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Crypto.com vs Kraken — which exchange is right for you in 2026? Crypto.com is a mobile-first platform offering 400+ cryptocurrencies, zero-fee ACH purchases, a Visa debit card with up to 8% cashback, and an all-in-one ecosystem including DeFi tools, NFTs, and crypto loans. Kraken is a security-focused exchange with 550+ cryptocurrencies, tokenized U.S. stocks (xStocks), the new Krak Card (Mastercard), margin and futures trading, and 24/7 phone support. For everyday crypto users who want a polished mobile app and card rewards, Crypto.com is the better fit. For advanced traders who need pro-grade tools, deeper liquidity, and multi-asset exposure including stocks, Kraken is the stronger choice.
| Feature | Crypto.com | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2016 (Hong Kong) | 2011 (San Francisco) |
| Cryptocurrencies | 400+ | 550+ |
| Trading Pairs | 1,000+ | Hundreds |
| Instant Buy Fee | 0% (ACH) / 2.99% (card) | 1% flat |
| Pro/Advanced Fee | 0.075%–0.40% maker/taker | 0%–0.40% maker/taker |
| Staking | 30 coins, up to 14.95% APY | 21 coins, up to 21% APY |
| Margin Trading | No | Up to 5× leverage |
| Futures Trading | Yes (derivatives) | Up to 50× leverage |
| Tokenized Stocks | No | xStocks (55+ U.S. stocks & ETFs) |
| Debit Card | Visa (CRO tiers, up to 8% cashback) | Krak Card (Mastercard, 1% cashback) |
| Mobile App Rating | 4.7/5 (iOS) | 4.3/5 (iOS) |
| Customer Support | Chat only (limited phone) | 24/7 phone + chat |
| U.S. Regulation | MSB (FinCEN), all 50 states | MSB (FinCEN) + state licenses + MiCA (EU) |
Crypto.com vs Kraken: Platform Overviews
What Is Crypto.com?
Crypto.com is a Hong Kong-based cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2016 that has grown into one of the largest crypto ecosystems in the world with over 100 million users. The platform supports over 400 cryptocurrencies and 1,000+ trading pairs. Crypto.com is best known for its mobile-first approach, Cronos (CRO) native blockchain, Visa debit cards with crypto cashback, DeFi wallet integration, copy trading, and trading bots. In 2025, Crypto.com relaunched U.S. staking on 30 coins with rates up to 14.95% APY after the SEC dropped staking-related enforcement actions. The platform also introduced its Level Up subscription program in September 2025, replacing the previous CRO lock-up model for card benefits.
What Is Kraken?
Kraken is a San Francisco-based cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2011, making it one of the oldest and most established platforms in the industry. Kraken supports over 550 cryptocurrencies and offers advanced trading tools including spot, margin (up to 5×), and futures (up to 50× leverage). In 2025, Kraken underwent a major transformation: it obtained a MiCA license from the Central Bank of Ireland (covering 30 EEA countries), launched xStocks — tokenized U.S. stocks and ETFs on the Solana blockchain — and debuted the Krak Card, a Mastercard debit card for spending crypto at 150 million merchants worldwide. Kraken also partnered with Deutsche Börse and Circle, and reintroduced on-chain staking with 21 supported coins and APY rates up to 21%.
Fees and Pricing Compared
Crypto.com charges zero trading fees on instant purchases funded via ACH bank transfer, making it one of the cheapest options for casual U.S. buyers. Credit and debit card purchases carry a 2.99% fee. On the Crypto.com Exchange (advanced platform), maker/taker fees range from 0.075% to 0.40% depending on 30-day volume and CRO staking tier.
