Before we dive into the detailed analysis, here's a comparison of Crypto.com and Kraken that shows the most important information about both platforms at a glance.
Crypto.com
Kraken
Overview of Crypto.com
Crypto.com was founded in 2016 by Kris Marszalek, Rafael Melo, Gary Or, and Bobby Bao, initially under the name Monaco, before being renamed in 2018. Headquartered in Singapore, the platform claims to have surpassed 150 million users in August 2026, a growth fueled by sports partnerships such as the naming rights to the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Pros
More than 400 cryptocurrencies and 150 million users worldwide
MiCA License and Numerous Regional Authorizations
App, Exchange, Visa card, Earn, and self-custodial wallet
1:1 Reserves, Proof of Reserves, and Security Certifications
Cons
App and Exchange use different pricing models, which can be confusing
An instant purchase may include a variable spread
Products, rewards, and assets vary greatly by country
Trustpilot Receives Complaints About Support, Verification, and Reviews Being Removed
The company operates through various entities within the Foris Group, which allows it to tailor its app, custody services, payments, and derivatives to each jurisdiction. However, this structure requires users to verify which entity is providing their service during registration—a process that is simpler on Kraken thanks to its single European entity. The Crypto.com ecosystem combines the consumer app, the advanced exchange, the Visa card, Earn, and a self-custodial wallet called Onchain.
Furthermore, while Kraken clearly separates its basic app from Kraken Pro, Crypto.com distinguishes between the App—which features variable prices and spreads—and the Exchange, which has a transparent maker/taker fee structure. This dual structure offers more options to advanced users, although it also requires a clear understanding of which product is being used at any given time to avoid overpaying. See the full review of Crypto.com
Who is Crypto.com for? For users who want to buy, hold, earn rewards, and spend crypto all from a single app, combining trading, a card, and an on-chain ecosystem without ever leaving the platform.
Overview of Kraken
Kraken is one of the longest-standing exchanges in the industry. Founded in 2011, when Bitcoin was just beginning to gain traction, it has built its reputation on three pillars: security, transparency, and professional trading tools.
Pros
A long-standing exchange that has been operating since 2011 with no known security breaches
MiCA License Fully Operational in All 30 EEA Countries
More than 500 cryptocurrencies and 1,400 spot trading pairs
Cons
Above-average fees: 0.25% maker and 0.40% taker
Instant purchase with a commission of 1% plus the spread
Kraken Pro has a steep learning curve for beginners
Its ecosystem includes direct purchasing, a spot market, margin trading, futures, staking, payments, and institutional services. Unlike Crypto.com, which divides its offerings among several companies within the Foris group, Kraken operates in Europe as a single entity authorized by the Central Bank of Ireland, making it easier to know who is providing the service at any given time.
On the other hand, Kraken isn’t the cheapest option for those starting from scratch: its initial fee is higher than Bitvavo’s, Finst’s, or Binance’s, although it’s still slightly more competitive than Crypto.com Exchange’s. Its true value becomes apparent when users move beyond basic trading and begin to take advantage of Kraken Pro, margin trading, futures, and staking. View full Kraken review
Who is Kraken for? For users looking for a long-established, regulated exchange with tools capable of supporting them from their first purchase through to advanced trading.
Fees and Deposits: Crypto.com vs. Kraken
Kraken is cheaper than Crypto.com in its initial tier: 0.25 % maker and 0.40 % taker, compared to 0.40 % maker and 0.60 % taker on the Crypto.com Exchange. Neither is among the cheapest on the market, as Bitget, Bybit, and Binance start at 0.10 %. Go to the fee calculator
| Platform | Maker | Taker |
|---|---|---|
Bitget
|
0,10% | 0,10% |
Bybit
|
0,10% | 0,10% |
Finst
|
0,15% | 0,15% |
Bitvavo
|
0,15% | 0,25% |
|
Kraken
|
0,25% | 0,40% |
|
Crypto.com
|
0,40% | 0,60% |
Did you know? Buying €1,000 via instant purchase is much more expensive on Kraken than through its order book: the 1% fee (€10) plus the spread far exceeds the 0.40% charged by Kraken Pro for the same amount.
Deposits and withdrawals
Both platforms offer free SEPA deposits in euros. Aside from Bitvavo, the most significant difference here is the minimum deposit: €10 on Kraken versus the €20 required by Crypto.com in its app within the EEA.
| Concept | Crypto.com | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Spot commission (initial tranche) | 0,40 % / 0,60 % | 0,25 % / 0,40 % |
| Simple / Instant Purchase | Quotation with a variable spread | 1% plus spread and payment method fees |
| SEPA Deposit | Free (minimum €20) | Usually free (minimum €10) |
| Euro Withdrawal | No commission; minimum €80 (Exchange) | Varies by bank and method |
| Crypto Deposit | 0 €; the network is paid for | 0 €; the network is paid for |
| Crypto Withdrawal | Varies by asset and network | Varies by asset and network |
All in all, Kraken is slightly cheaper in the initial portion of its order book, but Crypto.com makes up for that difference with a broader product ecosystem and a Visa card that offers rewards.
