South Korea’s top crypto exchanges are intensifying their race to attract VIP investors—particularly those with monthly trading volumes exceeding 100 billion KRW. Bithumb now offers its “Black” tier members luxury perks that surpass even department store VIP benefits. These include concierge services worth up to 13 million KRW per month, such as private golf outings, five-star hotel stays, and VVIP health checkups.
Upbit has also enhanced its VIP services, offering quarterly gifts like the latest Galaxy S25 Edge smartphones, extended API rate limits, and a dedicated 24/7 VIP-only customer support line. Coinone recently launched pre-registration for “THE VIP CLUB,” which promises automatic qualification for clients trading over 3 billion KRW and access to some of the lowest fees in the market—ranging from 0.02% to 0.035%.
This strategic push highlights how securing high-volume traders has become a cornerstone of exchange revenue models. These “whale” clients not only drive commission-based income but also provide liquidity and credibility that bolster a platform’s market presence.
Analysts suggest that differentiated VIP programs can help exchanges build brand equity and increase customer loyalty. However, there are growing concerns that excessive perks may create sustainability and fairness issues over time.
Ultimately, the surge in VIP-targeted benefits reflects a shift in exchange competition toward securing “meaningful liquidity.” As this battle escalates, tailored membership programs and long-term loyalty strategies are poised to become key drivers of success in the crypto trading ecosystem.
