Exchanges
Crypto exchange comparison 2026
Pick two or three exchanges and compare them side by side. No advice on what to buy. Just facts: score, MiCA, fees, reserves and incidents.
 Coinbase Exchange |  Kraken | |
|---|---|---|
| charliedesk score | 97 | 96 |
| MiCA status | Licensed · LU | Licensed · IE |
| Volume rank | #1 | #2 |
| Trust score | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| 24h volume | $1.5B | $1.2B |
| Open interest | – | $310M |
| Reserves (proof-of-reserves) | – | – |
| Fees (maker/taker) | 0.4% / 0.6% | 0.16% / 0.26% |
| KYC | Required | Required |
| Fiat deposits | SEPA, Card, Bank transfer | SEPA, Card |
| Security incidents | 1 documented | 0 documented |
| Founded | 2012 | 2011 |
| Headquarters | United States | United States |
How we read the data. The score combines trust, liquidity, MiCA status and history. Fees are base spot rates from public schedules for verified exchanges. Reserves and open interest come from syndicate. Always confirm current terms directly with the exchange.
FAQ
How do you compare exchanges?
We build a score from four axes: trust, liquidity, MiCA status and history. We add public fees, reserves, KYC and documented incidents. We never tell you which exchange to use or what to buy on it.
Which exchange is best?
There is no single best. It depends on whether you need SEPA, how low you want fees, and how much you value an EU licence. That is why we lay the facts side by side and leave the decision to you.
What does MiCA status mean?
MiCA is the European framework for crypto-asset service providers (CASP). Licensed means the exchange holds authorisation from a national EU regulator. No EU licence means it is not authorised in our list.