Updated October 13, 2026 · BrokerCue Editorial Team
GO Markets vs Kraken
Facts checked September 26, 2026.
Where GO Markets and Kraken differ
| Compare |  GO Markets |  Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Markets | Forex, CFDs, Crypto | Stocks, ETFs, Forex, Crypto, Futures |
| Regulators | SIPC | Central Bank of Ireland, Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission, Financial Conduct Authority, Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) |
| Investor protection | SIPC up to USD 500,000 | EU ICS up to EUR 20,000 |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, CTrader, TradingView, GO TradeX | Kraken App, Kraken Pro, Kraken Desktop, Kraken Wallet |
| Minimum deposit | Not confirmed | $1 |
| Stock trade fee | Not confirmed | $0 |
| Deposit and withdrawal fees | Not confirmed | Free bank deposits, card 3.75% + 0.25 |
| Maximum retail leverage | Not confirmed | Up to 10x |
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Key differences
- Regulators: only GO Markets offers SIPC.
- Regulators: only Kraken offers Central Bank of Ireland, Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission, Financial Conduct Authority.
- Kraken is licensed in 1 more country.
- Markets: only GO Markets offers CFDs.
- Markets: only Kraken offers Stocks, ETFs, Futures.
- Platforms: only GO Markets offers MT4, MT5, CTrader.
- Platforms: only Kraken offers Kraken App, Kraken Pro, Kraken Desktop.
- Features: only GO Markets offers Copy trading.
Our verdict on each
GO Markets
For self-directed CFD traders wanting broad market choice, GO Markets offers access to forex, indices, shares, commodities, bonds and crypto CFDs through several trading platforms. It combines long running operation since 2006 with education, analysis tools and support for traders worldwide.
Kraken
Kraken suits beginners and experienced investors who want stocks, ETFs and crypto together through app and desktop access. Stock dealing is priced at $0 with entry at $1 and funding terms shown as Free bank deposits, card 3.75% + 0.25 for cost planning across small balance accounts.
Score breakdown
| Area | GO Markets | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Not confirmed | 9.3Stock dealing is priced at $0 with entry at $1. |
| Offer | 9.4Higher | 9.0Coverage spans stocks, ETFs and forex accessed through Kraken App, Kraken Pro and Kraken Desktop. |
| Trust | 8.6 | 9.3HigherRegisters cite 1010381 and 31000270997766. |
Licences and countries
| Country | GO Markets | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| United States | SIPC SIPC member 71021 | SIPC SIPC member 71030 |
| Ireland | Not confirmed | Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) MiCA CASP 9845003D98SCC2851458 IE_CBI PSD_EMI IE_CBI!C453020 |
Choosing between them
Pick GO Markets if offer matter most.
Pick Kraken if trust matter most.
Feature by feature
| Markets | GO Markets | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Stocks | No | Yes |
| ETFs | No | Yes |
| Forex | Yes | Yes |
| CFDs | Yes | No |
| Futures | No | Yes |
| Crypto | Yes | Yes |
Sources behind this comparison
GO Markets
- gomarkets.com: 3 facts, checked September 26, 2026
- sipc.org: 3 facts, checked September 26, 2026
Kraken
- kraken.com: 9 facts, checked September 28, 2026
- support.kraken.com: 2 facts, checked September 28, 2026
Every fact side by side
| Fact | GO Markets | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Features | Crypto, Copy trading, Mobile appCovers more | Crypto, Mobile app |
| Pricing model | Not confirmed | Commission free |
| Audience | Not confirmed | Beginners, Experienced |
| Legal entity | RB INTERNATIONAL MARKETS (USA) LLC | Not confirmed |
Where each stands against the rest
| Fact | GO Markets | Kraken | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | Not confirmed | $1below the median | $25 |
| Stock trade fee | Not confirmed | $0at the median | $0 |
Median across 134 listed brokers.
Pros and cons
GO Markets
Pros
- Broad CFD range across forex, indices, shares, commodities and crypto
- Multiple platforms with charting, analysis and strategy automation
- Education academy plus market analysis and technical insights
Cons
- CFD focus means traders do not own the underlying assets directly
- Advanced analysis and automation tools may overwhelm absolute beginners
- Professional offering is aimed at experienced investors rather than casual users
Kraken
Pros
- Stock trades priced at $0 within a model shown as commission free.
- Entry at $1, below $50 at eToro for smaller starting balances.
- Coverage spans stocks, ETFs and forex, pairing stocks and ETFs with crypto and futures.
Cons
- Support runs on help centre only, without phone or live chat help found at many rivals.
- Card funding terms run Free bank deposits, card 3.75% + 0.25, which adds cost next to bank transfer options.
- Entry at $1 sits above $0 at ActivTrades and €0 at XTB for tight budgets.
Who each suits
GO Markets
Who it suits
- Self-directed traders interested in CFDs across global markets
- Traders wanting platform choice with analysis and automation
- Learners wanting structured education and market insights
Who should look elsewhere
- Investors wanting direct ownership of shares or crypto
- People seeking long term investing rather than CFD trading
Kraken
Who it suits
- You want stocks plus crypto in stocks, ETFs and forex in a single login rather than an equity only account at XTB.
- You want app led dealing through Kraken App, Kraken Pro and Kraken Desktop with modest entry at $1 rather than higher entry at eToro at $50.
Who should look elsewhere
- You want phone or chat help rather than help centre only, consider XTB or ActivTrades for wider contact choice.
- You want the lowest cash entry rather than $1, consider ActivTrades at $0 or XTB at €0.
Questions about each
GO Markets
Which products can I trade with GO Markets?+
GO Markets provides CFDs on forex, indices, shares, commodities, bonds, index tracking ETFs and crypto. You trade price movements without owning the underlying asset. The range supports diversification across global markets.
How does platform access work at GO Markets?+
GO Markets offers a choice of platforms designed for different trading styles. The selection includes multi asset trading, charting, algorithmic capabilities and strategy automation. A mobile platform supports trading away from a desktop.
Kraken
What does Kraken charge for stock trades+
Stock dealing is priced at $0 and Kraken describes its model as commission free. Bank funding is framed separately as Free bank deposits, card 3.75% + 0.25, so card use adds cost while bank transfer terms remain distinct. Check the fee schedule before placing orders.
What is the minimum deposit to open an account+
Account entry is set at $1. That level sits below $50 at eToro, yet above $0 at ActivTrades and €0 at XTB. It keeps starting balances modest while leaving room for funding charges.
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