Comparison of Kraken vs Ascendex [ 2025 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

Kraken

Investing risks losing your money

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

Ascendex

Investing risks losing your money

Main points

Fees

0,16%/0,26%

Earns

Customer service

5/5

0,10% /0,20%

Fees

Yes

Earns

4/5

Customer service

Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Buy and hold

Yes

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold

Comparison of fees

Rating

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

4.1 – Low trading fees with discounts for token holders.

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.

Altcoin Trader’s commission structure is designed with simplicity in mind, aligning with its overall user-friendly approach to cryptocurrency trading. The platform charges a flat fee of 0.25% on all trades, whether you are buying or selling. This rate is quite competitive within the industry, particularly for an exchange that prioritizes ease of use for beginners. The straightforward fee model eliminates any confusion about variable rates that can affect the cost of transactions, making it easier for new traders to understand exactly how much they will be paying per trade. This transparency in fees is part of what makes Altcoin Trader a preferred choice for those new to the crypto markets.

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

Ascendex

Year Founded: Established in 2015, Altcoin Trader has been in operation for several years, allowing it to develop a deep understanding of the market dynamics and user needs. This longevity in the volatile crypto market underscores its resilience and adaptability.
Security Methods: Altcoin Trader employs robust security measures, including cold storage for the majority of the assets, which significantly reduces the risk of hacks and unauthorized access. This focus on securing user funds is a critical factor in building trust.
Reputation and Reviews: The platform has built a strong reputation within the South African cryptocurrency community. User reviews often highlight the reliability of the service, the responsiveness of customer support, and the ease of use of the platform.
Transparency: Altcoin Trader is known for its transparent operational practices, including clear communication about fees and any changes to the trading environment. This transparency helps build trust and ensures users feel secure in their trading decisions.
Customer Service: The exchange has a dedicated customer service team that is accessible and responsive. This service ensures that users can receive quick and helpful responses to their inquiries or issues, which is crucial for both new and experienced traders.

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Product selection

Native token

Token ASD

Earns

Yes

NFT marketplace

Yes

Cripto/debit card

Yes

Full name

Payward, Inc.

AscendEX (formerly BitMax)

Regulation

Regulated in the EE. UU.

Not regulated

Year founded

2011

2018

Founder

Jesse Powell

George Cao and Ariel Ling

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes

Mastercard

Yes

Wire transfer

Yes

Card

Yes

Comparative table

Kraken	FEATURES	Ascendex
Kraken allows relatively low minimum trade volumes, making it accessible for beginners.	Minimum Trade	The minimum trade amount is reasonable, accommodating both small and larger investors.
Competitive fees, though slightly higher for low volume traders; discounts for high volume.	Trading and Transaction Fees	Fees are competitive but could be improved to match or undercut major competitors.
Offers a wide selection of cryptocurrencies, catering to diverse trading preferences.	Number of Cryptocurrencies	Offers a decent variety of cryptocurrencies, though not as extensive as larger global exchanges.
Extensive range of trading pairs, though some less popular pairs have lower liquidity.	Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs	Limited to more common pairs, lacking the extensive options found on larger platforms.
High transparency about fees, security measures, and operational status updates.	Website Transparency	The website provides clear and straightforward information on fees, policies, and trading options.
Kraken does not offer an exchange card for customers to use for in-store purchases and receive benefits.	Credit/Debit Card	Altcoin Trader lacks a branded exchange card, limiting the versatility of funds access and usage beyond the digital platform.
Excellent security with a majority of funds held in cold storage; provides peace of mind.	Storage Offering	Provides secure cold storage options, ensuring a high level of security for stored assets.
Offers staking options with competitive rewards, although not available for all assets.	Staking and Rewards	Limited options for staking and rewards, not as competitive as other exchanges offering these services.
Both platforms are robust and fully-featured, though the interface can be complex for new users.	Mobile App and Desktop	Offers functional mobile and desktop platforms, though they lack some advanced features.
Customer service is reliable but can experience delays during high demand periods.	Customer Service	Responsive and helpful customer service, providing support through multiple channels.
Efficient deposit and withdrawal processes, though options may vary by region.	Deposit and Withdraw	Efficient processes for deposits and withdrawals, though mainly catering to local (South African) users.

Key features

Analysis tools

Advanced charting tools, technical analysis

Technical analysis tools, charting

Mobile APP

Yes

Security

High 4,9/5

High 4,6/5

Additional features

Margin trading, futures trading, staking, Kraken Pro exchange

Margin trading, futures contracts, staking, AscendEX Earn program

Anonymity

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

100+

150+

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.

AscendEX offers a well-designed and user-friendly platform that caters to both novice and experienced traders. The interface is intuitive, and the platform provides helpful resources to guide users through the trading process.

Value for money

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

Provides good value for money, offering low trading fees and access to a variety of trading tools and features.

Countries of operation

United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia

United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, 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.

Great for both novice and experienced traders who want access to a variety of trading tools, low trading fees, and advanced features.

Base currencies available

USD, EUR, CAD, GBP, JPY, BTC

USD, BTC, USDT

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.

Ascendex, formerly known as BitMax, offers comprehensive trading options including spot, margin, and futures trading. Its advanced trading tools are beneficial for seasoned traders. However, new users might find the platform’s complexity challenging initially.

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 .

Ascendex offers diverse deposit and withdrawal methods including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and crypto deposits. Withdrawals are processed quickly, typically within 24 hours. Fees are competitive.

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.

Ascendex’s account opening is fully digital and quick. Users need to provide personal information and verify their identity. The process is streamlined and user-friendly, allowing for account approval typically 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 .

Ascendex offers customer support through email, live chat, and a comprehensive FAQ section. The response time is quick, and support is available 24/7, ensuring users can get help whenever needed.

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.

Ascendex ensures security through 2FA, encryption, and cold storage. While the platform is secure, it is not regulated by top-tier authorities, which might be a concern for some users.

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 Altcoin Trader for South African users new to the cryptocurrency market, given its user-friendly interface and robust security measures. While it offers a decent variety of cryptocurrencies and straightforward deposit and withdrawal processes, potential users should be aware of its limited crypto-to-crypto trading pairs and the absence of credit/debit card support. For those starting out or primarily trading in major cryptocurrencies, Altcoin Trader provides a solid platform to begin your investment journey securely.

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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.