Head-to-head
Kraken vs MEXC
Which is better for beginners?
MEXC scores higher for beginners (68.1 vs 66.1 out of 100).
Based on verified data, MEXC scores higher on the CompareCEX Score at 68.1/100 versus 66.1/100 for Kraken — a 2.0-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
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Not available in United States.
See a verified alternative →Fees: what a $1,000 and $10,000 trade actually costs
KYC and availability in the US, UK, Canada, Australia
Kraken KYC: Required. MEXC KYC: Required.
| Country | Kraken | MEXC |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Available (except Maine and New York, checked 2026-09-06) | Restricted (Prohibited Jurisdiction, checked 2026-09-06) |
| United Kingdom | Available (FCA registered; retail no derivatives/DeFi Earn, checked 2026-09-06) | Restricted (Prohibited Jurisdiction, checked 2026-09-06) |
| Canada | Available (Restricted Dealer; no margin/derivatives, checked 2026-09-06) | Restricted (Prohibited Jurisdiction, checked 2026-09-06) |
| Australia | Available (AUSTRAC DCE, checked 2026-09-06) | Available (not in Prohibited Jurisdictions list, 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 | Kraken | MEXC |
|---|---|---|
| Security track record | PoR ✓ | PoR ✓ |
| Regulation / licenses | FINRA (US), SIPC (US) | Not verified |
Features: futures, margin, apps
| Criteria | Kraken | MEXC |
|---|---|---|
| Features | Spot, Futures, Margin, Staking, Card | Spot, Futures, Margin, Staking |
| Mobile app | iOS · Android | iOS · Android |
Who should pick Kraken, who should pick MEXC
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.
Pick MEXC 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
- What's the cheapest crypto to transfer between exchanges?Network fees, not coin names, decide what a crypto transfer between exchanges costs. Here's how to find the cheapest option before you send.
- What are the cheapest places to buy crypto in 2026?No exchange is cheapest for everyone. Here's a step-by-step way to compare real costs, plus 8 exchanges rated by fee type and what to check first.
- Coinbase Fees 2026: 0% to 0.60% Taker, Tiered by VolumeCoinbase fees run 0% to 0.40% maker and 0.05% to 0.60% taker, tiered by volume. A worked $10,000 example shows the real cost versus Binance and MEXC.
- Best Crypto Exchange With Low Fees: MEXC 0% Maker, 0.05% TakerMEXC charges 0% maker and 0.05% taker, the lowest of six exchanges we checked, while Kraken's entry tier costs 16x more on an identical $2,000 round trip.
FAQ
- Which is cheaper, Kraken or MEXC?
- MEXC 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 MEXC require KYC?
- Kraken requires KYC, and MEXC requires KYC, per our verified data.
- Which is safer, Kraken or MEXC?
- 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.