Kraken and Tickmill frame a clash between a native exchange and a regulated CFD broker. The tension centers on security, asset depth, and cost structures.
Kraken outperforms Tickmill on editorial score, driven by stronger trust and proof-of-reserves. Tickmill remains competitive on regulation and low-cost crypto CFDs, while Kraken offers broader assets and native-exchange protections.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose Kraken if…
Choose Kraken if you want a native crypto exchange with a broad asset base and a strong security track record. You also benefit from proof-of-reserves, segregated client funds, and easy US access, making it well suited for serious investors who value transparency.
Choose Tickmill if…
Choose Tickmill if you prefer regulated crypto CFDs with transparent ECN pricing and a lower cost structure. You gain FCA and CySEC oversight, robust compensation schemes, and a leverage framework designed for cautious risk management.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
Kraken wins for security due to proof-of-reserves, segregated funds, and a long security track record.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.6/ 5 | 3.9/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $100 |
| Spreads From | N/A | 0 pips |
| Taker Fee | 0.26%▼ lower | 6.00% |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Kraken | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 | Fail |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
Kraken rates 4.6/5 versus 3.9/5 for Tickmill. Kraken edges ahead on our composite score, though both exchanges meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Tickmill 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.
Kraken has no minimum deposit, while Tickmill requires at least $100. This makes Kraken more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
Tickmill 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 Tickmill 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 Tickmill'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 Tickmill's $6 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 Tickmill supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. Kraken has exclusive access to Kraken Pro. Tickmill has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4.
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 Tickmill 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.
Tickmill wins for low fees with $2 per lot round-turn ECN commissions.
Kraken dominates coin selection with ~200 assets versus Tickmill's four.
Best for beginners: Kraken offers $0 min deposit and US availability.
Kraken offers staking and yield-earning options while Tickmill does not, making Kraken the better choice for holders who want to earn passive income on their crypto.
Equally matched for DeFi and Web3 since neither offers DeFi access or NFT trading.
| N/A |
| 0.6 pips |
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | CryptoBank transferWire transfer | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | CryptoBank transferWire transfer | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Network fee only | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA NYDFS MiCA FinCEN | FCA FSCA CySEC |
|---|
| Cold Storage | Yes | No |
|---|
| Proof of Reserves | Yes | No |
|---|
| Staking | Yes | No |
|---|
| DeFi Integration | No | No |
|---|
| NFT Trading | No | No |
|---|
| 500+ Coins | No | No |
|---|
| P2P Trading | No | No |
|---|
| Crypto Earn / Savings | Yes | No |
|---|
| Token Launchpad | No | No |
|---|
| Active bonuses | 2 offers | None |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.9 / 5
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