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Kraken vs IG

An in-depth comparison to help you choose the right broker for your trading journey.

1:1Head to Head
RealTesting
2026Updated
CATEGORY WINS

Who Wins Each Category?

Our scores for Kraken and IG, side by side, across the categories that decide your costs and safety.

FeesKraken: 4.2/5vsIG: 3.8/5Kraken wins
SafetyKraken: 4.9/5vsIG: 4.9/5Even
PlatformsKraken: 4/5vsIG: 4.6/5IG wins
EducationKraken: 3.8/5vsIG: 4.5/5IG wins
Customer SupportKraken: 4/5vsIG: 4.2/5IG wins
QUICK VERDICT

Who Wins?

IG wins on overall score (4.4/5 vs 4.2/5). Kraken is the pick if you value security-conscious investors; choose IG if you value experienced traders. The tables below show where each actually wins.

Who this is for: Kraken suits traders who prioritise security-conscious investors; IG suits traders who prioritise experienced traders.

4.2/5
Best for: Security-conscious investors
Visit KrakenRead the Kraken Review
VS
4.4/5
Best for: Experienced traders
Visit IGRead the IG Review
HEAD-TO-HEAD

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature
Overall Rating
4.2/5
4.4/5
Minimum Deposit
$10
$250
Spreads From
0.16%
0.6 pips
Max Leverage
Up to 5x
Up to 30:1 (EU)
Instruments
200+ Cryptos
17,000+
Fees Score
4.2/5
3.8/5
Platforms Score
4/5
4.6/5
Education Score
3.8/5
4.5/5
Safety Score
4.9/5
4.9/5
Platforms
Kraken Pro, Kraken App, Kraken Web
IG Trading Platform, MetaTrader 4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer
Founded
2011
1974
Headquarters
San Francisco, United States
London, United Kingdom
KEY DIFFERENCES

What Actually Differs

The numbers that matter when choosing between Kraken and IG.

Minimum depositKraken: $10IG: $250Kraken needs less to start.
RegulatorsKraken: 2 (FinCEN, FCA)IG: 4 (FCA, ASIC)...IG is licensed in more jurisdictions.
InstrumentsKraken: 200+ CryptosIG: 17,000+IG offers more markets.
PlatformsKraken: Kraken Pro, Kraken App, Kraken WebIG: IG Trading Platform, MetaTrader 4, ProRealTimeNo shared platforms.
Best forKraken: Security-conscious investorsIG: Experienced tradersDifferent fits. Read the verdict below.
ANALYSIS

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • + Industry-leading security (never hacked)
  • + Proof of reserves audits
  • + Strong regulatory compliance (US-based)
  • + Competitive fees with volume discounts
  • + Staking available for 15+ assets

Cons

  • - Fewer altcoins than Binance
  • - Higher fees than some competitors
  • - Limited margin trading options
  • - Interface less intuitive for beginners
Open Kraken Account

Pros

  • + 50+ years established
  • + Publicly traded (FTSE 250)
  • + 17,000+ markets
  • + Excellent research
  • + Advanced ProRealTime charts

Cons

  • - Higher minimum deposit
  • - Inactivity fees
  • - Complex fee structure
Open IG Account
RECOMMENDATION

Which Broker Should You Choose?

Choose

If you:

  • Security-conscious investors
  • US traders
  • Long-term holders
  • Staking enthusiasts
Visit Kraken
Choose

If you:

  • Experienced traders
  • Research-focused traders
  • UK traders
Visit IG
FAQ

Kraken vs IG: FAQ

Which is better, Kraken or IG?

Overall, Kraken scores 4.2/5 and IG scores 4.4/5. The right pick depends on what you value: Kraken for security-conscious investors, IG for experienced traders.

Which is cheaper, Kraken or IG?

On our fees score, Kraken is 4.2/5 and IG is 3.8/5. Kraken advertises spreads from 0.16%, IG from 0.6 pips. Check the fee rows above for the full picture, because headline spreads are not the bill.

Which is safer, Kraken or IG?

Kraken holds 2 licence(s), including FinCEN, FCA. IG holds 4 licence(s), including FCA, ASIC, BaFin, NFA/CFTC. More Tier 1 regulators means more client protection schemes. Verify any licence at the regulator register before depositing.

Which has more markets, Kraken or IG?

Kraken offers 200+ Cryptos, IG offers 17,000+. Choose the range that covers what you actually trade.

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