CMC Markets and Kraken represent contrasting approaches to crypto trading. The tension centers on security, asset depth, and fee structures across regulated platforms.
Kraken is the overall winner on editorial score, supported by its higher score and stronger security and proof-of-reserves disclosures.
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.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
Kraken wins for security with a long zero-hack record and proof of reserves.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| 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% |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| 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 |
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.
Kraken wins for low fees based on the higher Fees & Spreads score.
CMC Markets wins for beginners due to $0 min deposit and phone support.
Kraken offers staking and yield-earning options while CMC Markets does not, making Kraken the better choice for holders who want to earn passive income on their crypto.
| N/A |
| N/A |
| Inactivity Fee | £10/month (after 12 months) | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card | CryptoBank transferWire transfer |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit card | CryptoBank transferWire transfer |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Network fee only |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA ASIC DFSA FMA BaFin | 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 4.1 / 5
Personalised recommendation
Answer 6 quick questions and we’ll match you with the brokers that best fit your trading style, experience level, and country.
Find my broker