Before we dive into the detailed analysis, here's a comparison of Finst and Kraken that shows the most important information about both platforms at a glance.
Finst
Kraken
Overview of Finst
Finst is a Dutch exchange founded in 2022 by the team behind DEGIRO, and in 2026 its business model is centered on maximum simplicity: a flat fee of 0.15 % with no distinction between makers and takers, no minimum deposit, and no hidden costs. In addition, it operates in 28 European countries under AFM regulation and has approximately 100,000 users.
Pros
0.15% fixed, no spreads or hidden costs
MiCA license granted by AFM
No minimum deposit or SEPA fees
Crypto Bundles and staking without block periods
Cons
No futures or derivatives
Only available in Europe
340 cryptos, more limited catalog
Deposits only by SEPA, no card
Finst operates under the supervision of the Dutch AFM and obtained its MiCA license in July 2025, which allows it to operate throughout the European Union with the same legal backing as any traditional financial institution. In addition, its custody is supported by Fireblocks and MPC technology, and it was the first Dutch platform to publish an independently audited Proof of Reserves.
That focus on simplicity is more appealing to those who want to buy, accumulate, and diversify without worrying about transaction tiers or variable fees, while users seeking professional-grade liquidity, futures, or a broader product offering are better served by a veteran platform like Kraken. Compared to larger exchanges, Finst offers greater cost predictability, though it lacks product depth.
Who is Finst for? For the retail investor who wants to buy, accumulate and diversify cryptocurrencies easily, paying as little as possible and having the peace of mind of trading under an EU-regulated framework.
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, such as Finst, 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. Even so, that premium makes sense, especially for those who maintain high balances or value the platform’s track record in custody and its professional tools over the cost per transaction.
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: Finst vs. Kraken
In a direct comparison of fees, Finst has the edge thanks to its flat rate of 0.15 % for both makers and takers, while Kraken charges 0.25 % for makers and 0.40 % for takers at its entry level. As a result, the difference is particularly noticeable on taker orders, where Finst always charges less because it does not distinguish between the two types of execution.
| Platform | Maker | Taker |
|---|---|---|
Bitget
|
0,10% | 0,10% |
Binance
|
0,10% | 0,10% |
|
Finst
|
0,15% | 0,15% |
Bitvavo
|
0,15% | 0,25% |
|
Kraken
|
0,25% | 0,40% |
Did you know? Buying €1,000 worth of Bitcoin via a taker order costs €1.50 on Finst, regardless of the order type, and €4 on Kraken with its taker fee of 0.40 %.
Aside from trading fees, both platforms use SEPA as their primary payment method for transactions in euros, generally at no cost. However, Kraken offers additional payment methods depending on the market, while Finst also supports iDEAL and Bancontact and, furthermore, does not require a minimum deposit, unlike Kraken, which requires a minimum deposit of €10. The difference in the range of cryptocurrencies on offer partly offsets Finst’s price advantage: Kraken offers more than 500 cryptocurrencies, compared to Finst’s more than 340.
| Concept | Finst | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Spot Commission | 0.15 % fixed | 0,25 % / 0,40 % |
| Volume Discount | Not applicable; flat rate | By volume and account balance |
| Futures | Not available | 0.02 % / 0.05 % (initial level) |
| Minimum deposit | 0 € | 10 € |
| Deposit in euros/fiat currency | 0 € via SEPA, iDEAL, or Bancontact | Usually €0 via SEPA |
| Simple Buy/Sell | Just like the fixed spot rate | 1 % + spread |
| Withdrawal of euros/fiat currency | 0 € via SEPA | Varies by bank |
| Crypto Withdrawal | Network fee only (gas) | Varies by asset and network |
| Custody / Inactivity | 0 € | 0 € |
Who regulates Finst and Kraken?
Finst relies on Fireblocks and MPC technology for its custody solutions, with assets fully segregated from the company’s balance sheet and fiat funds deposited in regulated Dutch banks. For its part, Kraken has gone more than a decade without any known security breaches in its custody operations, 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 under a MiCA license. Finst obtained its license from the Netherlands’ AFM in July 2025, and it covers 27 EU countries as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Kraken, on the other hand, operates under authorization from the Central Bank of Ireland, which is valid in all 30 EEA countries, with much broader global coverage outside of Europe.
| Concept | Finst | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Regulated by | AFM of the Netherlands (MiCA) | Central Bank of Ireland (MiCA), CySEC (MiFID), U.S. state licenses. |
| MiCA Coverage (EU/EEA) | Yes, starting in 2025, in the 27 EU countries plus Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein | Yes, in the 30 EEA countries |
| Reservation Test | Yes, audited by an independent firm | Since 2014 (Merkle) |
| In-house guarantee fund | Not available; asset segregation | Not available |
| History of Breaches | No known vulnerabilities since 2022 | No gaps since 2011 |
| Account Tools | Default 2FA, trusted devices, restricted withdrawals | 2FA, passkeys, Global Settings Lock |
| Technical custody | Fireblocks (MPC technology) | Through regulated entities |
Where are Finst and Kraken available?
Finst operates in 27 European Union member states thanks to its authorization as a crypto-asset service provider under MiCA, and also serves residents of Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. As with other Europe-focused exchanges, its coverage is exclusively continental, with no presence outside the EEA.
Kraken, on the other hand, 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 Finst and Kraken offer on their platforms?
Finst offers a mobile app for iOS and Android and a web platform, with the same features on both platforms. Its navigation focuses on the market, the portfolio, Crypto Bundles, and the activity dashboard, with no advanced trading charts or Pro version. It also includes Auto Invest to automate purchases and staking without lock-up periods for about ten cryptocurrencies.
For its part, 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 card. It provides access to more than 500 cryptocurrencies and 1,400 spot trading pairs, as well as staking on more than 20 assets and xStocks, which are tokenized representations of U.S. stocks.
| Concept | Finst | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Available Apps | Web, iOS, and Android | Main App, Pro, Desktop, and Krak |
| Cryptocurrencies | 340+ | +500 (1,400 spot pairs) |
| Main Products | Direct Purchase, Crypto Bundles, Staking, Auto Invest | Spot, margin, futures, staking, xStocks, Krak (payments and card) |
| Directions for Use | Simple interface only, no Pro mode | Apps Categorized by User Level |
| Order Types | Market, Limit, Stop-Loss, Auto Invest | Market, Limit, Stop-Loss, Stop-Limit, Take-Profit, OCO |
| Charts and Tools | Portfolio analysis, watchlist; no advanced charts | Advanced Graphics in Pro/Desktop, API |
| Automatic Diversification | 8 Crypto Bundles with Automatic Rebalancing | No equivalent product |
Final Verdict: Finst or Kraken?
Finst and Kraken take very different approaches: Finst focuses on maximum simplicity and a predictable flat fee, while Kraken offers a wider selection of products, professional tools such as Kraken Pro and futures, and global coverage. Therefore, the choice depends primarily on how much weight you place on simplicity versus product depth and the exchange’s track record.
For those who value cost predictability above all else and want to diversify without complications, Finst is the more straightforward option, especially when trading small amounts, where the 0 % minimum deposit requirement makes all the difference. On the other hand, for those looking for a broader selection of assets, futures, and a platform with over a decade of experience, Kraken remains the most comprehensive option.
Choose Finst if…
- ✓ Do you want to always pay the same fee, without worrying about tiers?
- ✓ Would you prefer to start without a minimum deposit requirement?
- ✓ Looking to diversify easily with Crypto Bundles?
- ✓ You prioritize a minimalist interface, free of distractions and graphics
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
- ✓ More than a decade without security breaches
Exchanges are 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 Finst 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.