This comparison pits GO Markets against Kraken in the battle between regulated CFD crypto exposure and native crypto trading. The axis centers on regulation depth, asset breadth, and cost structure.
Kraken is the overall winner on editorial score, with 4.6/5 versus GO Markets' 3.6/5. Kraken also outperforms in trust/regulation, fees, platforms, and support.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose GO Markets if…
Choose GO Markets if you value strong regulation, a broad platform lineup, and competitive ECN crypto spreads. You gain ASIC and CySEC oversight and access to MT4, MT5, and cTrader across crypto CFDs, plus a regulated mult-asset framework.
Choose Kraken if…
Choose Kraken if you want a native crypto exchange with broad asset coverage and strong security credentials. You get about 200 coins, 24/5 live chat, and proof of reserves plus strong regulatory coverage across NYDFS, FinCEN, MiCA, and FCA.
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 long track record and proof of reserves.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.6/ 5 | 4.6/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | $200 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads From | 0 pips | N/A |
| Taker Fee | 5.00% | 0.26%▼ lower |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | GO 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 | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
Kraken rates 4.6/5 versus 3.6/5 for GO Markets. Kraken edges ahead on our composite score, though both exchanges meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
GO Markets 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 GO Markets requires at least $200. This makes Kraken more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
GO Markets holds top-tier regulation (ASIC, CySEC, FSC), 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 GO Markets provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
GO 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, lower than GO Markets's $5 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.
GO Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while Kraken supports Kraken Pro. GO Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and 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 GO 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 offers low fees with 0.00% maker fees at volume.
Kraken wins for beginners with a $0 min deposit and easier entry.
Kraken offers staking and yield-earning options while GO Markets does not, making Kraken the better choice for holders who want to earn passive income on their crypto.
Equally matched; neither offers DeFi or Web3 features.
| 0.5 pips |
| N/A |
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerPayPal | CryptoBank transferWire transfer |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | CryptoBank transferWire transfer |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Network fee only |
|---|
| Regulators | ASIC 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 3.6 / 5
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