Comparison of Kraken vs Bitflyer [ 2025 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

Kraken

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

Bitflyer

Main points

Fees

0,16%/0,26%

Earns

Customer service

5/5

0,10%

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.

4.0 – Competitive fees with some discounts for high-volume trading.

Level

0,16%/0,26%

0,10%

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.

BitFlyer structures its commission fees with an aim to be transparent and competitive, though they are often perceived as slightly higher than some of its global competitors. The exchange charges a flat fee for transactions, which can vary slightly depending on the market conditions and the specific services used. For instance, trading Bitcoin typically incurs a fee of about 0.1% to 0.15%, but this can differ for other cryptocurrencies or more complex transactions such as futures or options trading. Importantly, these fees contribute to the high level of security and regulatory compliance that BitFlyer offers, making it a trusted platform despite the slightly higher costs.

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

Bitflyer

Year Founded: BitFlyer has been operational since 2014, giving it a long-standing presence in the cryptocurrency world. This longevity in the rapidly evolving digital currency landscape speaks to its stability and enduring commitment to its users.
Security Methods: BitFlyer employs rigorous security measures, including compliance with multiple regulatory standards across jurisdictions. It uses advanced encryption and follows strict internal security protocols to safeguard user data and funds.
Possible Regulation: The exchange is one of the few that has successfully navigated the strict regulatory environments of Japan, the United States, and Europe. It holds significant licenses, including the prestigious New York BitLicense, enhancing its credibility and trustworthiness.
Reputation and Reviews: BitFlyer's reputation in the crypto community is strong, bolstered by positive reviews from users who praise its user-friendly platform and security practices. Its regulatory compliance further reinforces its reputation as a trustworthy platform.
Trading Volume and Liquidity: With a substantial trading volume and high liquidity, BitFlyer offers users the advantage of better price stability and the ability to execute large transactions with minimal impact on the market price, making it a reliable platform for trading major cryptocurrencies.

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Product selection

Native token

Earns

Yes

NFT marketplace

Cripto/debit card

Full name

Payward, Inc.

bitFlyer, Inc.

Regulation

Regulated in the EE. UU.

Regulated in Japón

Year founded

2011

2014

Founder

Jesse Powell

Yuzo Kano

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes

Mastercard

Yes

Wire transfer

Yes

Card

Yes

Comparative table

Kraken	FEATURES	Bitflyer
Kraken allows relatively low minimum trade volumes, making it accessible for beginners.	Minimum Trade	BitFlyer allows relatively low minimum trades, making it accessible for beginners.
Competitive fees, though slightly higher for low volume traders; discounts for high volume.	Trading and Transaction Fees	Fees are slightly higher than average, which may deter frequent traders.
Offers a wide selection of cryptocurrencies, catering to diverse trading preferences.	Number of Cryptocurrencies	Offers a moderate selection of major cryptocurrencies, but lacks variety in altcoins.
Extensive range of trading pairs, though some less popular pairs have lower liquidity.	Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs	Supports a solid range of trading pairs, suitable for most traders’ needs.
High transparency about fees, security measures, and operational status updates.	Website Transparency	High transparency regarding security practices and compliance, fostering user trust.
Kraken does not offer an exchange card for customers to use for in-store purchases and receive benefits.	Credit/Debit Card	bitFlyer offers a prepaid card in Japan, which can be used for online and in-store purchases. This card allows users to spend their crypto directly, making it convenient for daily use.
Excellent security with a majority of funds held in cold storage; provides peace of mind.	Storage Offering	Provides secure cold storage options, ensuring safety for user funds.
Offers staking options with competitive rewards, although not available for all assets.	Staking and Rewards	Offers basic staking features and rewards but not as extensive or competitive as other exchanges.
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, well-designed, and reliable.
Customer service is reliable but can experience delays during high demand periods.	Customer Service	Generally responsive and helpful customer service, though some users may experience delays.
Efficient deposit and withdrawal processes, though options may vary by region.	Deposit and Withdraw	Efficient deposit and withdrawal processes, but could be improved with more payment methods.

Key features

Analysis tools

Advanced charting tools, technical analysis

Basic to intermediate charting tools

Mobile APP

Security

High 4,9/5

Additional features

Margin trading, futures trading, staking, Kraken Pro exchange

Spot trading, margin trading, Bitflyer Lightning exchange, recurring buys

Anonymity

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

100+

10+

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.

Bitflyer features a simple and intuitive interface, ideal for beginners. The platform focuses on providing a seamless trading experience, making it easy for new users to buy and sell cryptocurrencies.

Value for money

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

Provides reasonable value for money with low trading fees and a user-friendly platform, making it a good choice for beginners.

Countries of operation

United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia

Japan, United States, Europe

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 beginners and experienced traders in Japan, the US, and Europe who want a user-friendly platform with competitive fees.

Base currencies available

USD, EUR, CAD, GBP, JPY, BTC

JPY, USD, 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.

Bitflyer provides a secure and easy-to-use platform with a decent selection of cryptocurrencies. It is particularly popular in Japan. However, it lacks some of the advanced trading features found on other major exchanges.

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 .

Bitflyer offers secure and efficient deposit and withdrawal methods, including bank transfers and crypto deposits. Withdrawals are processed within a day, and 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.

Bitflyer’s account opening process is easy and efficient. Users need to provide personal information, verify their identity, and address. The process is fully digital and typically takes less than 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 .

Bitflyer offers customer support via email and live chat. The support team is responsive, and support is available 24/7, making it convenient for users needing immediate help.

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.

Bitflyer ensures high security with 2FA, encryption, and cold storage. It is regulated by Japanese authorities, ensuring strong security 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 BitFlyer for users new to cryptocurrency trading due to its user-friendly interface and robust security measures. While its trading fees are a bit higher and the variety of cryptocurrencies somewhat limited, BitFlyer’s strong regulatory compliance and excellent platform stability make it a reliable choice for those prioritizing security and ease of use. If you’re starting your crypto journey, BitFlyer is a commendable option to consider.

View all comparisons against Kraken

View all comparisons against Bitflyer

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.