Kraken vs Crypto.com UK (2026): Fees, Features & Best Choice
Both have UK entities that appear on the FCA Register for certain cryptoasset activities, but their regulatory structures are not the same. Kraken is built more for straightforward trading, while Crypto.com leans harder into cards, staking and rewards.
Kraken
Crypto.com
Kraken vs Crypto.com: Key Differences
- Both Kraken Pro and Crypto.com Exchange use tiered maker/taker pricing — Crypto.com can show lower rates at some tiers, especially with CRO-related discounts, but fees on both platforms depend on volume
- Crypto.com offers a crypto debit card with cashback rewards — Kraken does not
- Kraken offers a more focused exchange experience for UK users, while Crypto.com leans more heavily into cards, staking and ecosystem features
- Kraken operates through Payward Limited, which appears on the FCA Register for certain cryptoasset activities, alongside Payward Services Limited, an FCA-authorised electronic money institution
- Crypto.com's ecosystem involves CRO token staking to unlock card tiers — adding a layer of market risk
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Kraken | Crypto.com | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exchange spot fees | Tiered maker/taker pricing — falls with volume | Tiered maker/taker pricing — can be lower at some tiers, especially with CRO-related discounts | Depends on tier — |
| Simple buy fees | Higher than Kraken Pro — avoid standard buy for best value | Higher than Exchange pricing — app convenience costs more | Neither — |
| Crypto debit card | No | Yes — tiered cashback rewards | Crypto.com ✓ |
| Exchange experience | Cleaner exchange-first experience for UK traders | Broader app ecosystem with cards, earn and rewards | Kraken ✓ |
| Staking/earn | Limited staking options | Broad earn and staking products | Crypto.com ✓ |
| UK FCA status | Payward Ltd — appears on the FCA Register for certain cryptoasset activities; Payward Services Ltd — FCA-authorised EMI | Foris DAX UK Ltd — appears on the FCA Register for certain cryptoasset activities | Kraken ✓ |
| GBP deposits | Free — bank transfer | Supported — check current options | Draw |
| FSCS protection | No — crypto excluded | No — crypto excluded | Neither |
Kraken has the broader UK regulatory structure through its two entities, but neither platform provides FSCS protection for crypto assets.
Fees
Trading fees: Both platforms use volume-based maker/taker pricing on their advanced trading interfaces. Kraken's standard spot pricing is straightforward, while Crypto.com's effective cost can vary more depending on trading volume and CRO-related discounts. For many ordinary UK retail users without CRO lockup, the gap is not always in Crypto.com's favour. Always check the live fee schedule on each platform before trading.
Hidden costs: Crypto.com's card and earn products are tied to staking CRO tokens — the more CRO you stake, the better your card tier and potential fee discounts. This introduces CRO market risk as a hidden cost of the ecosystem. Kraken has no equivalent token-locking requirement.
UK Regulation
Kraken and Crypto.com both have UK entities on the FCA Register for certain cryptoasset activities, but Kraken also has Payward Services Limited as an FCA-authorised electronic money institution. That is a broader UK structure — not FSCS protection for crypto, which is excluded for both platforms regardless of registration status. Always verify current status at the FCA Register.
Who Should Use Each?
✓ Choose Kraken if you…
- Want a focused, dedicated crypto exchange
- Want a wider selection of tradeable assets
- Don't need a crypto card or staking ecosystem
- Value the combined Payward Ltd + EMI regulatory structure
✓ Choose Crypto.com if you…
- Want a crypto debit card with cashback
- Want broad staking and earn products
- Are comfortable with the CRO token ecosystem
- Trade via the Exchange interface and want a low headline fee
Kraken is the better fit for users who just want to trade and hold. Crypto.com is the better fit for card, staking and reward-led app experience.