HFMvs
KrakenCrypto Exchange Comparison
This head to head pits a regulated CFD broker against a native crypto exchange, testing security, asset breadth and platform tools.
Our Verdict
Kraken winsClear Winner
Kraken outperforms HFM on editorial score (4.6 vs 3.9) and shows stronger security and reserves, making Kraken the clearer overall winner.
Kraken
4.6/5
HFM
3.9/5
Key Differences
- 1HFM provides 50+ crypto CFDs with HFcopy within one account.
- 2Kraken runs a native exchange with 200+ coins and Proof of Reserves.
- 3Kraken provides transparent pricing; HFM lacks price transparency across crypto products.
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 due to its zero hacks history and Proof of Reserves.
Best for low fees
Recommended
Kraken wins for low fees with maker fees as low as 0.00% and no deposit/withdrawal fees.
HFM vs Kraken: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  HFM |  Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.9/ 5 | 4.6/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads From | 0 pips | N/A |
| Taker Fee | 6.00% | 0.26%▼ lower |
HFM vs Kraken Crypto Exchange Pros & Cons
Pros
- 50+ crypto CFDs, one of the wider selections among regulated multi-asset brokers
- HFcopy enables copy trading of dedicated crypto strategies within the same account
- CySEC and DFSA regulated with Islamic (swap-free) account options for crypto
- No minimum deposit; multilingual 24/5 customer support
Cons
- CFDs only, no real crypto ownership, staking, or on-chain access
HFM vs Kraken: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
HFM
criteria wins
5
Kraken
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | HFM | 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 | 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 | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
HFM vs Kraken: Frequently Asked Questions
Kraken rates 4.6/5 versus 3.9/5 for HFM. Kraken edges ahead on our composite score, though both exchanges meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
HFM 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.
Neither HFM nor Kraken requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
HFM holds top-tier regulation (FCA, FSCA, DFSA), 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, HFM provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each exchange's site before deciding.
HFM 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 HFM's $6 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.
HFM supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while Kraken supports Kraken Pro. HFM has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. Kraken has exclusive access to Kraken Pro.
Kraken offers staking while HFM 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.
