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Bitvavo vs Kraken
Dutch MiCA-regulated exchange with strong EUR markets and low spot fees — The regulated veteran with strong security, 1,200+ spot pairs and EU futures
Updated: September 2026
Kraken has been operating since 2011 and is one of the most established platforms in the industry. Bitvavo, founded in 2018, is 7 years younger and positions itself as "Dutch MiCA-regulated exchange with strong EUR markets and low spot fees". Both exchanges cater to active crypto traders — but the differences in fees, coin selection, and regulation are significant.
When it comes to fees, Bitvavo has the edge: 0.25% spot taker fee compared to 0.80% at Kraken. On a $10,000 trade, that's a saving of $55 per transaction. Additional perk at Bitvavo: Volume-based fee tiers from 0.15% maker / 0.25% taker on EUR markets.
Regulatory scope: Bitvavo: MiCA-regulated as a CASP via Bitvavo B.V. in the Netherlands. Kraken: MiCA-regulated via Kraken EU subsidiaries licensed by the Central Bank of Ireland. Protection and reserve disclosures: Bitvavo: Account Guarantee up to EUR 100,000 for specified unauthorized-access losses; custody-provider insurance up to $755M; selected-asset PoR at 1:1 or higher dated 31 March 2026; Kraken: Kraken Security Labs, cold storage and proof-of-reserves approach; no quantified public insurance fund.
Bitvavo stands out with Spot Trading, Margin on 20 assets, Lending, while Kraken differentiates itself through Futures, Earn. In terms of coin selection, Bitvavo leads with 400+ markets/assets trading pairs compared to Kraken's 1,200+ crypto pairs.
Editorial CryptoExchangePicks Ratings
Bitvavo and Kraken are neck and neck with 4 categories won each and 3x tie. The choice depends on your priorities: fees, features, or regulation.
Which Exchange Is Better for You?
Bitvavo offers the easier onboarding experience, a polished mobile app and Help Center.
Bitvavo charges 0.25% spot taker fee plus Volume-based fee tiers from 0.15% maker / 0.25% taker on EUR markets.
Both exchanges publish their own security, protection and reserve disclosures.
Bitvavo lists 400+ markets/assets trading pairs — 398.8+ more than Kraken.
Comparison Table
| Criteria | Bitvavo | Kraken | 🏆 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spot Maker Fee | 0.15% | 0.40% | Bitvavo |
| Spot Taker Fee | 0.25% | 0.80% | Bitvavo |
| Futures Maker Fee | N/A | 0.02% | Kraken |
| Futures Taker Fee | N/A | 0.05% | Kraken |
| Max Leverage | N/A | 10x | Kraken |
| Trading Pairs | 400+ markets/assets | 1,200+ crypto pairs | Bitvavo |
| Copy Trading | No | No | — |
| Grid Bots | No | No | — |
| Insurance Fund | Account Guarantee up to EUR 100,000 for specified unauthorized-access losses; custody-provider insurance up to $755M; selected-asset PoR at 1:1 or higher dated 31 March 2026 | Kraken Security Labs, cold storage and proof-of-reserves approach; no quantified public insurance fund | Kraken |
| KYC | Required | Yes | — |
| Editorial Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.3/5 | Bitvavo |
Bonus via CryptoExchangePicks
Bitvavo via CryptoExchangePicks
4%–10% APY-equivalent
Crypto Deposit Bonus Promotion: 4%–10% APY-equivalent on up to EUR 10,000 through 30 September 2026
Kraken via CryptoExchangePicks
Spin up to $2,500
Spin to Win: up to $2,500, subject to regional rollout and daily/30-day limits
Fees in Detail
Bitvavo
Kraken
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