VS
Kraken vs MEXC
The regulated veteran with strong security, 1,200+ spot pairs and EU futures — The Altcoin Machine with 0% Maker Fees and Massive Selection
Updated: September 2026
Kraken has been operating since 2011 and is one of the most established platforms in the industry. MEXC, founded in 2018, is 7 years younger and positions itself as "The Altcoin Machine with 0% Maker Fees and Massive Selection". Both exchanges cater to active crypto traders — but the differences in fees, coin selection, and regulation are significant.
When it comes to fees, MEXC has the edge: 0.05% spot taker fee compared to 0.80% at Kraken. On a $10,000 trade, that's a saving of $75 per transaction. For futures trading, MEXC offers the better rates. Additional perk at MEXC: 10% fee rebate on Spot & Futures via CryptoExchangePicks.com + MX Token discounts.
Regulatory scope: Kraken: MiCA-regulated via Kraken EU subsidiaries licensed by the Central Bank of Ireland. MEXC: No MiCA license; on the ESMA non-compliance list (AFM warning, Sept 2025). Protection and reserve disclosures: Kraken: Kraken Security Labs, cold storage and proof-of-reserves approach; no quantified public insurance fund; MEXC: $657M USD.
Kraken stands out with Staking, Futures, Earn, while MEXC differentiates itself through Launchpad, ETF Trading, DeFi Vault. In terms of coin selection, MEXC leads with 2600+ trading pairs compared to Kraken's 1,200+ crypto pairs.
Editorial CryptoExchangePicks Ratings
MEXC wins the head-to-head comparison in 10 out of 11 categories (0x Kraken, 1x tie). MEXC offers lower fees.
Which Exchange Is Better for You?
Kraken offers the easier onboarding experience, a polished mobile app and Support Center/In-App Chat; situational in-app voice support.
MEXC charges 0.05% spot taker fee plus 10% fee rebate on Spot & Futures via CryptoExchangePicks.com + MX Token discounts.
Kraken: MiCA-regulated via Kraken EU subsidiaries licensed by the Central Bank of Ireland. Protection/reserve disclosure: Kraken Security Labs, cold storage and proof-of-reserves approach; no quantified public insurance fund.
MEXC lists 2600+ trading pairs — 2598.8+ more than Kraken.
Only MEXC offers copy trading. Kraken does not have this feature.
Comparison Table
| Criteria | Kraken | MEXC | 🏆 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spot Maker Fee | 0.40% | 0.00% | MEXC |
| Spot Taker Fee | 0.80% | 0.05% | MEXC |
| Futures Maker Fee | 0.02% | 0.00% | MEXC |
| Futures Taker Fee | 0.05% | 0.02% | MEXC |
| Max Leverage | 10x | 200x | MEXC |
| Trading Pairs | 1,200+ crypto pairs | 2600+ | MEXC |
| Copy Trading | No | Yes (Score 7) | MEXC |
| Grid Bots | No | No | — |
| Insurance Fund | Kraken Security Labs, cold storage and proof-of-reserves approach; no quantified public insurance fund | $657M USD | MEXC |
| KYC | Yes | Optional up to 30k USDT/24h | MEXC |
| Editorial Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.4/5 | MEXC |
Bonus via CryptoExchangePicks
Kraken via CryptoExchangePicks
Spin up to $2,500
Spin to Win: up to $2,500, subject to regional rollout and daily/30-day limits
MEXC via CryptoExchangePicks
10% Fee-Back + 8,000 USDT
10% fee rebate + up to 8,000 USDT welcome bonus
Fees in Detail
Kraken
MEXC
Kraken or MEXC — which exchange is better?
How much can I save at MEXC compared to Kraken on fees?
Which exchange is safer — Kraken or MEXC?
MEXC or Kraken — which has more cryptocurrencies?
Can I use copy trading on Kraken like on MEXC?
Which exchange is easier to use — Kraken or MEXC?
Which exchange has the better welcome bonus — Kraken or MEXC?
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