Forex.comvs
KrakenCrypto Exchange Comparison
Two crypto trading powerhouses face off across the core axes of security, regulation, and access. One leans into native exchange dynamics, the other emphasizes US-regulated CFD access.
Our Verdict
Kraken winsClear Winner
Kraken edges Forex.com on the editorial score, underpinned by a native exchange with proof of reserves and cold storage. Forex.com remains US-regulated for crypto CFDs with broad regulation and institutional research tools.
Kraken
4.6/5
Forex.com
3.9/5
Key Differences
- 1Kraken operates as a native crypto exchange, Forex.com does not.
- 2Kraken provides proof of reserves, Forex.com does not.
- 3No deposit fees: Kraken; Forex.com charges deposits.
Who should choose Forex.com vs Kraken?
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
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, backed by proof of reserves and cold storage.
Best for low fees
Recommended
Kraken wins for low fees, with maker fees as low as 0.00% at volume.
Forex.com vs Kraken: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  Forex.com |  Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.9/ 5 | 4.6/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | $100 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads From | 1 pips | N/A |
| Taker Fee | 7.00% | 0.26%▼ lower |
Forex.com vs Kraken Crypto Exchange Pros & Cons
Pros
- NFA/CFTC and FCA regulated, highest regulatory standard available for crypto CFDs
- Advanced charting platforms including TradingView integration
- Strong institutional research and market analysis tools
Cons
- US leverage caps (10:1 on crypto) significantly lower than offshore alternatives
- Commission structure adds up for high-frequency crypto traders
Forex.com vs Kraken: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
Forex.com
criteria wins
5
Kraken
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | Forex.com | 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 | Fail | 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 |
Forex.com vs Kraken: Frequently Asked Questions
Kraken rates 4.6/5 versus 3.9/5 for Forex.com. Kraken edges ahead on our composite score, though both exchanges meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Forex.com lists a spread from 1. 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 Forex.com requires at least $100. This makes Kraken more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
Forex.com holds top-tier regulation (FCA, ASIC, MAS), 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, two factors stand out: Kraken has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and Forex.com provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Forex.com offers up to 50:1 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 Forex.com'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.
Forex.com supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while Kraken supports Kraken Pro. Forex.com has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 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 Forex.com 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.
