Comparison of Kraken vs Bitso [ 2025 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

Kraken

Investing risks losing your money

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

Bitso

Investing risks losing your money

Main points

Fees

0,16%/0,26%

Earns

Customer service

5/5

0,075%/0,098%

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.

3.9 – Competitive fees within Latin America.

Level

0,16%/0,26%

0,075%/0,098%

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.

Bitso maintains a competitive edge in the crypto exchange landscape through its straightforward and relatively low fee structure. The platform employs a maker-taker fee model, which incentivizes market liquidity. Makers, who add liquidity by placing limit orders, enjoy lower fees compared to takers, who remove liquidity by executing against existing orders. Fees can vary depending on the user’s 30-day trading volume, promoting more frequent trading by offering decreasing fees for higher volumes. This tiered approach not only supports active traders but also ensures the platform remains accessible to newcomers, keeping initial costs lower than many other exchanges.

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

Bitso

Year Founded: Established in 2014, Bitso has a long-standing presence in the cryptocurrency market. This longevity is a testament to its resilience and adaptability in the rapidly evolving crypto environment.
Security Methods: Bitso employs robust security measures including two-factor authentication, cold storage of digital assets, and multi-signature wallets. These practices ensure a high level of security for user funds and transactions.
Possible Regulation: Bitso is regulated by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (GFSC), one of the few cryptocurrency exchanges in Latin America to be overseen by such a respected regulatory body. This regulation reinforces Bitso's commitment to compliance and security standards.
Trading Volume and Liquidity: Bitso provides substantial trading volume and liquidity, making it easier for users to execute trades efficiently and at desired prices. This is particularly beneficial in a market known for its volatility, where trading depth can significantly impact transaction costs and speed.
Customer Service: Bitso offers exceptional customer service with support available 24/7 through multiple channels, including live chat and a comprehensive help center. This dedication to customer support ensures that users' queries and issues are addressed promptly and effectively, enhancing the overall user experience.

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Product selection

Native token

Earns

Yes

NFT marketplace

Cripto/debit card

Full name

Payward, Inc.

Bitso SAPI de CV

Regulation

Regulated in the EE. UU.

Regulated in México

Year founded

2011

2014

Founder

Jesse Powell

Pablo González, Ben Peters, Daniel Vogel

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes

Mastercard

Yes

Wire transfer

Yes

Card

Yes

Comparative table

Kraken	FEATURES	Bitso
Kraken allows relatively low minimum trade volumes, making it accessible for beginners.	Minimum Trade	The minimum trade amount is low, enabling accessibility for traders of all sizes.
Competitive fees, though slightly higher for low volume traders; discounts for high volume.	Trading and Transaction Fees	Bitso offers competitive fees, with a sliding scale that benefits high-volume traders.
Offers a wide selection of cryptocurrencies, catering to diverse trading preferences.	Number of Cryptocurrencies	Bitso supports major cryptocurrencies but has a more limited selection compared to larger exchanges.
Extensive range of trading pairs, though some less popular pairs have lower liquidity.	Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs	Offers a moderate range of crypto-to-crypto trading pairs, adequate for most traders.
High transparency about fees, security measures, and operational status updates.	Website Transparency	Bitso provides clear and detailed information on its operations and security measures.
Kraken does not offer an exchange card for customers to use for in-store purchases and receive benefits.	Credit/Debit Card	Bitso lacks a dedicated exchange card, limiting its utility for in-store cryptocurrency transactions and associated benefits.
Excellent security with a majority of funds held in cold storage; provides peace of mind.	Storage Offering	Secure storage with cold wallets and multi-signature technology to ensure safety.
Offers staking options with competitive rewards, although not available for all assets.	Staking and Rewards	Provides some options for staking and rewards but not as extensive as some competitors.
Both platforms are robust and fully-featured, though the interface can be complex for new users.	Mobile App and Desktop	Highly functional and user-friendly mobile and desktop platforms that enhance trading experience.
Customer service is reliable but can experience delays during high demand periods.	Customer Service	Excellent customer support with 24/7 access via multiple channels, including live chat.
Efficient deposit and withdrawal processes, though options may vary by region.	Deposit and Withdraw	Efficient deposit and withdrawal processes, though mainly tailored to Mexican users.

Key features

Analysis tools

Advanced charting tools, technical analysis

Basic charting tools

Mobile APP

Security

High 4,9/5

High 4/5

Additional features

Margin trading, futures trading, staking, Kraken Pro exchange

Crypto-to-crypto trading, Bitso Transfer (payment service), staking, educational resources

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.

Bitso provides a straightforward and user-friendly interface, ideal for beginners. The platform focuses on making cryptocurrency trading accessible and easy to understand for new users.

Value for money

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

Delivers decent value for money with competitive fees and a strong presence in Latin America, making it a good choice for regional users.

Countries of operation

United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia

Mexico, Argentina, Brazil

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.

Suitable for Latin American investors, particularly those in Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil, looking for a reliable platform with competitive fees.

Base currencies available

USD, EUR, CAD, GBP, JPY, BTC

MXN, ARS, BRL, 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.

Bitso is the leading exchange in Latin America, offering a variety of cryptocurrencies and easy fiat integration. It is user-friendly but might not have the advanced tools needed by professional traders.

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 .

Bitso provides easy fiat and cryptocurrency deposit methods. Withdrawals are processed efficiently, typically within a day. Fees are competitive, making it a good choice for Latin American users.

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.

Bitso’s account opening process is simple and fully digital. Users need to provide personal information and verify their identity. The process is quick, typically taking less than a day to complete.

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 .

Bitso provides support through email and live chat. The support team is knowledgeable and responsive, but the lack of 24/7 support may be a drawback for some users.

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.

Bitso ensures security through 2FA, encryption, and cold storage. It is regulated by Mexican authorities, providing a secure environment 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 reviewer on our website, I find Bitso to be a solid choice for traders, especially those based in Latin America. Its strong regulatory compliance, combined with a user-friendly interface and dedicated customer service, makes it a reliable platform. However, if you’re looking for a wider variety of cryptocurrencies or need more global payment options, you might want to explore other exchanges. Nonetheless, for those new to cryptocurrency or primarily trading in Mexican Pesos, Bitso offers an excellent starting point.

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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.