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HomeCryptoCompare

IC Markets vs Kraken Crypto Exchange Comparison

A head-to-head comparison of IC Markets and Kraken across security, fees, coin selection, staking, and editorial scoring.

IC Markets

IC Markets

Score 4.1 / 5

IC Markets offers crypto CFDs on 20+ pairs via MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView with ECN-adjacent execution and ASIC/CySEC regulation - a competitive regulated route to digital asset CFD exposure for active traders.

Visit IC Markets
VS
Kraken

Kraken

Score 4.6 / 5
2 bonuses

Industry-leading security track record and strong regulatory standing. The safest all-round choice for serious crypto investors, particularly in the US and Europe.

Visit Kraken
Our Verdict
Kraken winsby 0.5 pts

Kraken edges ahead with a score of 4.6/5 vs IC Markets's 4.1/5. A narrow margin, so review the breakdown below to see where each broker has a clear advantage.

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
Kraken
Kraken
Recommended

Kraken scores higher on security: cold storage, proof of reserves, segregated funds.

Best for low fees
It's a tie
Both equally suited

Both exchanges offer equivalent fee conditions — no deposit fee and no inactivity fee.

Best for beginners
Kraken
Kraken
Recommended

Kraken edges out IC Markets with a higher editorial score (4.6/5 vs 4.1/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new crypto traders.

Best for coin selection
Insufficient data
Data not yet available

Coin-selection data is not yet available for this pair. Check each exchange's supported assets page to compare the number of tradeable cryptocurrencies.

Best for DeFi & Web3
Insufficient data
Data not yet available

DeFi and NFT feature data is not yet available for this pair. Check each exchange's Web3 product pages directly.

IC Markets vs Kraken: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison

Criteria
IC MarketsIC Markets
KrakenKraken
Editorial Score
4.1/ 5
4.6/ 5
Min. Deposit$200No minimum
Regulators
FSCA
ASIC
CySEC
FCA
JFSA
MiCA
FinCEN
NYDFS
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 BonusesNone2 offers
Visit exchangeVisit IC Markets Visit Kraken

IC Markets vs Kraken Crypto Exchange Pros & Cons

IC MarketsIC Markets
KrakenKraken
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
  • Narrower coin selection (20+) than dedicated exchanges offering hundreds of tokens
  • No DeFi access or NFT trading
  • Not available to US residents
Pros
  • Zero major exchange hacks since 2011
  • FinCEN-registered, MiCA-compliant in EU
  • Quarterly Proof of Reserves by Armanino
  • Competitive maker fees (0.00% at volume)
  • Available to US clients
  • Client funds held in segregated accounts
  • No deposit fees
  • No inactivity fee
  • Mobile trading app available
  • Proprietary trading platform available
  • Advanced charting tools included
  • Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
  • 24/5 live chat support
  • Multilingual customer support
Cons
  • Smaller coin selection than Binance (~200 pairs)
  • Futures available only via separate entity
  • Staking availability restricted in some US states
  • No top-tier regulatory licence
  • No negative balance protection
  • No investor compensation scheme
  • No phone support

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
Ahead
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
CriteriaIC MarketsKraken
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

Based on our independent editorial scoring, Kraken ranks higher with a score of 4.6/5 vs 4.1/5 for IC Markets. The best choice still depends on your individual needs — security, coin selection, fees, and staking offerings all matter.

Kraken scores higher on our security criteria, offering cold storage for assets and proof of reserves. When evaluating exchange safety, look for cold storage, proof of reserves, regulatory oversight, and segregated client funds. Always verify the current security posture directly with the exchange.

IC Markets and Kraken appear similar on fee criteria in our data. Compare each exchange's trading fee schedule directly, as crypto fees vary by asset, volume tier, and payment method.

Kraken offers staking, while IC Markets does not according to our data. If earning staking rewards is important to your strategy, Kraken would be the better choice. Always confirm current staking availability and supported assets directly with the exchange.

Kraken has a lower minimum deposit of no minimum required, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes Kraken more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.

For beginners: Kraken has a lower minimum deposit (no minimum); Kraken has a higher overall editorial score. Also consider each exchange's educational resources, customer support quality, and the simplicity of their user interface before deciding.

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