Head-to-head
Kraken vs OKX
Which is better for beginners?
OKX scores higher for beginners (82.6 vs 66.1 out of 100).
Based on verified data, OKX scores higher on the CompareCEX Score at 82.6/100 versus 66.1/100 for Kraken — a 16.5-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
CompareCEX may earn a commission when you sign up through our links. This does not influence our editorial scores.
CompareCEX may earn a commission when you sign up through our links. This does not influence our editorial scores.
Fees: what a $1,000 and $10,000 trade actually costs
KYC and availability in the US, UK, Canada, Australia
Kraken KYC: Required. OKX KYC: Required.
| Country | Kraken | OKX |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Available (except Maine and New York, checked 2026-09-06) | Available (OKX INC.; no NY, TX, AS, GU, MP, VI, checked 2026-09-06) |
| United Kingdom | Available (FCA registered; retail no derivatives/DeFi Earn, checked 2026-09-06) | Unclear |
| Canada | Available (Restricted Dealer; no margin/derivatives, checked 2026-09-06) | Restricted (Canada listed in Restricted Locations, checked 2026-09-06) |
| Australia | Available (AUSTRAC DCE, checked 2026-09-06) | Unclear |
"Unclear" means we have not independently verified this yet — check the exchange's own terms before signing up.
Security and regulation
| Criteria | Kraken | OKX |
|---|---|---|
| Security track record | PoR ✓ | PoR ✓ |
| Regulation / licenses | FINRA (US), SIPC (US) | Not verified |
Features: futures, margin, apps
| Criteria | Kraken | OKX |
|---|---|---|
| Features | Spot, Futures, Margin, Staking, Card | Spot, Futures, Margin, Staking, Copy Trading, P2P, Earn |
| Mobile app | iOS · Android | iOS · Android |
Who should pick Kraken, who should pick OKX
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 OKX 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.
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FAQ
- Which is cheaper, Kraken or OKX?
- OKX 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 OKX require KYC?
- Kraken requires KYC, and OKX requires KYC, per our verified data.
- Which is safer, Kraken or OKX?
- 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.