Compare Bitfinex vs Kraken
When it comes to cryptocurrency exchanges, two of the most popular and trusted names in the industry are Bitfinex and Kraken. Both platforms offer a wide range of cryptocurrencies for trading and have a reputation for security and reliability. However, there are some key differences between the two that may influence which platform is best suited for your needs. In this comparison review, we will take a closer look at Bitfinex and Kraken to help you make an informed decision.
Fees
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a cryptocurrency exchange is the fees charged for trading. Bitfinex and Kraken both charge a maker-taker fee structure, with Bitfinex offering slightly lower fees for high volume traders. Bitfinex's maker fees start at 0.1% and decrease to as low as 0.0% for traders who make more than $30 million in monthly volume. Taker fees on Bitfinex start at 0.2% and decrease to as low as 0.055% for high volume traders.
Kraken, on the other hand, charges maker fees ranging from 0.16% to 0.00%, and taker fees ranging from 0.26% to 0.10%, depending on monthly trading volume. While Kraken's fees are slightly higher than Bitfinex's, they still remain competitive within the industry.
Cryptocurrency Selection
Another important factor to consider when choosing a cryptocurrency exchange is the selection of cryptocurrencies available for trading. Bitfinex offers a wide variety of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, and many others. Kraken also offers a good selection of cryptocurrencies, with a focus on more established coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Bitcoin Cash.
While both platforms offer a good selection of cryptocurrencies, Bitfinex has a slight edge in terms of the number of coins available for trading. However, Kraken's focus on more established coins may be more appealing to traders who prefer a more conservative approach to investing.
Security
Security is a top priority for any cryptocurrency exchange, and both Bitfinex and Kraken have taken steps to ensure the safety of their users' funds. Bitfinex offers two-factor authentication, PGP encryption for emails, and cold storage for the majority of its funds. Kraken also offers two-factor authentication, PGP encryption, and stores the majority of its funds in cold storage.
One area where Bitfinex has faced criticism in the past is in its handling of security breaches. In 2016, the platform was hacked, resulting in the loss of 119,756 bitcoins. While the company has taken steps to improve security since then, this incident is still a cause for concern for some users.
User Interface and Experience
The user interface and experience can play a significant role in determining which cryptocurrency exchange is best for your needs. Bitfinex offers a comprehensive trading platform that includes advanced charting tools, margin trading, and other features for experienced traders. However, the platform may be overwhelming for beginners and may take some time to learn.
Kraken's trading platform is more user-friendly, with a simple interface that is easy to navigate. The platform includes basic charting tools and trading options, making it a good choice for beginners. However, more experienced traders may find the platform lacking in advanced features.
| Company | ||
|---|---|---|
| User rating | 12 user reviews | 21 user reviews |
| Cryptogeek rating | ||
| Trust Score How it works |
User rating
| 12 user reviews | 21 user reviews |
Cryptogeek rating
Trust Score
How it worksAbout
|
Bitfinex is one of the largest exchanges in terms of daily trading volumes and overall recognition. It was founded in 2012 and it is based in Hong Kong. 72 trading pairs are currently available on the platform. The pairs are linked to the four currencies including USD, EUR, BTC and ETH.
|
Kraken was founded back in 2011 but was officially opened two years later. It is one of the oldest active cryptocurrency exchanges. Kraken provides efficient trading opportunities in numerous Fiat currencies. It is currently holding the world leadership in terms of Bitcoin to Euro trading volumes. The exchange supports both crypto and Fiat deposits as well as withdrawals.
