Comparison of Kraken vs Exmo [ 2025 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

Kraken

Investing risks losing your money

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

Exmo

Investing risks losing your money

Main points

Fees

0,16%/0,26%

Earns

Customer service

5/5

≤0,30%

Fees

Yes

Earns

3/5

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 – Reasonable fees with strong local support in Europe.

Level

0,16%/0,26%

≤0,30%

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.

Exmo employs a straightforward fee structure with competitive rates that cater to a wide range of traders. The exchange charges a flat trading fee starting at 0.3%, which can be reduced based on trading volume and by using Exmo’s native token, EXM, for fee discounts. The maker and taker fees are equal, simplifying the fee calculation process for users. In terms of deposits, Exmo does not charge any fees for deposits made through most payment methods. However, withdrawal fees are applied and vary depending on the cryptocurrency being withdrawn. For example, the withdrawal fee for Bitcoin is 0.0005 BTC, which is slightly below the global industry average . Overall, Exmo’s fee structure is transparent and competitive, offering lower fees for high-volume traders and those utilizing their native token for transactions. This makes it an appealing option for both casual and frequent traders looking to minimize their trading costs.

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

Exmo

Year Founded: Exmo was established in 2013, giving it over a decade of experience in the cryptocurrency market. This long-standing presence indicates stability and reliability in the industry.
Volume Managed: Exmo handles a substantial daily trading volume, which ensures high liquidity and smooth transaction processing. This high volume also reflects the platform's popularity and trust among traders.
Number of Users: With a robust user base, Exmo supports millions of traders worldwide. This extensive user adoption is a testament to the platform's credibility and trustworthiness.
Reputation and Reviews: Exmo has garnered positive reviews for its reliability, user-friendly interface, and competitive fees. The platform's reputation is reinforced by its commitment to security and continuous improvements, making it a trusted choice for many in the crypto community.
Security Methods: Exmo employs advanced security measures, including two-factor authentication (2FA) and cold storage for cryptocurrencies. These protocols ensure that user funds and data are well-protected against potential threats.

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Product selection

Native token

Earns

Yes

NFT marketplace

Cripto/debit card

Full name

Payward, Inc.

EXMO EXCHANGE LTD.

Regulation

Regulated in the EE. UU.

Registrado en el Reino Unido

Year founded

2011

2013

Founder

Jesse Powell

Ivan Petukhovsky and Pavel Lerner

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes

Mastercard

Yes

Wire transfer

Yes

Card

Yes

Comparative table

Kraken	FEATURES	Exmo
Kraken allows relatively low minimum trade volumes, making it accessible for beginners.	Minimum Trade	The minimum trade amount on Exmo is low, making it accessible for new traders.
Competitive fees, though slightly higher for low volume traders; discounts for high volume.	Trading and Transaction Fees	Exmo has competitive trading fees, with a flat fee model starting at 0.3%, which can be reduced based on trading volume .
Offers a wide selection of cryptocurrencies, catering to diverse trading preferences.	Number of Cryptocurrencies	Exmo supports over 50 cryptocurrencies, providing a good range for trading but fewer than some major exchanges .
Extensive range of trading pairs, though some less popular pairs have lower liquidity.	Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs	Exmo offers around 180 trading pairs, giving users reasonable options for trading .
High transparency about fees, security measures, and operational status updates.	Website Transparency	Exmo’s website is transparent, providing detailed information on fees, security measures, and supported assets .
Kraken does not offer an exchange card for customers to use for in-store purchases and receive benefits.	Credit/Debit Card	Exmo does not offer its own credit or debit card for purchases with cryptocurrencies .
Excellent security with a majority of funds held in cold storage; provides peace of mind.	Storage Offering	Exmo employs robust security measures including cold storage for the majority of user funds .
Offers staking options with competitive rewards, although not available for all assets.	Staking and Rewards	Exmo does not currently offer staking and reward features, which limits earning opportunities for users .
Both platforms are robust and fully-featured, though the interface can be complex for new users.	Mobile App and Desktop	Exmo provides a user-friendly mobile app and desktop interface, ensuring accessibility for trading on the go .
Customer service is reliable but can experience delays during high demand periods.	Customer Service	While Exmo offers 24/7 live chat and email support, response times can be slow, affecting user satisfaction .
Efficient deposit and withdrawal processes, though options may vary by region.	Deposit and Withdraw	Exmo supports multiple deposit and withdrawal methods, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and electronic wallets .

Key features

Analysis tools

Advanced charting tools, technical analysis

Basic charting tools, technical indicators

Mobile APP

Security

High 4,9/5

High 4,5/5

Additional features

Margin trading, futures trading, staking, Kraken Pro exchange

Margin trading, staking, Exmo cashback, fiat on/off ramps

Anonymity

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

100+

50+

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.

Exmo 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.

Offers good value for money with competitive fees and a user-friendly platform, making it a good choice for European traders.

Countries of operation

United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia

United Kingdom, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Poland

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 European traders looking for a reliable platform with competitive fees and a user-friendly interface.

Base currencies available

USD, EUR, CAD, GBP, JPY, BTC

USD, EUR, RUB, 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.

EXMO is a European exchange with a good range of cryptocurrencies and easy fiat integration. It offers competitive fees but lacks advanced trading features.

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 .

EXMO supports various deposit methods, including bank transfers and crypto. Withdrawals are processed efficiently, 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.

EXMO provides a straightforward account registration process. Users need to submit personal information and verify their identity. The process is efficient and usually 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 .

EXMO provides support through email and live chat. The support team is responsive and available 24/7, making it convenient for users needing immediate help.

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.

EXMO ensures security with 2FA, encryption, and cold storage. However, it is not regulated by top-tier financial authorities, which might be a concern for some users.

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 at Threenvest, I recommend Exmo for its robust security measures, low trading fees, and support for multiple fiat currencies, which make it accessible and cost-effective for a wide range of traders. While the user interface could use an update and customer support response times can be slow, the platform’s reliability and comprehensive features outweigh these drawbacks. Exmo is a solid choice for both new and experienced traders looking for a dependable and secure cryptocurrency exchange.

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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.