Kraken vs MEXC: Comparative Analysis !?

Choosing the proper crypto exchange is crucial for successful trading, and Kraken and MEXC are two platforms with distinct offerings.

Kraken, a long-established and highly trusted exchange, is known for its strong security, regulatory compliance, and user-friendly interface, making it ideal for beginners and experienced traders.

MEXC, meanwhile, has gained popularity for its wide range of cryptocurrencies and innovative features, including a focus on futures trading and high-leverage options.

In this post, we’ll compare Kraken and MEXC regarding trading fees, supported assets, security, and overall user experience to help you make an informed decision.

Kraken Vs. MEXC: Comparison at a Glance

Here’s a clear comparison of Kraken and MEXC, focusing on their main features, fees, and products.

Feature	Kraken	MEXC
Founded	2011	2018
Founder(s)	Jesse Powell	John Chen
Supported Coins	Over 150	1,520
Trading Volume	High	Medium
Leverage	Up to 5x on spot trading	Up to 125x on futures
Trading Types	Spot, Futures, Margin	Spot, Futures
User Scores	High	High
Trading Fees	0% – 0.26%	0.20%
Withdrawal Fees	Variable	Low
Security Measures	High (2FA, security audits)	High (cold storage)
Deposit Methods	Bank Transfer, Crypto Deposit	Crypto Deposit, Credit Card
Platform User-Friendliness	Advanced trading features	User-friendly interface
Banking License	Yes	No

 

Kraken Vs. MEXC: Products And Services

Kraken and MEXC offer a wide array of products and services tailored for novice and experienced traders.

Spot Trading: Both exchanges provide robust spot trading platforms. Kraken supports various fiat currencies, including USD, EUR, and GBP. MEXC, on the other hand, offers an extensive range of 1,520 cryptocurrencies, making it a top choice for those looking to trade lesser-known altcoins.

Futures Trading: MEXC excels in futures trading with a high-performance platform designed for speed and reliability. Kraken also offers futures trading but is better known for its ease of use and competitive fees.

Options Trading: Kraken offers options trading, appealing to users interested in hedging strategies. MEXC does not currently provide options trading, which could be a limitation for some traders.

Leveraged Tokens: MEXC provides several leveraged token options suitable for traders looking to amplify their gains without the complexities of margin trading. Kraken does not offer leveraged tokens; instead, it focuses on other financial products. To know more, check this guide on how to leverage trade on MEXC.

NFT Marketplace: Kraken offers an NFT marketplace that caters to the growing interest in digital collectibles. MEXC does not currently feature an NFT marketplace, which may disadvantage users interested in NFTs.

Staking Services: Both exchanges offer staking services. Kraken provides a range of staking options with competitive rewards, making it a solid choice for those looking to earn passive income through staking.

MEXC also offers staking, allowing you to earn rewards on your holdings, but Kraken’s staking services are often considered more comprehensive.

Additional Financial Products: MEXC offers exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for crypto, enabling exposure to various coins through a single investment.

This feature can be appealing to users looking to diversify quickly. Kraken lacks ETF offerings but compensates with its banking license, which adds an extra layer of trust and legitimacy to its operations.

 

 

Kraken Vs MEXC: Contract Types

Kraken and MEXC offer a variety of contract types tailored to different trading strategies. These include inverse perpetual contracts, linear perpetual contracts, inverse futures contracts, COIN-M futures, USD-M futures, and options.

Inverse Perpetual Contracts: Kraken supports inverse perpetual contracts, which are ideal for traders looking to speculate on the price of various cryptocurrencies using Bitcoin as a margin.

 

MEXC also offers inverse perpetual contracts, providing similar flexibility for trading with Bitcoin as collateral.

Linear Perpetual Contracts: Kraken features linear perpetual contracts, which utilize stablecoins like USDT as collateral. These contracts can be more straightforward for traders who prefer avoiding crypto-collateral.

 

MEXC offers linear perpetual contracts with high liquidity, making it a competitive choice for those looking to use stablecoins in their trades.

