Before we dive into the detailed analysis, here's a comparison of Bitvavo and Kraken that shows the most important information about both platforms at a glance.
Overview of Bitvavo
Bitvavo was founded in 2018 in Amsterdam, and as of 2026, its business model is based on solid execution within a clear regulatory framework, rather than on the breadth of its product offerings: It prioritizes technical simplicity, low costs, and compliance with European regulations, offering more than 400 cryptocurrencies tradable directly in euros.
Pros
MiCA License Granted by the AFM of the Netherlands
More than 400 cryptocurrencies tradable directly in euros
Competitive fees starting at 0.15% for makers and 0.25% for takers
Deposits and withdrawals in euros via SEPA transfers
Cons
It is available only in certain European countries
The initial fees are higher than 0.10% on some global exchanges
Margin is not available for all assets
It does not offer futures or a comprehensive derivatives ecosystem
Bitvavo B.V. has been authorized as a crypto-asset service provider under MiCA by the Dutch AFM since June 2025, allowing it to operate in various European markets under the EU passport. Its platform combines a very simple direct purchase option with Bitvavo Pro for more experienced users, as well as Auto Earn, Fixed Staking, and margin trading on supported markets.
This commitment to regulated simplicity is more important to European users who trade in euros and value regulatory predictability than to those who prioritize the lowest cost per transaction or seek advanced derivatives. Compared to global exchanges that start at 0.10 %, Bitvavo isn’t the cheapest, but it remains competitive within the MiCA framework. See the full review of Bitvavo
Who is Bitvavo for? For European users who want to buy, sell, hold, and earn returns on cryptocurrencies using euros, with competitive fees and a platform regulated under MiCA.
Overview of Kraken
Kraken was founded in 2011, when Bitcoin was just beginning to gain traction, and has built its reputation on three pillars: security, transparency, and professional trading tools. It serves more than 15 million customers in over 190 countries and allows users to trade more than 500 cryptocurrencies.
Pros
More than a decade without any known breaches in its custodial wallets
MiCA License Fully Operational in All 30 EEA Countries
More than 500 cryptocurrencies and 1,400 spot trading pairs
Periodic and verifiable proof of reserves, published since 2014
Cons
High initial fees: 0.25 % maker / 0.40 % taker on Kraken Pro
Instant purchase with a commission of 1 % plus the spread
Steep learning curve in Kraken Pro for inexperienced users
No specific guarantee fund for cryptoassets, unlike other exchanges that do offer one
Its ecosystem includes direct purchase, spot trading, margin trading, futures, staking, and institutional services, with regulatory presence in various jurisdictions: In the United States, it operates under state registrations and licenses, and in Europe, it has held a MiCA authorization from the Central Bank of Ireland since 2025, valid in all 30 EEA countries.
The difference in fees compared to cheaper exchanges is not insignificant: for a user who trades several thousand euros or dollars a month, it can amount to a real difference of thousands of currency units a year. This premium makes sense especially for those who maintain large balances or value the custodial track record and professional tools more than the cost per transaction. View full Kraken review
Who is Kraken for? For users looking for a well-established exchange with a regulatory presence in multiple jurisdictions and tools capable of supporting them from their first purchase through to advanced trading.
Fees and Deposits: Bitvavo vs. Kraken
In a direct comparison of spot trading fees, Bitvavo has the edge over Kraken: 0.15 % maker and 0.25 % taker, compared to Kraken Pro’s 0.25 % maker and 0.40 % taker. Both reduce their fees based on trading volume over the past 30 days, although neither offers an additional discount for paying with its own token, unlike other global exchanges. Go to the fee calculator
| Platform | Maker | Taker |
|---|---|---|
Bitget
|
0,10% | 0,10% |
Binance
|
0,10% | 0,10% |
Bybit
|
0,10% | 0,10% |
|
Bitvavo
|
0,15% | 0,25% |
|
Kraken
|
0,25% | 0,40% |
Coinbase
|
0,40% | 0,60% |
Did you know? Buying €1,000 worth of Bitcoin via a taker order costs €2.50 on Bitvavo and €4 on Kraken. If the trade is executed as a maker, the cost drops to €1.50 on Bitvavo and €2.50 on Kraken.
The difference becomes even more pronounced outside the order book: Bitvavo’s direct purchase maintains the same maker/taker fee with a price guarantee for a few seconds, while Kraken’s instant purchase adds a 1 % spread. For deposits and withdrawals, both platforms use SEPA as the primary method for euros, generally at no cost, although Kraken offers additional methods depending on the market, and Bitvavo also supports iDEAL and Bancontact depending on the country.
| Concept | Bitvavo | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Spot Commission | 0,15 % / 0,25 % | 0,25 % / 0,40 % |
| Volume Discount | Yes, based on 30-day volume | By volume and account balance |
| Simple Buy/Sell | Same as "spot," with a price guarantee | 1 % + spread |
| Futures | Not available | 0.02 % / 0.05 % (initial level) |
| Deposit in euros/fiat currency | 0 € via SEPA | Usually €0 via SEPA |
| Crypto Deposit | 0 €; the network is paid for | Varies by network |
| Withdrawal of euros/fiat currency | 0 € via SEPA | Varies by bank |
| Crypto Withdrawal | Varies by asset and network | Varies by asset and network |
| Custody / Inactivity | 0 € | 0 € |
Who regulates Bitvavo and Kraken?