Kraken charges a flat 1% fee on all instant buys, sells, and conversions — simple and transparent. On Kraken Pro, fees use a maker/taker model starting at 0.25%/0.40% and dropping to 0%/0% for traders with $10M+ monthly volume. These are among the lowest pro-level fees in the industry.
| Fee Type | Crypto.com | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Instant Buy (ACH/Bank) | 0% | 1% |
| Credit/Debit Card | 2.99% | N/A (bank only) |
| Pro Maker Fee | 0.075%–0.14% | 0%–0.25% |
| Pro Taker Fee | 0.10%–0.40% | 0.10%–0.40% |
| BTC Withdrawal Fee | 0.0002–0.0004 BTC | 0.0002 BTC |
| BTC Withdrawal Minimum | 0.0008 BTC (~$83) | 0.005 BTC (~$520) |
| ACH Deposit | Free | Free |
| Wire Transfer | Free (deposit) | $0–$35 depending on method |
| Staking Fee | Commission varies by coin | Commission varies by coin |
Fee verdict: For casual buyers using bank transfers, Crypto.com wins with 0% ACH fees — you save $10 on every $1,000 purchase compared to Kraken's 1% flat fee. For high-volume pro traders, both platforms are competitive, but Kraken Pro's transparent tiered structure and lower entry-level maker fees give it a slight edge.
Supported Cryptocurrencies and Assets
Kraken supports over 550 cryptocurrencies as of January 2026 — significantly more than Crypto.com's 400+ coins. Both platforms cover all major assets including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, and Polkadot. Crypto.com compensates with 1,000+ trading pairs and stronger DeFi token coverage through its Cronos ecosystem.
Where Kraken now stands apart is multi-asset access. Through its xStocks program (launched September 2025), Kraken offers tokenized versions of 55+ U.S. blue-chip stocks and ETFs — Apple, Tesla, NVIDIA, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, and the SPDR S&P 500 ETF — tradeable 24/5 with fractional ownership from just $1. This gives Kraken users exposure to both crypto and traditional equities in a single platform, something Crypto.com does not offer.
For a broader look at exchange offerings, see our best crypto exchanges guide.
Trading Features and Tools
Crypto.com Trading Features
Crypto.com offers a full-featured trading experience including spot trading, derivatives, copy trading, and trading bots. The platform also provides crypto-backed loans, an NFT marketplace, and integration with its DeFi wallet. The Crypto.com Exchange (separate from the app) supports limit, market, stop-limit, and OCO order types. Copy trading allows beginners to mirror experienced traders' strategies automatically.
Kraken Trading Features
Kraken excels in advanced trading capabilities. The platform supports 13 order types including stop-loss, take-profit, trailing stop, and iceberg orders. Margin trading is available at up to 5× leverage on eligible pairs, while futures trading offers up to 50× leverage. Kraken Pro provides professional-grade charting tools with TradingView integration, real-time order books, and API access for algorithmic trading.
| Feature | Crypto.com | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Spot Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Margin Trading | No (U.S.) | Up to 5× |
| Futures Trading | Yes (derivatives) | Up to 50× |
| Tokenized Stocks | No | xStocks (55+ stocks & ETFs) |
| Copy Trading | Yes | No |
| Trading Bots | Yes | No (API only) |
| Order Types | 5+ | 13 |
| Crypto Loans | Yes | No |
| NFT Marketplace | Yes | Yes (NFT platform) |
| DeFi Wallet | Yes (integrated) | No |
Staking and Earning
Both platforms reintroduced staking in 2025 after the SEC shifted its stance on crypto staking enforcement. Crypto.com offers staking rewards on 30 coins with APY rates up to 14.95%. The platform also provides its Crypto Earn program for flexible and fixed-term deposits.
Kraken supports on-chain staking for 21 coins with APY rates reaching up to 21% — the higher maximum rate among the two. Kraken's staking is straightforward: select your coin, stake it, and earn rewards automatically. Note that Kraken staking is restricted in California, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Wisconsin.
For a deeper comparison of earning options across exchanges, check our best crypto savings accounts guide and our staking rewards comparison tool.
