Two paths define the matchup: Alpari International offers a CFD route with MT4/MT5 crypto CFDs, Kraken runs a native crypto exchange. Regulation and asset depth shape the tension.
Kraken leads on editorial score, supported by strong regulation and proof of reserves, while Alpari International remains offshore-regulated with only 6 listed crypto coins.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose Alpari International if…
Choose Alpari International if you want phone support. You also access crypto CFDs via MT4/MT5 with a very low minimum deposit.
Choose Kraken if…
Choose Kraken if you want a native crypto exchange with proof of reserves and no inactivity fee.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
Kraken is favored for security due to multi-jurisdictional regulation and proof of reserves.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.4/ 5 | 4.6/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | $5 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads From | 0 pips | N/A |
| Taker Fee | 6.00% | 0.26%▼ lower |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Alpari International | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Fail | Pass |
| Proof of reserves published | Fail | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.) | Fail | Fail |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Fail | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Fail | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Staking available | Fail | Pass |
| DeFi integration | Fail | Fail |
| NFT trading | Fail | Fail |
| 500+ coins listed | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
Kraken is the stronger choice: it rates 4.6/5 versus 3.4/5 for Alpari International, a gap that reflects clear differences across regulation, fees, and platform quality in our review.
Alpari International lists a spread from 0. Current spread data is not available for Kraken. Check both exchanges' full fee schedules, including maker/taker rates, for up-to-date pricing.
Kraken has no minimum deposit, while Alpari International requires at least $5. This makes Kraken more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
Alpari International is regulated by FSC, FSCA. Kraken is regulated by FCA, NYDFS. Confirm a exchange's current regulatory status on the relevant regulator's public register before opening an account.
For beginners, Kraken has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely. Both exchanges otherwise share similar beginner-facing criteria in our data. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each exchanges's site.
Alpari International offers up to 2:1 on perpetual or margin products, versus Kraken's 5:1 cap. Margin and futures trading carry higher risk than spot crypto; confirm product availability and jurisdiction-specific limits on each exchange's website.
Kraken charges $0.26 per trade, lower than Alpari International's $6 per trade. Lower commissions benefit active traders who execute many trades per day. Crypto fees are typically quoted as maker/taker rates rather than fixed per-trade commissions; check each exchange's fee schedule for volume-based discounts.
Alpari International supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while Kraken supports Kraken Pro. Alpari International has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. Kraken has exclusive access to Kraken Pro.
Kraken scores higher on security criteria, with cold storage and proof of reserves and segregated client funds. For crypto, cold storage and proof of reserves are key indicators that client assets are protected against exchange failure or hacks.
Kraken scores better on fee criteria (no deposit fee, no inactivity fee). Always check both exchanges' current fee schedules, as maker/taker rates and withdrawal fees vary and are subject to change.
Kraken offers staking while Alpari International does not according to our data. Staking lets you earn passive yield on your crypto holdings directly through the exchange. Check Kraken's supported coins, lock-up terms, and estimated yields before committing.
Kraken wins with maker fees at 0.00% for high volume and no deposit fees.
Alpari International wins for beginners with a $5 minimum deposit and familiar MT4/MT5 platform.
Kraken offers staking and yield-earning options while Alpari International does not, making Kraken the better choice for holders who want to earn passive income on their crypto.
| 0.6 pips |
| N/A |
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerWebMoneyCrypto | CryptoBank transferWire transfer |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerWebMoneyCrypto | CryptoBank transferWire transfer |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Network fee only |
|---|
| Regulators | FSC FSCA | FCA NYDFS MiCA FinCEN |
|---|
| Cold Storage | No | Yes |
|---|
| Proof of Reserves | No | Yes |
|---|
| Staking | No | Yes |
|---|
| DeFi Integration | No | No |
|---|
| NFT Trading | No | No |
|---|
| 500+ Coins | No | No |
|---|
| P2P Trading | No | No |
|---|
| Crypto Earn / Savings | No | Yes |
|---|
| Token Launchpad | No | No |
|---|
| Active bonuses | None | 2 offers |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.4 / 5
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