Who this exchange is better for
- fee-conscious traders who want zero maker fees
- users hunting new token listings before other exchanges
- high-frequency spot traders who benefit from zero maker cost
Comparison
MEXC vs Kraken
A side-by-side comparison of MEXC and Kraken across trading fees, supported features, product depth, and user fit. Spot fees start at 0% maker on MEXC vs 0.16% on Kraken, while futures fees are 0%/0.01% and 0.02%/0.05% respectively. This page breaks down what actually matters for choosing between these two exchanges in 2026.
Quick Answer
MEXC has lower spot trading fees (0%/0.05% maker/taker vs 0.16%/0.26%). MEXC also edges ahead on futures fees. MEXC is generally better for fee-conscious traders who want zero maker fees, while Kraken stands out for security-conscious users who value a strong track record. 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 should probably skip side A
- users who prioritize established brand reputation and regulatory standing
- users who want the most polished UI and support experience
Who should probably skip side B
- users who want copy trading features
- mobile-first users who need the most polished app experience
- users who want the widest altcoin selection
Comparison table
Decision-first summary
| label | mexc | kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | fee-conscious traders who want zero maker fees; users hunting new token listings before other exchanges; high-frequency spot traders who benefit from zero maker cost | security-conscious users who value a strong track record; users who want strong staking options; users who prioritize a regulated and trusted exchange |
| Not ideal for | users who prioritize established brand reputation and regulatory standing; users who want the most polished UI and support experience | users who want copy trading features; mobile-first users who need the most polished app experience; users who want the widest altcoin selection |
| Region availability | Available in many regions but restricted in the US and some regulated markets. | Regulated in the US and EU; available in many countries with good compliance track record. |
| Spot fees | 0% maker / 0.05% taker (Zero maker fees by default) | 0.16% maker / 0.26% taker (Pro rates shown) |
| Futures fees | 0% maker / 0.01% taker | 0.02% maker / 0.05% taker |
| BTC withdrawal fee | 0.0005 BTC | 0.00015 BTC |
| Copy trading | Available — Copy trading is available for futures trading with a selection of lead traders. | Not available |
| API quality | MEXC provides REST and WebSocket APIs for spot and futures trading. | Kraken provides comprehensive REST and WebSocket APIs for spot and futures trading with strong documentation. |
| Beginner friendliness | Interface is functional but not the most beginner-friendly; zero fees help reduce complexity around cost concerns. | Clean interface with educational resources, but the overall experience is more oriented toward intermediate and advanced users. |
| Advanced trader fit | Zero maker fees and early token listings appeal to advanced traders, though API and tooling depth lags behind top-tier exchanges. | Strong security, competitive futures fees, and solid API make Kraken a good fit for security-conscious advanced traders. |
| Product breadth | Covers spot, futures, ETFs, staking, and launchpad with a focus on early new token listings. | Spot, futures, margin, staking, and NFT marketplace. Product range is solid but narrower than the largest offshore exchanges. |
Breakdown
Why the comparison lands this way
Trading Fees
MEXC has lower fees across both spot and futures trading. Spot fees are 0.05% taker vs 0.26%, and futures taker fees are 0.01% vs 0.05%. Kraken can partially close this gap through VIP tiers and token-based discounts.
Futures and Derivatives
MEXC: Futures maker fees are 0 percent and taker fees are 0.010 percent, among the lowest in the industry. Kraken: Futures fees are 0.020 percent maker and 0.050 percent taker, competitive with major offshore exchanges.
Copy Trading
MEXC offers copy trading while Kraken does not. If copy trading is important to your strategy, MEXC is the clear choice here. Copy trading is available for futures trading with a selection of lead traders.
API and Advanced Features
MEXC: MEXC provides REST and WebSocket APIs for spot and futures trading. Kraken: Kraken provides comprehensive REST and WebSocket APIs for spot and futures trading with strong documentation. For bot builders and algorithmic traders, API quality, documentation depth, and rate limits all matter.
Beginner Friendliness
MEXC: Interface is functional but not the most beginner-friendly; zero fees help reduce complexity around cost concerns. Kraken: Clean interface with educational resources, but the overall experience is more oriented toward intermediate and advanced users.
Regional Availability
MEXC: Available in many regions but restricted in the US and some regulated markets. Kraken: Regulated in the US and EU; available in many countries with good compliance track record. 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
MEXC is the better starting point for beginners thanks to lower spot fees at 0.05% 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: MEXC charges 0.05% spot taker and 0.01% futures taker, while Kraken charges 0.26% and 0.05% respectively. Consider which platform's product breadth, VIP tiers, and available tools best match your evolving trading strategy.
Advanced
Advanced traders will appreciate MEXC's lower futures fees at 0.01% taker. Zero maker fees and early token listings appeal to advanced traders, though API and tooling depth lags behind top-tier exchanges. Kraken may still win on specific features: Strong security, competitive futures fees, and solid API make Kraken a good fit for security-conscious advanced traders.
FAQ
Questions this page should answer directly
Which has lower fees, MEXC or Kraken?
MEXC has lower base spot fees at 0%/0.05% maker/taker compared to Kraken's 0.16%/0.26%. For futures, MEXC charges 0%/0.01% vs Kraken's 0.02%/0.05%. Both offer VIP tiers and token discounts that can reduce effective costs.
Which is better for beginners, MEXC or Kraken?
MEXC: Interface is functional but not the most beginner-friendly; zero fees help reduce complexity around cost concerns. Kraken: Clean interface with educational resources, but the overall experience is more oriented toward intermediate and advanced users. Your choice should also consider regional availability and whether copy trading access matters to you.
Does MEXC or Kraken have better copy trading?
Only MEXC offers copy trading. Copy trading is available for futures trading with a selection of lead traders. Kraken does not currently support copy trading.
Are MEXC and Kraken available in my country?
MEXC: Available in many regions but restricted in the US and some regulated markets. Kraken: Regulated in the US and EU; available in many countries with good compliance track record. Always verify product availability in your specific jurisdiction before creating an account.
Which is better for futures trading, MEXC or Kraken?
MEXC: Futures maker fees are 0 percent and taker fees are 0.010 percent, among the lowest in the industry. Kraken: Futures fees are 0.020 percent maker and 0.050 percent taker, competitive with major offshore exchanges. 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 MEXC as the stronger fit hereRecommended for this page
Open MEXC as the stronger fit here: Check current signup offer
Open Kraken: Check current signup offer
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Exchange profiles
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Last Reviewed
2026-03-23
Sources
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