These are the three exchanges Brian recommends for copy trading and futures. All accept international users; BTCC is the only one that accepts US residents.
| Exchange | Get started |
|---|---|
| 1 BTCC | Go to BTCC → |
| 2 Bitunix | Go to Bitunix → |
| 3 MEXC | Go to MEXC → |
Affiliate disclosure: Links above are affiliate links. Brian may earn a commission if you sign up — at no extra cost to you.
North America Crypto Adoption at a Glance
North America is the world's institutional crypto powerhouse. The United States ranks #2 globally in the Chainalysis 2025 Global Crypto Adoption Index with an adoption score of 87 — trailing only India in grassroots adoption but dominating in institutional volume. The US fiat on-ramp of $4.2T is nearly four times that of South Korea, the next largest individual market by fiat conversion.
The Bitcoin spot ETF approvals in January 2024 were a turning point for US institutional participation. Bitcoin now accounts for roughly 41% of all US fiat on-ramp volume, and 85% of US banks are actively planning or integrating blockchain infrastructure. With 53M+ holders (15.5% of the population), the US has the second-largest absolute holder count globally after India.
Canada, while not ranked individually in the Chainalysis top 20, is a significant North American market with strong regulatory clarity and approximately 14.8% crypto ownership among its population. Canadians benefit from the same exchange access as most international users, with fewer restrictions than their American counterparts.
Key Countries in North America
The United States dominates North American crypto volume and is the most important single market in the world by institutional participation and fiat on-ramp size.
United States — Rank #2
World's largest fiat on-ramp at $4.2T. 53M+ holders (15.5% ownership). Bitcoin ETF inflows massive — Bitcoin alone accounts for 41% of all fiat on-ramps. 85% of US banks planning blockchain integration. Institutional adoption is reshaping the entire market. BTCC is one of the very few exchanges accepting US residents for futures trading.
BTCC accepts US users →Canada
Strong regulatory clarity with approximately 14.8% crypto ownership. Canada was an early mover on Bitcoin ETFs — approving them before the US — which helped drive retail and institutional adoption. Major exchanges operate legally under Canadian securities regulation. Bitunix and MEXC both serve Canadian users, as does BTCC.
Go to Bitunix →Mexico
Mexico is a fast-growing Latin American market often grouped with North America by major exchanges. BTCC and MEXC both accept Mexican users. Remittance flows and inflation hedging are key adoption drivers, with growing youth adoption. Mexico is increasingly a bridge market between North and Latin America in crypto infrastructure.
Go to MEXC →Which Exchanges Work in North America?
Exchange availability is particularly important for US residents, where regulatory restrictions block most international futures platforms.
| Country | BTCC | Bitunix | MEXC | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 United States | US residents accepted ✓ | ✗ Restricted | ✗ Restricted | BTCC is one of the only regulated futures exchanges accepting US users |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | All three exchanges available |
| 🇲🇽 Mexico | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | BTCC and MEXC both explicitly list Mexico |
Common Questions About Crypto Trading in North America
Can US residents trade crypto futures?
Yes, US residents can trade crypto futures, but the options are more limited than in other countries. Most offshore exchanges restrict US users due to regulatory concerns from the CFTC and SEC. BTCC is one of the very few regulated futures exchanges that accepts US residents, offering up to 500x leverage on Bitcoin and other major assets with copy trading functionality built in.
What crypto exchanges accept US users for leverage trading?
BTCC is the primary exchange Brian recommends for US residents seeking leverage trading and copy trading. Established in 2011, it has a strong regulatory track record and maintains 135% Proof of Reserves — meaning it holds more than enough assets to cover all customer balances. Most other international futures exchanges, including Bitunix and MEXC, do not accept US users due to regulatory restrictions.
Is crypto futures trading legal in the US?
Crypto futures trading is legal in the US but is regulated by the CFTC (Commodity Futures Trading Commission). Retail traders can access crypto futures through licensed and compliant platforms. BTCC operates legally and accepts US customers. Always check the current regulatory status in your specific state before trading, as state-level regulations can vary.
How do I trade crypto with leverage in the US?
To trade crypto with leverage in the US, sign up on an exchange that accepts US users like BTCC. You will need to complete KYC (Know Your Customer) identity verification, deposit funds, and then access the futures or copy trading section of the platform. Brian strongly recommends starting with very low leverage — 5x or less — until you understand how liquidation and margin calls work. Never use leverage you cannot afford to lose.
Is BTCC available in the US?
Yes, BTCC explicitly accepts US residents and is one of the very few crypto futures exchanges to do so. Founded in 2011, BTCC is one of the oldest crypto exchanges in the world. It offers copy trading, up to 500x leverage on futures, and maintains a Proof of Reserves at 135%, meaning it holds more than enough funds to cover all customer balances. For US residents who want access to copy trading and futures, BTCC is the top recommendation on CryptoSchool.
Explore Other Regions
Each regional guide includes local exchange availability, Chainalysis adoption data, and Brian's top platform picks.
Latin America
$900B volume · +63% YoY · Currency instability drives adoption
View LatAm Guide →