The matchup pits Kraken, a native crypto exchange, against Axi, a regulated CFD broker offering crypto CFDs. The tension centers on security, asset depth, and regulatory protection.
Kraken edges Axi by editorial score due to broader coin selection and a proven security track record.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
Kraken wins for security, backed by a zero-hack track record and published proofs of reserves.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.8/ 5 | 4.6/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads From | 0 pips | N/A |
| Taker Fee | 7.00% | 0.26%▼ lower |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Axi | 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 | Pass | 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 | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Fail | Fail |
Kraken rates 4.6/5 versus 3.8/5 for Axi. Kraken edges ahead on our composite score, though both exchanges meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Axi 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.
Neither Axi nor Kraken requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Axi holds top-tier regulation (FCA, ASIC, DFSA), 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, Axi provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each exchange's site before deciding.
Axi 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 Axi's $7 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.
Axi supports DXtrade, MetaTrader 4, while Kraken supports Kraken Pro. Axi has exclusive access to DXtrade and MetaTrader 4. Kraken has exclusive access to Kraken Pro.
Kraken offers staking while Axi 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 for low fees, with 0.00% maker fees at volume.
Kraken wins for coin selection, listing about 200 coins compared with Axi's 15.
Axi wins for beginners due to no minimum deposit and social trading via AxiSelect.
Kraken offers staking and yield-earning options while Axi does not, making Kraken the better choice for holders who want to earn passive income on their crypto.
Equally matched.
| 0.7 pips |
| N/A |
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | CryptoBank transferWire transfer |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | CryptoBank transferWire transfer |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Network fee only |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA ASIC DFSA | 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 3.8 / 5
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