6 minute read
MEXC vs Kraken Comparison: Which is better?
from MEXC
by Exness_India
When choosing a cryptocurrency exchange, MEXC and Kraken are two names that frequently come up — but which one is better? The short answer is: if you’re looking for high leverage trading, wide altcoin variety, and less strict KYC, MEXC is better. If you prioritize security, regulatory compliance, and fiat integrations, Kraken is the smarter choice. Now let’s dive deeper to explain why.
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1. Ease of Use and User Experience
MEXC is designed for aggressive traders who want access to hundreds of altcoins, fast execution, and an interface similar to Binance. The platform is responsive, beginner-friendly, and mobile-optimized. Traders can sign up without mandatory KYC, start trading futures instantly, and access trading bots or copy trading features in just a few taps.
Kraken, on the other hand, takes a more conservative and traditional approach. Its interface is more formal, better suited for serious investors than fast-paced traders. Kraken Pro offers a customizable UI and is powerful once you get used to it, but it's not as beginner-oriented as MEXC. Furthermore, Kraken requires KYC from the start, which may be a barrier for users seeking speed and privacy.
Verdict: MEXC wins for user-friendliness and accessibility, especially in regions with limited KYC options.
2. Security and Regulation
Kraken is one of the most secure and compliant exchanges in the crypto space. Headquartered in the U.S., it is registered with FinCEN and follows strict AML/KYC regulations. It has never been hacked since its launch in 2011, and it implements top-tier security practices including cold wallet storage, 2FA, and proof-of-reserves auditing.
MEXC, while not having a record of major hacks, is registered in Seychelles and operates more freely. This gives users flexibility, but it also means fewer legal protections. MEXC does not enforce strict KYC unless you reach certain withdrawal thresholds. While this attracts users who value privacy, it also exposes traders to higher risks.
Verdict: Kraken wins for security, compliance, and peace of mind.
3. Trading Features and Products
MEXC provides an aggressive trading environment. It supports spot trading, margin trading, and futures with leverage up to 200x on some contracts. There are thousands of trading pairs, including obscure meme coins and early-stage tokens not listed elsewhere. MEXC also supports copy trading, grid trading bots, and launchpad participation for early token access.
Kraken offers spot trading, margin trading, and futures as well, but with lower leverage (up to 5x for spot, and 50x for futures). It doesn’t list as many tokens as MEXC, and new coins typically take longer to be listed. Kraken’s focus is more on blue-chip cryptocurrencies and stable altcoins rather than microcaps.
Verdict: MEXC wins for trading tools, leverage, and altcoin diversity.
4. Fees and Costs
MEXC is known for its extremely low trading fees. It charges 0% for maker orders and a very small fee for taker orders in spot markets. Futures fees are also highly competitive, and users can reduce costs further with the MX token.
Kraken’s fees are higher. On the basic platform, the instant buy/sell feature can cost up to 1.5% per trade. On Kraken Pro, the fees are lower but still higher than MEXC’s. Kraken does not have its own utility token for fee reductions.
Verdict: MEXC is better for low-cost trading.
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5. Supported Assets and Markets
MEXC lists over 1,700 coins — one of the highest in the industry. This includes new token launches, memecoins, NFT-related tokens, and more. If your strategy is to get in early on new projects, MEXC offers access you won’t find on regulated exchanges.
Kraken supports fewer than 300 cryptocurrencies. These include most major tokens and some DeFi coins, but it’s much more selective. Kraken’s listing strategy is slow and cautious, in line with its compliance goals.
Verdict: MEXC dominates in asset variety and token access.
6. Fiat Support and Banking Integration
Kraken has strong fiat support. Users can deposit and withdraw in USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, JPY, and more via bank transfers, SWIFT, SEPA, or FedWire. This makes Kraken ideal for users who want to cash in and out of crypto to fiat frequently.
MEXC does not support fiat deposits or withdrawals directly. Users must use third-party payment providers for fiat onramps or convert stablecoins instead. For crypto-only users, this might be acceptable, but it’s a limitation for those looking for fiat gateways.
Verdict: Kraken wins for fiat support and banking options.
7. KYC and Privacy
MEXC allows non-KYC users to trade, deposit, and withdraw within daily limits (usually 20 BTC or equivalent). This is valuable for users in countries where KYC may be intrusive or unavailable. However, non-KYC accounts won’t have access to all features, and MEXC may tighten restrictions over time.
Kraken requires full identity verification even for basic usage. Users must submit ID documents, and in some jurisdictions, enhanced verification is mandatory. This enhances trust and security but comes at the cost of anonymity.
Verdict: MEXC wins for privacy and non-KYC access.
8. Customer Support
Kraken provides 24/7 customer support via live chat and support tickets. It has a strong reputation for resolving issues professionally. Its support team is trained, and the platform has extensive educational resources and FAQs.
MEXC also offers 24/7 support via live chat and email. However, users sometimes report slower response times and language barriers. While most issues are resolved, support is not as consistently professional as Kraken’s.
Verdict: Kraken wins in customer service quality.
9. Mobile Apps and Performance
Both MEXC and Kraken offer mobile apps for Android and iOS. MEXC’s app is highly rated for its speed, ease of use, and trading capabilities. It includes advanced features like copy trading and futures dashboards right from the app.
Kraken’s mobile app is also robust, but it splits functionality into two apps — Kraken (basic) and Kraken Pro (advanced). While functional and secure, it’s not as nimble or convenient as MEXC’s unified approach.
Verdict: MEXC offers a better mobile trading experience.
10. Global Accessibility
MEXC is available in most countries, including regions often underserved by regulated exchanges. Its lenient KYC policy and broad language support make it accessible to users in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Kraken is not available in all countries due to regulatory limitations. For instance, it recently exited some jurisdictions or limited services in places with uncertain regulations.
Verdict: MEXC is more globally accessible.
Final Verdict: Which Is Better?
If your priorities are:
High leverage
Early access to new tokens
Low fees
Non-KYC flexibility
Mobile-first trading
Then MEXC is the better choice.
However, if you’re focused on:
Security and regulation
Banking integration
Stable trading environment
Fiat-to-crypto operations
Strong customer service
Then Kraken is the superior platform.
Ultimately, it depends on your trading style. Day traders, altcoin hunters, and privacy-focused users will find more value on MEXC. Institutional investors, long-term holders, and fiat-focused users will likely prefer Kraken.
Both platforms are strong in their niches. Choose the one that fits your goals, risk tolerance, and regulatory needs.
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