Interactive Brokersvs
KrakenCrypto Exchange Comparison
Two different approaches to crypto trading meet here. Interactive Brokers offers real crypto ownership in a regulated, multi-asset platform, while Kraken operates as a native exchange with asset access.
Our Verdict
Kraken winsClear Winner
Kraken edges Interactive Brokers with a higher editorial score (4.6 vs 4.0), signaling stronger overall suitability for serious crypto investors.
Kraken
4.6/5
Interactive Brokers
4.0/5
Key Differences
- 1Kraken operates as a native exchange; Interactive Brokers does not.
- 2Kraken offers 24/5 live chat; Interactive Brokers lacks this.
- 3Kraken provides proof of reserves; Interactive Brokers does not.
Who should choose Interactive Brokers vs Kraken?
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose Interactive Brokers if…
Choose Interactive Brokers if you want phone support and a regulated, multi-asset platform.
Choose Kraken if…
Choose Kraken if you want 24/5 live chat and native crypto trading with broad asset access.
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 with a zero-hack record and proof of reserves, backed by regulation.
Best for low fees
Recommended
Interactive Brokers vs Kraken: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  Interactive Brokers |  Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.0/ 5 | 4.6/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads From | 0.2 pips | N/A |
| Taker Fee | 2.00% | 0.26%▼ lower |
Interactive Brokers vs Kraken Crypto Exchange Pros & Cons
Pros
- Real crypto ownership (not CFDs), Bitcoin, Ethereum, and major alts in your IBKR account
- SEC, FINRA, FCA, and ASIC regulated, strongest multi-jurisdictional framework available
- 0.12-0.18% transparent commission, no spread markup on underlying price
- Manage crypto alongside stocks, ETFs, bonds, and forex in a single platform
Cons
- Narrow selection (~9 coins), no access to altcoins, DeFi, or NFTs
Interactive Brokers vs Kraken: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
Interactive Brokers
criteria wins
4
Kraken
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | Interactive Brokers | 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 | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
Interactive Brokers vs Kraken: Frequently Asked Questions
Kraken rates 4.6/5 versus 4/5 for Interactive Brokers. Kraken edges ahead on our composite score, though both exchanges meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Interactive Brokers lists a spread from 0.2. Current spread data is not available for Kraken. Check both exchanges' full fee schedules, including maker/taker rates, for up-to-date pricing.
Neither Interactive Brokers nor Kraken requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Interactive Brokers holds top-tier regulation (FCA, ASIC, JFSA), 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, Interactive Brokers 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.
Interactive Brokers offers up to 1:1 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 Interactive Brokers's $2 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.
Interactive Brokers supports Trader Workstation (TWS), Proprietary Web/Mobile, while Kraken supports Kraken Pro. Interactive Brokers has exclusive access to Trader Workstation (TWS) and Proprietary Web/Mobile. Kraken has exclusive access to Kraken Pro.
Kraken offers staking while Interactive Brokers 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.
