Kraken vs DEGIRO: Which Broker Wins in 2026?

Regulation & Safety

Regulatory strength is one of the clearest differentiators in this matchup. Kraken operates under oversight from both the FCA and the CFTC, giving it two tier-1 regulatory licences compared to DEGIRO's single FCA authorization.

For traders who prioritize fund safety and dispute resolution avenues, this dual-regulation structure makes Kraken the more conservative choice. DEGIRO remains a credibly regulated broker, but its single-licence structure is comparatively narrower in scope.

Founded in 2011, Kraken also has two additional years of operating history over DEGIRO, which launched in 2013. While neither is a brand-new entrant, that extra track record factors into our overall confidence in Kraken's regulatory and operational maturity.

Fees, Spreads & Commissions

This is where DEGIRO fights back hardest. DEGIRO offers spreads starting from 0 pips, undercutting Kraken's 0.2 pip starting spread, making it the stronger pick for traders laser-focused on minimizing per-trade spread costs.

However, commission structures tell a slightly different story. Kraken charges $0.16 per lot compared to DEGIRO's $1.75 per lot, meaning Kraken can be cheaper on a blended cost basis depending on trade size and frequency.

Withdrawal fees also favor DEGIRO, which charges nothing to withdraw funds, versus Kraken's $1.5 withdrawal fee. Neither broker charges a deposit fee, so funding an account is cost-neutral on both platforms.

Overall, DEGIRO wins on headline spread marketing and withdrawal costs, but Kraken's lower commission rate means active traders should model both fee types before assuming DEGIRO is automatically cheaper.

Account Requirements & Leverage

Both brokers are accessible to traders with limited starting capital, as Kraken and DEGIRO each set their minimum deposit at $0. This removes any barrier-to-entry concern for new traders testing either platform.

Leverage is a sharper point of contrast. Kraken offers leverage up to 1:5, while DEGIRO caps out at 1:1, reflecting DEGIRO's more conservative, cash-account-style approach to stock and index trading.

Traders seeking leveraged exposure, particularly in crypto markets, will find Kraken's structure more flexible, while DEGIRO's near-zero leverage suits investors who prefer to avoid magnified risk entirely.

Markets & Platform Experience

Kraken is squarely focused on crypto markets, while DEGIRO spans stocks, indices, and commodities, giving DEGIRO a clear edge in market diversity for traditional multi-asset investors.

Both brokers rely on proprietary web and mobile platforms rather than third-party software like MetaTrader, meaning the user experience is fully controlled and designed in-house by each company.

Your choice here really comes down to what you intend to trade. Crypto-focused traders have no reason to look past Kraken, while stock, index, and commodity investors will naturally gravitate toward DEGIRO's broader asset menu.

Our Verdict

Weighing regulation, costs, leverage, and market access together, Kraken edges out DEGIRO overall with a 3.4/5 rating against DEGIRO's 3.3/5. The deciding factors are Kraken's stronger dual regulatory coverage and more established operating history.

DEGIRO is far from a weak alternative — its 0 pip spreads, free withdrawals, and multi-asset market access make it a genuinely strong option for stock and commodity investors who value low headline trading costs.

Ultimately, Kraken suits traders who want crypto exposure with leverage and robust regulatory backing, while DEGIRO suits conservative, multi-asset investors prioritizing low costs and broader market diversity.