The Question Mainland Users Care About Most
"Can I still use Binance?" This is probably the most frequently asked question among crypto enthusiasts in mainland China. Online information varies wildly — some say it's completely unusable, others say they've been using it without any issues. So what's the reality?
Today, let's objectively discuss the actual situation for mainland China users on Binance — no exaggeration, no concealment — covering everything you need to know.
If you want to try registering to see if it works, click here to start. Registering through this link also gives you a fee discount. For the app, click here to download.
Background: What the Policies Say
Mainland China has issued a series of policies regarding cryptocurrency in recent years, explicitly classifying virtual currency-related business activities as illegal financial activities within its borders. This means operating cryptocurrency exchanges and providing crypto trading services within mainland China is not permitted.
As a global platform, Binance responded to mainland China's policy requirements by shutting down certain services aimed at the mainland China market, particularly making adjustments in fiat trading and market promotion.
However, this doesn't mean mainland China users are completely unable to access or use Binance. The actual situation is more nuanced than the literal text of the policies suggests.
Registration: The Reality
As of now, mainland China users can register accounts on Binance's global platform. When selecting country/region during registration, "China" can be selected, and the registration process proceeds normally.
Using a mainland China phone number (+86) to receive verification codes during registration generally works without issues. That said, using an email address for registration tends to be more stable — international email services like Gmail or Outlook are recommended.
Overall, the registration process does not present any explicit technical barriers for mainland China users.
Identity Verification: The Reality
For KYC identity verification, mainland Chinese resident ID cards are an accepted document type on Binance. You can complete verification using front and back photos of your ID card plus facial recognition.
After verification is approved, basic account functions are unlocked, including deposits, spot trading, and withdrawals.
Some users report that KYC using a Chinese ID occasionally encounters longer review times, but most eventually pass. If you encounter issues, contacting Binance customer support can help.
Trading: The Reality
After verification, mainland China users can perform the following types of trading:
Spot trading: Buying and selling various cryptocurrencies. For example, buying Bitcoin with USDT, or exchanging Bitcoin for Ethereum. This is the most basic trading function and works normally.
Futures trading: Binance's futures trading function may have some restrictions for mainland China users. Specific conditions may change with policy adjustments. We recommend confirming the current availability before starting futures trading.
Savings products: Most of Binance's Earn and other savings features are available to mainland China users.
However, note that Binance may adjust the range of features available to mainland China users at any time based on policy changes. The specific features available to you should be determined by what you actually see after logging in.
Deposits and Withdrawals: The Reality
This is the area mainland China users care about most and where policy has the greatest impact.
P2P trading: Binance's P2P trading platform allows users to trade directly between each other using fiat currency and cryptocurrency. Mainland China users can use Alipay, WeChat Pay, or bank cards to buy or sell cryptocurrency through the P2P marketplace.
P2P trading works as follows: you find a seller on the P2P market, transfer fiat currency to them using your chosen payment method, and after the seller confirms receipt, the cryptocurrency is released to your Binance account. Selling works similarly in reverse.
It's important to understand that fiat transfers in P2P trading occur directly between you and the counterparty — Binance serves as a matchmaker and escrow. You need to assess the relevant compliance risks yourself.
Crypto deposits and withdrawals: If you have cryptocurrency on other platforms or wallets, you can transfer it directly to Binance for trading. This doesn't involve fiat currency, so there are no operational barriers.
Access Considerations
Due to the unique characteristics of China's internet environment, accessing Binance's website or using the APP may require some additional setup.
Binance's official domain may not be directly accessible within mainland China. You may need alternative methods to access Binance's services.
The Binance APP is typically unavailable in mainland Chinese app stores (such as Apple's China App Store or domestic Android markets). You may need to use Binance's direct download links to install the APP. Click here for the app download.
iOS users may need an overseas Apple ID to download the Binance APP from the App Store. There are many tutorials available online for the specific steps.
Security and Compliance Considerations
As a mainland China user of Binance, there are several areas you should understand and evaluate for yourself:
First, understand the current legal policies. Mainland China's policy prohibits virtual currency-related business activities, and the legal boundaries around individual holding and trading of cryptocurrency exist in a somewhat gray area in practice. We recommend doing your own research to understand the relevant legal risks.
Second, pay attention to fund security. Regardless of which platform you trade on, account security settings must be properly configured. Enable two-factor authentication, set up an anti-phishing code, use a unique strong password — these are all basic measures.
Also, be aware of tax implications. Cryptocurrency trading profits may involve tax obligations in certain circumstances. While domestic enforcement in this area isn't yet clearly defined, it's worth understanding the relevant tax regulations.
How Does It Compare to Other Exchanges
For mainland China users, besides Binance, OKX and Bybit are also commonly used exchanges. These platforms have similar levels of support for mainland China users.
Binance's advantage lies in being the world's largest exchange with excellent trading depth, the most trading pairs, and strong liquidity. Additionally, Binance's Chinese language support is very well done, and customer service is available in Chinese.
Which exchange to choose ultimately comes down to personal preference and needs. But if you're new to cryptocurrency trading, starting with Binance is a solid choice.
Practical Advice
If you're a mainland China user looking to use Binance, here are some practical recommendations:
Use an international email (Gmail, Outlook, etc.) for registration — it's more stable.
Have your ID card ready and take photos in good lighting to pass KYC on the first attempt.
Start with small test deposits to confirm the P2P trading process works before increasing amounts.
Set up proper account security, especially two-factor authentication.
Understand the relevant legal and policy risks and make an informed decision.
Don't put all your savings into cryptocurrency — only trade with money you can afford to lose.
Should You Use It
There's no standard answer to this question — it depends on your individual circumstances and risk tolerance. The objective fact is: mainland China users can currently register and use Binance from a technical standpoint, but you need to understand and bear the relevant compliance risks yourself.
If you've reviewed the situation and decided to proceed, registering through this link at least gets you a fee discount. Whatever you decide, make sure it's built on a foundation of fully understanding the information.