KuCoin and OKX or Okex are two of the popular platforms for trading cryptocurrencies out there.
Both exchanges have a lot of features and offerings in similar. Hence, for many newbies, it is a tough choice to choose one exchange between OKX vs Kraken.
If you, too, have a similar confusion and are not sure which crypto exchange to opt for, then there is nothing to worry.
As I am going to compare both the crypto margin trading exchanges head to head and help you find the right exchange for your needs.
So here we go:
OKX vs Kraken: At A Glance Comparison
OKX or formally known as Okex is one of the best cryptocurrency exchange for day trading out there. It was founded back in 2017, and it is based out of Malta.
With OKX, you would get an easy experience of buying, selling, and trading a wide range of crypto tokens. Also, it allows you to trade in a wide range of markets, such as spot, margin, futures and crypto options.
Additionally, the exchange also has lower trading fees, faster transaction speed, and gives you access to APIs. Also, it comes with an easy-to-use mobile crypto trading app, web3 features, and a crypto wallet.
Kraken, on the other side, is one of the oldest cryptocurrency exchanges, established in 2011. The exchange is based out of San Francisco, California.
Also, it is one of the trusted crypto exchanges used by millions of users, and it offers you to trade in a wide range of fiat assets.
With Kraken, you can trade in all sorts of markets, such as spot, margin, or futures. Overall the exchange has a reputation for being reliable and transparent.
OKX vs Kraken: Trading Markets, Products & Leverage Offered
OKX
- Spot Trading
- Margin Trading with up to 10x leverage
- Perpetual Swaps with up to 125x leverage
- Futures contracts with up to 125x leverage
- Crypto Options Trading
- Block Trading
- Demo Trading
- P2P Trading
Kraken
- Spot Trading
- Margin Trading with up to 5x leverage
- Futures trading with up to 50x leverage
Verdict: OKX clearly stands out as the winner. As it offers you multiple trading markets with higher leverage.
OKX vs Kraken: Supported Cryptocurrencies
OKX
OKX does support a good number of crypto tokens which allows you to diversify both your trading and investments portfolio.
On the exchange, you would find more than 400 crypto trading pairs for spot and futures trading.
It offers you access to majorly traded crypto tokens. Also, the exchange is known for adding new crypto tokens from time to time. Some of the listed tokens are:
- BTC
- ETH
- USDT
- BNB
- USDC
- XRP
Kraken
Kraken is lacking behind when it comes to token availability. As the exchange only supports more than 220 cryptocurrencies. But it offers you access to both major traded coins and a few new tokens. Some of the tokens that you can find on the exchange are:
- BTC
- ARB
- NEAR
- MANA
- BIT
- FIL
Verdict: OKX once again turns out to be the winner. As the exchange supports more than 400 cryptocurrencies and trading pairs. Whereas Kraken only supports 200+ crypto tokens.
OKX vs Kraken: Trading Fee & Deposit/Withdrawal Fee Compared
OKX Spot Trading Fees
OKX has two different trading fees – categorized for regular and VIP users. The regular user’s trading fee is based on their OKB holdings.
But for VIP users, their trading tier is based on their 30 days trading volume.
So depending on how you trade, you will automatically get selected for any of the tiers. And here is what the trading fee looks like:
| Tier | Maker Fees | Taker Fees |
| Regular Users | 0.080% | 0.100% |
| VIP Users | 0.060% | 0.080% |
OKX Futures & PERP Fees
| Tier | Maker Fees | Taker Fees |
| Regular Users | 0.020% | 0.050% |
| VIP Users | 0.010% | 0.030% |
OKX Options Trading Fees
| Tier | Maker Fees | Taker Fees |
| Regular Users | 0.020% | 0.030% |
| VIP Users | 0.010% | 0.020% |
OKX Deposit & Withdrawal Fee
OKX does charge you for fiat deposits and withdrawals.
However, the fee is subjective, and it depends on your deposit/withdrawal methods. For certain options, there are zero fees, but for some options, there are.
Alternatively, you can also deposit crypto tokens free of cost.
But for crypto withdrawals, you are required to pay withdrawal fees which depend on the currency you are withdrawing and the underlying blockchain.
Thirdly, you can use OKX P2P trading to deposit and withdraw funds at no cost.
Kraken Spot Trading Fees
Kraken also has a straightforward fee structure with different tiers.
The tier is based on your 30 days trading volume. Also, it follows the usual maker/taker fee model.
But it doesn’t have any separate plans like OKX. So if your trading volume stands between $0 to $50,000, here is how much you have to pay as the trading fees:
- Maker Fees: 0.16%
- Taker Fees: 0.26%
Kraken Futures Trading Fees
- Maker Fees: 0.02000%
- Taker Fees: 0.0500%
Kraken Deposits & Withdrawal Fees
Just like OKX, if you are depositing/withdrawing fiat, it will be subjected to a transaction fee that solely depends on the payment option you have selected.
Along with that, for most crypto tokens, deposits there are free on the exchange. Also, you need to meet the minimum deposit amount. Plus, a few crypto deposits will incur a setup fee or deposit fee.
Also, when it comes to crypto token withdrawal – it charges you a certain fee. The fee varies from one currency to another. Also, you need to meet the minimum withdrawal limit.
