Comparison of Kraken vs Bithumb [ 2025 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

Kraken

Investing risks losing your money

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

Bithumb

Investing risks losing your money

Main points

Fees

0,16%/0,26%

Earns

Customer service

5/5

0,10%/0,15%

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.

3.9 – Competitive fees but variable depending on the trading volume.

Level

0,16%/0,26%

0,10%/0,15%

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.

Bithumb structures its trading fees to accommodate both high-volume traders and casual users, making it an attractive platform for a broad range of investors. The fee system is tiered, based on the user’s 30-day trading volume, which incentivizes frequent trading and higher volumes. Fees start relatively low compared to industry averages, with maker fees often being lower than taker fees, which benefits those who add liquidity to the market. This structure not only supports active traders but also ensures that the exchange remains competitive and accessible to newcomers. The clarity and competitiveness of these fees contribute significantly to Bithumb’s appeal in the global crypto trading landscape.

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

Bithumb

Year Founded: Established in 2014, Bithumb has a long-standing presence in the cryptocurrency market. This longevity signifies stability and experience in handling a dynamic and sometimes volatile market, providing a solid foundation of trust among its users.
Security Methods: Bithumb has implemented robust security measures, including multi-layered security systems and regular updates to safeguard against new types of cyber threats. These rigorous security practices help ensure the safety of user funds and personal information.
Volume Managed and Trading Volume and Liquidity: Bithumb consistently ranks among the top exchanges globally in terms of trading volume. High liquidity not only makes it easier for users to execute trades at desired prices but also reflects the trust and reliability of the platform in the eyes of a large user base.
Reputation and Reviews: The exchange has built a solid reputation over the years, backed by positive reviews from many of its users. This reputation is supported by Bithumb's responsiveness to past challenges and its ongoing commitment to improve user experience and security.
Customer Service: Bithumb offers extensive customer support with 24/7 access, including real-time assistance for resolving issues. Effective customer service enhances user trust by ensuring that assistance is readily available whenever needed, which is crucial in the fast-paced environment of cryptocurrency trading.

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Product selection

Native token

Earns

Yes

NFT marketplace

Yes

Cripto/debit card

Yes

Full name

Payward, Inc.

Bithumb Korea Co., Ltd.

Regulation

Regulated in the EE. UU.

Regulated in Corea del Sur

Year founded

2011

2014

Founder

Jesse Powell

Unknown

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes

Mastercard

Yes

Wire transfer

Yes

Card

Yes

Comparative table

Kraken	FEATURES	Bithumb
Kraken allows relatively low minimum trade volumes, making it accessible for beginners.	Minimum Trade	Bithumb allows relatively low minimum trades, accessible for beginners.
Competitive fees, though slightly higher for low volume traders; discounts for high volume.	Trading and Transaction Fees	Fees are competitive but can be complex and vary by transaction type.
Offers a wide selection of cryptocurrencies, catering to diverse trading preferences.	Number of Cryptocurrencies	Offers a wide range of cryptocurrencies, catering to diverse trader needs.
Extensive range of trading pairs, though some less popular pairs have lower liquidity.	Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs	Provides a substantial number of trading pairs, enhancing trading options.
High transparency about fees, security measures, and operational status updates.	Website Transparency	Generally transparent but could improve in detailing fee structures.
Kraken does not offer an exchange card for customers to use for in-store purchases and receive benefits.	Credit/Debit Card	Bithumb does not provide an exchange card for in-store purchases or associated benefits, which limits its utility for everyday transactions compared to some other exchanges offering this feature.
Excellent security with a majority of funds held in cold storage; provides peace of mind.	Storage Offering	Provides secure storage options with advanced security features.
Offers staking options with competitive rewards, although not available for all assets.	Staking and Rewards	Offers competitive staking options and rewards for users.
Both platforms are robust and fully-featured, though the interface can be complex for new users.	Mobile App and Desktop	Excellent user interface on both mobile and desktop platforms.
Customer service is reliable but can experience delays during high demand periods.	Customer Service	Exceptional customer support with 24/7 availability and multiple languages.
Efficient deposit and withdrawal processes, though options may vary by region.	Deposit and Withdraw	Efficient processes, though some users report delays during high traffic.

Key features

Analysis tools

Advanced charting tools, technical analysis

Basic charting tools

Mobile APP

Yes

Security

High 4,9/5

Additional features

Margin trading, futures trading, staking, Kraken Pro exchange

Margin trading, staking, Bithumb Cash rewards, institutional services

Anonymity

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

100+

150+

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.

Bithumb provides a straightforward and user-friendly interface, making it easy for beginners to start trading cryptocurrencies. The platform’s design is clean and intuitive, facilitating a smooth trading experience.

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 wide selection of cryptocurrencies, though it may face regulatory challenges in some regions.

Countries of operation

United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia

South Korea, United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom

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 traders looking for a platform with a wide selection of cryptocurrencies and 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.

Bithumb is one of South Korea’s largest exchanges, offering high liquidity and a wide range of cryptocurrencies. However, it has faced security issues in the past, which could be a concern for users.

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 .

Bithumb offers various deposit methods, including bank transfers and crypto. Withdrawals are processed quickly, usually within a few hours. Fees are competitive but can vary depending on the method used.

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.

Bithumb provides a straightforward account opening process. Users need to submit personal information and verify their identity. The process is efficient and typically completed within a day, ensuring quick access to trading.

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 .

Bithumb offers customer support through email, live chat, and a help center. The support team is responsive, but the lack of 24/7 availability 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.

Bithumb offers robust security features, including 2FA, cold storage, and encryption. Despite its strong security measures, the platform is not regulated by top-tier financial authorities, which could 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 on our website, I recommend Bithumb for traders looking for a robust platform with a wide selection of cryptocurrencies and high liquidity. Its user-friendly interface makes it accessible for beginners, while the depth of its market and security measures provides peace of mind. However, potential users should be aware of its complex fee structure and ensure they understand the costs associated with trading on this platform. Overall, Bithumb is a solid choice for those looking to dive into the dynamic world of cryptocurrency trading.

View all comparisons against Kraken

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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.