Kraken vs Coinbase for Beginners

Choosing a cryptocurrency exchange is one of the first major steps a beginner trader has to take to kickstart their trading journey, and Kraken vs Coinbase for Beginners is one of the most common comparisons in the space.

Due to their popularity and ease of use — these exchanges are among the top most sought-after platforms for new traders. But how do they compare to each other? Is there a clear exchange that is better for accommodating new traders? Well, let’s find out.

Kraken vs Coinbase Comparison

Coinbase tends to be the majority’s choice at first due to its extreme popularity. Currently, the exchange has a user base of around 98 million users worldwide — making the exchange a logical entry point for new traders.

While Kraken has a much lower user base, around 8 million users worldwide, the exchange stands out for its lower fees. Kraken is also considered to offer more trading features and deep liquidity, catering to mid-tier to advanced traders.

Which is better: Kraken or Coinbase?

If you’re a complete beginner, Coinbase is considered a good entry point due to its accessibility, simplified buying process, and extensive educational resources for the platform. With that said, even complete beginners could consider Kraken as a better alternative because of its competitive fees, robust security, and pathway to advanced trading options.

The better option ultimately depends on the type of trader you may be. If you as a beginner opt to focus on the fundamentals while also prioritizing convenience, Coinbase may be the best bet. However, if you favor cost savings and plan to learn the deep ins and outs of cryptocurrency trading, Kraken may be a good fit for you. 

On that note, if you’re interested in joining a community that not only teaches you the fundamentals of cryptocurrency trading but also helps you refine advanced strategies, connect with experienced traders, and stay ahead of market trends, then the Legends Community is the perfect place to start.

Coinbase vs Kraken Fees for Beginners

Fees are often the deciding factor when it comes to picking a centralized exchange to trade digital currencies. When it comes to the Coinbase vs Kraken comparison — the latter stands out as the much cheaper option. 

While Coinbase became notorious for rates that often exceed 3% — Kraken’s fees are significantly lower, with maker fees starting at 0.16% and taker fees at 0.26%. If you're new to the game and are seeking to save money, Kraken might be the better option in the long term.

User-Friendly Crypto Exchanges

One of the standout features of Coinbase is its user-friendly interface. On this note, the CEX excels with its straightforward dashboard, instant buy features, and simple portfolio tracking. Whereas Kraken’s interface is not difficult to use by any means, its U.I. may have a steeper learning curve compared to Coinbase.

Kraken vs Coinbase Security Features

Both exchanges employ high-level security measures, but Kraken is often considered superior when it comes to security. This is by no means a criticism of Coinbase. However, when it comes to platform security, Kraken boasts one of the highest security scores in the industry.

Kraken stores 95% of its funds in cold storage, as well as providing 2FA while having one of the cleanest track records when it comes to defending against cyber attacks. Coinbase is also considered a secure crypto exchange — but its platform has been targeted by phishing attacks and security breaches in the past.

Best Crypto Exchange for New Traders

New traders often prefer an exchange that hits the sweet spot when it comes to accessibility, ease of use, security, and affordability. While Coinbase is on the more expensive side when it comes to fees, its positives will outweigh the negatives for a lot of traders. 

Ultimately, the best exchange for a new trader depends on individual priorities—whether simplicity and accessibility (Coinbase) or cost efficiency and long-term trading potential (Kraken) take precedence.

Coinbase Beginner Guide

Coinbase is one of the most beginner-friendly cryptocurrency exchanges, offering a straightforward platform for buying, selling, and managing digital assets.  

Getting Started

• Create an Account – Sign up using an email, set a strong password, and complete identity verification (KYC) for security compliance.
• Fund Your Account – Deposit funds via bank transfer, debit card, PayPal, or crypto deposits to begin trading.
• Buy and Sell Crypto – Use the instant buy feature or explore market orders for more control over your trades.

Features for Beginners

• User-Friendly Dashboard – A clean, accessible layout that simplifies navigation.
• Educational Tools – Guides, articles, and interactive lessons via Coinbase Earn, allowing users to learn and earn crypto.
• Secure Storage – Most funds are held in cold storage with insurance protections against breaches.

Kraken Trading Interface Review

Kraken’s trading interface is designed for both intermediate and advanced traders, offering a balance between usability and powerful trading tools. 

Key Features

• Advanced Charting Tools – Kraken’s platform includes Tradingview-powered charts, allowing traders to access a multitude of technical indicators.
• Customizable Orders – Kraken users are able to design their trading activity and pamper it to their best use, offering flexibility in their trades.
• Depth of Market View – Kraken displays real-time order book data, making it easier to gauge market sentiment and liquidity.

While Kraken’s basic interface is accessible, its Kraken Pro platform offers a more detailed, feature-rich experience for those ready to dive deeper into trading strategies. Beginners may need some time to familiarize themselves with the different order types, but the layout remains intuitive enough.

Ease of Use: Kraken vs Coinbase

• Coinbase: Best for beginners with an intuitive interface and instant buy features.
• Kraken: Lower fees, stronger security, and more control over trades.
• Simplicity vs. Flexibility: Coinbase wins in ease while Kraken rewards effort with better tools.
• Decision Factor: Choose Coinbase for convenience or Kraken for cost efficiency and depth.

Kraken vs Coinbase Deposit and Withdrawal Methods

Kraken and Coinbase offer multiple payment solutions, but Kraken generally provides more flexibility and lower fees. Kraken supports bank transfers (SWIFT, SEPA, FedWire), crypto deposits, and instant transfers, ensuring quick and cost-effective transactions. 

Coinbase, while beginner-friendly, charges higher fees for card purchases and instant withdrawals, though it also supports PayPal, ACH, and wire transfers for added convenience. 

For frequent traders, Kraken’s lower-cost banking options are appealing, while Coinbase prioritizes ease and accessibility for casual users.

Learning Curve for Beginners on Kraken and Coinbase

Coinbase’s learning curve can be considered smoother thanks to its intuitive interface and one-click purchasing system. Its popularity is also a bonus here because traders who are already familiar with the platform may recommend Coinbase and teach how to use the platform to new traders.

While Kraken is not that difficult to use, complete beginners may need to add more effort to completely master the platform. Its advanced order options, lower fees, and depth-of-market tools make it an ideal platform for traders who want to gradually improve their skills. While the learning curve may be slightly steeper, those who take the time to investigate Kraken's features frequently appreciate the additional control it provides.

Coinbase vs Kraken Mobile App Experience

Much like the desktop platform, Coinbase can be considered to have a slight edge in functionality, while Kraken’s mobile application is more geared towards active traders. 

Coinbase's app is designed for simplicity, with an intuitive layout, quick-buy options, and seamless portfolio tracking. Meanwhile, Kraken offers advanced charting tools, deep order book visibility, and customizable trade settings, making it a powerful tool for users who need more control over their transactions.

Kraken vs Coinbase for Buying Bitcoin

When it comes to Bitcoin liquidity, both exchanges rank among the most liquid platforms — ensuring smooth and fast transactions for buyers and sellers. Kraken is known for its deep liquidity pools, allowing investors with large amounts of cash to execute and manage a significant amount of BTC at once. 

Now if you're still on the verge of choosing the right exchange, consider what matters most to you. If fees and trading flexibility are your top priorities, Kraken might be the better fit. If simplicity and ease of access are more important, Coinbase is a solid choice. And if you’re looking for a reliable alternative with zero-fee spot trading and an intuitive interface, WEEX is definitely worth exploring.