This comparison pits FBS's CFD crypto trading against Kraken's native exchange model, focusing on security, asset breadth, and fee structure.
Kraken is the overall winner on editorial score, outperforming FBS in security, regulation, and coin depth.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
Kraken wins for security due to a strong track record, regulatory coverage, and proof of reserves.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.4/ 5 | 4.6/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | $1 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads From | 0 pips | N/A |
| Taker Fee | 20.00% | 0.26%▼ lower |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | FBS | 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.) | Fail | 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 |
Kraken is the stronger choice: it rates 4.6/5 versus 3.4/5 for FBS, a gap that reflects clear differences across regulation, fees, and platform quality in our review.
FBS 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.
Kraken has no minimum deposit, while FBS requires at least $1. This makes Kraken more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
FBS is regulated by FSCA, CySEC. Kraken is regulated by FCA, NYDFS. Confirm a exchange's current regulatory status on the relevant regulator's public register before opening an account.
For beginners, Kraken has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely. Both exchanges otherwise share similar beginner-facing criteria in our data. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each exchanges's site.
FBS 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 FBS's $20 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.
FBS supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while Kraken supports Kraken Pro. FBS has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. Kraken has exclusive access to Kraken Pro.
Kraken scores higher on security criteria, with cold storage and proof of reserves and segregated client funds. For crypto, cold storage and proof of reserves are key indicators that client assets are protected against exchange failure or hacks.
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 FBS 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 maker fees at 0.00% at volume.
Kraken wins for beginners due to strong regulation and accessible platform.
Kraken offers staking and yield-earning options while FBS does not, making Kraken the better choice for holders who want to earn passive income on their crypto.
Equally matched on DeFi and Web3 capabilities based on the data.
| 2 pips |
| N/A |
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPayPerfect Money | CryptoBank transferWire transfer |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPayPerfect Money | CryptoBank transferWire transfer |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Network fee only |
|---|
| Regulators | FSCA CySEC IFSC | 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 3.4 / 5
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