IGvs
KrakenCrypto Exchange Comparison
IG and Kraken clash over crypto access and risk models: a regulated CFD broker against a native exchange with broader coin coverage. The matchup tests security, fees, and platform capabilities.
Our Verdict
Kraken winsby 0.4 pts
Kraken edges IG on the editorial score, earning 4.6 versus IG's 4.2, and reinforces its position with zero major hacks since 2011.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1IG provides phone support; Kraken does not.
- 2IG holds top-tier regulator status; Kraken lacks.
- 3Kraken offers live 24/5 chat; IG lacks.
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 zero major hacks since 2011 and proof of reserves.
Best for low fees
Recommended
Kraken wins with maker fees as low as 0.00% at volume.
IG vs Kraken: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  IG |  Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.2/ 5 | 4.6/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads From | 0.6 pips | N/A |
| Taker Fee | N/A | 0.26% |
IG vs Kraken Crypto Exchange Pros & Cons
Pros
- 70+ cryptocurrencies including weekend Bitcoin and Ethereum markets
- FCA-listed regulatory framework, significantly stronger than most crypto exchanges
- Available on IG's proprietary platform, ProRealTime charts, and MT4
- No deposit or withdrawal fee on standard funding methods
Cons
- Spread-only market maker pricing, wider than specialist crypto exchanges
IG vs Kraken: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
IG
criteria wins
5
Kraken
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | IG | 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 |
IG vs Kraken: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: IG rates 4.2/5 and Kraken rates 4.6/5. Kraken has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
IG lists a spread from 0.6. Current spread data is not available for Kraken. Check both exchanges' full fee schedules, including maker/taker rates, for up-to-date pricing.
Neither IG nor Kraken requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
IG holds top-tier regulation (FCA, ASIC, 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, IG 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.
IG 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 on commission-based accounts. Commission details for IG are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. 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.
IG supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4, while Kraken supports Kraken Pro. IG has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile and TradingView 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 IG 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.
