✓ Relative Strengths
Kraken provides clearer withdrawal timelines, better communication during account reviews, and has avoided major regulatory enforcement actions. They publish a transparency report and have a stronger track record on security.
Score Breakdown by Category
How Kraken's terms rate across my evaluation categories.
Why this score: Kraken earns the highest score in this category among major exchanges due to: (1) defined 14-day maximum for compliance-related withdrawal delays per the Terms of Service; (2) clearer communication during account reviews; (3) no major regulatory enforcement actions or fund freezes affecting users. Published transparency reports provide additional accountability.
Industry comparison: Coinbase: 30/100 (indefinite holds) | Gemini: 45/100 (trust company protections) | Binance.US: 15/100 (regulatory uncertainty) | Category avg: 35/100
Why this score: While Kraken requires arbitration, they use a more user-friendly arbitration provider with lower filing fees than competitors. They also offer a UK-based arbitration option for eligible users. Support response times are generally faster than Coinbase's, based on user reviews.
Industry comparison: Coinbase: 35/100 (AAA arbitration, slow support) | Gemini: 40/100 (NY regulatory oversight) | Binance.US: 25/100 (limited recourse) | Category avg: 39/100
Why this score: Kraken's ToS is relatively straightforward and unified (not fragmented across many products like Coinbase). They publish a law enforcement transparency report showing government requests. Change notices are clear, though staking terms can change without extensive warning (see SEC settlement 2023). Fee schedules are published and easy to find.
Industry comparison: Gemini: 55/100 (NY-regulated disclosure) | Coinbase: 45/100 (complex multi-product terms) | Binance.US: 30/100 (opaque, frequently changing) | Category avg: 48/100
Why this score: Kraken provides clear data export capabilities and publishes law enforcement request statistics. The Privacy Policy is GDPR/CCPA compliant. Like all exchanges, they use blockchain analytics and share data with regulators. Data retention policies are clearly stated.
Industry comparison: Gemini: 45/100 (NY trust requirements) | Coinbase: 40/100 (extensive analytics sharing) | Binance.US: 30/100 (data handling concerns) | Category avg: 41/100
Why this score: Withdrawal processing is generally faster than competitors, with the 14-day delay maximum for compliance holds providing a defined ceiling. Geographic restriction policies are clearer—if you move to a restricted jurisdiction, you get notice to withdraw. Staking unbonding periods follow blockchain protocols (variable by asset).
Industry comparison: Coinbase: 45/100 (30+ day holds on closure) | Gemini: 40/100 (trust company delays) | Binance.US: 30/100 (unpredictable restrictions) | Category avg: 40/100
Analysis