Inverse Futures Contracts: Inverse futures contracts are available on Kraken, allowing long or short positions with cryptocurrencies as the margin. These contracts are beneficial for those confident in their market predictions.

 

MEXC also supports inverse futures. You will find a diverse range of cryptocurrencies as collateral options, giving you more trade flexibility.

COIN-M Futures: Kraken’s COIN-M futures contracts are settled in the underlying cryptocurrency, appealing to traders who prefer crypto denominations over fiat.

 

MEXC supports COIN-M futures, enabling settlement in cryptocurrencies, which provides an edge for those keeping their holdings in crypto.

USD-M Futures: Kraken offers USD-M futures, favoring those who prefer settlements in US dollars. These contracts can make portfolio management easier for US-dollar-based accounts.

 

MEXC’s USD-M futures come with competitive fees and high leverage, making it beneficial for those who wish to maximize returns.

Options: Kraken has a growing selection of options contracts, offering traders ways to hedge their positions and manage risks.

 

MEXC provides options but is often cited for having a broader range and better pricing models, giving it an advantage for complex trading strategies.

Using this information, you can better assess which platform suits your trading needs and whether you prefer the diverse options on Kraken or the high liquidity and flexibility of MEXC.

 

Kraken Vs. MEXC: Supported Cryptocurrencies

You’ll notice distinct offerings when comparing Kraken and MEXC based on supported cryptocurrencies.

Kraken:

• Offers a diverse selection of cryptocurrencies.
• Supports over 120 coins.
• It is famous for its robust support for major coins like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Litecoin (LTC).

MEXC:

• It is known for its extensive range, with 1,520 coins available.
• Provides a significant variety of altcoins.
• It is beautiful for traders interested in exploring niche and lesser-known cryptocurrencies.

Table of Supported Cryptocurrencies:

Feature	Kraken	MEXC
Number of Cryptos	120+	1,520+
Major Coins	BTC, ETH, LTC	Wide variety of altcoins
Altcoins	Limited selection	Extensive selection

For futures and leverage trading, both exchanges offer competitive options.

Kraken Futures:

• Popular pairs: XBT/USD (Bitcoin/USD), ETH/USD (Ethereum/USD), LTC/USD (Litecoin/USD).
• Offers leverage up to 50x.

MEXC Futures:

• Popular pairs: BTC/USDT, ETH/USDT, DOT/USDT.
• Offers leverage up to 200x.

Whether you’re looking for a traditional trading approach with major coins or an extensive range of options to explore, both Kraken and MEXC have unique strengths in their cryptocurrency offerings.

 

Kraken Vs. MEXC: Leverage And Margin Trading

When comparing leverage and margin trading between Kraken and MEXC, there are key differences to consider.

Kraken

• Offers margin trading with leverage up to 5x for most users and up to 3x for US traders.
• It requires conservative margin requirements, making it more suitable for risk-averse traders.
• It features lower leverage limits, which may reduce liquidation risks.
• Margin funding rates are competitive but vary based on the asset.

MEXC

• It stands out with its high leverage limits, offering up to 125x on specific cryptocurrency pairs.
• Allows traders to amplify their positions significantly more than Kraken.
• Naturally, higher leverage means increased liquidation risks.
• Funding rates can also fluctuate, impacting your overall cost of trading.

MEXC caters to more aggressive trading strategies by providing higher leverage, while Kraken’s lower leverage and margin policies prioritize risk management.

 

Kraken Vs MEXC: Trading Volume

When comparing Kraken and MEXC regarding trading volume, you will notice significant differences that can impact your trading experience.

Kraken, established in 2011, is known for its high trading volumes. It often ranks among the top exchanges by volume, contributing to better liquidity.

More liquidity generally equates to smoother trade execution and reduced slippage, making it favorable for high-frequency trading.

MEXC, founded in 2018, boasts a growing user base and an expanding range of cryptocurrencies (1,520 coins).

