K
Kraken
3.4 / 5Score: 1 / 3
Kraken pairs tier-1 regulatory oversight with over a decade of crypto trading experience, making it the safer bet for digital asset investors.
- Min deposit
- $0
- Max leverage
- 1:5
- Spread from
- 0.2 pips
- Regulators
- FCA, CFTC
Reviewed by Experts Updated 9/15/2026
Kraken vs Longbridge: Which Broker Wins in 2026?
Kraken and Longbridge are neck-and-neck in our 2026 ratings, each scoring 3.4 out of 5. Kraken wins on regulatory strength and track record, while Longbridge counters with tighter spreads and broader market access. Here's how they stack up head-to-head.
L
Longbridge
3.4 / 5Score: 2 / 3
Longbridge delivers commission-free trading with 0 pip spreads across a diversified basket of stocks, ETFs, options, and indices.
- Min deposit
- $0
- Max leverage
- 1:5
- Spread from
- 0 pips
- Regulators
- SFC, MAS
Our #1 Pick Right Now: AvaTrade
Same category, top-tier regulation, and it's currently accepting new traders.
See What Makes It Different Best for Beginners
Kraken
Lowest Fees
Longbridge
Top Regulation
Kraken
Side-by-side comparison
Core features compared head-to-head.
| Feature | K Kraken | L Longbridge |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Rating | 3.4 / 5 | 3.4 / 5 |
| Founded | 2011 | 2019 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, USA | Hong Kong |
| Regulation | FCA, CFTC | SFC, MAS |
| Fees & Limits | ||
| Min Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Spreads From | 0.2 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission | $0.16/lot | None |
| Max Leverage | 1:5 | 1:5 |
| Platforms & Markets | ||
| Trading Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile |
| Markets Offered | Crypto | Stocks, Etf, Options, Indices |
Trading & non-trading fees
Min Deposit
Kraken
$0
Longbridge
$0
Spreads From
Kraken
0.2 pips
Longbridge
0 pips
Commission
Kraken
$0.16/lot
Longbridge
None
Deposit Fees
Kraken
None
Longbridge
None
Withdrawal Fees
Kraken
$1.5
Longbridge
None
Pros & cons
K
Kraken
Pros
- Backed by two tier-1 regulators (FCA and CFTC) for stronger investor protection
- Long operating history since 2011 builds significant industry trust
- No minimum deposit required to open an account
- Transparent flat commission structure at $0.16 per lot
- Straightforward proprietary web and mobile platforms suited to beginners
- Well-known global brand within the cryptocurrency space
Cons
- Limited to crypto markets only, with no stocks, ETFs, or indices access
- Higher starting spreads at 0.2 pips compared to competitors
- Withdrawal fee of $1.5 applies, unlike some fee-free rivals
- Leverage capped at 1:5, restrictive for active traders
- No advanced third-party platform support like MetaTrader
L
Longbridge
Pros
- Tighter spreads starting from 0 pips reduce overall trading costs
- No per-trade commission charged on transactions
- Broader market access spanning four asset classes
- Completely free withdrawals with no hidden charges
- Zero minimum deposit requirement lowers the entry barrier
- Modern proprietary platforms across web and mobile devices
Cons
- Regulated only by SFC and MAS, lacking tier-1 licences like the FCA or CFTC
- Newer brand founded in 2019 with a shorter track record
- Leverage capped at 1:5, limiting flexibility for aggressive traders
- No support for third-party platforms such as MetaTrader 4 or 5
- Headquarters based solely in Hong Kong may concern some Western traders
Our expert verdict
Editor's verdict
Lowest fees Longbridge
Best regulation Kraken
Better for beginners Kraken
Kraken narrowly takes the overall crown in our 2026 comparison, scoring 3.37/5 against Longbridge's 3.36/5, primarily thanks to its tier-1 FCA and CFTC regulatory backing and long-standing industry presence since 2011. However, Longbridge remains highly competitive, undercutting Kraken on fees with 0 pip spreads, zero commissions, and free withdrawals, plus offering access to a wider range of markets including stocks, ETFs, options, and indices. Choose Kraken if regulatory safety and crypto specialization matter most; choose Longbridge if minimizing costs and diversifying across asset classes is your priority.
Regulation & Safety
Kraken holds licences from the FCA and CFTC, two of the most respected tier-1 regulatory bodies in the world. This gives Kraken users an added layer of confidence when it comes to fund protection and operational transparency.
Longbridge is regulated by the SFC and MAS, both credible regional regulators overseeing Hong Kong and Singapore markets respectively. While reputable, these are not classified as tier-1 in the same bracket as the FCA or CFTC.
For traders who place regulatory strength as their top priority, Kraken has a clear edge. Longbridge is still a safe option for those comfortable with Asia-based regulatory frameworks.
Fees, Spreads & Commissions
Longbridge is the more cost-efficient platform, offering spreads starting from 0 pips and charging zero per-trade commissions. This structure benefits high-frequency traders and those managing larger position sizes.
Kraken, in contrast, starts spreads at 0.2 pips and applies a $0.16 commission per lot traded. While not excessive, these costs add up for active traders compared to Longbridge's fee-free model.
Withdrawal costs also favor Longbridge, which charges no withdrawal fees at all, while Kraken applies a modest $1.5 fee per withdrawal. Neither broker charges deposit fees, keeping funding costs neutral on that front.
