Software · head to head
Bitfinex vs Kraken
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Bitfinex margin trading requires Intermediate account verification (2-3 working days); Kraken restricted in 16 jurisdictions due to compliance requirements
- They diverge on capability: Bitfinex covers Derivatives, Kraken covers Futures Trading.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Bitfinex and Kraken actually diverge.
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), platforms (Web, Ios, Android), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in Bitfinex
- Derivatives
- Lending Marketplace
- UNUS SED LEO
- Tether
Only in Kraken
- Futures Trading
- Staking
- Bank transfers
- SWIFT
- Plaid
Both cover
- Spot Trading
- Margin Trading
- OTC Desk
- Web support
- Ios support
- Android support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Bitfinex
- Exchanges
- Trading
- Professionalnot Kraken
Kraken
- Exchanges
- Trading
- Stakingnot Bitfinex
Both are used for exchanges, trading, on those jobs the choice comes down to price and fit rather than capability.
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Bitfinex
- Margin trading requires Intermediate account verification (2-3 working days)
- Automatic liquidation of positions if equity falls below maintenance margin
- Leverage varies significantly by trading pair with no publicly uniform limit
- Fiat deposit/withdrawal fees and minimums apply; crypto transfers free but network fees may apply
Kraken
- Restricted in 16 jurisdictions due to compliance requirements
- Withdrawal processing delays due to KYC verification, blockchain confirmations, and compliance checks
- Account restrictions triggered by scam prevention can only be lifted after 90 days
- Margin trading limited to 5x leverage on most assets; 10x available only to eligible users
Pricing, plan by plan
Bitfinex
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Bitfinex review.
Kraken
Free- StarterFree
- Basic trading
- Staking
- Instant buy
- ProFree
- Advanced trading
- Margin trading
- Futures
Which should you pick?
Choose Bitfinex if
- You need derivatives.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web, Ios, Android.
- You also want lending marketplace.
Choose Kraken if
- You need futures trading.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web, Ios, Android.
- You also want staking.
Questions people ask
- Is Bitfinex or Kraken better?
- Neither clearly leads. Bitfinex starts at Free and Kraken at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Bitfinex or Kraken?
- Bitfinex starts at Free and Kraken at Free.
- Does Bitfinex or Kraken run on more platforms?
- Both run on Web, Ios, Android, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
- Can I use Bitfinex for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is Bitfinex best used for?
- Bitfinex is most often used for exchanges, trading, professional. Of those, professional is not what Kraken is typically brought in for.
- What can Bitfinex do that Kraken cannot?
- Bitfinex covers Derivatives, Lending Marketplace, UNUS SED LEO, Tether. Kraken covers Futures Trading, Staking, Bank transfers, SWIFT. Both handle Spot Trading, Margin Trading, OTC Desk, Web support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Bitfinex: What are Bitfinex's current trading fees?
As of December 17, 2025, Bitfinex charges zero maker and taker fees for spot, margin, derivatives, securities, and OTC trading across all customers.
SourceKraken: How much does Kraken charge in fees?
Kraken Pro spot trading fees start at 0.25 percent maker and 0.40 percent taker for entry-level volume, decreasing to 0.00 percent maker and 0.08-0.10 percent taker at USD 10M+ monthly volume. The Kraken standard platform charges 1 percent on instant trades and 1.5 percent on custom orders. Kraken+ membership costs 4.99 USD/month or 49.99 USD/year for up to USD 10k/month in fee-free volume.
SourceBitfinex: What deposit and withdrawal fees does Bitfinex charge?
Crypto and securities deposits are free. Fiat deposits via bank wire cost 0.100% (minimum $60 USD/Euro). Fiat withdrawals via bank wire cost 0.100% (minimum $100) or 1.000% for express (minimum $125).
SourceKraken: In how many countries can I use Kraken?
Kraken supports 190+ countries and 9 major fiat currencies (USD, EUR, GBP). However, services are restricted in 16 jurisdictions including Russia, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and Afghanistan due to regulatory compliance requirements.
SourceBitfinex: What is the maximum leverage available for margin trading?
Bitfinex offers up to 10x leverage on spot margin trading and up to 100x leverage on derivatives contracts. Leverage ratios vary by trading pair.
SourceKraken: Is Kraken custody secure?
Kraken holds ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification and passed SOC 2 Type 1 examination. The exchange uses cold storage with crypto infrastructure in secure cages under 24/7 armed surveillance. Kraken Custody uses multiparty computation (MPC) and hardware security module (HSM) technology. As a Wyoming SPDI-chartered institution, Kraken Financial operates on full-reserve basis, holding 100 percent of client deposits in unencumbered liquid assets.
SourceBitfinex: What account verification is required for margin trading?
Margin trading requires Intermediate level verification or higher for accounts created after March 1, 2022. Older accounts may use Basic Plus verification.
SourceKraken: What cryptocurrencies can I trade?
Kraken supports 500+ cryptocurrencies across 600+ crypto trading pairs. The platform also offers tokenized equities (xStocks) for direct trading of stock exposure, and supports staking rewards on eligible digital assets.
SourceBitfinex: What happens if my margin position falls below maintenance requirements?
If account equity falls below the minimum maintenance margin level, Bitfinex automatically liquidates positions. A margin call triggers when equity falls below 1.5x the minimum maintenance margin ratio.
SourceBitfinex: Can I borrow funds for margin trading?
Yes, Bitfinex Borrow allows you to borrow cryptocurrency or stablecoins for margin trading. Borrowed funds accrue peer-to-peer interest rates that adjust based on market conditions.
Source