Global Prime operates as a CFD broker with ECN-style execution and institutional pricing. Kraken functions as a native crypto exchange with strong security and broad regulation.
Kraken edges Global Prime on editorial score, reflecting stronger overall standing.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose Global Prime if…
Choose Global Prime if you prioritise ASIC regulation and negative balance protection.
Choose Kraken if…
Choose Kraken if you want a native exchange with proof of reserves and extensive support.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
Kraken wins on security due to a long track record, proof of reserves, and segregated client funds.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.6/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | $200 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads From | 0 pips | N/A |
| Taker Fee | 7.00% | 0.26%▼ lower |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Global Prime | 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 | Pass | 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 | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Fail | Fail |
Kraken rates 4.6/5 versus 3.7/5 for Global Prime. Kraken edges ahead on our composite score, though both exchanges meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Global Prime 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 Global Prime requires at least $200. This makes Kraken more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
Global Prime holds top-tier regulation (ASIC, VFSC), 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 Global Prime provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Global Prime 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 Global Prime'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.
Global Prime supports cTrader, MetaTrader 4, while Kraken supports Kraken Pro. Global Prime has exclusive access to cTrader and MetaTrader 4. Kraken has exclusive access to Kraken Pro.
Kraken offers staking while Global Prime 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 leads on fees with maker fees as low as 0.00% at volume.
Kraken dominates coin availability with around 200 coins, far more than Global Prime.
Kraken suits beginners with zero minimum deposit and straightforward crypto trading.
Kraken offers staking and yield-earning options while Global Prime does not, making Kraken the better choice for holders who want to earn passive income on their crypto.
Equally matched.
| 0.7 pips |
| N/A |
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPalSkrill | CryptoBank transferWire transfer |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit card | CryptoBank transferWire transfer |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Network fee only |
|---|
| Regulators | ASIC VFSC | 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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