Comparison of Kraken vs Blockchain.Com [ 2024 ]

The crypto exchanges compared by their commissions, cryptos, security and much more. Here is the Kraken vs Blockchain.Com comparison!

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

Kraken

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

Blockchain.Com

Main points

Fees

0,16%/0,26%

Earns

Customer service

5/5

0,40%/0,45%

Fees

Yes

Earns

3/5

Customer service

Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Buy and hold

Yes

Beginners

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold

Comparison of fees

Rating

4.5 – Low fees with additional benefits for high-volume traders.

3.8 – Reasonable fees with a focus on security and ease of use.

Level

0,16%/0,26%

0,40%/0,45%

Brief explanation

Kraken’s commission structure is designed to be competitive and favorable for both low and high-volume traders. The exchange employs a tiered fee schedule that rewards users with lower trading fees as their trading volume increases over a 30-day period. Fees vary depending on whether you are a maker (creating a new order on the book) or a taker (filling an existing order), with maker fees generally being lower than taker fees to encourage liquidity. While the fees are relatively low for high-volume traders, those trading smaller amounts may find the fees slightly higher compared to other platforms. Additionally, Kraken charges flat fees for fiat deposits and withdrawals, though these can vary based on the method and currency used. Overall, Kraken’s fee structure is transparent, with details readily available on its website, helping users to anticipate and calculate potential trading costs effectively.

Blockchain.com maintains a competitive fee structure for its trading services. The platform charges a dynamic fee for transactions, which typically aligns with industry standards to ensure affordability while maintaining high-quality service. For cryptocurrency trading, the fees vary depending on the market conditions and the type of transaction, such as buying, selling, or exchanging cryptocurrencies. It’s important for users to review the specific fees associated directly on the Blockchain.com platform before executing any trades to understand the potential costs involved fully. This fee structure is designed to be transparent, allowing users to make informed decisions without hidden charges.

Kraken

Security Methods: Kraken's commitment to security is unparalleled, utilizing state-of-the-art security measures such as two-factor authentication, SSL encryption, and cold storage of the majority of assets. This rigorous approach minimizes the risk of hacking and unauthorized access, making it a trusted platform for trading cryptocurrencies.
Reputation and Reviews: Kraken has maintained a strong reputation within the crypto community for over a decade. Its track record of security, user-focused services, and operational resilience has garnered positive reviews from users and industry analysts alike, reinforcing its standing as a reputable exchange.
Transparency: Kraken is known for its transparency in operations, frequently updating users on system upgrades, security measures, and changes in regulatory compliance. This openness builds trust and ensures that users are well-informed about their trading environment.
Trading Volume and Liquidity: Kraken is one of the largest exchanges in terms of trading volume and liquidity. This allows users to execute large trades without significantly affecting the market price, which is critical for both retail and institutional traders.
Possible Regulation: Kraken adheres to regulatory requirements in all jurisdictions in which it operates, enhancing its credibility and reliability. Compliance with these regulations not only ensures the legality of its operations but also provides a layer of security for its users' investments.

Blockchain.Com

Year Founded: Blockchain.com has been a trusted name in the cryptocurrency market since 2011. Its longstanding presence serves as a testament to its reliability and enduring commitment to serving the crypto community.
Security Methods: The exchange employs advanced security measures including the use of cold storage for the majority of assets, two-factor authentication, and cutting-edge encryption technology. These protocols ensure a high level of security, safeguarding user funds against potential threats.
Reputation and Reviews: Over the years, Blockchain.com has built a solid reputation within the cryptocurrency community. Positive user reviews frequently highlight the platform's reliability, security, and ease of use, which reinforces its status as a trusted exchange.
Trading Volume and Liquidity: Blockchain.com supports a significant trading volume and liquidity, making it a preferred platform for traders looking for a seamless trading experience without the risk of market manipulation. High liquidity ensures that trades can be executed quickly and at desired prices.
Transparency: Blockchain.com is known for its transparent operations, providing users with detailed information on transactions, fees, and the security measures in place. This level of openness is crucial in building trust and credibility among users.

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Account Minimum

Get started with just $100.

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Direct link to the website

Product selection

Native token

Earns

Yes

NFT marketplace

Cripto/debit card

Full name

Payward, Inc.

Blockchain Access UK Ltd.

Regulation

Regulated in the EE. UU.

Not regulated

Year founded

2011

Founder

Jesse Powell

Ben Reeves (parte del equipo original de Coinbase también)

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes

Mastercard

Yes

Wire transfer

Yes

Card

Yes

Comparative table

Kraken	FEATURES	Blockchain.Com
Kraken allows relatively low minimum trade volumes, making it accessible for beginners.	Minimum Trade	Blockchain.com allows users to start trading with a relatively low minimum, accommodating smaller budgets.
Competitive fees, though slightly higher for low volume traders; discounts for high volume.	Trading and Transaction Fees	Fees are somewhat higher than competitors, which could be a deterrent for high-frequency traders.
Offers a wide selection of cryptocurrencies, catering to diverse trading preferences.	Number of Cryptocurrencies	Supports a wide range of popular cryptocurrencies, providing good options for diversification.
Extensive range of trading pairs, though some less popular pairs have lower liquidity.	Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs	Offers a solid variety of trading pairs, allowing users to trade popular crypto combinations easily.
High transparency about fees, security measures, and operational status updates.	Website Transparency	The platform is highly transparent about its operations, fees, and security measures.
Kraken does not offer an exchange card for customers to use for in-store purchases and receive benefits.	Credit/Debit Card	While Blockchain.com provides a robust platform for trading and wallet services, the lack of a branded exchange card limits the flexibility for users to spend and earn rewards directly from their cryptocurrency holdings in everyday transactions.
Excellent security with a majority of funds held in cold storage; provides peace of mind.	Storage Offering	Provides secure storage options including cold storage, ensuring high safety for user assets.
Offers staking options with competitive rewards, although not available for all assets.	Staking and Rewards	Limited options for staking and rewards, which could be improved to enhance user investment benefits.
Both platforms are robust and fully-featured, though the interface can be complex for new users.	Mobile App and Desktop	Both mobile and desktop platforms are user-friendly and well-designed, offering seamless trading experiences.
Customer service is reliable but can experience delays during high demand periods.	Customer Service	Customer support is available but response times and effectiveness can vary, indicating room for improvement.
Efficient deposit and withdrawal processes, though options may vary by region.	Deposit and Withdraw	Efficient deposit and withdrawal processes, though some users may find the options somewhat limited.

