Krakenvs
Plus500Crypto Exchange Comparison
Kraken and Plus500 square off across security, asset depth, and fee structures. The clash tests whether a native exchange with reserves or a regulated CFD platform offers the steadier footing.
Our Verdict
Kraken winsClear Winner
Kraken leads on the editorial score and security features such as proof of reserves and no inactivity fee, outperforming Plus500. Plus500 remains attractive for regulated crypto CFDs with compensation and strong regulation.
Kraken
4.6/5
Plus500
3.7/5
Key Differences
- 1Kraken operates a native exchange with 200 coins listed.
- 2Plus500 offers 15+ crypto CFDs with negative balance protection.
- 3Kraken provides proof of reserves and no inactivity fee.
Who should choose Kraken vs Plus500?
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
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 is strongest for security due to its long track record and proof of reserves.
Best for low fees
Recommended
Kraken vs Plus500: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  Kraken |  Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.6/ 5 | 3.7/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $100 |
| Spreads From | N/A | 0.6 pips |
| Taker Fee | 0.26% | N/A |
Kraken vs Plus500 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 Plus500: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
5
Kraken
criteria wins
1
Plus500
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | Kraken | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Fail |
| 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 Plus500: Frequently Asked Questions
Kraken rates 4.6/5 versus 3.7/5 for Plus500. Kraken edges ahead on our composite score, though both exchanges meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Plus500 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.
Kraken has no minimum deposit, while Plus500 requires at least $100. This makes Kraken more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
Plus500 holds top-tier regulation (FCA, ASIC, MAS), 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 Plus500 provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Kraken offers up to 5:1 on perpetual or margin products, versus Plus500'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 on commission-based accounts. Commission details for Plus500 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.
Kraken supports Kraken Pro, while Plus500 supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. Kraken has exclusive access to Kraken Pro. Plus500 has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
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 Plus500 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.