Markets & Trading Instruments
Kraken operates exclusively within the cryptocurrency space, making it a specialist platform rather than a diversified multi-asset broker. This suits traders solely focused on digital assets but limits flexibility for portfolio diversification.
Longbridge offers considerably broader market access, spanning stocks, ETFs, options, and indices across four distinct asset classes. This makes it more appealing to investors wanting to build a diversified portfolio under one roof.
If your trading strategy revolves purely around crypto, Kraken's specialization could actually be an advantage. But for those wanting exposure beyond digital assets, Longbridge is the more versatile choice.
Platforms & Trading Experience
Both brokers rely on proprietary web and mobile platforms rather than industry-standard third-party software like MetaTrader 4 or 5. This means the trading experience is fully custom-built by each respective company.
Kraken's platform has had over a decade to mature since its 2011 launch, potentially offering more refined tools for crypto-specific trading. Longbridge's platform, launched in 2019, is newer but tailored specifically toward multi-asset stock and options trading.
Neither platform supports advanced algorithmic trading tools common on MetaTrader, which may be a limitation for traders who rely on automated strategies or custom indicators.
Account Accessibility & Leverage
Both Kraken and Longbridge require no minimum deposit, making either platform equally accessible to beginner traders or those testing strategies with smaller capital allocations.
Maximum leverage is capped at 1:5 on both platforms, a conservative limit compared to many international forex brokers offering leverage up to 1:500 or higher. This shared restriction means neither broker is ideal for aggressive, highly leveraged strategies.
Given the identical deposit and leverage terms, the decision ultimately comes down to fees, regulation, and market preference rather than account accessibility.
Our Verdict
Kraken and Longbridge are so closely matched that the decision genuinely comes down to individual trading priorities rather than one broker being outright superior. Kraken's tier-1 regulation and longer track record make it the safer, more established option overall.
Longbridge counters with a genuinely compelling cost structure, zero commissions, and access to a broader set of markets beyond crypto. For fee-conscious, diversification-minded traders, Longbridge presents excellent value.
Our overall rating gives a slight nod to Kraken for regulatory strength, but we'd recommend Longbridge to traders whose priority is minimizing costs and accessing stocks, ETFs, options, and indices in one account.
Verdict summary
The bottom line — category winners and our final pick based on ratings.
Editor's verdict
Kraken wins overall
Kraken edges out Longbridge overall based on our expert rating score.
K
Highest Rated
Kraken
3.4 / 5 / 5
Category winners
Overall winner
Based on overall expert rating (3.4/5).
KrakenBetter for beginners
Stronger onboarding and educational resources.
KrakenLower trading costs
More competitive spreads and baseline commissions.
LongbridgeStronger regulation
Higher trust based on tier-1 regulatory oversight.
Kraken
Frequently asked questions
Both brokers sit at 3.4 out of 5 on our independent rating scale, making this an extremely close matchup. Kraken edges ahead slightly overall thanks to its tier-1 FCA and CFTC regulatory coverage, while Longbridge counters with lower trading costs. Your ideal pick depends on whether you value regulatory strength or fee efficiency more highly.
Longbridge holds a clear fee advantage, offering spreads from 0 pips and charging no per-trade commission at all. Kraken starts spreads at 0.2 pips and applies a $0.16 per lot commission. For cost-sensitive traders, Longbridge is the more economical choice.
Neither broker imposes a minimum deposit requirement, meaning both Kraken and Longbridge let you open an account with $0. This makes both platforms accessible to beginners and smaller-scale traders who want to start with minimal upfront capital.
Kraken is regulated by the FCA and CFTC, both considered tier-1 regulatory bodies with strict oversight standards. Longbridge is regulated by the SFC and MAS, respected regional regulators but not classified as tier-1. Traders prioritizing maximum regulatory safety should lean toward Kraken.
Kraken focuses exclusively on cryptocurrency markets, appealing to traders who want a dedicated digital asset platform. Longbridge offers broader diversification with stocks, ETFs, options, and indices. If you want multi-asset exposure beyond crypto, Longbridge is the more versatile option.
Both brokers rely on proprietary web and mobile trading platforms rather than third-party software like MetaTrader 4 or 5. This means traders on either platform will use each broker's own custom-built interface for both desktop and mobile trading.
Kraken charges a $1.5 withdrawal fee, while Longbridge offers completely free withdrawals with no charges at all. For traders who withdraw funds frequently, Longbridge's fee-free structure can meaningfully reduce long-term costs.
Kraken was founded in 2011, giving it a much longer operating history and over a decade of industry presence. Longbridge launched in 2019, making it a comparatively newer entrant. Traders who value a longer track record may favor Kraken's established reputation.
Yes, there's nothing stopping you from maintaining accounts on both platforms simultaneously. Many traders diversify by using Kraken for crypto exposure while leveraging Longbridge for stocks, ETFs, options, and indices, effectively getting the best of both platforms.
Both brokers cap maximum leverage at 1:5, which is relatively conservative compared to some international forex brokers. This shared limitation means neither platform is ideal for highly leveraged trading strategies, regardless of which one you choose.
Risk warning: Trading CFDs and forex involves significant risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Please consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.