Coinbase vs Kraken
Detailed comparison of Coinbase and Kraken - fees, features, security, and more to help you choose the right exchange.
Overview Comparison
| Metric | Coinbase | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Trust Score | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Maker Fee | 0.4% | 0.16% |
| Taker Fee | 0.6% | 0.26% |
| Supported Coins | 200+ | 200+ |
| Founded | 2012 | 2011 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, USA | San Francisco, USA |
| Exchange Type | centralized | centralized |
Features
| Feature | Coinbase | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Spot Trading | ||
| Futures Trading | ||
| Margin Trading | ||
| Staking | ||
| NFT Marketplace | ||
| Debit Card | ||
| P2P Trading |
Security
| Security Feature | Coinbase | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Two-Factor Auth | ||
| Cold Storage | ||
| Insurance Fund | ||
| Regulated In | USA, UK, EU +3 | USA, UK, EU +3 |
C
Coinbase Pros & Cons
Pros
- Most trusted US-based exchange
- Publicly traded company (COIN)
- FDIC insurance on USD balances
- Very beginner-friendly interface
Cons
- Higher fees than competitors
- Limited cryptocurrency selection
- No margin trading for retail
K
Kraken Pros & Cons
Pros
- One of the oldest and most trusted exchanges
- Excellent security track record
- Competitive fees for active traders
- Supports margin and futures trading
Cons
- Interface less intuitive than competitors
- Limited payment options in US
- No debit card offering
Our Verdict
Kraken edges out Coinbase with a higher overall rating (4.6 vs 4.5). It also offers lower trading fees (0.16% vs 0.4%).
Quick Summary
Lower Fees Kraken
More Coins Tie
Higher Rating Kraken
Trust Score Tie