Security and Safety
Security is where Kraken clearly separates itself. Kraken has maintained a clean security record since its founding in 2011 — no major breaches resulting in customer fund losses in over 14 years. The exchange stores 95% of all deposits in air-gapped cold storage, mandates two-factor authentication (2FA), uses SSL encryption, requires email confirmation for all withdrawals, and conducts 24/7 surveillance. Kraken publishes monthly Proof of Reserves reports using Merkle tree verification, with the latest attestation covering June 30, 2025. The exchange holds ISO/IEC 27001:2013 and SOC 2 Type 1 certifications.
Crypto.com uses industry-standard cold storage and holds SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001 certifications. However, the platform suffered a security breach in January 2022 that resulted in approximately $34 million in losses (fully reimbursed to affected users). Since then, Crypto.com has implemented mandatory 2FA, biometric authentication, and the Worldwide Account Protection Program (WAPP) offering up to $250,000 in protection for qualifying users. Crypto.com also maintains a $750 million insurance fund and publishes third-party Proof of Reserves verification.
Security verdict: Kraken wins on security with its unblemished track record, monthly Proof of Reserves, and industry-leading cold storage practices.
Debit Cards Compared: Crypto.com Visa vs Kraken Krak Card
One of the most significant changes in this comparison for 2026 is that both platforms now offer crypto debit cards. Previously, Crypto.com had a major advantage with its Visa card program — but Kraken launched the Krak Card (Mastercard) in November 2025 for EU and UK users.
| Feature | Crypto.com Visa | Kraken Krak Card |
|---|---|---|
| Card Network | Visa | Mastercard |
| Maximum Cashback | Up to 8% (top tier) | Up to 1% |
| Cashback Currency | CRO tokens | EUR, GBP, or Bitcoin |
| FX Fees | Varies by tier | Zero FX fees |
| Transaction Fees | None | None |
| Perks | Spotify, Netflix rebates, airport lounges | Multi-source payment (auto-split across assets) |
| Requirement | CRO staking / Level Up subscription | Kraken account (EU/UK) |
| Supported Currencies | Crypto + fiat | 400+ crypto + fiat |
| Availability | Global (100+ countries) | EU + UK only |
Card verdict: Crypto.com still leads in card rewards with up to 8% cashback and premium perks like streaming rebates and airport lounges. However, the Krak Card's zero FX fees, Bitcoin cashback option, and innovative multi-source payment feature make it competitive for European users. U.S. users can only access Crypto.com's card program — the Krak Card is EU/UK only for now. For a deeper dive, see our Crypto.com card review.
User Experience and Mobile App
Crypto.com is built mobile-first. Its iOS app holds a 4.7/5 rating and serves as the primary interface for U.S. users. The app is intuitive, with clean navigation for buying, selling, staking, and managing Visa card rewards. The separate Crypto.com Exchange offers a more advanced web-based trading interface. This split between app and exchange can confuse new users who expect a single unified platform.
Kraken offers two platforms: the main Kraken app for beginners (4.3/5 on iOS) and Kraken Pro for advanced traders. The standard platform features a simplified buy/sell interface with the flat 1% fee, while Kraken Pro provides full charting, order book depth, and maker/taker pricing. With the addition of xStocks and the Krak Card, Kraken's app now serves as a multi-asset hub for crypto, stocks, and spending — a broader scope than Crypto.com.
Customer Support
Kraken offers significantly better customer support than Crypto.com. Kraken provides 24/7 live phone support in multiple languages, web chat, detailed FAQs, and a personal account representative for high-volume traders. Kraken's support team is consistently rated as one of the best in the crypto industry.
Crypto.com primarily offers chat-based support with limited phone availability for specific products. User reviews frequently cite delayed response times and unhelpful interactions. For traders who value accessible human support, Kraken is the clear winner.
Regulation and Availability
Both exchanges are registered as Money Services Businesses (MSB) with FinCEN in the United States. Kraken significantly expanded its regulatory footprint in 2025: it obtained a MiCA license from the Central Bank of Ireland (covering 30 EEA countries), a MiFID license for regulated derivatives, and an EMI license for payment services. Kraken also holds registrations in the UK (FCA), Canada, Australia (AUSTRAC), and Japan (FSA). However, Kraken is not available in New York or Washington state.
