Kraken vs Crypto.com
Kraken is the stronger choice for security-conscious traders who want competitive Pro fees and a 14-year breach-free track record. Crypto.com offers a wider coin selection, a Visa card cashback programme, and DeFi integration — but its poor customer service reviews are a significant consideration.
Our Verdict
Choose Kraken for reliability, competitive Kraken Pro fees, lower staking commission, and a security record unmatched by most exchanges. Choose Crypto.com only if you specifically need assets not listed on Kraken or if the Visa card programme justifies the platform's customer service trade-off.
Quick Verdict
Choose Kraken if…
- You want a well-established exchange with a 14-year security track record
- You want competitive Kraken Pro fees (0.25% maker / 0.40% taker base)
- You want lower staking commission (20% vs Crypto.com's variable rates)
- You are an active trader who values platform reliability over ecosystem breadth
Choose Crypto.com if…
- You need access to 350+ cryptocurrencies including assets not on Kraken
- You want the Crypto.com Visa card cashback programme
- You want DeFi wallet integration and earn products in one ecosystem
- You are comfortable navigating a more complex platform and have researched support quality
At a Glance
Detailed Comparison
| Broker | Fees | Platforms | Markets | Regulation | Minimum Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Instant Buy: 1% flat + spread (standard); Kraken Pro: Maker-taker from 0.25%/0.40% | Web, iOS, Android, Kraken Pro | crypto | FCA compliant | None | |
| App: ~0.29% buy/sell; Exchange: Maker-taker from competitive rates with volume | App (iOS/Android), Crypto.com Exchange (Web), DeFi Wallet | crypto | FCA registered | None |
Regulatory Status
Kraken
- Operates in UK through compliance arrangements with FCA requirements
- UK AML and financial promotion rules apply
- Not separately FCA-registered as a standalone UK entity
- Crypto holdings not FSCS-protected
Crypto.com
- FCA-registered as electronic money institution and crypto asset firm
- EMI registration provides some protection on GBP fiat balances
- Crypto asset registration covers AML compliance
- Crypto holdings not FSCS-protected
Verdict: Crypto.com holds a direct FCA registration number as an EMI and crypto asset firm. Kraken operates through group-level UK compliance. Neither offers FSCS protection on crypto.
Fees
Kraken
- Instant Buy: 1% flat fee + spread (~0.5-1%) — all-in ~1.5-2%
- Kraken Pro: 0.25% maker / 0.40% taker at base — very competitive
- Staking commission: 20% on flexible staking
- Free GBP deposits via Faster Payments
Crypto.com
- App buy/sell: approximately 0.29-0.40%
- Crypto.com Exchange: competitive maker-taker fees for active traders
- Staking commission: varies by asset and tier
- Free bank transfer deposits
Verdict: Kraken Pro fees are highly competitive for active exchange-style trading. For simple buying, Crypto.com's App (~0.29%) is cheaper than Kraken's Instant Buy (~1.5-2%). Always use the Pro/Exchange interface on either platform.
Security & Track Record
Kraken
- Founded 2011 — no major security breaches in 14+ years
- Widely regarded as one of the most security-focused exchanges globally
- Strong cold storage practices
Crypto.com
- 100% of crypto in cold storage backed by $750M insurance fund
- Shorter history than Kraken — founded 2016
- No major hacks reported
Verdict: Kraken's 14-year breach-free record is a genuine differentiator. Crypto.com's insurance fund is notable, but its shorter history provides less of a track record.
Coin Selection & Features
Kraken
- 200+ cryptocurrencies for UK spot trading
- Staking on supported assets
- No DeFi wallet or card product
Crypto.com
- 350+ cryptocurrencies — significantly broader selection
- Visa card with tiered cashback (0-5%)
- DeFi wallet for non-custodial access
- Staking and Earn products
Verdict: Crypto.com offers a much wider coin selection and broader feature ecosystem. Kraken covers all major assets well but doesn't offer card products or DeFi wallet integration.
Customer Service
Kraken
- Generally positive reviews from experienced traders
- Occasional complaints about verification delays and support response times
- Trustpilot ratings moderate-to-positive among active users
Crypto.com
- Trustpilot score approximately 1.3/5 — very poor
- Recurring complaints: account freezes, withdrawal delays, unresponsive support
- Consistent negative pattern across review platforms
Verdict: Kraken's customer service is materially better reviewed than Crypto.com. For users who may ever need account support, this gap is significant.
Risks & Considerations
- Crypto assets are highly volatile — capital loss can occur rapidly
- No FSCS protection on crypto holdings on either platform
- Neither offers leveraged crypto derivatives for UK retail clients
- Staking involves lock-up risk and the staked asset's own price volatility
Trading Style Suitability
| Trader Type | Better Choice |
|---|---|
| Security track record priority | Kraken |
| Active trader (Pro fees) | Kraken |
| Staking (lower commission) | Kraken |
| Customer service reliability | Kraken |
| Wide altcoin selection | Crypto.com |
| Visa card cashback | Crypto.com |
| DeFi integration | Crypto.com |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Kraken
Strengths
- 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
Weaknesses
- 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
Crypto.com
Strengths
- FCA-registered as EMI and crypto asset firm
- 350+ cryptocurrencies — broadest coin selection of major UK-accessible exchanges
- Crypto.com Visa card with up to 5% cashback (requires CRO staking)
- Competitive Exchange fees for active traders
- Staking, Earn products and DeFi wallet integration
- Strong security infrastructure — 100% of crypto in cold storage backed by insurance
Weaknesses
- Very poor Trustpilot score (~1.3/5) — customer service quality is a major reported concern
- Higher Visa card cashback tiers require CRO staking ($500 for 2%, $5,000 for 3%, $500,000 for 4-5%) — top tiers are highly restrictive
- App-level fees (~0.29%) higher than the Exchange — similar fee confusion to Kraken's Instant Buy
- Complex, multi-tiered product ecosystem can be confusing
- CRO token dependency means platform benefits are tied to a volatile and illiquid asset
- Crypto holdings are not FSCS-protected
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kraken or Crypto.com more reliable?
Kraken has a 14-year security track record and significantly better customer service reviews. Crypto.com's Trustpilot score of ~1.3/5 reflects documented account and withdrawal issues.
Which has more cryptocurrencies?
Crypto.com lists 350+ cryptocurrencies versus Kraken's 200+. For major assets, both platforms cover them fully.
Which has lower staking fees?
Kraken charges 20% commission on flexible staking. Crypto.com's staking commission varies by asset — check individual rates before committing.
Does Kraken have a Visa card?
No — Kraken does not offer a card product. The Crypto.com Visa card (with up to 5% cashback) is exclusive to Crypto.com.
Ready to Choose?
Visit either broker to open an account and start trading.
Methodology & Disclosure
This comparison is based on published fee schedules, FCA register data, and verified user feedback from Trustpilot and specialist review platforms. It is not financial advice. Affiliate relationships do not influence evaluation.
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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