Kraken vs Relai: Which is Best? [2025]
Key differences
- Kraken supports 200+ cryptocurrencies, while Relai is Bitcoin-only.
- Relai offers self-custodial wallets, while Kraken uses custodial storage.
- Kraken Pro offers lower fees starting at 0.40%, while Relai charges 0.90% with referral codes.
- Kraken is available globally in 190+ countries, while Relai serves 23 European countries.
Kraken vs Relai Fees Calculator
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Kraken vs Relai in Comparison
Description
Popular and well-known exchange based in the USA.
Relai is a Swiss-licensed Bitcoin-only exchange with self-custodial wallets and competitive fees.
Supported Countries
Available in over 190 countries globally with some restrictions. Not available in New York, Washington state, Japan, Russia, Belarus, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, North Korea and a few other restricted regions. Some European countries have restrictions on specific services like futures trading.
Available in 23 European countries including Switzerland, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, and others. iOS app available in 6 countries, Android app available in all 23 countries.
Supported Cryptocurrencies
Over 200 cryptocurrencies supported including BTC, ETH, USDC, SOL, DOGE, SHIB, XRP, ADA, MATIC, DOT, AVAX, LINK, MANA, LUNA2, ATOM, ALGO, APT, ARB, FTM, NEAR, OP, PYUSD, STRK, SUI, TON, TRX, XLM, XMR, XTZ and many more across multiple networks including Ethereum, Solana, Bitcoin, Polygon, Arbitrum, and others.
Bitcoin-only
Fees
- Withdrawal Fees:
- ACH: Free
- Wire Transfer: $25
- SEPA: Free
- SWIFT: $25
- BTC: Network fees vary
- Service Fees:
- Regular fee: 1.0%
- With referral code: 0.9% (10% discount)
- Zero fees on first 100 CHF/EUR monthly purchase
Payment Method Fees:- Bank Transfer: No additional fees
- Credit Card: +3.0%
- Apple Pay: +3.0%
- Google Pay: +3.0%
Minimum Purchase:- 50 CHF/EUR
Payment Methods
ACH, Bank Account, Apple Pay, Google Pay, SEPA, Interac e-Transfer, Debit Card, PayPal
Bank TransferCredit CardApple PayGoogle Pay
Do These Exchanges Allow you To Earn Interest on Crypto?
0.15% - 6.5%
Available for BTC (0.15% bonded/0.1% flexible), USDT/USD/USDC (6.5% bonded/4.5% flexible), and EUR (4.45% bonded/3.5% flexible).
Mobile App Ratings
iOS Rating: 4.7 Official rating from the iOS App Store as of November 18, 2024.
Android Rating: 4.3 Official rating from the Android Play Store as of November 18, 2024.
iOS Rating: 4.6 Official rating from the iOS App Store as of November 18, 2024.
Android Rating: 4.3 Official rating from the Android Play Store as of November 18, 2024.
Storage
Industry-leading security with ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification and SOC 2 Type 1 examination. Funds stored in secure cold storage with 24/7 armed guard surveillance. Features include advanced encryption, FIDO2 2FA, customizable API permissions, global settings time lock, and proof of reserves auditing. No phone/SMS recovery to prevent SIM swap attacks. Expert security team with constant monitoring and testing.
Self-custodial wallet where users maintain full control of their Bitcoin. Relai never holds customer funds. Uses 12-word recovery phrase for wallet restoration. Swiss-grade protection with strong encryption and partnerships with regulated service providers.
Have These Exchanges Been Hacked Before?
Yes, Kraken was hacked in June 2024, but the crypto exchange was able to fix the breach within 47 minutes and no client funds were lost.
No reported security breaches or loss of customer funds.
Official Site
Exchange Review
No review available
"What a fantastic trading platform. Wonderful to have it as the mobile version, being able to work your trades on the go. Keeping up with the portfolio just became incredibly easy! Love you guys and thank you for the work. New trader here! The interface is easy to navigate and a pleasure on the eyes. The setup is notable, and perhaps there should be instructions provided in the app upon first launch. :)"
- Real user review from iOS App Store, Android Play Store or Trustpilot
No review available
"Best European bitcoin app."
- Real user review from iOS App Store, Android Play Store or Trustpilot
Kraken vs Relai Comparison
Fee Structures
Kraken uses a tiered fee structure based on 30-day trading volume starting at 0.40% for amounts under $10,000, with fees decreasing to as low as 0.10% for high-volume traders. Kraken offers fee-free ACH and SEPA deposits, with ACH and SEPA withdrawals also being free. Wire transfers and SWIFT have a $25 fee.
Relai charges a flat 1.0% service fee, reduced to 0.9% with referral codes. The first 100 CHF/EUR monthly purchase has zero fees. Payment method fees include: Bank Transfer (no additional fees), Credit Card (+3.0%), Apple Pay (+3.0%), and Google Pay (+3.0%). Minimum purchase is 50 CHF/EUR.
Feature Set
Kraken offers over 200 cryptocurrencies, advanced trading features, staking/interest earning options (0.15% - 6.5%), auto-DCA, margin trading, and secure custodial cold storage with industry-leading security certifications.
Relai is Bitcoin-only with self-custodial wallets where users maintain full control of their Bitcoin. Features include auto-DCA, Swiss-grade protection, and partnerships with regulated service providers. No interest earning available as it focuses on self-custodial solutions.
Geographic Availability
Kraken is available in over 190 countries globally, though restricted in New York, Washington state, Japan, Russia, Belarus, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, North Korea and a few other regions.
Relai is available in 23 European countries including Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. iOS app available in 6 countries, Android app available in all 23 countries.
Payment Methods
Kraken supports ACH, Bank Account (including wire transfers, Fedwire/SWIFT, Etana Custody, FPS/CHAPS/BACS for UK, SIC for Switzerland, and PayID/Osko for Australia), SEPA, Interac e-Transfer, Debit Card, PayPal (UK, EU except Hungary/Croatia, & Australia), Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
Relai supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Bank transfers have no additional fees, while card payments and digital wallets incur a 3.0% fee.
Security Features
Kraken features ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification, SOC 2 Type 1 examination, cold storage with 24/7 armed guard surveillance, FIDO2 2FA, and proof of reserves auditing. No phone/SMS recovery to prevent SIM swap attacks.
Relai uses self-custodial wallets where users maintain full control via 12-word recovery phrases. Swiss-grade protection with strong encryption and partnerships with regulated service providers. Relai never holds customer funds.
Customer Support
Kraken provides 24/7 human support with global availability. Relai offers human support to their users through their mobile app and platform.
Additional Features
Kraken offers interest-earning options (0.15% - 6.5%), staking, margin trading, instant verification, and support for 200+ assets with advanced charts and trading tools.
Relai focuses on Bitcoin-only solutions with auto-DCA, wallet included, zero fees on first 100 CHF/EUR monthly, and Swiss financial regulation compliance as a VQF member.
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