In this head-to-head, a regulated CFD broker clashes with a native crypto exchange, testing security, asset depth, and fee transparency in a crypto-first landscape.
Kraken edges FXTM on the editorial score, reflecting stronger trust and regulation. Its documented security track record and regulatory alignment underpin the higher rating.
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 with a long track record and quarterly proof of reserves.
Kraken offers 0.00% maker fees at volume.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.6/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | $10 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads From | 1.5 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 | FXTM | 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 | 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 rates 4.6/5 versus 3.7/5 for FXTM. Kraken edges ahead on our composite score, though both exchanges meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
FXTM lists a spread from 1.5. 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 FXTM requires at least $10. This makes Kraken more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
FXTM holds top-tier regulation (FCA, FSCA, CySEC), 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 FXTM provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
FXTM 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 FXTM 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.
FXTM supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while Kraken supports Kraken Pro. FXTM has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 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 FXTM 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.
FXTM is better for beginners due to low $10 minimum and education resources.
Kraken offers staking and yield-earning options while FXTM does not, making Kraken the better choice for holders who want to earn passive income on their crypto.
| N/A |
| N/A |
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPay | CryptoBank transferWire transfer |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPay | CryptoBank transferWire transfer |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Network fee only |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA FSCA CySEC FSC | 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 3.7 / 5
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