Coinbase and Kraken are two of the most popular crypto exchanges for UK users, but they suit different types of investors.
This Coinbase vs Kraken UK 2026 comparison explains which platform is better for fees, FCA registration, GBP payments, security, and ease of use, so you can quickly choose the right exchange for your needs.
Quick answer – which broker is better?
Coinbase is better for beginners who want a simple app and easy GBP buying, while Kraken is better for active UK traders who want lower fees, more assets, and advanced tools.
Both exchanges are FCA-registered for cryptoasset activities, support GBP deposits, and offer strong security. The choice comes down to simplicity versus cost and control.
Coinbase vs Kraken at a glance
| Feature | Coinbase | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| FCA status | Registered (cryptoasset firm) | Registered (cryptoasset firm) |
| Best for | Beginners | Active traders |
| Crypto assets | ~250+ | ~300+ |
| GBP deposits | Faster Payments, debit card | Faster Payments, debit card |
| Trading fees | Higher on standard buys | Lower on Kraken Pro |
| Advanced platform | Coinbase Advanced | Kraken Pro |
| Mobile apps | Coinbase, Coinbase Wallet | Kraken, Kraken Pro |
| FSCS protection | No (crypto not FSCS-protected) | No (crypto not FSCS-protected) |
Key takeaway: Kraken wins on depth and cost. Coinbase wins on simplicity.
Who should use Coinbase vs Kraken?
Coinbase suits UK beginners, while Kraken suits experienced and cost-conscious traders.
Coinbase is best for:
- First-time crypto buyers
- Small, occasional purchases
- Users prioritising a clean mobile experience
Kraken is best for:
- Regular or high-volume traders
- Users who want lower maker-taker fees
- Traders needing advanced order types and futures access
Assets available compared
Kraken offers broader market access, while Coinbase focuses on liquidity and simplicity.
| Asset Coverage | Coinbase | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Total cryptocurrencies | 250+ | 300+ |
| Major coins | Yes | Yes |
| Small-cap altcoins | Limited | Wider selection |
| Stablecoins | USDC, others | USDT, USDC, EUR-pegged |
Kraken typically lists 30–40% more assets and pairs, which matters for diversification and niche trading strategies.
Fees compared – which is cheaper in the UK?
Kraken is significantly cheaper for most UK traders.
| Platform | Entry-Level Fees |
|---|---|
| Coinbase standard buy | ~0.6% + spread |
| Coinbase Advanced | Tiered, higher than Kraken |
| Kraken Pro | 0.25% maker / 0.40% taker |
Example: £1,000 trade
- Coinbase standard buy: ~£6–£8 total cost
- Kraken Pro trade: ~£2.50–£4
Over a year, an active trader placing £10,000 per month can save hundreds of pounds using Kraken Pro.
What are the real trading costs (spreads vs Pro fees)?
Standard “simple buy” prices include spreads, while Pro platforms use maker-taker fees that are usually much cheaper.
- Coinbase standard buys include a spread plus a convenience fee
- Kraken Instant Buy also includes spreads and higher pricing
- Coinbase Advanced and Kraken Pro use transparent maker-taker pricing
How to reduce fees
- Use Coinbase Advanced or Kraken Pro
- Avoid debit cards for frequent trading
- Use limit orders where possible
For anyone trading more than occasionally, Pro interfaces significantly reduce long-term costs.
Do Coinbase One or Kraken+ reduce fees?
Subscriptions can reduce costs, but only make sense for frequent traders.
| Subscription | Platform | Key benefit | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coinbase One | Coinbase | Reduced trading fees and priority support | Regular Coinbase users |
| Kraken+ | Kraken | Lower Instant Buy costs up to monthly limits | Kraken Instant users |
If you already use Pro platforms, subscriptions often add limited extra value. They are more useful for users who prefer simple buy interfaces.
Trading platforms & tools compared
Kraken offers professional-grade tools, while Coinbase keeps things simple.
Coinbase
- Market, limit, and stop orders
- Clean charts and basic indicators
- No futures for UK retail users
Kraken
- Advanced order types including OCO and trailing stops
- Spot margin up to 10x for eligible users
- Futures and derivatives where permitted
Verdict: Kraken clearly wins for serious trading.
Mobile app comparison
Coinbase is easier for beginners; Kraken offers more depth.
| App Feature | Coinbase | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| App Store rating | ~4.7 | ~4.7 |
| Android rating | ~4.6 | ~4.3 |
| Ease of use | Excellent | Moderate |
| Advanced tools | Limited | Strong (Kraken Pro) |
Coinbase’s app is among the most beginner-friendly crypto apps in the UK. Kraken’s Pro app is more complex but far more powerful.
Staking and earn features for UK users
Both Coinbase and Kraken offer staking in the UK, but rates and commissions differ. Rewards are variable and not guaranteed, and staking carries risks such as slashing and lock-up periods.
Example staking comparison (illustrative)
| Platform | ETH gross reward | Estimated platform cut | Approx net |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coinbase | ~3.5% | Higher commission | ~2.6% |
| Kraken | ~4.0% | Lower commission | ~3.4% |
Always check current in-app rates, as availability and rewards change by asset and region.
How long does it take to open an account and verify in the UK?
Coinbase is usually faster to verify, while Kraken’s process is slightly more detailed but still straightforward.
