Coinbase vs Kraken: fees, withdrawals, safety and which to use
For a $1,000 purchase by bank transfer, Kraken lists an $8 fee. Coinbase shows its fee only when you review the order.
Coinbase vs Kraken fees
Each exchange's own pages list its dollar fees for $1,000, covering Coinbase and Kraken.
| $1,000 and the basics | Coinbase | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Buy by bank transfer (ACH) | – | $8 |
| Buy by debit card | – | $37.75 |
| Buy by wire | $19 | $8 |
| Sell and send to your bank (ACH) | – | $8 |
| Cash out to your bank (ACH) | – | $0 |
| Cash out by wire | $25 | $4 |
| Cash out instantly to a debit card | – | $15 |
| Send Bitcoin to a wallet | – | $1.21 |
| States it does not serve | – | New York, Maine |
| Serves New York | Yes | No |
| Bank withdrawal | 1-5 business days | Free, 0-2 business days |
| NYDFS licence | Yes | No |
| FinCEN registration | – | Registered |
| App Store rating (ratings) | 4.7 (1,797,969) | 4.7 (36,140) |
| Google Play rating (ratings) | 4.3 (929,890) | 4.3 (56,075) |
| Coins listed | 407 | 721 |
A dash means the exchange doesn't publish a number for that row. "Not offered" means the exchange doesn't support that method.
Coinbase vs Kraken in your state
Coinbase doesn't publish a list of US states it leaves out. Its user terms ask only that you live somewhere in the US.
Kraken doesn't serve New York or Maine.
Coinbase vs Kraken withdrawals
Coinbase bank withdrawals arrive in 1-5 working days.
Withdrawals to your bank from Kraken are free and arrive in 0-2 working days, with a 2pm EST cutoff.
Coinbase vs Kraken safety
In New York, Coinbase holds a licence or charter from NYDFS.
Kraken has no NYDFS licence for New York.
Coinbase vs Kraken apps and coins
On the App Store, the Coinbase app holds a 4.7 out of 5 score based on 1,797,969 ratings. On Google Play, it scores 4.3 from 929,890 ratings.
On the App Store, the Kraken app holds a 4.7 out of 5 score based on 36,140 ratings. On Google Play, it scores 4.3 from 56,075 ratings.
Which should you pick, Coinbase or Kraken?
- Choose Coinbase if you'll use Coinbase Advanced along with its order book.
- Choose Kraken if you'll use Kraken Pro along with its order book.
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