Comparison of Kraken vs Coinswitch [ 2025 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

Kraken

Investing risks losing your money

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

Coinswitch

Investing risks losing your money

Main points

Fees

0,16%/0,26%

Earns

Customer service

5/5

0,00%/0,50%

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.

4.0 – Low fees with a focus on instant crypto swaps.

Level

0,16%/0,26%

0,00%/0,50%

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.

CoinSwitch employs a variable fee structure, which ranges from 0% to 0.49% per transaction. This fee is integrated into the exchange rate provided to users, making it less visible upfront. While this can be competitive, especially for smaller trades, the lack of clear breakdowns can make the fee structure feel somewhat opaque. For credit and debit card purchases, CoinSwitch uses Simplex, a third-party payment processor, which can add additional costs. These fees can be substantial; for instance, users purchasing Bitcoin via Simplex may experience an effective fee of up to 10% when considering both the Simplex and CoinSwitch fees. Moreover, network (or miner) fees are applied to all transactions and are dependent on the blockchain used. These are additional to the CoinSwitch fees and can vary based on network congestion and other factors. In summary, while CoinSwitch offers a convenient and user-friendly platform, potential users should be aware of the combined costs of CoinSwitch’s variable fees, Simplex processing fees for card transactions, and blockchain network fees, as these can collectively impact the total cost of trading on the platform.

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

Coinswitch

Year Founded CoinSwitch was founded in 2017, providing it with several years of experience in the cryptocurrency exchange industry. Its longevity adds to its credibility and trustworthiness.
Volume Managed The platform manages a significant trading volume, indicating its liquidity and the trust traders place in it. High trading volumes often reflect the platform's efficiency and reliability.
Number of Users CoinSwitch has a substantial user base, with millions of users worldwide. This wide adoption is a testament to the platform's reliability and the trust it has earned in the cryptocurrency community.
Reputation and Reviews CoinSwitch has garnered positive reviews from users and industry experts alike. Its reputation is bolstered by its user-friendly interface, extensive range of supported cryptocurrencies, and consistent performance, making it a trusted choice among cryptocurrency exchanges.
Security Methods CoinSwitch employs robust security measures, including encryption protocols, two-factor authentication (2FA), and cold storage for the majority of user funds. These security practices help ensure the safety of users' assets and personal information.

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Product selection

Native token

Earns

Yes

NFT marketplace

Cripto/debit card

Full name

Payward, Inc.

Bitcipher Labs LLP

Regulation

Regulated in the EE. UU.

Not regulated

Year founded

2011

2017

Founder

Jesse Powell

Ashish Singhal

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes

Mastercard

Yes

Wire transfer

Yes

Card

Yes

Comparative table

Kraken	FEATURES	Coinswitch
Kraken allows relatively low minimum trade volumes, making it accessible for beginners.	Minimum Trade	CoinSwitch does not explicitly set minimum trade values, allowing for flexibility depending on the partner exchange used. This makes it accessible for traders of all levels
Competitive fees, though slightly higher for low volume traders; discounts for high volume.	Trading and Transaction Fees	CoinSwitch charges fees ranging from 0% to 0.49%, which are built into the exchange rates. While competitive, these fees can be less transparent, especially when using credit cards
Offers a wide selection of cryptocurrencies, catering to diverse trading preferences.	Number of Cryptocurrencies	CoinSwitch supports over 300 cryptocurrencies, providing a vast selection for users
Extensive range of trading pairs, though some less popular pairs have lower liquidity.	Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs	The platform offers more than 45,000 trading pairs, making it easy to trade between a wide variety of cryptocurrencies
High transparency about fees, security measures, and operational status updates.	Website Transparency	While CoinSwitch provides some information on fees and services, the details can sometimes be unclear, especially regarding hidden fees and exchange rate breakdowns
Kraken does not offer an exchange card for customers to use for in-store purchases and receive benefits.	Credit/Debit Card	CoinSwitch does not provide an exchange card for in-store purchases.
Excellent security with a majority of funds held in cold storage; provides peace of mind.	Storage Offering	CoinSwitch does not offer dedicated storage solutions but supports integration with various wallets, allowing users to manage their holdings externally
Offers staking options with competitive rewards, although not available for all assets.	Staking and Rewards	CoinSwitch offers staking options for various cryptocurrencies, allowing users to earn passive income. However, staking rewards can be relatively low and come with some risks, such as illiquidity
Both platforms are robust and fully-featured, though the interface can be complex for new users.	Mobile App and Desktop	The platform has a highly-rated mobile app available for both Android and iOS, offering full functionality and ease of use on the go
Customer service is reliable but can experience delays during high demand periods.	Customer Service	CoinSwitch provides customer support through online forms, with decent response times. However, there is no direct email or phone support, which can be limiting for urgent issues
Efficient deposit and withdrawal processes, though options may vary by region.	Deposit and Withdraw	Deposits and withdrawals are straightforward on CoinSwitch, with various methods available. However, fees and processing times can vary depending on the method used

Key features

Analysis tools

Advanced charting tools, technical analysis

No significant trading tools, mainly an aggregator

Mobile APP

Security

High 4,9/5

High 4,6/5

Additional features

Margin trading, futures trading, staking, Kraken Pro exchange

Instant crypto swaps, CoinSwitch Earn, CoinSwitch Kuber app, fiat on/off ramps

Anonymity

Yes

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

100+

300+

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.

CoinSwitch 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 competitive fees and a straightforward swapping service, making it an easy option for quick trades.

Countries of operation

United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia

India, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia

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.

Ideal for traders looking for a straightforward and quick cryptocurrency swapping service with competitive fees.

Base currencies available

USD, EUR, CAD, GBP, JPY, BTC

BTC, USDT (varies by transaction)

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.

CoinSwitch is an aggregator platform providing access to multiple exchanges through one interface. It supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies but charges additional fees for its service.

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 .

CoinSwitch is an aggregator that provides access to multiple exchanges through one interface. It supports various deposit methods, and withdrawals are processed efficiently 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.

CoinSwitch offers a straightforward and fully digital account opening process. Users need to provide personal information and verify their identity. The process is quick, usually 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 .

CoinSwitch offers customer support through email and live chat. The response time is quick, but the support team is not available 24/7, which 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.

CoinSwitch provides robust security with 2FA and encryption. Despite its strong security measures, the platform lacks regulation from major financial authorities, which could 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 highly recommend CoinSwitch for those new to the cryptocurrency market. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate, even for beginners. The platform offers an impressive range of over 300 cryptocurrencies and supports more than 45,000 trading pairs, allowing for diverse trading opportunities. Security is also a strong point, with advanced measures such as two-factor authentication and cold storage in place. Although transaction fees can be slightly higher, the convenience and breadth of options available make CoinSwitch a valuable tool for anyone looking to start or expand their crypto trading journey.

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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.