Crypto.com vs Kraken — UK Comparison 2026
6.0/10
Aggregated ScoreVS
7.3/10
Aggregated ScoreComparing Crypto.com and Kraken for UK traders in 2026. We break down fees, security, app scores, and user sentiment to help you choose the right exchange.
Our Pick
Kraken
Kraken edges ahead with a higher aggregated score (7.3 vs 6.0), making it our recommended pick for most UK traders. That said, both are reputable platforms — the right choice depends on your specific needs.
At-a-Glance Comparison
| Metric | Crypto.com | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Our Score | 6.0 / 10 | 7.3 / 10 |
| Trustpilot Score | 2.6 | 5.2 |
| Reddit Sentiment | 6.0 | 7.0 |
| App Store Score | 9.4 | 9.4 |
| Google Play Score | 8.8 | 9.0 |
| Best For | Mobile-first users wanting a comprehensive crypto ecosystem in one app | Active traders who will use Kraken Pro for competitive maker/taker fees rather than defaulting to Instant Buy/Sell |
Feature Breakdown
Crypto.com
Highlights
- Crypto Visa Card: Up to 5% cashback on spending with a metal Visa debit card — the best crypto card rewards in the UK.
- 350+ Cryptocurrencies: Extensive selection with staking, earn features, and DeFi wallet access.
- FCA EMI Licence: Holds an Electronic Money Institution licence for GBP processing in the UK.
- Complete Ecosystem: Trading, staking, card, DeFi wallet, NFT marketplace, and pay-merchants all in one platform.
- 150M+ Users: One of the largest crypto platforms globally, providing strong liquidity.
UK Considerations
- Very Low Trustpilot Score (1.3/5): UK users consistently report poor customer support, account restrictions, and slow issue resolution.
- App-Only Trading: Main trading experience is mobile-only, with limited desktop functionality.
- High Card Purchase Fees: Buying crypto via debit card costs 2.99% — use bank transfer or Open Banking instead.
- Minimum Withdrawal Issues: GBP withdrawals have a £1.90 fee with £70 minimum, making small withdrawals impractical.
- CRO Token Dependency: Best rates and card tiers require significant CRO token staking, which carries its own price risk.
Kraken
Highlights
- FCA Registered (Dual): Kraken holds FCA registration as a cryptoasset business under the Money Laundering Regulations and FCA authorisation as an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) — one of the stronger UK regulatory footprints among crypto exchanges.
- Kraken Pro Order-Book Trading: Full maker/taker fee schedule with tiered pricing starting at 0.25%/0.40% — competitive for active UK traders who use limit orders.
- GBP Faster Payments Support: Supports GBP deposits and withdrawals via Faster Payments (FPS), making it one of the most UK-banking-friendly exchanges. FPS deposit options include some fee-free methods; FPS withdrawals cost £1.95.
- Advanced Account Security Tooling: Global Settings Lock and Master Key features provide user-configurable controls to prevent account takeover — more sophisticated than most mainstream rivals.
- Proof of Reserves Programme: Regular Merkle-tree style Proof of Reserves reporting with self-verification tooling, plus ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification and SOC 2 Type 1 examination.
UK Considerations
- Account Holds & Compliance Restrictions: The most repeated UK complaint — accounts or funds being placed on hold during AML/KYC reviews, often with limited explanation and slow resolution via support tickets.
- Instant Buy/Sell Cost Trap: UK users who do not use Kraken Pro pay a fixed 1% fee plus spread; the total effective cost is frequently higher than expected and not clearly surfaced at the point of purchase.
- FPS Withdrawal Delays: While Faster Payments is the default GBP rail, some UK users report withdrawals remaining 'pending' for longer than Faster Payments implies, particularly during high-volume periods.
- UK Retail Derivatives Restriction: UK retail users cannot access derivatives products; access is limited to those meeting professional client criteria.
- Staking Eligibility Confusion: Kraken's Opt-in Rewards messaging indicates UK restrictions for some reward types, while staking pages still promote the product — creating confusion about what UK residents can actually access.
Ready to choose? Visit either exchange directly.
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose Crypto.com if...
- •Mobile-first users wanting a comprehensive crypto ecosystem in one app
- •Users interested in crypto card cashback rewards and earning products
- •CRO stakers who can unlock the best fee discounts and card tiers
Choose Kraken if...
- •Active traders who will use Kraken Pro for competitive maker/taker fees rather than defaulting to Instant Buy/Sell
- •UK residents who want GBP Faster Payments in/out and value strong FCA regulatory credentials (MLR registration + EMI authorisation)
- •Security-conscious users who want advanced account protection tools like Global Settings Lock and Master Key
- •Experienced users comfortable with a platform that applies rigorous AML/KYC compliance checks
Score Breakdowns
Crypto.com
Our Aggregated Score Breakdown
We combine ratings from multiple trusted sources to give you the most accurate picture
Trustpilot Rating2.6
Reddit Sentiment6.0
Google Play Score8.8
App Store Rating9.4
Kraken
Our Aggregated Score Breakdown
We combine ratings from multiple trusted sources to give you the most accurate picture
Trustpilot Rating5.2
Reddit Sentiment7.0
Google Play Score9.0
App Store Rating9.4
Crypto.com vs Kraken — FAQ
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