While it may not always match Kraken’s volume, MEXC offers competitive liquidity, ensuring reasonable trading efficiency. Lower volumes on MEXC might increase the risk of slippage, especially for large trades.

According to recent liquidity rankings, Kraken consistently appears in the top tiers. You might find Kraken’s volume helpful for executing large trades with minimal price impact.

Conversely, MEXC’s volume shows strong growth, particularly in niche and emerging markets. It’s a solid choice if you seek diverse trading options but might face higher slippage.

Liquidity Comparison:

Exchange	Liquidity Rank	Average Daily Volume
Kraken	Top Tier	$500M+
MEXC	Lower Tier	$200M – $400M

Higher trading volumes on Kraken can lead to quicker trade execution. In contrast, MEXC’s growing volume supports meaningful trades but may result in higher slippage.

 

Kraken Vs. MEXC: Futures Trading Fees And Rewards

Fee Structure

Kraken charges a maker fee of 0.02% and a taker fee of 0.05% on futures trades.

MEXC’s maker fee is 0.02%, while the taker fee is higher at 0.06%. Kraken offers lower taker fees, which can be beneficial for high-frequency traders.

Rewards and Discounts

Kraken offers a discount on fees for high-volume traders. The more you trade, the lower your costs.

MEXC provides sign-up bonuses and trading competitions with rewards in the form of cryptocurrency. These incentives can significantly add value, especially for new users.

Fee Calculation Example

If you execute a $10,000 trade on Kraken, your maker fee would be $2 (0.02%), while your taker fee would be $5 (0.05%).

On MEXC, the maker fee would also be $2 (0.02%), but the taker fee would be $6 (0.06%).

Deposit and Withdrawal Fees

Kraken’s deposit fees are generally zero for cryptocurrency deposits. Withdrawal fees vary, for instance, 0.0005 BTC for Bitcoin.

MEXC, depending on the cryptocurrency and withdrawal method, also has competitive fees. It often waives deposit fees, making it cost-effective.

User Level and Trading Product

Kraken’s fee structure becomes more favorable as your trading volume increases.

MEXC offers additional discounts for users participating in trading competitions or referring friends. Both exchanges have tiered fee structures, but Kraken’s is more user-level oriented.

Understanding these fees and rewards can better strategize your trading activities to maximize futures trading profitability. Choose according to your trading style and volume to optimize the benefits from either Kraken or MEXC.

 

Kraken Vs. MEXC: Deposits & Withdrawal Options

When considering deposits and withdrawals on Kraken and MEXC, each exchange offers unique options that affect convenience, speed, and cost.

Kraken

Supported Currencies:

• USD, EUR, GBP, and cryptocurrencies

Deposit Methods:

• Bank transfers (SWIFT, SEPA)
• Cryptocurrency transfers

Withdrawal Methods:

• Bank transfers
• Cryptocurrency withdrawals

Processing Times:

• Bank transfers: 1-5 business days
• Cryptocurrency transfers: Typically within an hour

Deposit & Withdrawal Amounts:

• Minimum: $1 for bank transfers, varies for cryptocurrencies
• Maximum: Varies by account verification level

MEXC

Supported Currencies:

• A wide range of cryptocurrencies

Deposit Methods:

• Cryptocurrency transfers

Withdrawal Methods:

• Cryptocurrency withdrawals

Processing Times:

• Cryptocurrency transfers: Typically within an hour

Deposit & Withdrawal Amounts:

• Minimum: Varies by cryptocurrency
• Maximum: No fixed limits, based on account status

Kraken’s support for fiat currencies like USD, EUR, and GBP allows for versatile funding methods.

Standard bank transfers may take up to five business days but are secure. Cryptocurrency transfers are faster, usually being completed within an hour.

However, the minimum and maximum amounts depend on your account verification level.

MEXC mainly supports cryptocurrency deposits and withdrawals, which can be highly advantageous if you primarily deal with digital assets.