Key features

Analysis tools

Advanced charting tools, technical analysis

Price tracking, but limited technical analysis tools

Mobile APP

Security

High 4,9/5

Additional features

Margin trading, futures trading, staking, Kraken Pro exchange

Blockchain wallet, lending services, staking, institutional services

Anonymity

Yes

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

100+

40+

User-friendliness

Kraken features a clean and intuitive interface that is easy for beginners to use. The platform is designed to provide a seamless trading experience, making it easy to buy and sell cryptocurrencies.

Offers a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, making it suitable for beginners. The platform provides essential features without overwhelming new users.

Value for money

Offers excellent value for money with low trading fees, strong security features, and a wide range of supported cryptocurrencies.

Offers reasonable value for money with competitive fees and a strong focus on security, though it may lack some advanced trading features.

Countries of operation

United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia

Global, including United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany

Best for

Suitable for all types of investors, from beginners to advanced traders, due to its low fees, strong security features, and wide range of supported cryptocurrencies.

Best for traders who prioritize security and want a straightforward platform with competitive fees.

Base currencies available

USD, EUR, CAD, GBP, JPY, BTC

USD, GBP, EUR, BTC

Account

Trading

Kraken is known for its high security and wide range of cryptocurrencies. It offers advanced trading tools and competitive fees but can be complex for beginners.

Blockchain.com provides a secure trading platform with a good selection of cryptocurrencies. It is easy to use but has higher fees compared to some competitors.

Deposit and withdrawal

Kraken supports a wide range of deposit and withdrawal methods, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and cryptocurrencies. Withdrawals are processed quickly, with competitive fees .

Blockchain.com offers multiple deposit options like bank transfers and cryptocurrencies. Withdrawals are processed efficiently, usually within a day, with low fees.

Account opening process

Kraken offers a straightforward and secure account registration process. Users need to submit personal details, verify their identity, and address. The process is fully digital and typically takes less than a day to complete.

Blockchain.com offers a straightforward and user-friendly account registration process. Users need to provide personal information, verify their identity, and the account is usually approved within a day.

KYC required?

Yes

Customer Service

Kraken offers comprehensive customer support through email, live chat, and a help center. Support is available 24/7, and the response times are quick, ensuring users get timely assistance .

Blockchain.com offers customer support through email and live chat. The support team is responsive, but the absence of phone support and limited availability can be a disadvantage.

Security

Kraken offers extensive security features, including 2FA, encryption, and cold storage. It is regulated by multiple financial authorities, making it a highly secure platform for investors.

Blockchain.com offers strong security features like 2FA, encryption, and cold storage. However, it is not regulated by major financial authorities, which might be a concern for some investors.

Which of these exchanges is for you?

Alejandro Borja

In concluding our comprehensive review of Kraken through Threenvest’s lens, it’s clear that Kraken stands as a formidable player in the cryptocurrency exchange landscape. Known for its robust security measures, wide range of cryptocurrencies, and advanced trading features, Kraken appeals especially to traders who prioritize safety and a diverse portfolio. These strengths are complemented by its deep liquidity and competitive fee structure, making it a preferred choice for serious traders. However, its complex interface and sometimes slow customer service response times during peak periods could pose challenges, particularly for newcomers to cryptocurrency trading. Compared to other exchanges, Kraken’s commitment to regulatory compliance and security is notably strong, positioning it as one of the safer trading environments in an industry fraught with security concerns. On the flip side, its user interface and learning curve may not be as appealing to beginners as some other platforms that focus more heavily on user-friendliness and simple navigation. For users of Threenvest looking to engage in sophisticated trading strategies or those who value a highly secure trading platform, Kraken is undoubtedly a top contender. However, those new to the market might consider starting with platforms that offer more guidance and a more intuitive trading experience.

Xavier Tarrasó

As an expert on our website, I recommend Blockchain.com for those who prioritize security and a user-friendly trading environment. It’s particularly suitable for new entrants to the cryptocurrency market, thanks to its intuitive interface and robust security measures. However, potential users should be aware of its higher transaction fees and mixed customer service reviews, which are areas the platform could improve to enhance the overall user experience.

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How do we review crypto exchanges?

At Threenvest, we conduct a thorough review process to evaluate and rank the world’s leading crypto exchanges. Our goal is to offer an unbiased assessment, providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions on which ones best suit your needs. We strictly adhere to the guidelines of our editorial policy.

We collect data directly from exchanges through detailed questionnaires and conduct first-hand testing and observations during crypto exchange demonstrations. Questionnaire responses, combined with demonstrations and hands-on research from our experts, feed into our proprietary evaluation process that scores each provider’s performance on more than 15 factors. The end result produces star ratings ranging from poor (one star) to excellent (five stars).

For more details on the categories considered when rating brokers and our process, read our full methodology.

Risk Disclaimer

Investing in cryptocurrencies is very risky, you should only invest the money you are willing to lose. Also you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong.

Neither Threenvest, nor the author, are recommending you to invest with this article.