Head-to-head
Kraken vs KuCoin
Which is better for beginners?
KuCoin scores higher for beginners (78.6 vs 57.6 out of 100).
Based on verified data, KuCoin scores higher on the CompareCEX Score at 78.6/100 versus 57.6/100 for Kraken — a 21.0-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 Kraken 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
Please check local regulations before signing up.
Availability in your region is unclear — check local regulations.
Fees: what a $1,000 and $10,000 trade actually costs
KYC and availability in the US, UK, Canada, Australia
Kraken KYC: Required. KuCoin KYC: Required.
| Country | Kraken | KuCoin |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Unclear | Unclear |
| United Kingdom | Unclear | Unclear |
| Canada | Unclear | Unclear |
| Australia | Unclear | Unclear |
"Unclear" means we have not independently verified this yet — check the exchange's own terms before signing up.
Security and regulation
| Criteria | Kraken | KuCoin |
|---|---|---|
| Security track record | PoR ✗ | Not verified |
| Regulation / licenses | FINRA (US), SIPC (US) | Not verified |
Features: futures, margin, apps
| Criteria | Kraken | KuCoin |
|---|---|---|
| Features | Spot, Futures, Margin, Staking, Card | Spot, Futures, Margin, Staking, P2P |
| Mobile app | iOS · Android | iOS · Android |
Who should pick Kraken, who should pick KuCoin
Pick Kraken if:
- You mostly trade from a phone — iOS and Android apps are both confirmed.
- You trade futures and margin, not just spot.
- You want a platform with an on-file regulatory license.
Pick KuCoin 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.
Related guides
- Best Crypto Exchange Australia: 3 AUSTRAC-Registered PicksThe three exchanges we verified as AUSTRAC-registered, compared on spot fees, product menu and the structural limits that hold undisciplined traders back.
- Best Crypto Exchange Canada: 2 CSA Restricted Dealers ComparedThe only two exchanges verified as registered Restricted Dealers in Canada, compared on spot fees, product limits, and the margin-trading ban.
- Best Crypto Exchange UK: 2 FCA-Registered PicksThe two exchanges we verified as FCA-registered in the UK, compared on spot fees and product access, plus who else claims UK access we could not confirm.
- Best Crypto Exchange USA: 3 Licensed Picks, State by StateThe three exchanges we verified as licensed to serve US customers, compared on spot fees, product menu, and the New York BitLicense gap between them.
FAQ
- Which is cheaper, Kraken or KuCoin?
- KuCoin has the lower fee on file based on our verified data — see the exact numbers and sources in the fee table above.
- Do Kraken and KuCoin require KYC?
- Kraken requires KYC, and KuCoin requires KYC, per our verified data.
- Which is safer, Kraken or KuCoin?
- Both have similar verified security signals on file so far — see the full breakdown in the security section above before deciding.
Crypto assets are volatile and unregulated in many jurisdictions. Not financial advice.