When it comes to cryptocurrency trading platforms, Kraken and Kraken Pro stand out as two of the most trusted names in the digital asset space. While they share the same parent company and core security infrastructure, they cater to different types of traders—each with unique features, fee structures, and user experiences.
Whether you're a beginner looking for simplicity or an advanced trader demanding speed and precision, understanding the differences between Kraken and Kraken Pro is essential. This comprehensive comparison dives into supported assets, fees, security, usability, and more to help you decide which platform aligns best with your trading goals.
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Overview: What Are Kraken and Kraken Pro?
Kraken is a well-established U.S.-based cryptocurrency exchange known for its user-friendly interface, strong regulatory compliance, and broad accessibility across over 190 countries. It’s ideal for retail investors who want a straightforward way to buy, sell, and hold digital assets.
Kraken Pro, on the other hand, is an advanced trading platform designed for experienced traders. It offers deep liquidity, real-time order books, customizable dashboards, margin trading, derivatives support, and over 400 tradable assets. Despite being part of the same ecosystem, Kraken Pro delivers a professional-grade experience optimized for high-frequency and technical trading.
While both platforms are operated by the same company and inherit identical security standards, their target audiences differ significantly.
Supported Countries and Global Accessibility
Both Kraken and Kraken Pro serve users in over 190 countries, making them among the most globally accessible exchanges in the industry.
However, there are notable restrictions:
- Not available in New York and Washington State (U.S.)
- Restricted in Japan, Russia, Belarus, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, and certain sanctioned regions
Additionally, some European jurisdictions may have limitations on specific products like futures trading due to local regulations such as MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation).
Despite these constraints, both platforms maintain compliance through major financial regulators including:
- FinCEN (USA)
- FCA (UK)
- AUSTRAC (Australia)
This global regulatory alignment enhances trust and ensures secure, compliant access for international users.
Cryptocurrency Support: Asset Variety Compared
Kraken
Supports 200+ cryptocurrencies, including major coins and emerging tokens:
- BTC, ETH, USDC, SOL, DOGE, SHIB, XRP, ADA, MATIC, DOT
- Cross-chain assets on Ethereum, Solana, Bitcoin, Polygon, Arbitrum, and more
- Stablecoins like PYUSD and USDT
The platform regularly adds new listings based on market demand and security audits.
Kraken Pro
Offers access to over 400 cryptocurrencies, giving active traders greater flexibility and exposure to niche markets. In addition to all major assets available on standard Kraken, Kraken Pro includes:
- AAVE, UNI, LTC, BCH, FTM, NEAR, OP, STRK, SUI, TON
- Advanced trading pairs with deeper liquidity
For traders seeking diverse portfolio options or arbitrage opportunities, Kraken Pro provides superior asset coverage.
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Fee Structures: Which Platform Saves You More?
Kraken Fees
Designed for simplicity:
- ACH deposits: Free
- SEPA transfers: Free
- Wire/SWIFT: $25
- Debit card purchases: Subject to spread + fee
- Trading fee: Flat 0.40% for instant buys; recurring buys (auto-DCA) are fee-free
Ideal for casual investors who prioritize ease over granular cost control.
Kraken Pro Fees
Built for volume-based savings using a tiered maker/taker model:
| Monthly Volume (USD) | Maker Fee | Taker Fee |
|---|---|---|
| $0+ | 0.25% | 0.40% |
| $10K+ | 0.20% | 0.35% |
| $50K+ | 0.14% | 0.24% |
| $1M+ | 0.06% | 0.16% |
| $10M+ | 0.00% | 0.10% |
| $100M+ | 0.00% | 0.08% |
Additional benefits:
- Free BTC withdrawals via Lightning Network
- On-chain BTC withdrawal: ~20,000 sats flat fee
High-volume traders benefit significantly from reduced taker fees and zero maker fees at scale.
Payment Methods: How Do You Fund Your Account?
Kraken
Supports a wide range of deposit methods:
- ACH, bank transfers (Fedwire/SWIFT)
- SEPA (Europe), Interac e-Transfer (Canada)
- PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay
- Debit cards and instant verification
This makes it highly accessible for users who prefer mobile-first or frictionless onboarding.
Kraken Pro
Focused on efficiency and integration:
- Bank Transfer (ACH, Wire)
- Debit & Credit Cards
- Apple Pay, Google Pay
- Plaid ACH integration
- Cash Balance system for faster trade execution
While it lacks PayPal support directly within Pro, funds can be transferred seamlessly from the main Kraken account.
Can You Earn Interest on Crypto?
Kraken
Yes — offers flexible and bonded staking options:
- BTC: 0.15% bonded / 0.1% flexible
- USDT/USDC/USD: 6.5% bonded / 4.5% flexible
- EUR: 4.45% bonded / 3.5% flexible
These rates are competitive for passive income seekers.
Kraken Pro
Does not offer native interest-bearing accounts. However, users can transfer assets to the main Kraken platform to participate in staking programs before moving funds back for trading.
Mobile Experience and App Ratings (2025)
Both platforms offer mobile apps with strong performance:
| Platform | iOS Rating | Android Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Kraken | 4.7 | 4.3 |
| Kraken Pro | 4.7 | 4.6 |
Kraken’s app excels in ease of use for beginners.
Kraken Pro’s mobile interface delivers advanced charting and real-time data—ideal for traders on the move.
User feedback highlights:
“I tried 12 exchanges while living abroad—Kraken Pro was the only one with smooth registration, a great UI, and better fees than Coinbase or Swan.”
Security: Are Your Assets Safe?
Both platforms boast industry-leading security protocols:
- ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certified
- SOC 2 Type 1 compliant
- Cold storage with 24/7 armed surveillance
- Advanced encryption and FIDO2 two-factor authentication (2FA)
- No SMS-based recovery (prevents SIM swap attacks)
- Proof-of-reserves audits
Historical note:
In June 2024, Kraken experienced a brief security incident but resolved it within 47 minutes—no customer funds were compromised.
Kraken Pro has had no reported breaches to date.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Kraken Pro better than regular Kraken?
A: It depends on your needs. If you're an active trader wanting low fees, advanced charts, and derivatives, yes—Kraken Pro is superior. For beginners or long-term holders, standard Kraken offers a simpler experience with added features like auto-investing.
Q: Can I use both Kraken and Kraken Pro?
A: Absolutely. Your account is shared across both platforms. You can buy crypto on Kraken and trade it instantly on Kraken Pro with seamless balance syncing.
Q: Does Kraken Pro have lower fees?
A: Yes—for frequent or high-volume traders. With tiered pricing starting at 0.25%/0.40% and dropping to zero maker fees above $10M volume, Kraken Pro rewards active trading far better than flat-rate models.
Q: Is my money safe on either platform?
A: Yes. Both use military-grade encryption, cold storage protection, third-party audits, and strict regulatory compliance to safeguard user assets.
Q: Can I earn interest on Kraken Pro?
A: Not directly. To earn yield, move assets to the main Kraken platform to stake or use flexible earning accounts.
Q: Do both platforms support margin trading?
A: Only Kraken Pro supports margin and derivatives trading. Standard Kraken does not offer leveraged positions.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
Choose Kraken if:
- You're new to crypto
- Prefer automatic investing (DCA)
- Want to earn interest on holdings
- Value simple navigation and mobile convenience
Choose Kraken Pro if:
- You're an experienced trader
- Need advanced charting and order types
- Trade high volumes and want reduced fees
- Require margin or derivatives access
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