BingX vs Kraken 2026: Fees, Copy Trading & Features Compared

BingX and Kraken are both respected crypto exchanges, but they’ve built their reputations on different foundations. Kraken is one of the longer-running, US-based exchanges, well regarded for security and its full-featured Pro trading platform. BingX is a global exchange centred on copy trading, high-leverage futures and a permanent fee discount, serving a different set of countries. This comparison looks at fees, copy trading, futures, regulation, availability and bonuses, and ends with an honest view of which suits whom. Where we can be precise about BingX we are; where a Kraken figure would be a moving target, we describe its strengths qualitatively rather than quoting numbers that may be out of date.

If you’ve decided BingX fits, you can register with the fee discount so the up-to-20% referral reduction applies from your first trade — it’s permanent and has no volume requirement. Our BingX review covers the platform in depth.

At a glance

Factor	BingX	Kraken
Base spot fee	0.10% maker/taker (VIP0)	Broadly comparable; lowest on Kraken Pro
Standing discount	Up to 20% via referral, permanent, no volume requirement	Tier-based
Signature strength	Copy trading, futures, demo account	Security reputation, Pro platform, US regulation
Derivatives	Perpetual futures up to 150x (BTC)	Offered where permitted
Availability	Serves high-growth emerging markets; excludes US, UK, NL, SG, CA, CN, HK, others	US and many markets; own restrictions
Best for	Copy trading, futures, active traders	Security-conscious users in served markets

The table simplifies; the sections below add the nuance.

Availability

As with any US-based exchange, availability is a key practical divider and worth checking first. Kraken is a long-established, US-based exchange serving the United States and many other markets. BingX is not available in the USA, UK, Netherlands, Singapore, Canada, mainland China or Hong Kong, among others — while it does serve many high-growth markets across Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. The two often operate in different regions, so your country may decide the matter before any feature comparison does. Confirm current eligibility directly on each platform, since these rules shift over time.

Fees

On headline base spot fees, the two are close at the entry tier — Kraken’s lowest pricing comes through its Pro interface and tier system, while its simple “instant buy” pricing is higher. BingX’s base is 0.10%, and its referral discount takes up to 20% off permanently with no volume requirement and nothing to hold. For an ordinary trader who won’t climb to high tiers, an always-on discount that just works is often worth more in practice than a tier system you grind toward. If you’re a high-volume Kraken Pro user, its tiers can get competitive; for most, BingX’s flat discount is the simpler saving. Our fees explained guide breaks down BingX’s structure.

Copy trading and social features

This is BingX’s clearest identity. Copy trading is a headline feature rather than a bolt-on, with a large marketplace of traders you can mirror automatically and a profit-share model. Paired with a demo account for risk-free practice, it makes BingX unusually approachable for anyone who wants to learn by watching and copying. Kraken has traditionally focused on being a secure, full-featured exchange rather than a social-trading hub, so copy trading isn’t its signature. If mirroring other traders is central to your plan, BingX is the one built around it. Our copy trading guide explains how it works and its risks.

Derivatives

Both offer derivatives, with availability varying by region. BingX provides perpetual futures — up to 150x on BTC — paired with the demo account and copy trading, so a newcomer can practise or mirror an experienced futures trader before trading unaided. Kraken offers its own futures products where permitted. High leverage magnifies gains and losses alike and makes liquidation far more likely, so it deserves caution on any platform. Our futures guide covers the mechanics and the risks.

Regulation and safety

Both have strong safety reputations, in different flavours. Kraken is one of the longer-running exchanges, well regarded for security and operating under US regulation, which many users find reassuring. BingX holds registrations across several jurisdictions, publishes Proof of Reserves, and has operated since 2018 with a large user base. “Established” isn’t “risk-free” on either — any custodial exchange carries counterparty risk, and the right response is the same: enable 2FA, use the withdrawal whitelist, and self-custody long-term holdings. Our is BingX safe and security guide go deeper.

Bonuses

BingX’s standout incentive is the referral fee discount: up to 20% off, permanent, no volume requirement, applied at registration — a durable saving rather than a one-off promo. Kraken runs its own periodic promotions and rewards that vary by market. If a predictable, no-strings fee reduction matters more to you than catching occasional offers, BingX’s model is the steadier saving. Our welcome bonus article explains exactly how the BingX offer applies.

The verdict

Choose Kraken if you want a long-established, security-focused exchange with US regulation and a capable Pro platform — and it serves your country. Choose BingX if you value copy and social trading, high-leverage futures with a demo account to practise on, and a simple permanent fee discount over a tier-based system — and it serves your region. As with Coinbase, availability often makes the decision for you, since the two operate in different sets of countries. If BingX fits and serves you, register with the fee discount before your first trade. And whichever you pick, the fundamentals hold: crypto is volatile and high-risk, high leverage amplifies both directions, and you should only trade what you can afford to lose.