Comparison

Kraken vs Bitget

A side-by-side comparison of Kraken and Bitget across trading fees, supported features, product depth, and user fit. Spot fees start at 0.16% maker on Kraken vs 0.10% on Bitget, while futures fees are 0.02%/0.05% and 0.02%/0.06% respectively. This page breaks down what actually matters for choosing between these two exchanges in 2026.

Quick Answer

Bitget has lower spot trading fees (0.10%/0.10% maker/taker vs 0.16%/0.26%). Kraken also edges ahead on futures fees. Kraken is generally better for security-conscious users who value a strong track record, while Bitget stands out for copy traders who want the leading copy trading platform. Check the full breakdown below for details on features, regional availability, and which exchange fits your trading style.

Who this exchange is better for
  • security-conscious users who value a strong track record
  • users who want strong staking options
  • users who prioritize a regulated and trusted exchange
Who this exchange is better for
  • copy traders who want the leading copy trading platform
  • futures traders who want competitive derivatives fees
  • users who want social trading with transparent lead trader stats
Who should probably skip side A
  • users who want copy trading features
  • mobile-first users who need the most polished app experience
  • users who want the widest altcoin selection
Who should probably skip side B
  • users who want spot-only simplicity without derivatives focus
  • users who prefer established Western exchange brands
Comparison table

Decision-first summary

labelkrakenbitget
Best forsecurity-conscious users who value a strong track record; users who want strong staking options; users who prioritize a regulated and trusted exchangecopy traders who want the leading copy trading platform; futures traders who want competitive derivatives fees; users who want social trading with transparent lead trader stats
Not ideal forusers who want copy trading features; mobile-first users who need the most polished app experience; users who want the widest altcoin selectionusers who want spot-only simplicity without derivatives focus; users who prefer established Western exchange brands
Region availabilityRegulated in the US and EU; available in many countries with good compliance track record.Available in many regions but restricted in the US and some regulated markets.
Spot fees0.16% maker / 0.26% taker (Pro rates shown)0.10% maker / 0.10% taker (BGB token discount)
Futures fees0.02% maker / 0.05% taker0.02% maker / 0.06% taker
BTC withdrawal fee0.00015 BTC0.0006 BTC
Copy tradingNot availableAvailable — Bitget is widely recognized as the market leader in copy trading, with transparent lead trader performance metrics, multiple copy modes, and support for both spot and futures copy trading.
API qualityKraken provides comprehensive REST and WebSocket APIs for spot and futures trading with strong documentation.Bitget provides REST and WebSocket APIs for spot, futures, and copy trading integration.
Beginner friendlinessClean interface with educational resources, but the overall experience is more oriented toward intermediate and advanced users.Copy trading provides an accessible entry point for beginners who want to follow experienced traders rather than trade independently.
Advanced trader fitStrong security, competitive futures fees, and solid API make Kraken a good fit for security-conscious advanced traders.Strong futures and copy trading tools appeal to active traders; API support adds automated trading capability.
Product breadthSpot, futures, margin, staking, and NFT marketplace. Product range is solid but narrower than the largest offshore exchanges.Spot, futures, copy trading, earn products, and launchpad. Strong derivatives and social trading focus.
Breakdown

Why the comparison lands this way

Trading Fees

The fee picture is split: Bitget has the edge on spot fees, while Kraken offers lower futures fees. Your choice should depend on whether you trade more spot or derivatives. Both exchanges offer VIP tier discounts and token-based fee reductions that can change the effective cost.

Futures and Derivatives

Kraken: Futures fees are 0.020 percent maker and 0.050 percent taker, competitive with major offshore exchanges. Bitget: Futures fees are 0.020 percent maker and 0.060 percent taker at the base tier.

Copy Trading

Bitget offers copy trading while Kraken does not. If copy trading is important to your strategy, Bitget is the clear choice here. Bitget is widely recognized as the market leader in copy trading, with transparent lead trader performance metrics, multiple copy modes, and support for both spot and futures copy trading.

API and Advanced Features

Kraken: Kraken provides comprehensive REST and WebSocket APIs for spot and futures trading with strong documentation. Bitget: Bitget provides REST and WebSocket APIs for spot, futures, and copy trading integration. For bot builders and algorithmic traders, API quality, documentation depth, and rate limits all matter.

Beginner Friendliness

Kraken: Clean interface with educational resources, but the overall experience is more oriented toward intermediate and advanced users. Bitget: Copy trading provides an accessible entry point for beginners who want to follow experienced traders rather than trade independently.

Regional Availability

Kraken: Regulated in the US and EU; available in many countries with good compliance track record. Bitget: Available in many regions but restricted in the US and some regulated markets. Always check that the products you need are available in your jurisdiction before signing up.

Verdict by user type

Recommendations should shift by trading style

Beginner

Bitget is the better starting point for beginners thanks to lower spot fees at 0.10% taker. Copy trading availability adds another beginner-friendly entry point. Kraken remains a viable option if its feature set better matches your specific needs.

Intermediate

Intermediate traders should weigh the full fee picture: Kraken charges 0.26% spot taker and 0.05% futures taker, while Bitget charges 0.10% and 0.06% respectively. Consider which platform's product breadth, VIP tiers, and available tools best match your evolving trading strategy.

Advanced

Advanced traders will appreciate Kraken's lower futures fees at 0.05% taker. Strong security, competitive futures fees, and solid API make Kraken a good fit for security-conscious advanced traders. Bitget may still win on specific features: Strong futures and copy trading tools appeal to active traders; API support adds automated trading capability.

FAQ

Questions this page should answer directly

Which has lower fees, Kraken or Bitget?

Bitget has lower base spot fees at 0.10%/0.10% maker/taker compared to Kraken's 0.16%/0.26%. For futures, Bitget charges 0.02%/0.06% vs Kraken's 0.02%/0.05%. Both offer VIP tiers and token discounts that can reduce effective costs.

Which is better for beginners, Kraken or Bitget?

Kraken: Clean interface with educational resources, but the overall experience is more oriented toward intermediate and advanced users. Bitget: Copy trading provides an accessible entry point for beginners who want to follow experienced traders rather than trade independently. Your choice should also consider regional availability and whether copy trading access matters to you.

Does Kraken or Bitget have better copy trading?

Only Bitget offers copy trading. Bitget is widely recognized as the market leader in copy trading, with transparent lead trader performance metrics, multiple copy modes, and support for both spot and futures copy trading. Kraken does not currently support copy trading.

Are Kraken and Bitget available in my country?

Kraken: Regulated in the US and EU; available in many countries with good compliance track record. Bitget: Available in many regions but restricted in the US and some regulated markets. Always verify product availability in your specific jurisdiction before creating an account.

Which is better for futures trading, Kraken or Bitget?

Kraken: Futures fees are 0.020 percent maker and 0.050 percent taker, competitive with major offshore exchanges. Bitget: Futures fees are 0.020 percent maker and 0.060 percent taker at the base tier. Consider not just fees but also available contract types, leverage options, and liquidation mechanics.

Next step

Open the exchange that fits your trading style

Use the comparison above first, then continue with the exchange that best matches your use case and region.

Open Kraken as the stronger fit here: Check current signup offer

Open Bitget: Check current signup offer

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Exchange profiles

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Last Reviewed

2026-03-23

Sources
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