Who regulates Crypto.com and Kraken?
Crypto.com operates in Europe through Foris DAX MT Limited, which has been authorized under MiCA by the Malta Financial Services Authority since January 2025. Kraken, for its part, obtained its MiCA license from the Central Bank of Ireland in June 2025, with authorization to operate in the 30 countries of the European Economic Area starting in August of that year.
Important note: A Proof of Reserves or a MiCA license does not constitute a full financial audit; they confirm assets or compliance as of a specific date or within a specific scope, but they do not eliminate counterparty risk.
| Concept | Crypto.com | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Regulated by | MFSA (MiCA, Malta), MAS, VARA, FCA, CFTC | Central Bank of Ireland (MiCA), FinCEN (U.S.) |
| MiCA Coverage (EU/EEA) | Yes, starting in January 2025 | Yes, starting in August 2025 |
| Reservation Test | Yes, 1:1 reserves with Merkle | Yes, semiannual reviews since 2014 |
| Safety Record | Unauthorized withdrawals in 2022 | No known security breaches since 2011 |
| Account Tools | Passkeys, 2FA, anti-phishing, whitelist | 2FA, Master Key, Global Settings Lock, physical key |
In terms of security, Kraken has one of the cleanest track records in the industry: it has been in operation since 2011 with no known breaches in its custodial wallets. Crypto.com, on the other hand, reported unauthorized withdrawals from 483 accounts in January 2022, although it reimbursed those affected and strengthened its controls following the incident.
Where are Crypto.com and Kraken available?
Crypto.com operates in numerous markets across Europe, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa through regional entities. Kraken, for its part, serves more than 15 million customers in over 190 countries, with a particularly strong presence in the United States, Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada.
Kraken stands out here for its reach: it operates in more countries than most regulated exchanges in Europe, with additional licenses in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Bermuda. Crypto.com, despite having less reported coverage, maintains its active MiCA license throughout the EEA and holds specific authorizations in the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region.
What do Crypto.com and Kraken offer on their platforms?
Crypto.com offers a range of products, including its consumer app, advanced exchange, Onchain self-custody wallet, and Visa card, with integrated Grid, DCA, and TWAP bots. Kraken divides its offerings into the simple app, Kraken Pro for advanced trading, Kraken Desktop, Krak for payments, and an API geared toward algorithmic strategies.
| Concept | Crypto.com | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Available Apps | App, Exchange (web/mobile), Onchain | App, Kraken Pro, Kraken Desktop, Krak |
| Cryptocurrencies | +400 | +752 |
| Main Products | Spot, Margin, Derivatives, Earn, Visa Card, Onchain | Spot, margin, futures, staking, xStocks, Kraken Card |
| Own Card | Yes, a Visa card with tiered rewards | Yes, Kraken Card with cashback up to 2% |
| Futures and derivatives | Yes, in Exchange | Yes, through an entity with MiFID licenses |
| Ideal for | Users looking for a comprehensive ecosystem and a card | Users who prioritize experience and professional tools |
Final Verdict: Crypto.com or Kraken?
Crypto.com and Kraken come into this comparison from very different positions. Kraken brings more than a decade of experience, one of the industry’s strongest reputations for security, and a professional ecosystem that ranges from simple purchases to futures and advanced staking. Crypto.com, on the other hand, competes with a broader consumer-focused approach: a Visa card, loyalty rewards, and its own on-chain wallet—all within an ecosystem designed for everyday spending.
For those who prioritize track record, proven security, and professional trading tools, Kraken is usually the most reliable option. For users looking to combine purchasing, card features, and rewards all within a single app, Crypto.com offers a more everyday-focused experience.
Choose Crypto.com if…
- ✓ Do you want a crypto Visa card with tiered rewards?
- ✓ Are you looking for an all-in-one ecosystem: app, exchange, and on-chain wallet?
- ✓ You prioritize lower fees than those for Kraken's instant buy feature
- ✓ Are you interested in everyday spending and loyalty rewards?
Choose Kraken if…
- ✓ You value a track record of more than a decade without any security breaches
- ✓ Are you looking for professional trading tools such as margin trading, futures, and Kraken Pro?
- ✓ Do you want the most extensive selection of cryptocurrencies in this comparison?
- ✓ Would you prefer a lower minimum deposit, starting at €10?
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.
This comparison of Crypto.com and Kraken is based on a hands-on analysis of both platforms. We have evaluated their fees, security, variety 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: Crypto.com vs. Kraken Comparison
