Introduction
Kraken has operated since 2011, making it one of the longest-running exchanges without a major loss of client funds. Bitvavo is younger, Dutch, and popular for flat low fees and easy euro on-ramps. Reference date: July 2026.
Head-to-head
| Kraken | Bitvavo | |
|---|---|---|
| Licences | MiCAR + MiFID II | MiCAR (Netherlands) |
| Spot fees (entry, maker/taker) | 0.25% / 0.40% (Kraken Pro, entry; falling per tier); ~1% via instant buy | 0.10% / 0.25% |
| Products | Spot + perpetuals + CFD stocks | Spot crypto |
| Proof of reserves | Quarterly attestation | Quarterly attestation |
| Hack/loss history | No major loss since 2011 | Genesis exposure (2022), clients compensated |
| Exchange score | 6.6 / 10 | 4.8 / 10 |
Costs
Mind Kraken’s two environments: Kraken Pro charges maker/taker fees from 0.25%/0.40% at the entry tier, falling per volume tier (for example 0.12%/0.22% from $100K per 30 days), while the simple instant-buy flow costs around 1%. Bitvavo starts lower at 0.10%/0.25%. At small volume Bitvavo is cheaper; at larger volume Kraken’s tiers fall quickly. Check with the comparison tool.
Security and oversight
Both publish quarterly PoR attestations. The difference is history and licences: Kraken has no major client-fund loss since 2011 and adds MiFID II authorisation for derivatives. Bitvavo had 2022 Genesis exposure that temporarily locked client funds (fully compensated later) — which counts against our security pillar.
Products
Kraken offers perpetual futures and CFD stocks alongside spot; Bitvavo is spot-only. Irrelevant for buy-and-hold, decisive for active traders.
The scores explained
Kraken scores 6.6, Bitvavo 4.8. Kraken wins on regulation (MiFID II), security (clean history) and products; Bitvavo partly compensates on costs. Full breakdown: methodology.
Who should pick which?
Bitvavo for easy euro purchases with a Dutch company. Kraken (Pro) for a long track record, lower trading fees at volume and access to derivatives. Enter your volume in the comparison tool for the difference in euros.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Kraken and Kraken Pro?
Same company, different environment: Kraken Pro is the trading platform with maker/taker fees from 0.25%/0.40%, falling per volume tier; the standard Kraken app charges roughly 1% for instant buy. On costs, Pro is almost always the better choice.
Is Kraken or Bitvavo cheaper?
At the entry tier: Bitvavo (0.10%/0.25% versus 0.25%/0.40% on Kraken Pro). At larger volume Kraken’s tiers fall quickly and they converge. The comparison tool calculates it exactly for your situation.
Which is better for beginners?
Bitvavo has the simplest euro experience and Dutch support. If you expect to grow into active trading, getting used to Kraken Pro right away saves a migration later.