Side-by-Side Comparison Independent Updated Jun 15, 2026
National Bank Direct Brokerage vs Kraken 2026: Which Broker is Better?
Compare National Bank Direct Brokerage and Kraken side by side on fees, regulation, platforms and our expert ratings. Find out which broker suits your needs.
National Bank Direct Brokerage
Kraken
VS
| National Bank Direct Brokerage | Kraken | |
|---|---|---|
| BrokerRank Score | 3.1/5 | 4.5/5 ✓ |
| Min. Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Spread from | 0 pips ✓ | 0.2 pips |
| Max Leverage | 1:5 | 1:5 |
| Regulation | IIROC, CIPF | FCA, CFTC |
| Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile |
Quick VerdictBrokerRank recommends
Best for Beginners
National Bank Direct BrokerageKraken
Best for Low Fees
National Bank Direct BrokerageKraken
Best for Regulation
National Bank Direct BrokerageKraken
Best Overall
KrakenNational Bank Direct Brokerage
Quick Answer
Kraken is the better choice overall, scoring 4.5/5 vs 3.1/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, National Bank Direct Brokerage offers lower spreads (0 pips).
See full side-by-side comparison belowNational Bank Direct Brokerage vs Kraken: Key Differences
Feature
National Bank Direct Brokerage
Kraken
Our Rating
3.1 / 5
4.5 / 5
Min. Deposit
$0
$0
Spread From
0 pips
0.2 pips
Commission
None
$0.16/lot
Platforms
Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile
Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile
Markets
Stocks, Etf, Indices
Crypto
Founded
1999
2011
Headquarters
Montreal, Canada
San Francisco, USA
Score
2 / 4
2 / 4
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Find my matchFees Comparison
Fee
National Bank Direct Brokerage
Lower feesKraken
Spread From
0 pips
0.2 pips
Commission
None
$0.16/lot
Deposit Fee
None
None
Withdrawal Fee
None
$1.5
BrokerRank Verdict
National Bank Direct Brokerage scores 3.08/5 while Kraken scores 4.52/5 in our independent rating.
Kraken edges ahead overall, but National Bank Direct Brokerage 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?
National Bank Direct Brokerage
3.1/5
Choose National Bank Direct Brokerage if you want…
- Tighter spreads (from 0 pips)
- No per-trade commission
- More market types (3)
- More established (est. 1999)
Kraken
4.5/5
Choose Kraken if you want…
- Higher overall rating (4.5/5)
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 National Bank Direct Brokerage & Kraken are available in
Frequently Asked Questions
1Is National Bank Direct Brokerage better than Kraken?
Kraken scores higher overall on our independent rating system. National Bank Direct Brokerage holds a 3.1/5 rating vs Kraken's 4.5/5. The best choice ultimately depends on your trading style — see our full verdict above for a detailed breakdown.
2Which has lower fees, National Bank Direct Brokerage or Kraken?
National Bank Direct Brokerage offers spreads from 0 pips, while Kraken starts at 0.2 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.
3What is the minimum deposit for National Bank Direct Brokerage vs Kraken?
National Bank Direct Brokerage requires a minimum deposit of $0. Kraken requires $0.
4Which broker is safer, National Bank Direct Brokerage or Kraken?
National Bank Direct Brokerage is regulated by IIROC, CIPF, while Kraken holds licences from FCA, CFTC.
5What trading platforms do National Bank Direct Brokerage and Kraken support?
National Bank Direct Brokerage supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. Kraken supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.
6Can I use both National Bank Direct Brokerage 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.
Higher Rated
Kraken
Capital at risk · T&Cs apply