AvaTradevs
KrakenCrypto Exchange Comparison
In this comparison, AvaTrade offers regulated CFD exposure across MT4/MT5 with fixed spreads. Kraken provides a native trading venue with broad coin coverage.
Our Verdict
Kraken winsClear Winner
Kraken edges AvaTrade in editorial score. Its security record and regulatory standing are stronger.
Kraken
4.6/5
AvaTrade
3.9/5
Key Differences
- 1Kraken is a native exchange; AvaTrade offers CFDs.
- 2Coin coverage differs with Kraken ~200 coins versus AvaTrade ~20.
- 3Kraken provides proof of reserves; AvaTrade provides none.
Who should choose AvaTrade vs Kraken?
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose AvaTrade if…
Choose AvaTrade if you want CFD-based crypto exposure with fixed spreads and MT4/MT5 access, plus 24/5 multilingual support and account management.
Choose Kraken if…
Choose Kraken if you want a native exchange with broad coin coverage, proof of reserves, strong security records, and access to staking where permitted.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
Best for security
Recommended
Kraken wins for security with a clean audit trail and proof of reserves.
Best for low fees
Recommended
AvaTrade vs Kraken: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  AvaTrade |  Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.9/ 5 | 4.6/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | $100 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads From | 0.9 pips | N/A |
| Taker Fee | N/A | 0.26% |
AvaTrade vs Kraken Crypto Exchange Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fixed spread pricing on crypto CFDs, cost certainty for systematic strategies
- Available across MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, and DupliTrade copy-trading
- Multi-jurisdictional regulation including CBI (EU), ASIC, and FSA (Japan)
- 24/5 multilingual customer support with dedicated account managers
Cons
- CFDs only, no real crypto ownership, staking, or on-chain access
AvaTrade vs Kraken: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
AvaTrade
criteria wins
5
Kraken
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | AvaTrade | 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.) | Pass | 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 |
AvaTrade vs Kraken: Frequently Asked Questions
Kraken rates 4.6/5 versus 3.9/5 for AvaTrade. Kraken edges ahead on our composite score, though both exchanges meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
AvaTrade lists a spread from 0.9. 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 AvaTrade requires at least $100. This makes Kraken more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
AvaTrade holds top-tier regulation (ASIC, FSCA, MFSA), providing stronger investor protections. Kraken may be regulated but does not hold top-tier status in our data. Verify regulatory status on each regulator's public register before depositing funds.
For beginners, two factors stand out: Kraken has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and AvaTrade provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
AvaTrade 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 on commission-based accounts. Commission details for AvaTrade are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. 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.
AvaTrade supports ZuluTrade, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while Kraken supports Kraken Pro. AvaTrade has exclusive access to ZuluTrade and MetaTrader 5 and Proprietary Web/Mobile and MetaTrader 4. Kraken has exclusive access to Kraken Pro.
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 AvaTrade 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.
