension.
Understand the Risks
- Terms violation: Using a VPN contravenes Binance’s user agreement and can trigger penalties.
- Legal ambiguity: While VPNs are legal in the U.S., using them to circumvent financial regulations may have consequences.
- Security concerns: VPN connections can introduce latency or potential data leaks if the provider is compromised.
FAQ
1. Why doesn’t Binance.com work in the U.S.?
Due to unregistered securities trading, money-laundering, sanctions breaches, and compliance failures—culminating in a 2019 ban.
2. What makes Binance.US different?
It’s a separate legal entity with U.S. banking partnerships, fewer coins, limited derivatives, and a focus on compliance.
3. Has Binance.US fully resolved its issues?
USD services returned on February 19, 2025, but state licensing and the paused SEC lawsuit remain factors.
4. Which states restrict Binance.US?
New user registrations are blocked in AK, CT, GA, HI, NY, TX, and others. Kansas and Wisconsin lack USD services but allow crypto trading.
5. Can a VPN let me use Binance.com anyway?
Technically, yes—but it breaches terms, fails KYC, and exposes you to potential legal or account risks.
Conclusion
Binance.com remains banned for U.S. residents after major regulatory breaches and a multi-billion-dollar guilty plea. Binance.US offers a compliant—but more limited—alternative subject to state restrictions and ongoing oversight.
While a VPN can technically unblock Binance.com by masking your IP, it carries legal and security uncertainties.
For most Americans, the safest choice is Binance.US (if your state allows) or other U.S.-licensed exchanges like Coinbase, and Kraken If you do use a VPN, be prepared for possible account issues and verification failures.