|
Founding Date
| 2012 | 2011 |
Country
| British Virgin Islands | USA |
Type
| Centralized | Centralized |
Languages
| English, Russian, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Turkish | English, Japanese, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Chinese, Vietnamese, Turkish, Filipino, Thai, Ukrainian, Taiwanese |
Mobile app
| iOS, Android | iOS, Android |
Full address
| Taipei (HQ) Taiwan, Province of China 17F-1, No. 266, Sec. 1, Wenhua Rd., Banqiao Dist. | Payward Trading Ltd c/o SHRM Trustees (BVI) Limited Trinity Chambers, P.O. Box 4301 Road Town, Tortola, VG1110 British Virgin Islands |
Fees
|
EXECUTED IN THE LAST 30 DAYS (USD EQUIVALENT) MAKER FEES TAKER FEES TAKER DISCOUNT LEO HOLDERS $0.00 or more traded 0.100% 0.200% up to -(25.000% + 6bps) $500,000.00 or more traded 0.080% 0.200% up to -(25.000% + 6bps) $1,000,000.00 or more traded 0.060% 0.200% up to -(25.000% + 6bps) $2,500,000.00 or more traded 0.040% 0.200% up to -(25.000% + 6bps) $5,000,000.00 or more traded 0.020% 0.200% up to -(25.000% + 6bps) $7,500,000.00 or more traded 0.000% 0.200% up to -(25.000% + 6bps) $10,000,000.00 or more traded 0.000% 0.180% up to -(25.000% + 6bps) $15,000,000.00 or more traded 0.000% 0.160% up to -(25.000% + 6bps) $20,000,000.00 or more traded 0.000% 0.140% up to -(25.000% + 6bps) $25,000,000.00 or more traded 0.000% 0.120% up to -(25.000% + 6bps) $30,000,000.00 or more traded 0.000% 0.100% up to -(25.000% + 6bps) $300,000,000.00 or more traded 0.000% 0.090% up to -(25.000% + 6bps) $1,000,000,000.00 or more traded 0.000% 0.085% up to -(25.000% + 6bps) $3,000,000,000.00 or more traded 0.000% 0.075% up to -(25.000% + 6bps) $10,000,000,000.00 or more traded 0.000% 0.060% up to -(25.000% + 6bps) $30,000,000,000.00 or more traded 0.000% 0.055% up to -(25.000% + 6bps) Full fee schedule: https://www.bitfinex.com/fees |
< 50,000$: 0.16% Maker | 0.26% Taker < 100,000$: 0.14% Maker | 0.24% Taker < 250,000$: 0.12% Maker | 0.22% Taker < 500,000$: 0.10% Maker | 0.20% Taker < 1,000,000$: 0.08% Maker | 0.18% Taker < 2,500,000$: 0.06% Maker | 0.16% Taker < 5,000,000$: 0.04% Maker | 0.14% Taker < 10,000,000$: 0.02% Maker | 0.12% Taker > 10,000,000$: 0.00% Maker | 0.10% Taker Full fee schedule: https://www.kraken.com/en-us/features/fee-schedule https://support.kraken.com/hc/en-us/articles/360000767986-Cryptocurrency-withdrawal-fees-and-minimums |
| About |
Bitfinex is one of the largest exchanges in terms of daily trading volumes and overall recognition. It was founded in 2012 and it is based in Hong Kong. 72 trading pairs are currently available on the platform. The pairs are linked to the four currencies including USD, EUR, BTC and ETH.
|
Kraken was founded back in 2011 but was officially opened two years later. It is one of the oldest active cryptocurrency exchanges. Kraken provides efficient trading opportunities in numerous Fiat currencies. It is currently holding the world leadership in terms of Bitcoin to Euro trading volumes. The exchange supports both crypto and Fiat deposits as well as withdrawals.
|
|---|---|---|
| Founding Date | Founding Date 2012 | Founding Date 2011 |
| Country | Country British Virgin Islands | Country USA |
| Type | Type Centralized | Type Centralized |
| Languages | Languages English, Russian, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Turkish | Languages English, Japanese, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Chinese, Vietnamese, Turkish, Filipino, Thai, Ukrainian, Taiwanese |
| Mobile app | Mobile app iOS, Android | Mobile app iOS, Android |
| Full address | Full address Taipei (HQ) Taiwan, Province of China 17F-1, No. 266, Sec. 1, Wenhua Rd., Banqiao Dist. | Full address Payward Trading Ltd c/o SHRM Trustees (BVI) Limited Trinity Chambers, P.O. Box 4301 Road Town, Tortola, VG1110 British Virgin Islands |
| Fees |
Fees
EXECUTED IN THE LAST 30 DAYS (USD EQUIVALENT) MAKER FEES TAKER FEES TAKER DISCOUNT LEO HOLDERS $0.00 or more traded 0.100% 0.200% up to -(25.000% + 6bps) $500,000.00 or more traded 0.080% 0.200% up to -(25.000% + 6bps) $1,000,000.00 or more traded 0.060% 0.200% up to -(25.000% + 6bps) $2,500,000.00 or more traded 0.040% 0.200% up to -(25.000% + 6bps) $5,000,000.00 or more traded 0.020% 0.200% up to -(25.000% + 6bps) $7,500,000.00 or more traded 0.000% 0.200% up to -(25.000% + 6bps) $10,000,000.00 or more traded 0.000% 0.180% up to -(25.000% + 6bps) $15,000,000.00 or more traded 0.000% 0.160% up to -(25.000% + 6bps) $20,000,000.00 or more traded 0.000% 0.140% up to -(25.000% + 6bps) $25,000,000.00 or more traded 0.000% 0.120% up to -(25.000% + 6bps) $30,000,000.00 or more traded 0.000% 0.100% up to -(25.000% + 6bps) $300,000,000.00 or more traded 0.000% 0.090% up to -(25.000% + 6bps) $1,000,000,000.00 or more traded 0.000% 0.085% up to -(25.000% + 6bps) $3,000,000,000.00 or more traded 0.000% 0.075% up to -(25.000% + 6bps) $10,000,000,000.00 or more traded 0.000% 0.060% up to -(25.000% + 6bps) $30,000,000,000.00 or more traded 0.000% 0.055% up to -(25.000% + 6bps) Full fee schedule: https://www.bitfinex.com/fees |