Both exchanges require full KYC for UK users, including identity and address checks, before trading or withdrawing crypto.
Verification requirements
- Age: 18+
- Documents: Photo ID and proof of address
- Checks: Identity, residency, and sanctions screening
Typical verification times
| Platform | Typical UK verification time |
|---|---|
| Coinbase | Minutes to 24 hours |
| Kraken | Same day to 1–3 business days |
Coinbase’s in-app verification is designed for beginners and often completes faster. Kraken uses tiered verification, which can take longer at higher limits but unlocks more features.
How do GBP deposits and withdrawals work?
Both Coinbase and Kraken support GBP funding, but Kraken is usually cheaper for bank transfers.
UK users can fund accounts via Faster Payments or debit cards, with different fees and processing times.
GBP deposit methods
| Method | Coinbase | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Faster Payments | Supported | Supported (often free) |
| Debit card | Supported (higher fees) | Supported |
| Crypto deposits | Supported | Supported |
GBP withdrawals
- Faster Payments: Typically same day to 1 business day
- Card withdrawals: Slower and may include extra fees
- Fees vary by method and are shown before confirmation
Tip: Bank transfers are usually the cheapest option on both platforms for UK users.
Which has better customer support for UK users?
Kraken generally offers easier access to live support, while Coinbase prioritises subscribers.
Support channels
| Platform | Support options |
|---|---|
| Coinbase | Live chat, call-back requests, email |
| Kraken | 24/7 live chat, phone, email |
Coinbase One members receive priority support. Kraken is usually easier to reach without a subscription, but resolution times can still vary during high-demand periods.
ISAs, SIPPs & tax efficiency
Neither exchange offers an ISA or SIPP.
- Crypto gains may be subject to UK Capital Gains Tax
- Both platforms provide downloadable transaction histories
- Crypto assets are not FSCS protected, even on FCA-registered exchanges
This is a critical risk point for UK investors.
Education & market research
| Feature | Coinbase | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Overall focus | Beginner education | Technical documentation |
| Onboarding guides | Step-by-step, in-app explanations | Basic onboarding, less guided |
| Educational content | Simple crypto explainers and walkthroughs | Detailed help articles and FAQs |
| Trading guidance | Beginner-friendly tips and definitions | Technical guides for order types and tools |
| Market research | Limited | Limited |
| Suitability | Best for first-time UK users | Best for experienced traders |
| Investment advice | Not provided | Not provided |
Summary: Coinbase is better for learning the basics and getting started, while Kraken is better for users who already understand crypto and want clear technical documentation. Neither platform replaces independent research or professional financial advice.
Safety, regulation & investor protection
Both Coinbase and Kraken meet high security standards but offer no FSCS protection.
| Security Feature | Coinbase | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Cold storage | Majority of assets | Majority of assets |
| Two-factor authentication | Yes | Yes |
| FCA crypto registration | Yes | Yes |
| FSCS protection | No | No |
What’s changed recently?
Both platforms have tightened UK compliance and clarified fee disclosures.
- Kraken has expanded Kraken Pro functionality
- Coinbase has streamlined onboarding and app design
- No major UK-specific restrictions introduced recently
Tax reporting for HMRC and UK users
Both exchanges provide tools to help UK users report crypto taxes, but neither calculates CGT for you.
What you can export
- Full transaction history (CSV)
- Trade, deposit, withdrawal, and staking data
Common tax workflow
- Export CSV from Coinbase or Kraken
- Upload to UK-friendly tax software like Koinly
- Review gains, losses, and income for HMRC reporting
You remain responsible for accurate tax reporting.
Winner by category (quick comparison)
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Beginners | Coinbase |
| Lowest trading fees | Kraken Pro |
| Crypto selection | Kraken |
| Mobile simplicity | Coinbase |
| Advanced tools | Kraken |
| GBP bank transfers | Kraken |
| Overall ease of use | Coinbase |
Final verdict – which broker should you choose?
Choose Coinbase if you want the easiest way to buy crypto in the UK with minimal friction.
Choose Kraken if you want lower fees, more assets, and professional-grade trading tools.
If fees and flexibility matter, Kraken is the better long-term choice. If simplicity matters most, Coinbase remains one of the easiest entry points for UK users.
FAQs
Is Coinbase or Kraken safer for UK users?
Both are considered secure and FCA-registered for cryptoasset activities. They use cold storage and two-factor authentication, but crypto is not FSCS protected.
Is Coinbase better for beginners?
Yes. Coinbase is better for beginners because of its simple interface, fast onboarding, and easy GBP buying. The app is designed for first-time users, with clear navigation and fewer trading options, making it easier to place your first trades without using advanced tools.
Is Kraken better for advanced traders?
Yes. Kraken is better for advanced traders due to Kraken Pro’s lower fees, advanced order types, and access to margin and futures for eligible users. Coinbase Advanced is simpler but lacks the same depth of tools.
Which has lower fees in the UK?
Kraken generally has lower fees in the UK, especially on Kraken Pro. Coinbase’s standard buys include higher spreads and convenience fees, while Kraken Pro uses cheaper maker-taker pricing.
Which exchange is safer?
Both Coinbase and Kraken are considered safe and are FCA-registered for cryptoasset activities. They use cold storage and two-factor authentication, but crypto is not FSCS-protected on either platform.