Unfortunately, Kraken doesn’t support P2P trading. So there is no way to deposit and withdraw funds at zero cost.
Verdict: OKX is a better and cheaper option in terms of trading fees. The exchange not only offers you cheaper trading fees but has zero fees for crypto deposits/withdrawals when you use P2P trading.
OKX vs Kraken: Order Types
OKX
- Limit
- Market
- Conditional/OCO
- Trailing Stop
- Advanced Limit
Kraken
- Limit
- Market
- Stop loss
- Stop loss limit
- Take profit
- Take profit limit
Verdict: It is a tie between OKX and Kraken. As there are hardly any differences in terms of supported order types.
OKX vs Kraken: KYC Requirements & KYC Limits
OKX
OKX is a non-KYC exchange meaning there is no need to complete your identity verification.
You can deposit/withdraw funds using another crypto exchange or wallet without any restrictions. But for crypto purchases, you need to verify your identity. Also, the exchange has different KYC levels.
KYC Limits
OKX has two different KYC levels, these are:
- Basic verification (Level 1): You get a deposit and withdrawal limit of 1,00,000 USD lifetime.
- Advanced verification (Level 2): You get unlimited deposits and a daily withdrawal limit of 1,00,00,000 USD.
Kraken
Kraken has made it mandatory to complete your identity verification.
You cannot deposit, withdraw or place traders on Kraken without completing your KYC. Also, Kraken has different levels of KYC. These levels are Starter, Express, Intermediate, and Pro.
Verdict: As OKX can be used without verifying your identity, it is the winner for this segment. Plus, OKX acts as an ideal choice for anyone looking to trade crypto anonymously.
OKX vs Kraken: Deposits & Withdrawal Options
OKX
- Method 1: You can buy/sell crypto using payment options like credit/debit cards, bank transfers, or other third-party payment solutions like Banxa or Xanpool.
- Method 2: You can deposit or withdraw crypto using another crypto wallet or exchange.
- Method 3: Use OKX’s P2P trading for free funds deposits and withdrawals.
Kraken
- Method 1: You can buy crypto using a debit/credit card, bank transfer, or other supported payment methods.
- Method 2: You can deposit or withdraw crypto using another crypto wallet or exchange.
Verdict: Depositing and withdrawing funds on OKX is much more convenient than Kraken. Hence, OKX is the winner of this segment.
OKX vs Kraken: Trading & Platform Experience Comparison
OKX
OKX offers you a straightforward trading experience. It offers you all the needed features for trading in spot, perpetual, futures, margin, and options. These features include:
- Original and TradingView technical chart
- Trading Pair details
- Order book
- Easy-to-use order form
- Positions, open orders, order history, transaction history, position history, and transaction records
To know more about the trading experience, check this quick guide on How to trade futures on OKX.
Kraken
On the other side, Kraken offers you two different trading platforms.
First, there is a basic trading platform for buying/selling crypto tokens. The other option is Pro.Kraken.com which offers you an advanced trading platform with features like:
- Technical chart by TradingView
- Trading Pair Details
- Easy-to-use order form
- Open orders, conditional orders, positions, trades
To learn more about the exchange, check this Kraken tutorial guide.
Verdict: OKX is the clear winner as it offers you one single platform for trading cryptos with all the needed features.
OKX vs Kraken: Customer Support
OKX
OKX offers you customer support in multiple ways.
The easiest option is to reach out to them via their live chat support. Along with that, you can also get email support. Alternatively, you can also reach out to OKX at their Twitter handle @OKXHelpDesk.
Kraken
Kraken also offers you excellent support.
You can raise a support ticket or contact them through their live chat option. Alternatively, you can also contact Kraken on Twitter at their Twitter handle @Krakensupport.
Also, their help is available 24/7.
Verdict: As both exchanges are offering their help in a similar manner, it is a tie between OKX and Kraken.
OKX vs Kraken: Security Features
OKX
- Two Factor Authentication
- Anti-phishing code
- Trading clearance settings
- Device management
- Freeze account
Kraken
- Two Factor Authentication
- Device Management
Verdict: OKX is offering more security features compared to Kraken. Hence it is the winner for this section.
Is OKX Safe & Legal To Use?
OKX is one of the trusted platforms to trade crypto.
The exchange operates at a global level and holds regulatory licenses under different jurisdictions.
Along with that, it has also implemented several security features and uses cold storage to protect its user’s personal data and funds.
Plus, the exchange doesn’t have any history of security breaches at all.
Is Kraken Safe & Legal To Use?
Kraken is one of the safest and most legal platforms for crypto trading out there.
The exchange is highly reputable and focuses heavily on its security. It uses advanced technologies such as a multi-sig wallet, cold storage, and more to protect users’ data and funds.
The exchange is also well-regulated in regions like North America, Europe, and APAC.
OKX vs Kraken Conclusion: Why not use both?
At the end of this comparison, OKX emerges as the clear winner and a better choice in multiple factors.
With OKX, you would get to trade in different markets with cheaper trading fees. Plus, it also offers you high leverage and several security features.
But Kraken is also not a bad option. The exchange is an ideal choice for users in North America or Europe. As the exchange is well-regulated and offers you access to futures trading.
So go ahead and check both exchanges out and see which one you like the most.
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