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Software · head to head

Gate.io vs Kraken

Gate.io logo

Gate.io

Software

Your gateway to crypto

From
On request
Rated
-
Kraken logo

Kraken

Software

Secure cryptocurrency exchange for serious traders

From
Free
Rated
-

The short version

  • Only Kraken has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Gate.io withdrawal fees are dynamic and fluctuate based on network conditions without advance notice; Kraken restricted in 16 jurisdictions due to compliance requirements
  • They diverge on capability: Gate.io covers Startup IEO, Kraken covers Staking.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Gate.io and Kraken actually diverge.

Attributes where Gate.io and Kraken differ
AttributeGate.ioKraken
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelUnknownfreemium
Free tierNoYes
Founded20132011

Identical on both: 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 Gate.io

  • Startup IEO
  • Copy Trading
  • GateChain
  • GT Token

Only in Kraken

  • Staking
  • OTC Desk
  • Bank transfers
  • SWIFT
  • Plaid

Both cover

  • Spot Trading
  • Futures Trading
  • Margin Trading
  • Web support
  • Ios support
  • Android support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Gate.io

  • Cryptocurrency spot and futures trading with 3,800+ trading pairsnot Kraken
  • Web3 wallet integration for cross-chain cryptocurrency swapsnot Kraken

Kraken

  • Exchangesnot Gate.io
  • Tradingnot Gate.io
  • Stakingnot Gate.io

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Gate.io

  • Withdrawal fees are dynamic and fluctuate based on network conditions without advance notice

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

Gate.io

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Gate.io review.

Kraken

Free
  • StarterFree
    • Basic trading
    • Staking
    • Instant buy
  • ProFree
    • Advanced trading
    • Margin trading
    • Futures

Which should you pick?

Choose Gate.io if

  • You need startup ieo.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android.
  • You also want copy trading.

Choose Kraken if

  • You need staking.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android.
  • You also want otc desk.

Questions people ask

Is Gate.io or Kraken better?
Neither clearly leads. Gate.io starts at On request and Kraken at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Gate.io or Kraken?
Kraken has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Gate.io and Free for Kraken.
Does Gate.io or Kraken run on more platforms?
Gate.io runs on Web, iOS, Android. Kraken runs on Web, Ios, Android.
Can I use Kraken for free?
Yes. Kraken has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Gate.io starts at On request.
What is Gate.io best used for?
Gate.io is most often used for cryptocurrency spot and futures trading with 3,800+ trading pairs, web3 wallet integration for cross-chain cryptocurrency swaps. Of those, cryptocurrency spot and futures trading with 3,800+ trading pairs and web3 wallet integration for cross-chain cryptocurrency swaps are not what Kraken is typically brought in for.
What can Gate.io do that Kraken cannot?
Gate.io covers Startup IEO, Copy Trading, GateChain, GT Token. Kraken covers Staking, OTC Desk, Bank transfers, SWIFT. Both handle Spot Trading, Futures Trading, Margin Trading, Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Kraken: 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.

Source
Kraken: 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.

Source
Kraken: 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.

Source
Kraken: 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.

Source

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