Fees
< 50,000$: 0.16% Maker | 0.26% Taker < 100,000$: 0.14% Maker | 0.24% Taker < 250,000$: 0.12% Maker | 0.22% Taker < 500,000$: 0.10% Maker | 0.20% Taker < 1,000,000$: 0.08% Maker | 0.18% Taker < 2,500,000$: 0.06% Maker | 0.16% Taker < 5,000,000$: 0.04% Maker | 0.14% Taker < 10,000,000$: 0.02% Maker | 0.12% Taker > 10,000,000$: 0.00% Maker | 0.10% Taker Full fee schedule: https://www.kraken.com/en-us/features/fee-schedule https://support.kraken.com/hc/en-us/articles/360000767986-Cryptocurrency-withdrawal-fees-and-minimums |
Trading
Bitfinex trading volume is 97,079,338.0. The exchange has 304 available trading pairs. Fiat trading is not available on the exchange. Margin trading is available.
Kraken trading volume is 90,468,680.0. The exchange has 99 available trading pairs. Fiat trading is available on the exchange. Margin trading is available.
Please note: The bigger number of available trading pairs provides you with more trading opportunities, but may cause technological shortcomings at the same time.
Volume
| 97079338 | 90468680 |
Pairs
| 304 | 99 |
Coins
| 53 | 26 |
Fiat trading
| - |
Deposit
| Percentage | Depends on currency and volume |
Fees
| Percentage | Percentage |
Margin
| Volume | Volume 97079338 | Volume 90468680 |
|---|---|---|
| Pairs | Pairs 304 | Pairs 99 |
| Coins | Coins 53 | Coins 26 |
| Fiat trading | Fiat trading - | Fiat trading |
| Deposit | Deposit Percentage | Deposit Depends on currency and volume |
| Fees | Fees Percentage | Fees Percentage |
| Margin | Margin | Margin |
Safety
Two factor authentication
Verified
| Verified | Verified |
| Two factor authentication | Two factor authentication | Two factor authentication |
|---|---|---|
| Verified | Verified Verified | Verified Verified |
Social
Website
| www.bitfinex.com | r.kraken.com |
| @bitfinex | Krakenfx |
Number of followers
| 509062 | 376000 |
| Website | Website www.bitfinex.com | Website r.kraken.com |
|---|---|---|
| Twitter @bitfinex | Twitter Krakenfx | |
| Number of followers | Number of followers 509062 | Number of followers 376000 |
Rating
| User rating | 12 user reviews | 21 user reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Cryptogeek rating |
Cryptogeek summary
Bitfinex user rating is 4.2, based on 12 user reviews. Kraken user rating is 3.4, based on 21 user reviews.
We also calculate the special Cryptogeek TrustScore based on the characteristics of each exchange.
| We choose the winner based on our TrustScore Rating. Please remember, it’s still up to you which company to choose! How do we calculate Trust Score? |
|---|
| We choose the winner based on our TrustScore Rating. Please remember, it’s still up to you which company to choose! How do we calculate Trust Score? |
On this page, you can compare Bitfinex with Kraken. Which exchange is better to use? You can compare exchange characteristics, fees, trading features, safety, and social media presence.
At the end of this page, you can see our final ratings for both exchanges.
In the table below you can see general information on both exchanges. Bitfinex was founded in 2012 in British Virgin Islands. Kraken was founded in 2011 in USA.
When choosing an exchange for trading, you should take into account how long it has been an active market player. Older exchanges usually have a good reputation and tend to be more reliable. It may be a good decision to use the older exchange, which is Kraken. At the same time, newer projects may be more technologically advanced.
You should also pay attention to where the exchange is located. Some countries have strict financial regulations, which makes it difficult to seek court assistance when needed.
Bitfinex is Centralized and Kraken is Centralized. You can read more about the pros and cons of centralized and decentralized exchanges in this article.
Bitfinex has a mobile app available for iOS and Android. Kraken has a mobile app available for iOS and Android.
Bitfinex has 5 languages available, including English, Russian, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese and Turkish. Kraken has 14 languages available, including English, Japanese, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Chinese, Vietnamese, Turkish, Filipino, Thai, Ukrainian and Taiwanese.