Independent Audit Report
Kraken
VS
Zero Hash

A comprehensive 20-point independent audit covering fees, FX rates, settlement architecture, regulatory standing, customer protection, and real-world performance benchmarks.

20 Audit Criteria Independent Analysis Current Verified Data Live Benchmarks
Kraken
Professional Crypto Exchange & Futures Platform
Best For Intermediate to advanced US crypto traders wanting deep liquidity, fut
Core Fee 0.16% maker / 0.26% taker on Pro; Instant Buy up to 1.5% fee
Settlement Instant crypto-to-crypto; ACH 1–5 business days; wire same d
Visit Kraken ↗
Zero Hash
Crypto & Stablecoin Infrastructure Provider
Best For Banks, brokerages, fintechs, and financial platforms wanting regulated
Core Fee B2B platform; pricing varies by integration and volume; lice
Settlement Single integration for 100+ digital assets across 200 jurisd
Visit Zero Hash ↗
Full 20-Point Audit Matrix
Verified current data across all key decision criteria
20 Criteria Compared
Audit Criterion Kraken Zero Hash
WealthBlueprint RatingOverall score vs. all reviewed platforms (out of 5 stars)
5/5
Kraken: rated on fees, features, safety & ease of use
3/5
Zero Hash: rated on fees, features, safety & ease of use
Transaction FeesPer-transfer costs, domestic & international
0.16% maker / 0.26% taker on Pro; Instant Buy up to 1.5% fee B2B platform; pricing varies by integration and volume; licensed in 51 U.S. jurisdictions, EU, Latin America, Australia, New Zealand, Bermuda
FX / Conversion SpreadMarkup above mid-market exchange rate
Kraken charges a conversion fee based on the currency pair and transfer amount. Always verify the all-in rate before sending.
Always check the live rate in the app
Zero Hash charges a conversion fee based on the currency pair and transfer amount. Always verify the all-in rate before sending.
Always check the live rate in the app
Account MaintenanceMonthly or annual account-keeping charges
Kraken applies account maintenance charges as described in its fee schedule. Pricing may vary by region.
Fees subject to change — verify before signing up
Custom/tiered pricing — Zero Hash's fee structure depends on your account tier or usage volume.
Fees subject to change — verify before signing up
Card Issuance FeesVirtual and physical card creation costs
Kraken does not primarily offer physical cards — access is digital-first.
Check Kraken app for current card fees
Zero Hash does not primarily offer physical cards — access is digital-first.
Check Zero Hash app for current card fees
Domestic SettlementLocal bank transfer completion time
Kraken
Instant crypto-to-crypto; ACH 1–5 business days; wire same d
VS
Zero Hash
Single integration for 100+ digital assets across 200 jurisd
✓ Kraken is faster (instant vs Single integration for 100+ di)
Cross-Border SpeedInternational corridor settlement time
Kraken supports cross-border transfers via its payment rails. Actual delivery depends on the receiving bank and any compliance holds.
Check the app for live estimates
Zero Hash supports cross-border transfers via its payment rails. Actual delivery depends on the receiving bank and any compliance holds.
Check the app for live estimates
Uptime / ReliabilityReported annual platform availability rate
Kraken publishes service status updates on its official status page for transparency.
Check Kraken status page for incident history
Zero Hash is a regulated platform — it maintains high availability standards as part of its regulatory obligations.
Check Zero Hash status page for incident history
Regulatory LicensesGoverning bodies and jurisdictions
FinCEN-registered; 95%+ cold storage; PGP-encrypted communications; industry-leading security record
✓ Licensed
NYDFS licensed; operates regulated entities in 51 U.S. jurisdictions; manages custody, liquidity, compliance, and settlement; Glassdoor rating 2.9/5 for culture; only 41% of employees recommend
✓ Licensed
Deposit InsuranceGovernment-backed protection scheme
Kraken holds funds with regulated partner banks. Deposit insurance coverage may apply.
Verify current coverage directly with Kraken
Zero Hash holds funds with regulated partner banks. Deposit insurance coverage may apply.
Verify current coverage directly with Zero Hash
2FA & AuthenticationMulti-factor security implementation
Kraken supports 2FA via authenticator app or SMS. Check security settings for available methods.
Enable 2FA immediately after opening your account
Zero Hash supports 2FA via authenticator app or SMS. Check security settings for available methods.
Enable 2FA immediately after opening your account
Fraud DetectionAI/ML-powered transaction monitoring
Kraken employs automated transaction monitoring. Suspicious activity triggers alerts and temporary holds.
✓ Real-time monitoring
Zero Hash employs automated transaction monitoring. Suspicious activity triggers alerts and temporary holds.
✓ Real-time monitoring
Ideal Use CasePrimary audience and core value proposition
Kraken
Intermediate to advanced US crypto traders wanting deep liquidity, futures, and staking
Zero Hash
Banks, brokerages, fintechs, and financial platforms wanting regulated infrastructure to offer crypto, stablecoins, and tokenized assets
Platform ClassificationRegulatory and product category
Professional Crypto Exchange & Futures Platform Crypto & Stablecoin Infrastructure Provider
Withdrawal LimitsDaily / weekly transfer and cash-out caps
Kraken withdrawal limits vary by account type and KYC level.
Log in to see your current limits
Zero Hash withdrawal limits vary by account type and KYC level.
Log in to see your current limits
Supported CurrenciesFiat and digital asset coverage
Kraken supports the currencies and assets listed in its official documentation.
Check Kraken official site for full currency list
Zero Hash supports the currencies and assets listed in its official documentation.
Check Zero Hash official site for full currency list
App Store RatingAggregate iOS + Android user satisfaction
Kraken app ratings reflect recent user sentiment — check the App Store/Google Play for current scores.
Verify live ratings on the App Store
Zero Hash app ratings reflect recent user sentiment — check the App Store/Google Play for current scores.
Verify live ratings on the App Store
Customer SupportAvailable resolution pathways and SLA
Kraken routes support through its official help channels. Priority queue access varies by plan.
Check Kraken help centre for current support options
Zero Hash offers support through its help centre and official contact channels.
Check Zero Hash help centre for current support options
KYC Verification SpeedAccount activation timeline post-submission
Kraken KYC timelines depend on document quality and account type.
Verify current wait times in the Kraken app
Zero Hash KYC timelines depend on document quality and account type.
Verify current wait times in the Zero Hash app
Overall VerdictWealthBlueprint independent recommendation
Kraken WINS with 5/5 stars vs 3/5.

