CMC Marketsvs
KrakenCrypto Exchange Comparison
CMC Markets and Kraken represent contrasting approaches to crypto trading. The tension centers on security, asset depth, and fee structures across regulated platforms.
Our Verdict
Kraken winsby 0.5 pts
Kraken is the overall winner on editorial score, supported by its higher score and stronger security and proof-of-reserves disclosures.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Kraken operates a native exchange with quarterly proof of reserves via Armanino.
- 2CMC Markets offers phone support; Kraken lacks phone support.
- 3Kraken lists about 200 coins, CMC about 100.
Who should choose CMC Markets vs Kraken?
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose CMC Markets if…
Choose CMC Markets if you want regulated crypto CFDs with a broad instrument range, high-quality research, and phone support.
Choose Kraken if…
Choose Kraken if you prefer a native crypto exchange with real ownership, staking options, and strong security features.
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 long zero-hack record and proof of reserves.
Best for low fees
Recommended
CMC Markets vs Kraken: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  CMC Markets |  Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 4.6/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads From | 0.7 pips | N/A |
| Taker Fee | N/A | 0.26% |
CMC Markets vs Kraken Crypto Exchange Pros & Cons
Pros
- 100+ crypto CFDs, one of the widest selections among FCA-regulated brokers
- Next Generation platform with 115+ indicators and client sentiment data
- LSE-listed company with FCA and ASIC regulation
- Competitive variable spreads vs other regulated market-maker crypto offerings
Cons
- CFDs only, no real crypto ownership, staking, or on-chain activity
CMC Markets vs Kraken: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
CMC Markets
criteria wins
4
Kraken
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | CMC Markets | 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 | Pass | 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 |
CMC Markets vs Kraken: Frequently Asked Questions
Kraken rates 4.6/5 versus 4.1/5 for CMC Markets. Kraken edges ahead on our composite score, though both exchanges meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
CMC Markets lists a spread from 0.7. Current spread data is not available for Kraken. Check both exchanges' full fee schedules, including maker/taker rates, for up-to-date pricing.
Neither CMC Markets nor Kraken requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
CMC Markets 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, CMC Markets 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.
CMC Markets 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 CMC Markets 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.
CMC Markets supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while Kraken supports Kraken Pro. CMC Markets has exclusive access to ProRealTime 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 CMC Markets 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.
