When choosing a cryptocurrency exchange, two platforms consistently rise to the top: Crypto.com and Kraken. Both are trusted by millions, but they cater to different types of traders—making your decision highly dependent on your goals, experience level, and priorities.
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At a glance, Kraken excels in security, low fees, and advanced trading features, making it a favorite among experienced traders. Meanwhile, Crypto.com stands out with its user-friendly mobile app, broader ecosystem, and wider selection of cryptocurrencies, appealing to beginners and mobile-first users.
Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to help you determine which exchange leads the race in 2025.
Key Differences at a Glance
Before exploring deeper, here's a quick overview of how these platforms compare:
- Cryptocurrency Selection: Crypto.com offers over 350 coins; Kraken supports around 300.
- Fee Structure: Kraken uses a tiered volume-based model; Crypto.com offers discounts via staking its native CRO token.
- Leverage: Kraken allows up to 50x leverage; Crypto.com caps at 20x.
- Mobile Experience: Crypto.com ranks #4 in the App Store (Finance), while Kraken sits at #48.
- Security: Kraken has no reported major breaches; Crypto.com experienced a past security incident.
These differences highlight that your ideal choice depends on whether you value advanced tools, low costs, or ease of use.
Trading Markets, Products & Leverage Offered
Both exchanges support spot trading, margin trading, and derivatives—essential for modern crypto investors.
Available Cryptocurrencies
- Crypto.com: 250+ cryptocurrencies
- Kraken: 200+ cryptocurrencies
Crypto.com provides greater variety, especially for altcoin enthusiasts. If you're interested in emerging tokens or niche projects, this broader selection could be a deciding factor.
Leverage Options
| Exchange | Maximum Leverage |
|---|---|
| Kraken | 50x |
| Crypto.com | 20x |
For experienced traders using futures or margin strategies, Kraken’s higher leverage can amplify potential returns—though it also increases risk.
Crypto.com does offer up to 10x leverage for margin trading, which exceeds Kraken’s offering in that specific category.
Both platforms support major pairs like BTC/USD, ETH/EUR, and numerous altcoin/fiat combinations, ensuring global accessibility.
Supported Cryptocurrencies & Staking Options
Beyond trading, both platforms allow users to earn passive income through staking.
| Feature | Crypto.com | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Cryptocurrencies | 250+ | 220+ |
| Staking Options | 29 | 23 |
Crypto.com supports more staking assets, giving users more flexibility to earn rewards across diverse networks like Polkadot, Cardano, and Avalanche.
While Kraken’s list is slightly smaller, it focuses on well-established, high-security projects—ideal for conservative investors prioritizing reliability over variety.
👉 Maximize your staking returns with advanced portfolio tracking tools.
Trading & Deposit/Withdrawal Fees Compared
Fees directly impact profitability—especially for active traders.
Trading Fees
| Exchange | Maker Fees | Taker Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Kraken | 0.00% – 0.25% | 0.10% – 0.40% |
| Crypto.com | Up to 0.3% | Up to 0.3% |
Kraken’s tiered system rewards high-volume traders with lower fees. As your 30-day volume increases, your rates drop significantly.
Crypto.com offers competitive fees too—but you can reduce them further by staking CRO, its native token. This creates an incentive for long-term platform engagement.
Withdrawal Fees
- Kraken: Up to $60 (varies by coin)
- Crypto.com: Up to 0.0006 BTC
While both charge network-based fees, Kraken often proves more cost-effective for large withdrawals due to better routing and lower spreads.
For frequent traders, even small differences in spreads and withdrawal costs add up over time—making Kraken a more economical choice in the long run.
Order Types: Flexibility vs Simplicity
The range of order types affects how precisely you can execute trades.
Kraken Offers:
- Market orders
- Limit orders
- Stop-loss & take-profit
- Conditional close
- Settle position orders
Kraken’s advanced toolkit suits technical traders who rely on automation and complex strategies during volatile markets.
Crypto.com Offers:
- Market orders
- Limit orders
- Stop-loss
- OCO (One-Cancels-the-Other)
While simpler, Crypto.com’s interface is intuitive—perfect for beginners or those making quick trades on mobile.
