Bybit vs Kraken

Side-by-side comparison of fees, features, security, and ratings to help you choose the right exchange in 2026.

Category Winners

Lowest Fees
Bybit
0.10% vs 0.16% maker
Most Coins
Bybit
500+ vs 200+
Trust Score
Kraken
8/10 vs 9/10
Overall Rating
Kraken
4.3/5 vs 4.5/5
Global Reach
Kraken
160+ vs 190+ countries
Mobile App
It's a Tie
4.5 vs 4.5 stars

Detailed Comparison

Feature Bybit Kraken
Maker Fee 0.10% 0.16%
Taker Fee 0.10% 0.26%
Cryptocurrencies 500+ 200+
Countries 160+ 190+
Trust Score 8/10 9/10
Our Rating 4.3/5 4.5/5
Founded 2018 2011
Headquarters Dubai, UAE San Francisco, USA
US Available No Yes (regulated)
KYC Required Basic: No, Full: Yes Yes
Futures Trading Yes (100x) Yes (50x)
Staking Yes Yes
Copy Trading Yes No
NFT Marketplace Yes Yes
Min Deposit $1 (crypto) $1 (crypto), varies (fiat)
Mobile App 4.5 stars 4.5 stars
Deposit Methods Bank transfer, Credit/debit card, P2P, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Crypto Bank transfer (ACH/SEPA/SWIFT), Wire, Crypto

Features Comparison

Bybit Features

Spot trading
Derivatives (100x)
Copy trading
Trading bots
Bybit Earn
Launchpad
NFT marketplace
Web3 wallet
Unified account
Options

Kraken Features

Spot trading
Futures (50x)
Margin (5x)
Staking (12+ coins)
Kraken Pro
OTC desk
NFT marketplace
Proof of Reserves

Security Comparison

Bybit Security

Trust score: 8/10
Cold storage, 2FA, anti-phishing, withdrawal whitelist, fund password

Kraken Security

Trust score: 9/10
Proof of Reserves, 95% cold storage, encrypted DB, 2FA, Global Settings Lock

Bybit Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Very low fees (0.10%)
  • Excellent derivatives platform
  • Copy trading
  • Fast execution
  • Large selection (500+)
  • Growing Web3 ecosystem

Cons

  • Not available to US users
  • Relatively younger exchange
  • Complex for beginners
  • Less regulatory clarity

Kraken Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Oldest major exchange (est. 2011)
  • Never been hacked
  • Competitive fees
  • Proof of Reserves transparency
  • Available in 190+ countries
  • 24/7 live chat + phone support

Cons

  • No credit/debit card in some regions
  • Smaller coin selection
  • Interface can feel dated
  • ACH deposits take 1-5 days

Kraken Wins 3 out of 6 Categories

Kraken edges out Bybit in our comparison. Kraken is best for security-conscious traders wanting a proven exchange. However, Bybit is better suited for derivatives traders wanting copy trading and low fees. The right choice depends on your specific needs.

Visit Bybit → Visit Kraken →

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has lower fees, Bybit or Kraken?
Bybit has lower fees (0.10% maker / 0.10% taker) compared to Kraken (0.16% / 0.26%). Volume-based discounts and token holdings can further reduce fees on both platforms.
Is Bybit or Kraken safer?
Bybit has a trust score of 8/10 while Kraken has 9/10. Bybit security: Cold storage, 2FA, anti-phishing, withdrawal whitelist, fund password. Kraken security: Proof of Reserves, 95% cold storage, encrypted DB, 2FA, Global Settings Lock.
Which has more coins, Bybit or Kraken?
Bybit supports 500+ cryptocurrencies while Kraken supports 200+. Bybit has a wider selection.
Can I use Bybit and Kraken in the US?
Bybit: No. Kraken: Yes (regulated). US availability may vary by state.
Which is better for beginners, Bybit or Kraken?
Both exchanges offer mobile apps and basic trading interfaces. Bybit has a slightly higher-rated app.
Does Bybit or Kraken offer futures trading?
Both offer futures trading. Bybit offers up to 100x leverage while Kraken offers up to 50x.