VS
Backpack EU vs Kraken
MiCA-regulated Backpack EU platform with spot and perpetual futures focus — The Regulated Veteran with Phone Support and Strong Security
Updated: July 2026
Kraken has been operating since 2011 and is one of the most established platforms in the industry. Backpack EU, founded in 2022, is 11 years younger and positions itself as "MiCA-regulated Backpack EU platform with spot and perpetual futures focus". Both exchanges cater to active crypto traders — but the differences in fees, coin selection, and regulation are significant.
When it comes to fees, Backpack EU has the edge: 0.10% spot taker fee compared to 0.26% at Kraken. On a $10,000 trade, that's a saving of $16 per transaction. For futures trading, Backpack EU offers the better rates. Additional perk at Backpack EU: Spot from 0.08% maker / 0.10% taker; EU perpetuals from 0.02% maker / 0.05% taker.
On the security front, Backpack EU offers MiCA-regulated via Trek Technologies SIA in Latvia with an insurance fund of MiCA-regulated custody; no quantified public insurance fund. Kraken provides MiCA-regulated via Kraken EU subsidiaries licensed by the Central Bank of Ireland and backs it with Kraken Security Labs, cold storage and proof-of-reserves approach; no quantified public insurance fund. Both platforms feature industry-standard security measures including 2FA, cold storage, and regular audits.
Backpack EU stands out with Spot Trading, Perpetual Futures, Mobile App, while Kraken differentiates itself through Staking, Futures, Earn. In terms of coin selection, Kraken leads with 250+ trading pairs compared to Backpack EU's Selected spot and perp markets.
Kraken wins the head-to-head comparison in 4 out of 11 categories (2x Backpack EU, 5x tie).
Which Exchange Is Better for You?
Kraken offers the easier onboarding experience, a polished mobile app and Phone/Email/Live Chat.
Backpack EU charges 0.10% spot taker fee plus Spot from 0.08% maker / 0.10% taker; EU perpetuals from 0.02% maker / 0.05% taker.
Kraken with MiCA-regulated via Kraken EU subsidiaries licensed by the Central Bank of Ireland and Kraken Security Labs, cold storage and proof-of-reserves approach; no quantified public insurance fund insurance fund.
Kraken lists 250+ trading pairs — 250+ more than Backpack EU.
Comparison Table
| Criteria | Backpack EU | Kraken | 🏆 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spot Maker Fee | 0.08% | 0.16% | Backpack EU |
| Spot Taker Fee | 0.10% | 0.26% | Backpack EU |
| Futures Maker Fee | 0.02% | 0.02% | — |
| Futures Taker Fee | 0.05% | 0.05% | — |
| Max Leverage | EU perpetuals available | 10x | Kraken |
| Trading Pairs | Selected spot and perp markets | 250+ | Kraken |
| Copy Trading | No | No | — |
| Grid Bots | No | No | — |
| Insurance Fund | MiCA-regulated custody; no quantified public insurance fund | Kraken Security Labs, cold storage and proof-of-reserves approach; no quantified public insurance fund | Kraken |
| KYC | Required | Yes | — |
| Rating | 3.9/5 | 4.3/5 | Kraken |
Bonus via CryptoExchangePicks
Backpack EU via CryptoExchangePicks
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Kraken via CryptoExchangePicks
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Fees in Detail
Backpack EU
Kraken
Backpack EU or Kraken — which exchange is better?
How much can I save at Backpack EU compared to Kraken on fees?
Which exchange is safer — Backpack EU or Kraken?
Kraken or Backpack EU — which has more cryptocurrencies?
Which exchange is easier to use — Backpack EU or Kraken?
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