Why: Kraken excels at Intermediate to advanced US crypto traders wanting deep liquidity, futures, and staking. It also has a simpler fee structure (0.16% maker / 0.26% taker on Pro; Instant Buy up t...).

✓ Choose Kraken if Intermediate to advanced US crypto trade
➜ Zero Hash is still solid for Banks, brokerages, fintechs, and financi
Official WebsiteVisit platform to sign up or verify current fees
Visit Kraken ↗ Visit Zero Hash ↗
WealthBlueprint Verdict Summary
Kraken — Best For
Intermediate to advanced US crypto traders wanting deep liquidity, futures, and staking
✓ Strong in its core category
Zero Hash — Best For
Banks, brokerages, fintechs, and financial platforms wanting regulated infrastructure to offer crypto, stablecoins, and tokenized assets
✓ Strong in its core category

Not sure which is right for you?

Take our 2-minute financial literacy quiz to understand which platforms align with your income profile and goals.

From the WealthBlueprint Library

Further reading our editors recommend:

📖 Depreciation Arbitrage Strategy Explained 📖 Best Stocks for Beginners With Little Money
More Comparisons Worth Reading

The Kraken vs Zero Hash audit is just the start — here is what else matters.

🔍 Karat vs Wealthfront: Independent Audit 🔍 Karat vs Republic: Independent Audit