Processing times for cryptocurrency transactions are usually swift, generally taking less than an hour.

Though there are no fixed limits on deposits and withdrawals, the exact amounts can vary depending on your account status.

 

Kraken Vs MEXC: Native Token Usage

Kraken’s Native Token

Kraken does not have its native token. Instead, it focuses on offering a broad portfolio of cryptocurrencies and emphasizes security, transparency, and advanced trading features for its users.

MEXC’s Native Token

MEXC, on the other hand, features its native token called MX. This token offers several benefits to its holders:

• Trading Fees: You can enjoy discounted trading fees when using MX tokens for transactions.
• Governance: MX holders participate in governance decisions that influence the platform’s future direction.
• Staking: Stake MX tokens to earn rewards or access exclusive investment opportunities.

Usage and Utility

Both exchanges aim to provide valuable features, but including a native token differentiates MEXC from Kraken.

By holding MX tokens, you gain various in-exchange utilities that can enhance your trading experience on MEXC. Kraken, while lacking a native token, compensates with solid security measures and a user-friendly interface.

 

Kraken Vs. MEXC: KYC Requirements & KYC Limits

When comparing Kraken and MEXC regarding their Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements and limits, several vital points distinguish them.

Kraken offers various verification levels, each requiring different sets of documents and procedures:

• Starter Level: Basic information, no ID required
• Intermediate Level: Government-issued ID, proof of residence, facial verification
• Pro Level: Detailed financial information, proof of source of funds

This multiphase system impacts your privacy and security. More verification means higher limits but increased disclosure of personal information.

MEXC, on the other hand, has a more straightforward KYC process:

• Level 1: Basic personal information, no ID required
• Level 2: Government-issued ID, facial recognition

The privacy impact is lower than Kraken’s, but limits might be more restrictive at lower levels.

KYC Limits Comparison

Kraken:

• Starter Level: Lower deposit/withdrawal limits
• Intermediate Level: Higher limits
• Pro Level: Highest limits

MEXC:

• Level 1: Limited deposits and withdrawals
• Level 2: Enhanced limits

Kraken’s extensive KYC levels offer greater flexibility in terms of limits, making it suitable if you’re a heavy trader willing to provide more detailed verification.

MEXC provides adequate security and privacy with a straightforward process, making it more accessible for users who prioritize more uncomplicated verification steps but potentially face more restrictive transaction limits.

 

Kraken Vs. MEXC: User Experience

When examining the user experience of Kraken and MEXC, there are several vital aspects to consider.

Platform Interface and Design

• Kraken: Known for its clean and professional design, Kraken offers a user-friendly interface tailored to beginners and advanced users.
• MEXC: MEXC features a sleek, modern interface. The platform is designed to be intuitive, making it accessible for traders at all experience levels.

Mobile Apps

• Kraken: The Kraken mobile app is highly rated for its seamless trading experience and robust functionality. It provides almost all the features available on the web platform, enabling users to trade on the go.
• MEXC: MEXC’s mobile app is also user-friendly, offering high performance and accessibility. It is particularly noted for its ease of use and quick navigation.

Ease of Use

• Kraken: The process of executing trades and managing accounts on Kraken is straightforward. The platform guides users effectively, which is beneficial for less experienced traders. To get started, check this Kraken futures trading guide.
• MEXC: MEXC emphasizes simplicity in its trading process. Users report that setting up and executing trades is easy, which helps new users feel comfortable quickly.

Speed and Performance

• Kraken: Kraken is known for its stability and speed. It efficiently handles high volumes of transactions, ensuring a smooth user experience.
• MEXC: MEXC offers a high-performance trading engine capable of handling large volumes of transactions without lag, which is critical for active traders.

Functionality

• Kraken: Offers a range of advanced features like margin trading and futures. It also supports various fiat currencies, adding to its versatility.
• MEXC: Known for its extensive selection of cryptocurrencies, MEXC also supports trading bots and advanced trading options, catering to various trading needs.

