Comparison of Kraken vs Safetrade [ 2024 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

Kraken

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

Safetrade

Main points

Fees

0,16%/0,26%

Earns

Customer service

5/5

≈ 0,10%

Fees

Yes

Earns

3/5

Customer service

Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Buy and hold

Yes

Beginners

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Buy and hold

Comparison of fees

Rating

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

3.9 – Competitive fees with additional benefits 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.

SafeTrade implements a flat fee model for its trading activities, charging a uniform 0.1% fee for both makers and takers on all trades. This rate is appealingly lower than the industry average, which often hovers around 0.25%. This straightforward, low-cost fee structure makes SafeTrade an attractive option for traders looking to maximize their returns without the burden of high transaction costs. Additionally, it’s worth noting that there are no deposit fees on SafeTrade, which further reduces the cost for users to start trading. However, traders should be aware that while the trading fees are low, the lack of regulatory oversight might introduce risks that are typically mitigated on more stringently regulated platforms. Thus, while the fee structure is economically advantageous, it comes with considerations that should be carefully weighed.

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.

Safetrade

Security Methods: SafeTrade emphasizes security with comprehensive measures to protect user data and funds. This focus on security helps in building trust with its users.
Transparency: The platform's operations are characterized by a high degree of transparency, especially concerning its integration with the SafeCoin projects and community feedback mechanisms. This openness is a critical trust factor.
Trading Volume and Liquidity: SafeTrade handles a significant amount of trading volume, ensuring liquidity for its users, which is essential for executing trades efficiently without substantial price slippage.
Customer Service: The exchange offers 24/7 customer support, which is a substantial trust factor for users, especially in a market that operates round the clock. Reliable support is crucial for resolving issues swiftly.
Reputation and Reviews: Since its launch, SafeTrade has maintained a positive reputation within the community, supported by favorable reviews from its users. This reputation is a testament to the platform's reliability and service quality.

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Account Minimum

Get started with just $100.

And 1% fee on all cryptocurrency trades.

Direct link to the website

Product selection

Native token

Earns

Yes

NFT marketplace

Cripto/debit card

Full name

Payward, Inc.

Unknown

Regulation

Regulated in the EE. UU.

Not regulated

Year founded

2011

2018

Founder

Jesse Powell

Unknown

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes

Mastercard

Yes

Wire transfer

Yes

Card

Yes

Comparative table

Kraken	FEATURES	Safetrade
Kraken allows relatively low minimum trade volumes, making it accessible for beginners.	Minimum Trade	SafeTrade allows trading in small quantities, but specifics about minimum trade sizes vary by cryptocurrency, which can be confusing for new users.
Competitive fees, though slightly higher for low volume traders; discounts for high volume.	Trading and Transaction Fees	SafeTrade charges a flat fee of 0.1% for all trades, significantly lower than the industry average, making it very cost-effective.
Offers a wide selection of cryptocurrencies, catering to diverse trading preferences.	Number of Cryptocurrencies	Supports 48 cryptocurrencies, which is robust but still fewer than some of the larger exchanges that offer hundreds.
Extensive range of trading pairs, though some less popular pairs have lower liquidity.	Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs	Offers a variety of trading pairs, predominantly crypto-to-crypto, which caters well to a diverse trading base but lacks fiat options.
High transparency about fees, security measures, and operational status updates.	Website Transparency	The website provides essential information, yet could improve by offering more detailed insights about liquidity and security measures.
Kraken does not offer an exchange card for customers to use for in-store purchases and receive benefits.	Credit/Debit Card	Lack of a dedicated exchange card limits the practical usability of SafeTrade’s services for everyday transactions and rewards.
Excellent security with a majority of funds held in cold storage; provides peace of mind.	Storage Offering	Offers secure storage solutions, but lacks some advanced features like insurance or diverse wallet options.
Offers staking options with competitive rewards, although not available for all assets.	Staking and Rewards	Limited information and options for staking and rewards compared to competitors who offer varied staking benefits and rewards.
Both platforms are robust and fully-featured, though the interface can be complex for new users.	Mobile App and Desktop	Provides functional and user-friendly mobile and desktop interfaces, though there’s room for further enhancements in usability and features.
Customer service is reliable but can experience delays during high demand periods.	Customer Service	Offers 24/7 customer support with good service levels, but feedback suggests there could be improvements in response times and resolution efficiency.
Efficient deposit and withdrawal processes, though options may vary by region.	Deposit and Withdraw	Deposits and withdrawals are facilitated smoothly for cryptocurrencies, yet the absence of direct fiat transactions and limited information on fees for these processes affect the rating.

Key features

Analysis tools

Advanced charting tools, technical analysis

Basic charting tools

Mobile APP

Security

High 4,9/5

Low 2/5

Additional features

Margin trading, futures trading, staking, Kraken Pro exchange

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

Anonymity

Yes

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

100+

20+

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.

SafeTrade offers a user-friendly platform that is easy to navigate, making it suitable for beginners. The interface is designed to facilitate a smooth trading experience with all necessary features easily accessible.

Value for money

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

Provides decent value for money with competitive fees and a user-friendly interface, though it may lack some advanced features.

Countries of operation

United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia

United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany

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

Base currencies available

USD, EUR, CAD, GBP, JPY, BTC

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.

SafeTrade offers a secure platform with a decent range of cryptocurrencies. It has competitive fees but lower liquidity compared to larger 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 .

SafeTrade supports various deposit and withdrawal methods, including bank transfers and crypto. 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.

SafeTrade provides a straightforward account opening process. Users need to provide personal information and verify their identity. The process is efficient and typically takes 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 .

SafeTrade provides support through email and live chat. The support team is responsive and helpful, but the lack of 24/7 support may be a limitation 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.

SafeTrade employs robust security features, including 2FA and cold storage. However, it is not regulated by major financial authorities, which might 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 one of the experts reviewing exchanges on our website, I find SafeTrade to be a particularly interesting choice for those venturing into the cryptocurrency market. It stands out with its low trading fees of only 0.1% across all trades, which is significantly lower than many other platforms. This feature alone makes it an attractive option for both seasoned traders and newcomers who are sensitive to cost. Furthermore, SafeTrade’s community-driven approach adds a layer of transparency and support that is not often seen in the exchange space. This feature should particularly appeal to users who value a collaborative and open environment. However, it’s crucial to note that SafeTrade is not regulated by any top-tier financial authority, which might be a concern for those prioritizing security and compliance. Overall, if you’re looking for a cost-effective platform and are comfortable with the level of regulatory oversight, SafeTrade could be a solid choice.

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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.