Head-to-head
Bybit vs Kraken
Which is better for beginners?
Kraken scores higher for beginners (66.1 vs 62.1 out of 100).
Based on verified data, Kraken scores higher on the CompareCEX Score at 66.1/100 versus 62.1/100 for Bybit — a 4.0-point gap driven mainly by fees, KYC ease, security track record, and available features. Note: both are custodial platforms that hold your funds until you withdraw, so the security and regulation section below (proof-of-reserves, audits, incident history) matters as much as the fee difference. That doesn't automatically make Bybit a bad choice; it may simply have less verified coverage on one or two criteria. Check the fee table, KYC and country availability, and security section below, since your real costs and access can vary by account tier, region, and verification level.
Side-by-side
Not available in United States.
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Fees: what a $1,000 and $10,000 trade actually costs
KYC and availability in the US, UK, Canada, Australia
Bybit KYC: Required. Kraken KYC: Required.
| Country | Bybit | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Restricted (checked 2026-09-06) | Available (except Maine and New York, checked 2026-09-06) |
| United Kingdom | Unclear (Conflicting: help-center excludes UK, Dec 2025 announcement says UK launch — re-verify, checked 2026-09-06) | Available (FCA registered; retail no derivatives/DeFi Earn, checked 2026-09-06) |
| Canada | Restricted (checked 2026-09-06) | Available (Restricted Dealer; no margin/derivatives, checked 2026-09-06) |
| Australia | Unclear | Available (AUSTRAC DCE, checked 2026-09-06) |
"Unclear" means we have not independently verified this yet — check the exchange's own terms before signing up.
Security and regulation
| Criteria | Bybit | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Security track record | Not verified | PoR ✓ |
| Regulation / licenses | Not verified | FINRA (US), SIPC (US) |
Features: futures, margin, apps
| Criteria | Bybit | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Features | Spot, Futures, Margin, Staking, Copy Trading | Spot, Futures, Margin, Staking, Card |
| Mobile app | iOS · Android | iOS · Android |
Who should pick Bybit, who should pick Kraken
Pick Bybit if:
- You're cost-sensitive and want the lower fee of the two (see fee table above).
- You mostly trade from a phone — iOS and Android apps are both confirmed.
- You trade futures and margin, not just spot.
Pick Kraken if:
- You mostly trade from a phone — iOS and Android apps are both confirmed.
- You trade futures and margin, not just spot.
- Proof-of-reserves transparency matters to you.
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FAQ
- Which is cheaper, Bybit or Kraken?
- Bybit has the lower fee on file based on our verified data — see the exact numbers and sources in the fee table above.
- Do Bybit and Kraken require KYC?
- Bybit requires KYC, and Kraken requires KYC, per our verified data.
- Which is safer, Bybit or Kraken?
- Kraken publishes proof-of-reserves; we don't have that confirmed for Bybit yet. See the security section above for details.
Crypto assets are volatile and unregulated in many jurisdictions. Not financial advice.