Crypto.com is licensed in multiple jurisdictions globally and holds an EMI license in Europe. The platform is available in all 50 U.S. states, giving it broader domestic coverage than Kraken. In 2024, Crypto.com reached a settlement with New York regulators.
Regulation verdict: Kraken has the stronger regulatory profile in 2026 thanks to its MiCA, MiFID, and EMI licenses. Crypto.com wins on U.S. state coverage (all 50 states vs. Kraken's exclusions).
Who Should Choose Crypto.com?
Crypto.com is the better choice if you:
- Want zero-fee purchases via ACH bank transfer
- Prefer a mobile-first trading experience with a 4.7-star app
- Value a crypto Visa card with up to 8% cashback, Spotify/Netflix rebates, and airport lounges
- Want access to DeFi tools, NFTs, copy trading, and crypto loans in one ecosystem
- Need availability in all 50 U.S. states including New York
- Are a beginner looking for a simple, guided experience
Who Should Choose Kraken?
Kraken is the better choice if you:
- Want advanced trading tools including margin (5×) and futures (50×)
- Prioritize security and a platform with zero major breaches since 2011
- Need 24/7 live phone customer support
- Want access to 550+ cryptocurrencies plus tokenized U.S. stocks (xStocks)
- Need higher staking APY rates (up to 21%)
- Are a European user wanting the Krak Card with zero FX fees
- Trade internationally and need multi-currency fiat support (USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF)
- Want a fully MiCA-regulated platform in the EU
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest Fees (Casual) | Crypto.com | 0% ACH purchases vs 1% flat |
| Lowest Fees (Pro) | Kraken | Lower maker fees, 0% at top tier |
| Coin Selection | Kraken | 550+ vs 400+ cryptocurrencies |
| Multi-Asset Access | Kraken | xStocks tokenized U.S. stocks & ETFs |
| Trading Features | Kraken | Margin, futures, 13 order types |
| Staking Rewards | Kraken | Up to 21% APY vs 14.95% |
| Security | Kraken | Zero breaches, 95% cold storage, monthly PoR |
| Mobile App | Crypto.com | 4.7/5 rating, mobile-first design |
| Customer Support | Kraken | 24/7 phone + chat support |
| Crypto Card (Rewards) | Crypto.com | Up to 8% cashback vs 1% |
| Crypto Card (Europe) | Tie | Both offer cards; Krak Card has zero FX fees |
| DeFi Ecosystem | Crypto.com | Cronos chain, DeFi wallet, loans, NFTs |
| U.S. Availability | Crypto.com | All 50 states vs Kraken exclusions |
| EU Regulation | Kraken | MiCA + MiFID + EMI licenses |
| Beginner-Friendly | Crypto.com | Simpler app, 0% fee entry |
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest Fees (Casual) | Crypto.com | 0% ACH instant buys vs Kraken's 1% flat fee |
| Lowest Fees (Pro) | Kraken | 0%–0.40% maker/taker with steeper volume discounts |
| Supported Coins | Kraken | 550+ cryptocurrencies plus tokenized U.S. stocks |
| Mobile App | Crypto.com | 4.7/5 iOS rating, more polished UX |
| Security | Kraken | Unblemished track record, monthly Proof of Reserves |
| Staking | Tie | Crypto.com: more coins (30); Kraken: higher APY (21%) |
| Debit Card | Crypto.com | Up to 8% cashback, Spotify/Netflix rebates, lounge access |
| Advanced Trading | Kraken | Margin (5×), futures (50×), xStocks |
| Customer Support | Kraken | 24/7 phone support + live chat |
| U.S. Availability | Crypto.com | All 50 states vs Kraken's exclusions (NY, WA) |
Final Verdict: Crypto.com vs Kraken in 2026
Both Crypto.com and Kraken are excellent cryptocurrency exchanges, but they serve different types of users. Kraken wins for advanced traders and European users who want low pro-level fees, margin and futures trading, tokenized stock access via xStocks, superior security, the new Krak Card with zero FX fees, MiCA-regulated service across 30 EEA countries, and 24/7 phone support. Crypto.com wins for everyday users and U.S. beginners who want zero-fee bank purchases, a polished mobile app, the industry's best crypto Visa card program, and a comprehensive DeFi ecosystem.
