Kraken
Kraken is one of the world's oldest and most respected crypto exchanges, founded in 2011. It offers two core experiences: Instant Buy (simple, higher cost) and Kraken Pro (exchange-style trading with a competitive maker-taker fee model). UK clients have full access to Kraken's spot markets and staking features but cannot access futures or margin trading due to FCA restrictions. Kraken's unbroken security track record and deep liquidity make it a strong choice for experienced UK crypto traders.
Who it's for: Traders looking for active traders, crypto, low-fees, experienced.
Kraken
Established crypto exchange since 2011 with a strong security record — competitive maker-taker fees via Kraken Pro and 200+ cryptocurrencies for UK traders.
- Min. Deposit
- None
Affiliate link · Disclosure
Fees
Instant Buy: 1% flat + spread (standard); Kraken Pro: Maker-taker from 0.25%/0.40%. Minimum deposit: None.
Platforms & tools
- Web
- iOS
- Android
- Kraken Pro
Markets
- crypto
Pros
- Established since 2011 — no major security breaches in over 14 years of operation
- Kraken Pro offers competitive maker 0.25% / taker 0.40% base fees
- 200+ cryptocurrencies available for UK spot trading
- Free GBP deposits via Faster Payments
- Staking available on supported assets for UK clients
- Strong reputation among experienced and institutional crypto traders
Cons
- Instant Buy costs ~1% flat fee + spread (~0.5-1%), making effective all-in cost ~1.5-2% — beginners often miss the cheaper Pro option
- Futures and margin trading not available for UK retail clients (FCA restrictions)
- Interface less polished than Coinbase for absolute beginners
- Not directly FCA-registered as a standalone UK crypto asset firm
- Crypto holdings are not FSCS-protected
Alternatives to Kraken
Capital.com
FCA-regulated CFD and spread betting broker with an intuitive platform suited to beginners and cost-conscious traders.
- Min. Deposit
- £20
Affiliate link · Disclosure
Pepperstone
Execution-focused CFD and spread betting broker with tight raw spreads, MT4/MT5/cTrader access and FCA regulation.
- Min. Deposit
- £0
Affiliate link · Disclosure
CMC Markets
FCA-regulated broker founded in 1989, known for powerful proprietary charting tools, thousands of CFD instruments and no minimum deposit.
- Min. Deposit
- £0
Affiliate link · Disclosure
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive compensation when you click on links to brokers and products featured on this site. This compensation does not influence our rankings, reviews, or recommendations. We maintain editorial independence and provide objective comparisons. Read our full disclosure policy.
Risk Warning: This website does not provide financial, investment, or trading advice. All information is for educational purposes only. Trading and investing involve substantial risk of loss. You should carefully consider your financial situation and consult with qualified professionals before making any financial decisions.
Last updated: 2026-05-26