Comparison of Kraken vs Okcoin [ 2025 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

Kraken

Investing risks losing your money

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

Okcoin

Investing risks losing your money

Main points

Fees

0,16%/0,26%

Earns

Customer service

5/5

≈ 0,10%/0,20%

Fees

Earns

4/5

Customer service

Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Buy and hold

Yes

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold

Comparison of fees

Rating

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

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

Level

0,16%/0,26%

≈ 0,10%/0,20%

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.

Okcoin’s commission structure is designed to be competitive within the cryptocurrency exchange market, balancing affordability with the provision of quality services. The exchange operates with a tiered fee system where trading fees vary based on the user’s trading volume, incentivizing more active traders with lower fees. Transaction fees for buying and selling cryptocurrencies are generally in line with industry averages, though not the lowest available. While deposits are typically free, withdrawals incur a fee that varies depending on the currency being withdrawn and the method used, which ensures operational efficiency and security in fund transfers. This approach to commissions allows Okcoin to maintain a balance between accessibility for new traders and cost-effectiveness for high-volume traders.

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.

Read Kraken review

Okcoin

Year Founded: Okcoin was established in 2013, demonstrating a long-standing presence in the cryptocurrency exchange market which underpins its reliability and experience.
Security Methods: Okcoin prioritizes user security with robust measures including SSL encryption, cold storage of assets, and two-factor authentication, ensuring a secure trading environment.
Possible Regulation: The platform adheres to regulatory standards in multiple jurisdictions, including the United States, which provides a framework of compliance and operational integrity.
Reputation and Reviews: Okcoin enjoys a solid reputation in the crypto community, underscored by generally positive reviews from users praising its user-friendly interface and reliable service.
Trading Volume and Liquidity: Okcoin offers substantial liquidity and trading volume, which ensures that users can execute trades efficiently and at the true market price, minimizing slippage and providing better trade executions.

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Product selection

Native token

Earns

NFT marketplace

Cripto/debit card

Full name

Payward, Inc.

OKCoin USA Inc.

Regulation

Regulated in the EE. UU.

Year founded

2011

2013

Founder

Jesse Powell

Star Xu

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes

Mastercard

Yes

Wire transfer

Yes

Card

Yes

Comparative table

Kraken	FEATURES	Okcoin
Kraken allows relatively low minimum trade volumes, making it accessible for beginners.	Minimum Trade	Okcoin allows for relatively low minimum trade volumes, making it accessible for beginners without requiring large initial investments.
Competitive fees, though slightly higher for low volume traders; discounts for high volume.	Trading and Transaction Fees	Okcoin’s fees are competitive within the industry, but they are not the lowest available, which could be improved to attract more users.
Offers a wide selection of cryptocurrencies, catering to diverse trading preferences.	Number of Cryptocurrencies	While Okcoin supports all major cryptocurrencies, its selection of altcoins is somewhat limited compared to larger exchanges.
Extensive range of trading pairs, though some less popular pairs have lower liquidity.	Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs	The platform offers a decent range of crypto-to-crypto trading pairs, though it lacks the variety seen in more comprehensive exchanges.
High transparency about fees, security measures, and operational status updates.	Website Transparency	Okcoin provides clear information on fees and security practices, though details on corporate governance could be more comprehensive.
Kraken does not offer an exchange card for customers to use for in-store purchases and receive benefits.	Credit/Debit Card	While Okcoin provides a range of services to facilitate cryptocurrency trading and management, the absence of an exchange card means users may miss out on the convenience and benefits that such cards typically offer, like easy conversion of cryptocurrencies to fiat for everyday transactions.
Excellent security with a majority of funds held in cold storage; provides peace of mind.	Storage Offering	The exchange offers secure storage options with a majority of assets kept in cold storage, enhancing security for user funds.
Offers staking options with competitive rewards, although not available for all assets.	Staking and Rewards	Currently, Okcoin has limited options for staking and rewards, which is an area ripe for development to enhance user returns.
Both platforms are robust and fully-featured, though the interface can be complex for new users.	Mobile App and Desktop	Okcoin provides robust mobile and desktop platforms that are intuitive and user-friendly, suitable for traders of all experience levels.
Customer service is reliable but can experience delays during high demand periods.	Customer Service	Customer service is available, but response times can vary. Improving responsiveness and support hours could boost user satisfaction.
Efficient deposit and withdrawal processes, though options may vary by region.	Deposit and Withdraw	Deposits and withdrawals are handled efficiently on Okcoin, with support for multiple payment methods, though some users seek faster processing times.

Key features

Analysis tools

Advanced charting tools, technical analysis

Basic charting tools

Mobile APP

Security

High 4,9/5

High 4,6/5

Additional features

Margin trading, futures trading, staking, Kraken Pro exchange

Margin trading, staking, Okcoin Earn, fiat on/off ramps

Anonymity

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

100+

30+

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.

Okcoin provides a straightforward and easy-to-use platform that is ideal for beginners. The interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy to navigate and execute trades.

Value for money

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

Delivers good value for money with low trading fees and a user-friendly interface, making it a cost-effective choice for traders.

Countries of operation

United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia

United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, Singapore

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 seeking a user-friendly platform with low fees and a wide range of supported cryptocurrencies.

Base currencies available

USD, EUR, CAD, GBP, JPY, BTC

USD, EUR, SGD, 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.

OKCoin provides a secure platform with a good selection of cryptocurrencies and competitive fees. It offers advanced trading tools but can be complex for beginners.

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 .

OKCoin supports a wide range of deposit and withdrawal methods, including bank transfers and crypto. Withdrawals are processed quickly, usually within a day, with competitive 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.

OKCoin provides an easy and fast account registration process. Users need to fill out personal details and verify their identity. The process is fully digital and usually completed 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 .

OKCoin provides 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.

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.

OKCoin offers extensive security features, including 2FA, encryption, and cold storage. It is regulated by several financial authorities, making it a highly secure platform for 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 Okcoin for those new to cryptocurrency trading due to its user-friendly interface and robust security measures. While it offers a solid foundation for beginners with support for major cryptocurrencies and practical payment options, seasoned traders might find the range of tools and altcoin options somewhat limiting. If you’re starting out or primarily interested in major cryptocurrencies, Okcoin provides a reliable and secure platform to begin your trading journey.

View all comparisons against Kraken

View all comparisons against Okcoin

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.