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

Merrill Edge vs Kraken 2026: Which Broker is Better?

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

Merrill Edge

Kraken

Higher ratedKraken logo

Kraken

4.3/ 5
Visit Kraken →Full review
VS
Merrill EdgeKraken
BrokerRank Score3.2/54.3/5 ✓
Min. Deposit$0$0
Spread from0 pips ✓0.2 pips
Max Leverage1:21:5 ✓
RegulationSECFCA, CFTC ✓
PlatformsProprietary Web, Proprietary MobileProprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile
Quick VerdictBrokerRank recommends
Best for Beginners
Merrill EdgeKraken
Best for Low Fees
Merrill EdgeKraken
Best for Regulation
KrakenMerrill Edge
Best Overall
KrakenMerrill Edge
Quick Answer

Kraken is the better choice overall, scoring 4.3/5 vs 3.2/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, Merrill Edge offers lower spreads (0 pips).

See full side-by-side comparison below

Merrill Edge vs Kraken: Key Differences

Feature

Merrill Edge

Kraken

Our Rating
3.2 / 5
4.3 / 5
Min. Deposit
$0
$0
Max Leverage
Spread From
0 pips
0.2 pips
Commission
None
$0.16/lot
Regulated By
SEC
Platforms
Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile
Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile
Markets
Stocks, Indices
Crypto
Founded
2010
2011
Headquarters
Charlotte, USA
San Francisco, USA
Score
2 / 4
2 / 4

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Fees Comparison

Fee

Merrill Edge

Lower fees

Kraken

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

BrokerRank Verdict

Merrill Edge scores 3.19/5 while Kraken scores 4.35/5 in our independent rating.

Kraken edges ahead overall, but Merrill Edge 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?

Merrill Edge

Merrill Edge

3.2/5

Choose Merrill Edge if you want…

  • Tighter spreads (from 0 pips)
  • No per-trade commission
  • More market types (2)
  • More established (est. 2010)
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

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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4.3
FCA
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FxPro
4.1
FCA
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#4AvaTrade logo
AvaTrade
4.0
MAS
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Plus500
4.0
MAS
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80% of retail CFD accounts lose money.

Both Merrill Edge & Kraken are available in

Frequently Asked Questions

1

Is Merrill Edge better than Kraken?

Kraken scores higher overall on our independent rating system. Merrill Edge holds a 3.2/5 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, Merrill Edge or Kraken?

Merrill Edge 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 Merrill Edge vs Kraken?

Merrill Edge requires a minimum deposit of $0. Kraken requires $0.

4

Which broker is safer, Merrill Edge or Kraken?

Merrill Edge is regulated by SEC, while Kraken holds licences from FCA, CFTC.

5

What trading platforms do Merrill Edge and Kraken support?

Merrill Edge supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. Kraken supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.

6

Can I use both Merrill Edge 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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Trading involves risk. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Capital at risk. Full risk disclosure.

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