In your experience with both exchanges, subtle differences may influence your preference. Each platform strives to provide a robust and efficient trading experience.

 

Kraken Vs MEXC: Order Types

When comparing Kraken and MEXC, it’s essential to understand the different types of orders each exchange supports. Order types allow you to execute trading strategies effectively and manage risks.

Kraken

Kraken supports market orders, limit orders, stop orders, stop-limit orders, take profit orders, take profit limit orders, post-only orders, and reduce-only orders.

• Market Orders: Execute immediately at the current market price.
• Limit Orders: Buy or sell at a specified price or better.
• Stop Orders: Activate trades once a specific price level is reached.
• Stop-Limit Orders: Combine stop orders and limit orders.
• Take Profit Orders: Trigger a sale once a specific profit target is hit.
• Take Profit Limit Orders: Similar to take profit orders but with a set limit price.
• Post-Only Orders: Ensure your order sits in the order book before execution.
• Reduce-Only Orders: Used to reduce an existing position.

MEXC

MEXC offers several types of orders: market orders, limit orders, stop-limit orders, conditional orders, and trailing stop orders.

• Market Orders: Immediate execution at market price.
• Limit Orders: Execution only at a specified price or better.
• Stop-Limit Orders: Activates once a specific price is reached and then executes as a limit order.
• Conditional Orders: Orders that execute only when specific conditions are met.
• Trailing Stop Orders: Move with the market price, offering dynamic risk management.

Order Type	Kraken	MEXC
Market Orders	Yes	Yes
Limit Orders	Yes	Yes
Stop Orders	Yes	No
Stop-Limit Orders	Yes	Yes
Take Profit Orders	Yes	No
Post-Only Orders	Yes	No
Reduce-Only Orders	Yes	No
Conditional Orders	No	Yes
Trailing Stop Orders	No	Yes

Kraken and MEXC provide a variety of order types, each suited to different trading strategies. Your specific needs and trading style determine which platform’s order capabilities best serve you.

 

Kraken Vs. MEXC: Security Measures & Reliability

Kraken places a strong emphasis on security. It has implemented features such as two-factor authentication (2FA), SSL encryption, and cold storage for most user funds.

Kraken underwent a significant security audit, offering additional security layers with advanced options through its Kraken Pro interface.

MEXC also prioritizes security. The platform employs 2FA, IP allowlisting, and a global server load-balancing system. These measures help to secure user data and funds effectively.

Incident History

• Kraken: Over the years, Kraken has maintained a robust reputation with minimal security breaches. Any minor incidents were swiftly addressed with transparency and improvements to its infrastructure.

• MEXC: MEXC has had fewer high-profile incidents, maintaining a generally secure environment. Like Kraken, it has responded effectively to security challenges.

Reliability

• Kraken has obtained a banking license, indicating a more regulated and reliable framework. This provides users with an added layer of trust. The exchange also supports various fiat currencies, making it highly accessible.

• MEXC, on the other hand, is known for its broad asset range, with over 1,500 cryptocurrencies available. This can be appealing to traders seeking diversity. MEXC offers high availability and has a good track record in maintaining uptime.

Both Kraken and MEXC have systems in place to protect your investments. While Kraken might provide more robust physical security features and regulatory assurance, MEXC compensates with a broader range of supported assets and global reach.

 

Kraken Vs. MEXC: Insurance Fund

When trading on a cryptocurrency exchange, the presence of an insurance fund can offer a sense of security. Kraken and MEXC have systems to protect your assets, but they handle it differently.

Kraken has a robust security framework that includes an insurance policy for its custodial services.

This insurance covers digital assets held in hot and cold wallets. It’s designed to protect you against events like cyber theft and physical breaches.

On the MEXC platform, an insurance fund is established to cover losses due to unforeseen risks.

This fund primarily offers compensation in the event of security incidents such as hacks or operational failures.

