Kraken offers lower trading fees (0.16-0.26%) and more advanced trading features, while Gemini provides a simpler interface with better regulatory oversight and stronger consumer protections through its NY Trust Company charter.
Kraken vs Gemini — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Choose Kraken if you're an active trader seeking lower fees, margin trading capabilities, and exposure to more altcoins. Choose Gemini if you prioritize regulatory safety, a clean beginner interface, and strong consumer protection guarantees from its NY Trust Company charter.
Advanced cryptocurrency exchange with low fees, margin trading, and 550+ trading pairs.
Beginner-friendly cryptocurrency exchange with NY Trust Company charter and strong regulatory oversight.
Structured comparison data for Kraken vs Gemini with 150 attributes.
Complex Reasoning Accuracy (AIME Benchmark)
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Code Generation - Codeforces Problems Solved
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Kraken vs Gemini — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Kraken vs Gemini.
Gemini is safer for most users because it holds a NY Trust Company charter, the strongest regulatory classification available in the US for cryptocurrency exchanges. This means Gemini's crypto assets are held in segregated, regulated custodial accounts. Kraken is regulated as a Money Services Business (MSB) in multiple US states, which is lower tier. Both carry $250,000 insurance coverage, but Gemini's charter provides additional legal protections under NY banking law.
How much money can I save on fees with Kraken vs Gemini?
On a $10,000 trade, Kraken charges $26 (0.26% taker fee) while Gemini charges $60 (0.60% taker fee) — a savings of $34 per trade. Over 100 trades annually, that's $3,400 saved using Kraken. However, Gemini periodically offers 0% maker fees and 0.50% taker fees for promotional periods, temporarily narrowing this gap. For casual buyers making 10-20 trades yearly, the fee difference is minimal ($50-100).
Can I use margin trading or futures on either platform?
Yes, Kraken offers margin trading (up to 5x leverage) and perpetual/dated futures contracts for qualified users. Gemini does not offer margin trading or futures — it only supports spot trading. If you want to short sell or use leverage, Kraken is your only option between these two.
Which exchange has more cryptocurrencies?
Kraken offers 190+ cryptocurrencies across 550+ trading pairs, while Gemini offers approximately 100+ cryptocurrencies with 200+ pairs. Kraken includes many emerging DeFi tokens and altcoins that Gemini doesn't list. If you want exposure to newer or smaller-cap coins, Kraken is the better choice.
Yes, Gemini is specifically designed for beginners with a simple, clean interface that doesn't overwhelm new users. It also offers Gemini Earn for passive income (up to 8% APY on stablecoins) and strong regulatory protection. Kraken's interface is more complex and suited to intermediate/advanced traders. For first-time crypto buyers, Gemini is the easier choice.