Score Breakdown by Category
How Binance.US's terms rate across my evaluation categories.
Why this score: Binance.US scores lowest in this category due to: (1) ongoing SEC enforcement per SEC v. Binance (June 2023); (2) banking partner departures limiting USD services; (3) withdrawal limits imposed without notice; (4) paused USD deposits/withdrawals in 2023. Platform viability remains uncertain.
Industry comparison: Kraken: 50/100 (14-day max delays) | Gemini: 45/100 (trust protections) | Coinbase: 30/100 (indefinite holds) | Category avg: 35/100
Why this score: Standard mandatory arbitration with class action waiver, but with limited practical recourse given regulatory uncertainty. SEC enforcement may provide some user protection through court-supervised proceedings, but individual arbitration claims face company stability concerns. Support responsiveness has declined significantly during enforcement period.
Industry comparison: Kraken: 55/100 (user-friendly arbitration) | Gemini: 40/100 (NY oversight) | Coinbase: 35/100 (slow resolution) | Category avg: 39/100
Why this score: Terms have changed frequently during enforcement period with minimal advance notice. The claimed "independence" from Binance.com was contradicted by SEC complaint allegations of shared infrastructure and commingled funds. Service availability changes (USD pauses) have occurred with little warning.
Industry comparison: Kraken: 60/100 (transparency reports) | Gemini: 55/100 (NY-regulated) | Coinbase: 45/100 (public company disclosure) | Category avg: 48/100
Why this score: Data handling practices are unclear given Binance.com connection. SEC allegations suggest user data may flow between U.S. and international entities. The regulatory uncertainty means data retention and sharing practices may not follow stated policies. Standard CCPA rights exist on paper but enforcement is uncertain.
Industry comparison: Kraken: 50/100 (clear data export) | Gemini: 45/100 (NY trust requirements) | Coinbase: 40/100 (analytics sharing) | Category avg: 41/100
Why this score: Withdrawal limits can be imposed without notice per ToS. USD withdrawals have been restricted due to banking partner departures. Crypto withdrawals are currently processing but may be subject to delays. Users should not assume funds are accessible on demand given platform instability. Recommendation: withdraw immediately while processing is available.
Industry comparison: Kraken: 45/100 (14-day max) | Coinbase: 45/100 (30-day holds) | Gemini: 40/100 (trust delays) | Category avg: 40/100
Analysis