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

Kraken vs Upbit 2026: Which Broker is Better?

Choosing between Kraken and Upbit depends on your trading style, preferred markets, and budget. Kraken is headquartered in San Francisco, USA, while Upbit operates from Seoul, South Korea. Kraken has the longer track record, established in 2011, compared to Upbit which was founded in 2017. 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

Upbit

VS
KrakenUpbit
BrokerRank Score4.4/5 ✓4.3/5
Min. Deposit$0$0
Spread from0.2 pips0 pips ✓
Max Leverage1:5 ✓1:1
RegulationFCA, CFTCFSC, MAS
PlatformsProprietary Web, Proprietary MobileProprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile
Quick VerdictBrokerRank recommends
Best for Beginners
KrakenUpbit
Best for Low Fees
UpbitKraken
Best for Regulation
KrakenUpbit
Best Overall
KrakenUpbit
Quick Answer

Kraken is the better choice overall, scoring 4.4/5 vs 4.3/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, Upbit offers lower spreads (0 pips).

See full side-by-side comparison below

Kraken vs Upbit: Key Differences

Feature

Kraken

Upbit

Our Rating
4.4 / 5
4.3 / 5
Min. Deposit
$0
$0
Max Leverage
Spread From
0.2 pips
0 pips
Commission
$0.16/lot
$0.05/lot
Regulated By
FSCMAS
Platforms
Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile
Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile
Markets
Crypto
Crypto
Founded
2011
2017
Headquarters
San Francisco, USA
Seoul, South Korea
Score
2 / 4
2 / 4

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Fees Comparison

Fee

Kraken

Upbit

Lower fees
Spread From
0.2 pips
0 pips
Commission
$0.16/lot
$0.05/lot
Deposit Fee
None
None
Withdrawal Fee
$1.5
None

Regulation & Trust

Kraken holds licences from FCA, CFTC. Upbit is regulated by MAS, FSC.

Markets & Assets

Both brokers offer access to Crypto markets.

Fees & Spreads

On spreads, Upbit 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. Upbit offers Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. Both brokers are available on Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.

Minimum Deposit

Kraken requires no minimum deposit, while Upbit sets no minimum deposit. This makes Kraken accessible to traders with any budget.

Overall Ratings

BrokerRank scores Kraken at 3.37/5 and Upbit at 3.18/5, based on 50+ data points covering regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and user experience. Kraken leads overall with a clear advantage.

BrokerRank Verdict

Kraken is our recommended pick in this comparison, scoring 3.37/5 versus Upbit's 3.18/5. Kraken holds more tier-1 licences (FCA, CFTC), offering stronger regulatory protection. Upbit has a fees advantage with 0.0 pip spreads. Upbit is still a solid option for traders who prefer Upbit's specific platform or market selection, but Kraken offers a stronger overall package for the majority of traders.

Who Should Choose Which?

Kraken

Kraken

4.4/5

Top pick

Choose Kraken if you want…

  • Higher overall rating (4.4/5)
  • Higher leverage (up to 1:5)
  • More established (est. 2011)
Upbit

Upbit

4.3/5

Choose Upbit if you want…

  • Tighter spreads (from 0 pips)
  • Free withdrawals

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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Both Kraken & Upbit are available in

Frequently Asked Questions

1

Is Kraken better than Upbit?

Kraken scores higher overall on our independent rating system. Kraken holds a 4.4/5 rating vs Upbit'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, Kraken or Upbit?

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

3

What is the minimum deposit for Kraken vs Upbit?

Kraken requires a minimum deposit of $0. Upbit requires $0.

4

Which broker is safer, Kraken or Upbit?

Kraken is regulated by FCA, CFTC, while Upbit holds licences from FSC, MAS.

5

What trading platforms do Kraken and Upbit support?

Kraken supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. Upbit supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.

6

Can I use both Kraken and Upbit?

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

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