Kraken vs M1 Finance 2026: Which Broker is Better?
Choosing between Kraken and M1 Finance depends on your trading style, preferred markets, and budget. Kraken is headquartered in San Francisco, USA, while M1 Finance operates from Chicago, USA. Kraken has the longer track record, established in 2011, compared to M1 Finance which was founded in 2015. This in-depth comparison covers regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and overall ratings to help you decide which broker is the better fit in 2026.
Kraken
M1 Finance
| Kraken | M1 Finance | |
|---|---|---|
| BrokerRank Score | 4.4/5 ✓ | 3.2/5 |
| Min. Deposit | $0 ✓ | $100 |
| Spread from | 0.2 pips | 0 pips ✓ |
| Max Leverage | 1:5 ✓ | 1:2 |
| Regulation | FCA, CFTC ✓ | SEC |
| Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile |
Kraken is the better choice overall, scoring 4.4/5 vs 3.2/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, M1 Finance offers lower spreads (0 pips).
See full side-by-side comparison belowKraken vs M1 Finance: Key Differences
Kraken
WinnerM1 Finance
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Fees Comparison
Kraken
M1 Finance
Lower feesRegulation & Trust
Kraken holds licences from FCA, CFTC. M1 Finance is regulated by SEC.
Markets & Assets
Kraken additionally covers Crypto. M1 Finance adds Stocks, Indices.
Fees & Spreads
On spreads, M1 Finance is more competitive with EUR/USD spreads from 0.0 pips, compared to 0.2 pips at Kraken.
Trading Platforms
Kraken supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. M1 Finance offers Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. Both brokers are available on Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.
Minimum Deposit
Kraken requires no minimum deposit, while M1 Finance sets a minimum deposit of $100. This makes Kraken accessible to traders with any budget.
Overall Ratings
BrokerRank scores Kraken at 3.37/5 and M1 Finance at 3.20/5, based on 50+ data points covering regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and user experience. Kraken leads overall with a clear advantage.
BrokerRank Verdict
Who Should Choose Which?
Kraken
4.4/5
Choose Kraken if you want…
- Higher overall rating (4.4/5)
- No minimum deposit
- Higher leverage (up to 1:5)
- More regulatory licences (2)
M1 Finance
3.2/5
Choose M1 Finance if you want…
- Tighter spreads (from 0 pips)
- No per-trade commission
- More market types (2)
- Free withdrawals
Also consider
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.
Both Kraken & M1 Finance are available in
Frequently Asked Questions
1Is Kraken better than M1 Finance?
Kraken scores higher overall on our independent rating system. Kraken holds a 4.4/5 rating vs M1 Finance's 3.2/5. The best choice ultimately depends on your trading style — see our full verdict above for a detailed breakdown.
2Which has lower fees, Kraken or M1 Finance?
Kraken offers spreads from 0.2 pips, while M1 Finance starts at 0 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.
3What is the minimum deposit for Kraken vs M1 Finance?
Kraken requires a minimum deposit of $0. M1 Finance requires $100.
4Which broker is safer, Kraken or M1 Finance?
Kraken is regulated by FCA, CFTC, while M1 Finance holds licences from SEC.
5What trading platforms do Kraken and M1 Finance support?
Kraken supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. M1 Finance supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.
6Can I use both Kraken and M1 Finance?
Yes, you can hold accounts at multiple brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across platforms to access different markets and tools.
Key Trading Terms
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