 

	Kraken	MEXC
Insurance	Custodial insurance covering cyber theft, etc.	A compensation fund for security incidents, hacks
Coverage	Hot and cold wallet assets	General security incidents

If you prioritize security and want protection for your digital assets, Kraken provides an insurance policy specific to that need. On the other hand, MEXC offers a broader compensation fund for various security-related incidents.

Use this information to align your trading preferences with the type of insurance fund each exchange provides.

 

Kraken Vs MEXC: Customer Support

When evaluating customer support between Kraken and MEXC, you will find distinct approaches and experiences on each platform.

Kraken:

• Offers 24/7 support via live chat and email.
• Known for a comprehensive help center with detailed guides and FAQs.
• Response times are generally efficient, although some users report delays during peak times.

MEXC:

• Provides 24/7 customer support with live chat, email, and a ticketing system.
• She is often praised for quick response times and a more user-friendly interface.
• The support staff is noted for being responsive and helpful.

 

Feature	Kraken	MEXC
Support Availability	24/7 Live Chat, Email	24/7 Live Chat, Email, Ticketing
User Feedback	Good, some delays	Highly responsive
Help Center	Extensive documentation, FAQs	User-friendly support guides

You’ll likely appreciate Kraken’s structured help center if you prefer self-service options. On the other hand, MEXC’s quick and helpful responses may appeal to those who prioritize direct, personal assistance.

Both platforms aim to provide robust customer support, ensuring you have assistance whenever needed.

 

Kraken Vs. MEXC: Regulatory Compliance

When comparing Kraken and MEXC regarding regulatory compliance, you find distinct differences in their approach and adherence to legal standards.

Kraken: Kraken is known for its strong commitment to regulatory compliance. The exchange has a banking license and operates under stringent guidelines in several jurisdictions.

Kraken secured a Special Purpose Depository Institution (SPDI) charter from the state of Wyoming, making it one of the first cryptocurrency exchanges to obtain such a license.

Kraken has also faced scrutiny, particularly from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which has charged the exchange for operating as an unregistered securities exchange.

Despite these challenges, Kraken has continued to expand its regulatory footprint.

MEXC: In contrast, MEXC navigates regulatory challenges differently.

The platform adheres to Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) policies globally, but it does not serve U.S. customers due to unclear regulatory compliance status in the United States.

MEXC focuses on international markets, ensuring compliance with local laws and guidelines.

While both exchanges emphasize compliance, Kraken has more direct involvement in U.S. regulations, whereas MEXC focuses on a broader international audience, using stringent KYC and AML checks to maintain integrity.

 

Aspect	Kraken	MEXC
License	Banking license, SPDI in Wyoming	No specific U.S. trading license
KYC/AML Policies	Compliant	Compliant
U.S. Market	Available	Not available
Challenges	SEC charges	U.S. regulatory uncertainty

This regulatory adherence helps both exchanges build trust among their user bases, albeit through different strategies and jurisdictions.

 

Conclusion

Choosing between Kraken and MEXC depends on your trading or investment priorities.

If security and advanced features are essential, Kraken is a solid choice with its robust security protocols and banking license, offering peace of mind for cautious traders.

MEXC is ideal for those seeking a more comprehensive range of cryptocurrencies, with 1,520 coins available and lower trading fees that benefit frequent traders.

Both platforms are user-friendly, but MEXC may be more intuitive for beginners, especially those using trading bots. It also offers higher liquidity and better leverage, making it suitable for high-frequency traders.

In summary:

• Kraken supports 129 cryptocurrencies; MEXC offers 1,520.
• Kraken’s fees are higher; MEXC’s are lower.
• Kraken provides more robust security, while MEXC excels in user-friendliness and leverage.

Consider your priorities—security, variety, or cost—before choosing. Both Kraken and MEXC offer distinct strengths for different trading needs.

Compare MEXC and Kraken with other major exchanges

• MEXC vs Bybit
• MEXC vs KuCoin
• MEXC vs Binance
• Kraken vs Bybit
• Kraken vs Phemex
• Kraken vs KuCoin