IC Marketsvs
KrakenCrypto Exchange Comparison
IC Markets offers crypto CFDs across four platforms under ASIC and CySEC rules, while Kraken is a native exchange with reserves audits. The matchup tests regulatory scope against coin access.
Our Verdict
Kraken winsby 0.5 pts
Kraken wins on editorial score, outperforming IC Markets overall. Kraken benefits from a native exchange model and quarterly proofs of reserves.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Coin count: Kraken lists 200 tokens versus IC Markets 20.
- 2Proof of reserves: Kraken provides quarterly audits; IC Markets does not.
- 3Top-tier regulator: IC Markets has top-tier status; Kraken does not.
Who should choose IC Markets vs Kraken?
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you want regulated crypto CFDs with ECN-adjacent execution across four platforms.
Choose Kraken if…
Choose Kraken if you want native crypto trading with broad coin access and quarterly proof-of-reserves.
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 a strong track record and segregated funds.
Best for low fees
Recommended
Kraken wins for low fees with maker fees as low as 0.00% at volume.
IC Markets vs Kraken: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  IC Markets |  Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 4.6/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | $200 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads From | 0 pips | N/A |
| Taker Fee | 7.00% | 0.26%▼ lower |
IC Markets vs Kraken Crypto Exchange Pros & Cons
Pros
- ECN-adjacent raw spreads on crypto CFDs, tighter than most retail market makers
- All four platforms (MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView) support crypto CFDs from one account
- ASIC and CySEC regulated with segregated client funds and negative balance protection
- No inactivity fee; 24/7 customer support across multiple channels
Cons
- CFDs only, no real crypto ownership, staking, or on-chain withdrawals
IC Markets vs Kraken: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
IC Markets
criteria wins
3
Kraken
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | IC 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 | 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 | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
IC Markets vs Kraken: Frequently Asked Questions
Kraken rates 4.6/5 versus 4.1/5 for IC Markets. Kraken edges ahead on our composite score, though both exchanges meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
IC 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 IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes Kraken more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
IC Markets holds top-tier regulation (FSCA, ASIC, 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 IC Markets provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
IC 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 IC Markets'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.
IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4, while Kraken supports Kraken Pro. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and MetaTrader 5 and TradingView and MetaTrader 4. Kraken has exclusive access to Kraken Pro.
Kraken offers staking while IC 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.
