Binance.US and Kraken are two leading cryptocurrency exchanges renowned for low trading fees. Choosing between them depends on factors like supported coins, customer support, and fee structures. This guide compares both platforms across key metrics to help you decide.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Binance.US | Kraken |
|------------------|------------------|------------------|
| Trading Fees | Lower taker fees | Higher base fees |
| Coins Listed | 100+ | 175+ |
| Staking | 7 coins | 13 coins |
| ACH Fees | Free | $4–$35 |
| Support | Ticket-only | 24/7 live chat |
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Trading Fees: Binance vs. Kraken
Both exchanges use a maker-taker fee model:
- Maker orders (add liquidity): Lower fees
- Taker orders (remove liquidity): Higher fees
Binance Fee Structure
| 30-Day Volume (USD) | Maker Fee | Taker Fee |
|----------------------|-----------|-----------|
| < $50K | 0.10% | 0.10% |
| $50K–$100K | 0.09% | 0.09% |
| > $10M | 0% | 0.02% |
BNB holders get 25% fee discounts.
Kraken Fee Structure
| 30-Day Volume (USD) | Maker Fee | Taker Fee |
|----------------------|-----------|-----------|
| < $50K | 0.16% | 0.26% |
| $50K–$100K | 0.14% | 0.24% |
| > $10M | 0% | 0.10% |
Winner: Binance for cost-sensitive traders.
Supported Cryptocurrencies
- Kraken: 175+ coins (including Ethereum staking)
- Binance: 100+ coins
Winner: Kraken for diverse portfolios.
Staking Rewards
| Platform | Coins Supported | Notable Inclusions |
|----------|-----------------|--------------------|
| Kraken | 13 | Ethereum |
| Binance | 7 | Polkadot, Cardano |
Winner: Kraken for ETH stakers.
Deposit & Withdrawal Fees
Binance:
- ACH: Free
- Wire withdrawals: $15
Kraken:
- ACH: $4–$35
- Wire: $10–$35
Winner: Binance for USD transfers.
Customer Support
- Kraken: 24/7 live chat + phone support
- Binance: Ticket-only system
Winner: Kraken for accessibility.
👉 Compare more exchanges side-by-side
FAQs
1. Which exchange has lower fees for small traders?
Binance charges 0.10% vs. Kraken’s 0.16% (maker fees under $50K volume).
2. Can I stake Ethereum on Binance?
No—Kraken supports ETH staking; Binance does not.
3. Is Kraken better for beginners?
Kraken’s 24/7 support edges out Binance for new users.
4. How do BNB discounts work?
Pay Binance fees with BNB for 25% savings.
5. Which platform offers more coins?
Kraken lists 175+ vs. Binance’s 100+.
Final Verdict
Choose Binance if:
- You prioritize low fees
- Trade high volumes
- Use BNB for discounts
Choose Kraken if:
- You need diverse coin options
- Prefer ETH staking
- Value 24/7 customer support
Both platforms excel—select based on your top priorities.