If you are a beginner buying your first Bitcoin with a bank transfer, Crypto.com's 0% ACH fee makes it the most cost-effective entry point. If you are an experienced trader managing a larger portfolio with advanced order types, leverage, and want exposure to both crypto and U.S. equities, Kraken delivers the professional tools and multi-asset platform you need. Both platforms are legitimate, regulated, and well-established — the right choice depends entirely on your trading style and priorities.
Compare live rates and fees for both platforms using our Bitcoin price comparison tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crypto.com or Kraken better for beginners in 2026?
Crypto.com is better for beginners. It offers zero trading fees on ACH-funded purchases, a highly rated mobile app (4.7/5 on iOS), and a simple buy/sell interface. Kraken charges a flat 1% fee on instant purchases but offers a clean learning experience through its separate beginner and pro platforms.
Which has lower fees, Crypto.com or Kraken?
For casual buyers, Crypto.com has lower fees — 0% on ACH bank transfer purchases compared to Kraken's flat 1% fee. For advanced traders, both platforms charge 0%–0.40% maker/taker fees on their pro platforms, though Kraken's maker fees start lower at 0.25% versus Crypto.com's tiered structure starting at 0.075% for high-volume CRO stakers.
Is Kraken safer than Crypto.com?
Yes, Kraken has a stronger security track record. Kraken has never suffered a major security breach resulting in customer fund losses since launching in 2011 and stores 95% of assets in air-gapped cold storage with monthly Proof of Reserves audits. Crypto.com experienced a $34 million breach in January 2022 (all funds were reimbursed) and has since added mandatory 2FA, a $750 million insurance fund, and up to $250,000 in account protection through its WAPP program.
Does Crypto.com or Kraken support more cryptocurrencies?
Kraken supports more cryptocurrencies — over 550 compared to Crypto.com's 400+. Kraken also offers tokenized U.S. stocks and ETFs through its xStocks program. Crypto.com offers more trading pairs (1,000+) and stronger DeFi token coverage through its Cronos blockchain ecosystem.
Can I stake crypto on both Crypto.com and Kraken?
Yes, both platforms reintroduced staking in 2025. Crypto.com offers staking on 30 coins with APY rates up to 14.95%. Kraken supports 21 coins with APY rates reaching up to 21%. Kraken offers a higher maximum APY, while Crypto.com supports more stakeable assets. Note that Kraken staking is restricted in six U.S. states including New York and California.
Does Kraken have a crypto debit card like Crypto.com?
Yes — as of November 2025, Kraken offers the Krak Card, a Mastercard debit card available to EU and UK residents. It supports spending 400+ cryptocurrencies and fiat currencies at 150 million merchants with zero transaction and FX fees, plus up to 1% cashback in EUR, GBP, or Bitcoin. However, Crypto.com's Visa card offers higher cashback (up to 8%) and additional perks like Spotify/Netflix rebates and airport lounge access, making it the superior card for rewards seekers.
Is Crypto.com available in all U.S. states?
Yes, Crypto.com is available in all 50 U.S. states. Kraken is not available in New York or Washington state due to regulatory requirements. If you live in either of those states, Crypto.com is your option between the two.
Can I trade stocks on Crypto.com or Kraken?
Only Kraken offers stock trading through its xStocks program, which launched in September 2025. xStocks are tokenized versions of 55+ U.S. blue-chip stocks and ETFs (Apple, Tesla, NVIDIA, S&P 500 ETF, etc.) built on the Solana blockchain. You can trade them 24/5 with fractional ownership starting from just $1. Crypto.com does not currently offer stock or equity trading.