Bitvavo combines asset segregation, predominantly cold storage, institutional custodians, and an Account Guarantee of up to €100,000 in the event of unauthorized access. Kraken has had no known breaches in its custody operations for over a decade, along with proprietary tools such as the Global Settings Lock.
Important note: A test of reserves is not the same as a full financial audit; it confirms assets as of a specific date but does not reflect all of the company's liabilities.
In terms of regulation, both operate in Europe under a MiCA license: Bitvavo B.V. through the AFM of the Netherlands, granted in June 2025, and Kraken through the Central Bank of Ireland. Bitvavo focuses its operations on 25 European countries, while Kraken has much broader coverage thanks to additional licenses and registrations outside the EU.
| Concept | Bitvavo | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Regulated by | AFM of the Netherlands (MiCA); prior registration with DNB | Central Bank of Ireland (MiCA), CySEC (MiFID), U.S. state licenses. |
| MiCA Coverage (EU/EEA) | Yes, starting in 2025, in 25 European countries | Yes, in the 30 EEA countries |
| Reservation Test | Yes, with periodic external audits | Since 2014 (Merkle) |
| In-house guarantee fund | Account Guarantee of up to €100,000 in eligible cases | Not available |
| History of Breaches | No known vulnerabilities to date | No gaps since 2011 |
| Account Tools | 2FA, anti-phishing, withdrawal freeze | 2FA, passkeys, Global Settings Lock |
| Institutional custody | Yes, through institutional providers | Yes, through regulated entities |
Where are Bitvavo and Kraken available?
Bitvavo focuses its operations on Europe and does not intend to operate as a global exchange: it is available in 25 European countries, including Spain, with its SEPA integration and MiCA authorization determining both the eligible countries and the payment methods. It is not a platform designed for users outside the continent.
Kraken, for its part, serves more than 15 million customers in over 190 countries, with much broader coverage than most European exchanges. In the United States, it operates under state registrations and licenses, and in Europe, it operates under its MiCA license, in addition to adhering to specific restrictions in countries subject to international sanctions.
What do Bitvavo and Kraken offer on their platforms?
Bitvavo is available via a web platform and apps for iOS and Android, with a main interface designed to let you view your portfolio, deposit euros, and buy or sell without navigating through technical menus. Users can upgrade to Bitvavo Pro without opening a separate account, gaining access to an order book, advanced charts, and limit orders, as well as Bitvavo Convert, Auto Earn, Fixed Staking, and margin trading on supported markets.
Kraken offers its products through several applications: the main app for buying and selling, Kraken Pro for spot, margin, and futures trading, Kraken Desktop for advanced analysis, and Krak for payments and a credit card. It provides access to more than 500 cryptocurrencies and 1,400 spot pairs, as well as staking on more than 20 assets and xStocks, which are tokenized representations of U.S. stocks.
| Concept | Bitvavo | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Available Apps | Web, iOS, and Android | Main App, Pro, Desktop, and Krak |
| Cryptocurrencies | +428 | +500 (1,400 spot pairs) |
| Main Products | Direct Purchase, Convert, Bitvavo Pro, Auto Earn, Fixed Staking, Margin | Spot, margin, futures, staking, xStocks, Krak (payments and card) |
| Directions for Use | Simple Purchases and Bitvavo Pro in the Same Account | Apps Categorized by User Level |
| Order Types | Market, Limit, Stop-Limit, Direct Buy, Convert | Market, Limit, Stop-Loss, Stop-Limit, Take-Profit, OCO |
| Charts and Tools | Advanced Charts in Bitvavo Pro, API | Advanced Graphics in Pro/Desktop, API |
| Restrictions in the EU | Fully operational under a MiCA license | Fully operational under a MiCA license |
Final Verdict: Bitvavo or Kraken?
Bitvavo and Kraken enter this comparison from a similar starting point: both hold fully operational MiCA licenses and charge fees that are slightly higher than those of the most aggressive global exchanges. The difference lies in their scope: Bitvavo focuses its offerings on 25 European countries with an experience heavily centered on the euro, while Kraken offers global coverage, more cryptocurrencies, and professional tools such as futures and Kraken Pro.
For a European user who trades only in euros and values simplicity, Bitvavo offers a very straightforward experience, with lower fees than Kraken and a guarantee that it holds the assets in its own account. For those looking for more cryptocurrencies, futures, or a platform with a global reach beyond Europe, Kraken remains the most comprehensive option.
Choose Bitvavo if…
- ✓ You live in a European country and always conduct your transactions in euros
- ✓ Do you want lower fees than Kraken's for spot trading?
- ✓ Do you appreciate the Account Guarantee of up to 100,000 €?
- ✓ Do you prefer a simple interface with the option to upgrade to Bitvavo Pro?
Choose Kraken if…
- ✓ Are you looking for a larger selection, with more than 500 cryptocurrencies?
- ✓ Do you want to trade futures and use professional tools?
- ✓ You need a platform with global coverage, not just European coverage
- ✓ You've maintained more than a decade without any security breaches
This verdict summarizes the findings regarding fees, regulation, security, and availability. Neither exchange is superior in every respect: the right choice depends on the user’s profile and, above all, on the user’s jurisdiction.
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This comparison of Bitvavo and Kraken is based on a hands-on analysis of both platforms. We have evaluated their fees, security, range of cryptocurrencies, available features, and ease of use to provide an objective comparison. The assessment reflects the actual differences between the two exchanges, beyond just first impressions.
(FAQ) Frequently Asked Questions: Bitvavo vs. Kraken Comparison