If you trade actively or use algorithmic strategies, Kraken gives you more control.
KYC Requirements & Verification Limits
Both platforms require KYC (Know Your Customer) verification—a regulatory standard across compliant exchanges.
Kraken uses a tiered verification system:
- Basic: Name, DOB, address
- Advanced: Government ID + face photo
Higher tiers unlock increased deposit/withdrawal limits and access to derivatives.
Crypto.com follows a similar process but generally has faster verification times. However, Kraken shares transaction data with tax authorities if your annual volume exceeds $1,000, which may affect privacy-conscious users.
Neither allows anonymous trading beyond minimal limits—so full verification is essential for serious trading activity.
Deposits & Withdrawal Options
Kraken supports more fiat deposit methods (bank transfers, SWIFT, SEPA) and offers wider currency support—beneficial for international users.
Crypto.com integrates smoothly with credit/debit cards and Apple Pay but has fewer bank-level options.
Both enforce strong withdrawal protections:
- Two-factor authentication (2FA)
- Email confirmations
- Address whitelisting
For maximum fee efficiency, consider using Kraken Pro or Crypto.com Exchange—their professional-grade platforms with reduced fees for active traders.
User Experience & Platform Design
This is where the two platforms diverge most clearly.
Crypto.com:
- Colorful, intuitive design
- Mobile-first approach
- Ideal for beginners
- High App Store ranking (#4 in Finance)
Kraken:
- Data-rich interface
- Advanced charting tools
- Better for technical analysis
- Steeper learning curve
While Crypto.com wins in mobile usability, Kraken dominates in depth and functionality for desktop traders.
Security & Insurance Comparison
Security should never be compromised.
Kraken:
- No major breaches since 2011
- 95% of assets in air-gapped cold storage
- Regular audits and bug bounty programs
- Strong encryption and 24/7 surveillance
Crypto.com:
- Experienced a past security breach
- ISO/IEC 27001 certified
- $750 million insurance policy
- Cold storage and PCI DSS Level 1 compliance
Though both employ robust measures, Kraken’s flawless track record gives it an edge in trustworthiness, especially for storing large holdings.
Neither offers FDIC insurance—so always consider transferring significant amounts to private wallets.
Customer Support Quality
Kraken consistently receives praise for its 24/7 live chat support, fast response times, and comprehensive help center.
Crypto.com also offers chat and email support—but user reports suggest slower resolution times during peak periods.
For new traders or those managing large transactions, reliable support can make all the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Kraken safer than Crypto.com?
Yes. Kraken has no reported major security breaches since its founding in 2011. Crypto.com suffered a past incident, making Kraken the more trusted option for security-conscious users.
Which exchange has lower fees?
Kraken generally offers lower fees—especially for high-volume traders—thanks to its transparent tiered structure. Crypto.com fees can be reduced by staking CRO but are often higher otherwise.
Can I trade futures on both platforms?
Yes. Both offer futures and options trading with leverage. Kraken provides up to 50x leverage, making it better suited for advanced derivatives strategies.
Is Crypto.com good for beginners?
Absolutely. Its mobile app is among the most user-friendly in the industry, making it ideal for new users learning crypto trading basics.
Do both platforms require KYC?
Yes. Full account functionality requires identity verification on both exchanges. Anonymous trading is limited to very low thresholds.
Should I use both exchanges?
Many traders do. Use Crypto.com for easy mobile access and rewards; use Kraken for advanced tools, better security, and lower fees on large trades.
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Final Verdict: Who Leads in 2025?
In the battle between Crypto.com vs Kraken, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but clear winners emerge based on user needs:
- Choose Kraken if you’re an experienced trader who values security, low fees, and advanced tools.
- Choose Crypto.com if you’re a beginner or mobile-focused user who wants a simple interface, broad ecosystem, and easy staking options.
Ultimately, the smartest strategy might be using both—leveraging each platform’s strengths while minimizing risks.
Whether you're building long-term wealth or executing high-frequency trades, aligning your exchange choice with your goals is key to success in the evolving world of crypto.