More than 100 million people in the U.S. now own some form of crypto, and many of them juggle multiple apps to do it. So if you already invest on Robinhood and you're eyeing Kraken, the obvious question is, can you use Kraken like Robinhood?
The short answer is, mostly yes for crypto, but not for stocks or options. Here's a clear comparison so you can pick the right tool for the job.
What Each Platform Actually Does
Robinhood is a multi-asset brokerage. You can trade U.S. stocks, ETFs, options, futures, and crypto in one app, and you can hold cash with FDIC coverage through the sweep program.
Kraken is a crypto-focused exchange. It supports buying, selling, sending, and staking digital assets, plus some crypto futures and margin products, but it does not offer regular U.S. stocks or traditional ETFs.
Coin Selection
This is where Kraken still pulls ahead for hardcore crypto fans, but the gap has narrowed. Kraken supports more than 200 cryptocurrencies, including many smaller projects and stablecoins.
Robinhood's coin lineup has grown significantly. As of early 2026, Robinhood supports roughly 65 cryptocurrencies in the U.S., including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, XRP, and a growing list of altcoins.
If you want a long-tail coin that isn't on Robinhood, Kraken is often the next stop. If you mostly trade the larger names, either platform will work.
Fees and Spreads
Fee structures look different, but you pay something on every platform. The question is how the cost is presented.
Robinhood Crypto Fees
Robinhood promotes commission-free crypto trading. In practice, the company earns money on the spread between the buy and sell price, and orders are routed through market makers.
The spread is usually small for major coins. For low-volume coins, it can be larger and harder to spot.
Kraken Fees
Kraken's standard interface charges a percentage fee, often around 1.5% per trade for smaller orders. Kraken Pro, the advanced trading screen, uses a maker-taker model with fees that can fall below 0.25% based on volume.
For active traders, Kraken Pro tends to be cheaper than Robinhood's spread once you compare totals. For one-off small buys, the platforms feel similar.
Staking and Rewards
Kraken offers staking on dozens of assets, including Ethereum, Solana, and Polkadot. Rewards vary by coin, often ranging from 3% to 15% annualized.
Robinhood has slowly added staking for select coins, but the list is shorter. Rules and yields can change based on regulation in your state.
Staking always carries risk. Your coins may be locked up for a period, and the underlying asset price can fall while you're earning rewards.
Withdrawals and Self-Custody
Kraken supports withdrawals to outside crypto wallets for most assets. You can move coins to a hardware wallet or a software wallet you control.
Robinhood added crypto withdrawals in 2022 and continues to expand the supported list. Limits and supported networks can vary, so check before you plan a transfer.
If self-custody matters to you, Kraken usually offers a smoother experience with more network options.
Security and Track Record
Kraken has operated since 2011 and is known for a strong security track record. The company publishes proof-of-reserves reports and uses cold storage for most customer assets.
Robinhood Crypto is a separate entity from the broker-dealer and stores the majority of crypto in cold wallets too. The company also carries some crime insurance, though terms and limits are limited in public detail.
No platform is fully risk-free. Hacks, outages, and account takeovers are still possible, so two-factor authentication is a must on both apps.
Which Is Better for Beginners?
Robinhood tends to feel simpler for first-time users. The app is clean, the coin list is broad enough for most beginners, and the integration with stocks and cash makes the whole picture easier to track.
Kraken's basic interface is also beginner-friendly. The complexity arrives if you move to Kraken Pro, which can look overwhelming if you've never used a trading screen with order books.
When Robinhood Wins
Robinhood is the better fit if you want to:
- Trade stocks, ETFs, and options in the same app as your crypto.
- Use a U.S. dollar cash sweep with FDIC coverage on idle cash.
- Subscribe to Robinhood Gold for higher APY and IRA matching.
When Kraken Wins
Kraken makes more sense if you want to:
- Access the widest list of coins, including many smaller projects not on Robinhood.
- Stake assets and earn ongoing rewards.
- Move coins to your own wallet without much friction.
- Trade more actively with lower percentage fees through Kraken Pro.
Getting Started With Robinhood
If the Robinhood side of the comparison sounds like a fit, you can open a Robinhood account and start with a small position in any of its supported coins.
Robinhood
Robinhood
Robinhood is a trading platform that brings stocks, ETFs, options, futures, prediction markets, crypto, and retirement accounts together in one app.
Standout feature
One platform for stocks, ETFs, options, futures, prediction markets, and crypto
Fees
$0 commission on stocks, ETFs, and options.
Pros
Zero-commission trading on stocks, ETFs, and options
Cons
Best perks (high APY, lower margin rates) require Gold subscription ($5/month)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use Kraken like Robinhood for stocks?
No. Kraken is a crypto exchange and does not offer U.S. stocks, ETFs, or options. If you want stocks and crypto in one app, Robinhood is the closer match. Kraken is best for people who only want to focus on digital assets.
Which is cheaper for crypto, Kraken or Robinhood?
For small one-off buys, the cost feels similar. For larger or more frequent trades, Kraken Pro's maker-taker fees usually beat Robinhood's spread-based pricing, especially as your volume grows.
Does Kraken offer staking like Robinhood?
Kraken offers staking on more assets and tends to have higher yields, though rates vary. Some staking products are limited or unavailable in certain U.S. states because of changing regulations.
Can I send crypto from Robinhood to Kraken?
Yes, in most cases. Robinhood supports withdrawals to external wallets, including Kraken deposit addresses, for many of its listed coins. Always double-check the network and address before sending to avoid losing funds.
