Coinbase vs Kraken: Asset Range and Trading Tools
Coinbase and Kraken are two veteran US-based centralized cryptocurrency exchanges, founded in 2012 and 2011 respectively. Both platforms serve retail and institutional accounts.
Kraken provides more than 600 crypto pairs alongside 11,000 stocks and ETFs, margin trading, up to 10x leverage on derivatives, and FIX 4.4 API connectivity. Coinbase lists 405 coins across 514 trading pairs, offering spot, futures, and options markets alongside its Base network and Nasdaq-listed corporate parent. Coinbase offers onchain products through Base, while Kraken offers FIX API trading and a standalone self-custody wallet.
Quick verdict
Traders who need access to traditional equities and FIX 4.4 connectivity suit Kraken, while those seeking a Nasdaq-listed public company and Base integration fit Coinbase. Kraken supplies broader market access through 11,000 stocks and ETFs, FIX 4.4 trading APIs, and up to 10x leverage. Coinbase delivers Base integration and institutional custody as a Nasdaq-listed firm.
Choose Coinbase if you focus on a Nasdaq-listed parent company, trade within the Base ecosystem, or want the Coinbase One subscription alongside spot and derivatives markets.
Choose Kraken if you need to trade equities and ETFs alongside crypto, require FIX 4.4 API execution or up to 10x leverage on derivatives, or prefer access to a separate self-custody wallet.
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Ratings | ||
| Our score | 3.7/5 | 3.7/5 |
| User rating | No reviews yet | No reviews yet |
| Fees | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Security & trust | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Asset selection | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Ease of use | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Support | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Specs | ||
| Markets | Spot, Futures, Options | Spot, Futures, Margin, OTC |
| Coins listed | Not disclosed | 600 |
| Accepts US customers | Yes | Yes |
| Staking / earn | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile app | Not disclosed | Yes |
| Licenses & registrations | Not disclosed | Wyoming SPDI bank charter, SEC broker-dealer registration, SEC investment adviser registration, FinCEN MSB registration, Money Transmitter licenses in 46 US jurisdictions, Canadian Restricted Dealer registration, FINTRAC MSB registration, Bermuda Class F Digital Asset Business license, CySEC Investment Firm license, Central Bank of Ireland EMI license, Central Bank of Ireland MiCA CASP authorizations, FCA cryptoasset registration, AUSTRAC registration, ASIC registration, Japan FSA registration, VASP registrations in Spain, Ireland and Italy |
| Security features | Transfer protection | API key permissions excluding withdrawals, HMAC-SHA512 authentication, Self-custody wallet |
| Futures & perpetuals | Yes | Yes |
| Max leverage (x) | Not disclosed | 10 |
| Earn / savings products | Yes | Yes |
| Referral program | Not disclosed | Yes |
| Company | ||
| Founded | 2012 | 2011 |
| Headquarters | United States | United States |
| Investors | Draper Fisher Jurvetson, Union Square Ventures, New York Stock Exchange, USAA +6 | SBI Holdings, 2,263 individual investors, Bitcoin Opportunity Fund, Hummingbird Ventures +3 |
| Strengths and weaknesses | ||
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| Cons |
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| Best for | US crypto investors, Advanced spot traders, Institutional asset managers | Active crypto traders, Institutional trading desks, API-based trading systems |
Highlighted cells show the stronger value in each row. Data comes from each provider's site and public sources; check details before you sign up.
FAQ
Is Coinbase or Kraken older?
Kraken was founded first, launching in 2011 under Jesse Powell, Thanh Luu, and Michael Gronager. Coinbase was founded a year later in 2012 by Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam.
Do both exchanges accept US customers?
Yes, both Coinbase and Kraken accept US residents. Kraken holds state money transmitter licenses across 46 US jurisdictions and an SEC broker-dealer registration, while Coinbase is headquartered in the United States and listed on Nasdaq.
Which exchange offers more tradable assets?
Kraken lists more tradable assets, supporting over 600 cryptocurrency pairs and more than 11,000 stocks and ETFs. Coinbase lists 405 coins across 514 trading pairs.
Can you trade derivatives on both platforms?
Yes, both platforms offer derivatives trading to eligible clients. Kraken provides futures with up to 10x leverage, while Coinbase offers futures, perpetual-style contracts, and options through its Derivatives Exchange.