Krakenvs
SkillingCrypto Exchange Comparison
This comparison pits Kraken's native exchange and strong security against Skilling's CFD offering and European regulation. The axis centers on security, asset depth, and fees.
Our Verdict
Kraken winsClear Winner
Kraken leads overall by editorial score (4.6 vs 3.7) and shows stronger security with proof of reserves. Skilling trails on these axes.
Kraken
4.6/5
Skilling
3.7/5
Key Differences
- 1Kraken lists 200 coins on a native exchange
- 2Kraken provides proof of reserves; Skilling does not
- 3Kraken offers 24/5 live chat; Skilling does not
Who should choose Kraken vs Skilling?
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 wins for security due to its zero-hack record and proof of reserves.
Best for low fees
Recommended
Kraken wins for low fees due to 0.00% maker fees at volume.
Kraken vs Skilling: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  Kraken |  Skilling |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.6/ 5 | 3.7/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $50 |
| Spreads From | N/A | 0.7 pips |
| Taker Fee | 0.26% | N/A |
Kraken vs Skilling 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 Skilling: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
5
Kraken
criteria wins
1
Skilling
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | Kraken | Skilling |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 | Fail |
| Phone support | Fail | Fail |
Kraken vs Skilling: Frequently Asked Questions
Kraken rates 4.6/5 versus 3.7/5 for Skilling. Kraken edges ahead on our composite score, though both exchanges meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Skilling lists a spread from 0.7. 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 Skilling requires at least $50. This makes Kraken more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
Skilling holds top-tier regulation (FCA, FSCA, CySEC), 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 Skilling 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 Skilling'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 Skilling 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 Skilling supports cTrader, Skilling Trader, MetaTrader 4. Kraken has exclusive access to Kraken Pro. Skilling has exclusive access to cTrader and Skilling Trader and MetaTrader 4.
Kraken offers staking while Skilling 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.
