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Side-by-Side Comparison Independent Updated Oct 2, 2026

Hargreaves Lansdown vs Kraken 2026: Which Broker is Better?

In the realm of trading platforms, Hargreaves Lansdown and Kraken serve distinctly different trader profiles. Hargreaves Lansdown, founded in 1981 and headquartered in Bristol, UK, caters primarily to UK-based investors seeking comprehensive investment options like Stocks and Shares ISAs and SIPPs, with a focus on long-term wealth management. In contrast, Kraken, established in 2011 in San Francisco, appeals to cryptocurrency traders, offering a range of digital assets with robust regulatory compliance and competitive staking options. While Hargreaves Lansdown is ideal for investors looking for established, UK-focused investments, Kraken is more suited for those interested in the dynamic world of cryptocurrency trading.

Hargreaves Lansdown

Kraken

Higher ratedKraken logo

Kraken

4.3/ 5
Visit Kraken →Full review
VS
Hargreaves LansdownKraken
BrokerRank Score2.8/54.3/5 ✓
Min. Deposit$0$0
Spread from0 pips ✓0.2 pips
Max Leverage1:11:5 ✓
RegulationFCAFCA, CFTC ✓
PlatformsProprietary Web, Proprietary MobileProprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile
Quick VerdictBrokerRank recommends
Best for Beginners
Hargreaves LansdownKraken
Best for Low Fees
Hargreaves LansdownKraken
Best for Regulation
KrakenHargreaves Lansdown
Best Overall
KrakenHargreaves Lansdown
Quick Answer

Kraken is the better choice overall, scoring 4.3/5 vs 2.8/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, Hargreaves Lansdown offers lower spreads (0 pips).

See full side-by-side comparison below

Hargreaves Lansdown vs Kraken: Key Differences

Feature

Hargreaves Lansdown

Kraken

Winner
Our Rating
2.8 / 5
4.3 / 5
Min. Deposit
$0
$0
Max Leverage
Spread From
0 pips
0.2 pips
Commission
$11.95/lot
$0.16/lot
Regulated By
Platforms
Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile
Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile
Markets
Stocks, Indices
Crypto
Founded
1981
2011
Headquarters
Bristol, UK
San Francisco, USA
Score
1 / 4
3 / 4

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Fees Comparison

Fee

Hargreaves Lansdown

Lower fees

Kraken

Spread From
0 pips
0.2 pips
Commission
$11.95/lot
$0.16/lot
Deposit Fee
None
None
Withdrawal Fee
None
$1.5

BrokerRank Verdict

For beginners, Hargreaves Lansdown is more suitable, thanks to its comprehensive educational resources, user-friendly mobile app, and long-standing reputation in the UK market. Professional traders might find Kraken more appealing due to its broader leverage options and focus on cryptocurrency markets. When it comes to fees, Kraken emerges as the winner with its lower commission rates of 0.16% compared to Hargreaves Lansdown's £11.95 per trade, making it a more cost-effective choice for frequent trading activities.

Who Should Choose Which?

Hargreaves Lansdown

Hargreaves Lansdown

2.8/5

Choose Hargreaves Lansdown if you want…

  • Tighter spreads (from 0 pips)
  • More market types (2)
  • More established (est. 1981)
  • Free withdrawals
Kraken

Kraken

4.3/5

Top pick

Choose Kraken if you want…

  • Higher overall rating (4.3/5)
  • Higher leverage (up to 1:5)
  • More regulatory licences (2)

Also consider

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We earn a commission when you open an account through these links, at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are scored independently — see the full independent ranking.

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AvaTrade
4.0
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Plus500
4.0
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80% of retail CFD accounts lose money.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1

Is Hargreaves Lansdown better than Kraken?

Kraken scores higher overall on our independent rating system. Hargreaves Lansdown holds a 2.8/5 rating vs Kraken's 4.3/5. The best choice ultimately depends on your trading style — see our full verdict above for a detailed breakdown.

2

Which has lower fees, Hargreaves Lansdown or Kraken?

Hargreaves Lansdown offers spreads from 0 pips, while Kraken starts at 0.2 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.

3

What is the minimum deposit for Hargreaves Lansdown vs Kraken?

Hargreaves Lansdown requires a minimum deposit of $0. Kraken requires $0.

4

Which broker is safer, Hargreaves Lansdown or Kraken?

Hargreaves Lansdown is regulated by FCA, while Kraken holds licences from FCA, CFTC.

5

What trading platforms do Hargreaves Lansdown and Kraken support?

Hargreaves Lansdown supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. Kraken supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.

6

Can I use both Hargreaves Lansdown and Kraken?

Yes, you can hold accounts at multiple brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across platforms to access different markets and tools.

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