Comparison of Kraken vs Upbit [ 2025 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

Kraken

Investing risks losing your money

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

Upbit

Investing risks losing your money

Main points

Fees

0,16%/0,26%

Earns

Customer service

5/5

≈ 0,20%/0,25%

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 strong local support in South Korea and Southeast Asia.

Level

0,16%/0,26%

≈ 0,20%/0,25%

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.

Upbit’s commission structure is designed to accommodate a range of trading volumes and styles, which makes it appealing for both high-volume traders and casual participants. The exchange typically employs a tiered fee system, where the trading fees decrease as the user’s monthly trade volume increases. This structure incentivizes frequent trading and larger transactions. However, it’s important for users to note that fees may vary depending on the market conditions and the specific cryptocurrencies being traded. Overall, Upbit’s fees are competitive within the industry but require users to stay informed about the specific details applicable to their trading activities.

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

Upbit

Security methods: Upbit employs rigorous security protocols, including regular security audits and multi-factor authentication, which significantly minimize the risk of breaches and unauthorized access.
Reputation and Reviews: Since its inception in 2017, Upbit has maintained a strong reputation within the crypto community, especially in South Korea. Its partnerships and transparent practices contribute to its positive image among users.
Trading volume and liquidity: Upbit boasts one of the highest trading volumes among South Korean exchanges, providing users with high liquidity which is crucial for executing trades efficiently and at desirable prices.
Customer service: Upbit offers comprehensive customer support with various channels for communication, ensuring that users' issues and queries are addressed promptly and effectively.
Transparency: The platform is known for its transparent operational practices, such as providing clear information on fees and the regular publication of audit reports, which helps in building trust with its clientele.

Comparison sponsored by the best exchange

eToro

eToro Special Offer*

Earn up to 4.90% APY on uninvested cash with eToro USA.

Account Minimum

Get started with just $50.

And 1% fee on all cryptocurrency trades.

Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong.

Product selection

Native token

Earns

Yes

NFT marketplace

Yes

Cripto/debit card

Yes

Full name

Payward, Inc.

Dunamu Inc.

Regulation

Regulated in the EE. UU.

Regulated in Corea del Sur

Year founded

2011

2017

Founder

Jesse Powell

Song Chi

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes

Mastercard

Yes

Wire transfer

Yes

Card

Yes

Comparative table

Kraken	FEATURES	Upbit
Kraken allows relatively low minimum trade volumes, making it accessible for beginners.	Minimum Trade	Upbit allows users to trade with relatively small amounts, making it accessible for beginners.
Competitive fees, though slightly higher for low volume traders; discounts for high volume.	Trading and Transaction Fees	The fees are competitive but the structure can be complex and confusing for new users.
Offers a wide selection of cryptocurrencies, catering to diverse trading preferences.	Number of Cryptocurrencies	Upbit offers a wide array of over 150 cryptocurrencies, catering to diverse trading preferences.
Extensive range of trading pairs, though some less popular pairs have lower liquidity.	Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs	Provides an extensive range of trading pairs, supporting various crypto-to-crypto transactions.
High transparency about fees, security measures, and operational status updates.	Website Transparency	Generally transparent about trading conditions and security policies, though some information like fee structures could be simplified for better clarity.
Kraken does not offer an exchange card for customers to use for in-store purchases and receive benefits.	Credit/Debit Card	Lacking a dedicated exchange card, Upbit misses an opportunity to integrate cryptocurrency spending into everyday transactions for its users.
Excellent security with a majority of funds held in cold storage; provides peace of mind.	Storage Offering	Offers secure storage solutions, though it’s primarily an exchange, not a dedicated wallet service.
Offers staking options with competitive rewards, although not available for all assets.	Staking and Rewards	Offers competitive staking options and rewards, providing users with opportunities to earn from their holdings.
Both platforms are robust and fully-featured, though the interface can be complex for new users.	Mobile App and Desktop	Both platforms are user-friendly and offer full functionality, facilitating trading on-the-go and from desktop setups.
Customer service is reliable but can experience delays during high demand periods.	Customer Service	Available and responsive, though some users report delays during peak times, which could be improved.
Efficient deposit and withdrawal processes, though options may vary by region.	Deposit and Withdraw	Efficient processes with some limits on international transactions, reflecting the need for broader accessibility.

Key features

Analysis tools

Advanced charting tools, technical analysis

Mobile APP

Yes

Security

High 4,9/5

Additional features

Margin trading, futures trading, staking, Kraken Pro exchange

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

Anonymity

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

100+

200+

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.

Upbit features an intuitive and user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, making it suitable for beginners. The platform focuses on providing a seamless trading experience.

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 wide range of supported cryptocurrencies, making it an affordable option for traders.

Countries of operation

United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia

South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand

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.

Best for South Korean, Singaporean, Indonesian, and Thai investors seeking a reliable platform with competitive fees.

Base currencies available

USD, EUR, CAD, GBP, JPY, BTC

KRW, 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.

Upbit is a major exchange in South Korea, offering a wide range of cryptocurrencies and high liquidity. It provides advanced trading tools but can be complex for beginners.

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 .

Upbit is a major exchange in South Korea, offering multiple deposit and withdrawal methods. Withdrawals are processed quickly, with competitive 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.

Upbit offers an easy and quick account registration process. Users need to provide personal information and verify their identity. The process is fully digital 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 .

Upbit offers extensive customer support via email, live chat, and phone. The support team is responsive and available 24/7, making it reliable for users globally.

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.

Upbit ensures security through 2FA, encryption, and cold storage. It is regulated by Korean 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 reviewing Upbit, I’d recommend this exchange for users interested in a wide variety of cryptocurrencies and robust trading options. Its comprehensive security measures and high liquidity make it a reliable choice, especially for traders who prioritize a secure trading environment. However, newcomers should take time to familiarize themselves with its interface and fee structure to fully leverage Upbit’s offerings effectively.

View all comparisons against Kraken

View all comparisons against Upbit

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.