Kraken vs Luno 2026
Both records check out. What separates them is how you trade.
The case for Kraken rests on tighter spreads, more listed coins (200 vs 45); Luno pulls ahead where a trader weighs specific use cases detailed below more heavily.
Head to head
| Kraken | Luno | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FinCEN MSB Registered | FCA cryptoasset register Registered |
| Regulation tier | tier-1 | tier-1 |
| Min deposit | None | None |
| Taker fee | 0.26% taker | 0.5% taker |
| Listed coins | 200+ | 45+ |
| Native platform | Standard | Standard |
| Copy trading | No | No |
| Spot self-custody | Custodial | Custodial |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
| Founded | 2011 | 2013 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, United States | London, United Kingdom |
Regulation: Kraken vs Luno
Kraken operates as Payward, Inc. under FinCEN MSB. This is a recognised registration framework. Registered exchanges are expected to segregate customer assets, follow anti-money-laundering rules and meet ongoing compliance obligations.
Luno operates as Luno Money Ltd under FCA cryptoasset register. This is a recognised registration framework, with customer-asset segregation, AML rules and ongoing compliance obligations.
Both files sit under tier-1 authorities, and neither reads as the safer record on paper.
Trading fees
Kraken's taker fee is 0.26% taker. Luno's taker fee is 0.5% taker. Kraken offers lower trading fees.
Kraken does not charge an inactivity fee. Luno does not charge an inactivity fee.
Platforms and tools
Both Kraken and Luno provide native web and mobile trading platforms.
Neither exchange offers copy trading.
Minimum deposit
Kraken requires a minimum deposit of None. Luno requires None. Both require the same initial deposit.
Keep in mind that the opening figure shifts with account type and with the entity that maps to your country. An offshore book can set the bar below the tier-1 entity.
Which is better for beginners?
Both platforms are accessible to new traders, though neither is specifically designed as a beginner-only exchange.
Which is better for experienced traders?
Kraken's lower fees (0.26% taker) make it better for high-frequency strategies. Kraken lists more coins (200) for portfolio diversification.
Verdict: Kraken vs Luno
Kraken is the record to take if tighter spreads, more listed coins (200 vs 45) is what you are after; its FinCEN MSB registration (Registered) carries the weight of a tier-1 authority.
Luno reads as the better fit for specific use cases detailed below, with a FCA cryptoasset register registration (Registered) that carries the weight of a tier-1 authority.
Both files are genuine and on the register. Which one wins is settled by what you actually need at the terminal.
Frequently asked questions
Kraken vs Luno: which is better?
Kraken is better for tighter spreads, more listed coins (200 vs 45). Luno is better for specific use cases detailed below. If regulation quality is your priority, both have comparable regulation.
Is Kraken or Luno safer?
Both Kraken (FinCEN MSB Registered) and Luno (FCA cryptoasset register Registered) are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Both segregate client funds.
What is the minimum deposit for Kraken and Luno?
Kraken minimum deposit: None. Luno minimum deposit: None. Minimums vary by entity and account type.
Do Kraken and Luno have API access?
Both Kraken and Luno provide native web and mobile platforms.