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HomeCryptoCompare

Bybit vs Kraken Crypto Exchange Comparison

A head-to-head comparison of Bybit and Kraken across security, fees, coin selection, staking, and editorial scoring.

Bybit

Bybit

Score 4.3 / 5
2 bonuses

Top-tier derivatives liquidity and a best-in-class copy trading ecosystem. The preferred choice for active crypto derivatives traders.

Visit Bybit
VS
Kraken

Kraken

Score 4.6 / 5
2 bonuses

Industry-leading security track record and strong regulatory standing. The safest all-round choice for serious crypto investors, particularly in the US and Europe.

Visit Kraken
Our Verdict
Kraken winsby 0.3 pts

Kraken edges ahead with a score of 4.6/5 vs Bybit's 4.3/5. A narrow margin, so review the breakdown below to see where each broker has a clear advantage.

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
Kraken
Kraken
Recommended

Kraken scores higher on security: cold storage, proof of reserves, segregated funds.

Best for low fees
It's a tie
Both equally suited

Both exchanges offer equivalent fee conditions — no deposit fee and no inactivity fee.

Best for coin selection
Bybit
Bybit
Recommended

Bybit lists 500+ coins while Kraken does not meet this threshold, giving Bybit the advantage for traders seeking broad altcoin access.

Best for DeFi & Web3
Bybit
Bybit
Recommended

Bybit supports more Web3 features: NFT trading.

Best for beginners
Kraken
Kraken
Recommended

Kraken edges out Bybit with a higher editorial score (4.6/5 vs 4.3/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new crypto traders.

Bybit vs Kraken: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison

Criteria
BybitBybit
KrakenKraken
Editorial Score
4.3/ 5
4.6/ 5
Min. DepositNo minimumNo minimum
Regulators
MiCA
VARA
FCA
JFSA
MiCA
FinCEN
NYDFS
Cold Storage Yes Yes
Proof of Reserves Yes Yes
Staking Yes Yes
DeFi Integration No No
NFT Trading Yes No
500+ Coins Yes No
P2P Trading Yes No
Crypto Earn / Savings Yes Yes
Token Launchpad Yes No
Active Bonuses2 offers2 offers
Visit exchangeVisit Bybit Visit Kraken

Bybit vs Kraken Crypto Exchange Pros & Cons

BybitBybit
KrakenKraken
Pros
  • Top-3 derivatives liquidity (BTC/ETH perps)
  • VARA-regulated (Dubai)
  • Monthly Proof of Reserves published
  • Industry-leading copy trading with full performance data
  • Maker rebates on linear perpetuals
  • No deposit fees
  • No inactivity fee
  • Mobile trading app available
  • Proprietary trading platform available
  • Advanced charting tools included
  • Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
  • 24/5 live chat support
  • Multilingual customer support
Cons
  • Not available to US residents
  • Fewer traditional regulatory licences than Kraken
  • High leverage products not suitable for retail beginners
  • Client funds not segregated
  • No negative balance protection
  • No investor compensation scheme
  • No phone support
Pros
  • Zero major exchange hacks since 2011
  • FinCEN-registered, MiCA-compliant in EU
  • Quarterly Proof of Reserves by Armanino
  • Competitive maker fees (0.00% at volume)
  • Available to US clients
  • Client funds held in segregated accounts
  • No deposit fees
  • No inactivity fee
  • Mobile trading app available
  • Proprietary trading platform available
  • Advanced charting tools included
  • Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
  • 24/5 live chat support
  • Multilingual customer support
Cons
  • Smaller coin selection than Binance (~200 pairs)
  • Futures available only via separate entity
  • Staking availability restricted in some US states
  • No top-tier regulatory licence
  • No negative balance protection
  • No investor compensation scheme
  • No phone support

Bybit vs Kraken: Detailed Category Breakdown

A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.

2
Bybit
criteria wins
Ahead
1
Kraken
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
CriteriaBybitKraken
Security
Cold storage for assets
Pass
Pass
Proof of reserves published
Pass
Pass
Segregated client funds
Fail
Pass
Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.)
Fail
Fail
Fees
No deposit fee
Pass
Pass
No inactivity fee
Pass
Pass
Transparent pricing page
Pass
Pass
Features
Staking available
Pass
Pass
DeFi integration
Fail
Fail
NFT trading
Pass
Fail
500+ coins listed
Pass
Fail
Support
Mobile app
Pass
Pass
24/5 live chat
Pass
Pass
Phone support
Fail
Fail

Bybit vs Kraken: Frequently Asked Questions

Based on our independent editorial scoring, Kraken ranks higher with a score of 4.6/5 vs 4.3/5 for Bybit. The best choice still depends on your individual needs — security, coin selection, fees, and staking offerings all matter.

Kraken scores higher on our security criteria, offering cold storage for assets and proof of reserves. When evaluating exchange safety, look for cold storage, proof of reserves, regulatory oversight, and segregated client funds. Always verify the current security posture directly with the exchange.

Bybit and Kraken appear similar on fee criteria in our data. Compare each exchange's trading fee schedule directly, as crypto fees vary by asset, volume tier, and payment method.

Yes, both Bybit and Kraken offer staking in our data. Staking rewards and supported assets vary between platforms, so compare the specific coins available and the annual yield rates before deciding.

Bybit lists 500+ coins while Kraken does not meet this threshold in our data. If access to a wide range of altcoins matters to you, Bybit has the broader selection. Confirm specific coin availability for your region on each exchange's website.

In our data: Bybit supports NFT trading. DeFi and NFT features vary significantly between platforms — check each exchange's current Web3 integrations and supported chains before making a decision.

Both Bybit and Kraken require a minimum deposit of no minimum to start trading.

For beginners: Kraken has a higher overall editorial score. Also consider each exchange's educational resources, customer support quality, and the simplicity of their user interface before deciding.

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