Krakenvs
PepperstoneCrypto Exchange Comparison
Kraken and Pepperstone clash over core crypto offerings and regulation. The tension centers on asset ownership, security, and the breadth of assets and tools.
Our Verdict
Kraken winsClear Winner
Kraken edges Pepperstone on the editorial score (4.6 vs 4.0) and provides quarterly Proof of Reserves by Armanino. Pepperstone offers regulated crypto CFDs but no ownership.
Kraken
4.6/5
Pepperstone
4.0/5
Key Differences
- 1Kraken offers a native exchange with own crypto listings; Pepperstone does not.
- 2Kraken lists about 200 coins; Pepperstone offers around 30.
- 3Kraken provides quarterly proof of reserves; Pepperstone does not.
Who should choose Kraken vs Pepperstone?
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose Kraken if…
Choose Kraken if you want a native exchange with a proven security track record and reserve attestations.
Choose Pepperstone if…
Choose Pepperstone if you prefer regulated crypto CFDs with strong platform support.
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 hack-free record and verifiable reserves.
Best for low fees
Recommended
Kraken offers low maker fees and no deposit fees.
Kraken vs Pepperstone: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  Kraken |  Pepperstone |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.6/ 5 | 4.0/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads From | N/A | 0 pips |
| Taker Fee | 0.26%▼ lower | 7.00% |
Kraken vs Pepperstone Crypto Exchange Pros & Cons
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
Kraken vs Pepperstone: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
3
Kraken
criteria wins
1
Pepperstone
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | Kraken | Pepperstone |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Pass | Fail |
| Proof of reserves published | Pass | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.) | Fail | Pass |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Staking available | Pass | Fail |
| 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 | Fail | Fail |
Kraken vs Pepperstone: Frequently Asked Questions
Kraken rates 4.6/5 versus 4/5 for Pepperstone. Kraken edges ahead on our composite score, though both exchanges meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Pepperstone 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 Kraken nor Pepperstone requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Pepperstone 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, Pepperstone 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.
Kraken offers up to 5:1 on perpetual or margin products, versus Pepperstone's 2:1 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 Pepperstone'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.
Kraken supports Kraken Pro, while Pepperstone supports cTrader, IRESS, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Kraken has exclusive access to Kraken Pro. Pepperstone has exclusive access to cTrader and IRESS and MetaTrader 5 and TradingView and MetaTrader 4.
Kraken offers staking while Pepperstone 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.
