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Side-by-Side Comparison Independent Updated Oct 29, 2026

HSBC InvestDirect vs Kraken 2026: Which Broker is Better?

Compare HSBC InvestDirect and Kraken side by side on fees, regulation, platforms and our expert ratings. Find out which broker suits your needs.

HSBC InvestDirect

Kraken

Higher ratedKraken logo

Kraken

4.3/ 5
Visit Kraken →Full review
VS
HSBC InvestDirectKraken
BrokerRank Score3.4/54.3/5 ✓
Min. Deposit$0$0
Spread from0 pips ✓0.2 pips
Max Leverage1:51:5
RegulationFCA, SFC, MAS ✓FCA, CFTC
PlatformsProprietary Web, Proprietary MobileProprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile
Quick VerdictBrokerRank recommends
Best for Beginners
HSBC InvestDirectKraken
Best for Low Fees
HSBC InvestDirectKraken
Best for Regulation
HSBC InvestDirectKraken
Best Overall
KrakenHSBC InvestDirect
Quick Answer

Kraken is the better choice overall, scoring 4.3/5 vs 3.4/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, HSBC InvestDirect offers lower spreads (0 pips).

See full side-by-side comparison below

HSBC InvestDirect vs Kraken: Key Differences

Feature

HSBC InvestDirect

Kraken

Winner
Our Rating
3.4 / 5
4.3 / 5
Min. Deposit
$0
$0
Max Leverage
Spread From
0 pips
0.2 pips
Commission
$10.5/lot
$0.16/lot
Regulated By
Platforms
Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile
Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile
Markets
Stocks, Etf, Indices
Crypto
Founded
1991
2011
Headquarters
London, UK
San Francisco, USA
Score
1 / 3
2 / 3

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Fees Comparison

Fee

HSBC InvestDirect

Lower fees

Kraken

Spread From
0 pips
0.2 pips
Commission
$10.5/lot
$0.16/lot
Deposit Fee
None
None
Withdrawal Fee
None
$1.5

BrokerRank Verdict

HSBC InvestDirect scores 3.43/5 while Kraken scores 4.35/5 in our independent rating.

Kraken edges ahead overall, but HSBC InvestDirect may suit traders who prioritise different features. Read our full reviews for a detailed breakdown. Scores are based on our transparent methodology.

Who Should Choose Which?

HSBC InvestDirect

HSBC InvestDirect

3.4/5

Choose HSBC InvestDirect if you want…

  • Tighter spreads (from 0 pips)
  • More regulatory licences (3)
  • More market types (3)
  • More established (est. 1991)
Kraken

Kraken

4.3/5

Top pick

Choose Kraken if you want…

  • Higher overall rating (4.3/5)

Also consider

View all rankings

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

Both HSBC InvestDirect & Kraken are available in

Frequently Asked Questions

1

Is HSBC InvestDirect better than Kraken?

Kraken scores higher overall on our independent rating system. HSBC InvestDirect holds a 3.4/5 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, HSBC InvestDirect or Kraken?

HSBC InvestDirect 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 HSBC InvestDirect vs Kraken?

HSBC InvestDirect requires a minimum deposit of $0. Kraken requires $0.

4

Which broker is safer, HSBC InvestDirect or Kraken?

HSBC InvestDirect is regulated by FCA, SFC, MAS, while Kraken holds licences from FCA, CFTC.

5

What trading platforms do HSBC InvestDirect and Kraken support?

HSBC InvestDirect supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. Kraken supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.

6

Can I use both HSBC InvestDirect 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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