Kraken vs Coinbase Sign Up Bonus
A head-to-head comparison of the two most-searched US-friendly exchange sign up bonuses. We break down bonus size, how to qualify, expiration windows, and which one pays more depending on your deposit size.
At a glance
Kraken sign up bonus explained
Kraken's referral program pays Up to €200 when new users sign up with code 3rdrtcf5 and complete qualifying trades. Rewards are released in tiers, so you collect a portion as you cross each volume threshold — making it the better choice for anyone planning to trade more than a few hundred dollars in their first month.
Coinbase sign up bonus explained
Coinbase pays Up to $50 in free Bitcoin when you join via referral code VH3S85J and complete a single qualifying trade. It's the easiest bonus in crypto to unlock and ideal for first-time buyers who just want to test the platform with a small deposit.
Our verdict
- Small deposits (under $250): Coinbase wins — the $50 BTC bonus only requires one trade and there are no volume tiers to chase.
- Larger deposits ($1,000+): Kraken wins — the tiered €200 reward, lower trading fees on Kraken Pro, and stronger derivatives offering deliver more long-term value.
- Want both? There is no rule against claiming both bonuses. Many readers open a Coinbase account for the instant BTC reward and a Kraken account for ongoing trading.
Frequently asked questions
Which has a bigger sign up bonus, Kraken or Coinbase?
Kraken's referral pays up to €200 in rewards after qualifying trades, while Coinbase pays up to $50 in free Bitcoin after the first trade. Kraken pays significantly more for users who can meet the trading volume tiers.
Is the Kraken sign up bonus better for small deposits?
For very small deposits ($10–$100), Coinbase's $50 Bitcoin bonus is easier to unlock because it only requires one qualifying trade. Kraken's higher tiers require larger trading volume to earn the full €200.
Do I need a referral code to claim either bonus?
Yes. Both bonuses are only paid out when you sign up via the referral link or enter the referral code at registration. Adding the code after signup is not possible.
How long do the Kraken and Coinbase sign up bonuses last?
Both bonuses typically require qualifying activity within 30–90 days of account creation. Kraken's tiered structure pays out as you hit each volume threshold; Coinbase pays after the first qualifying trade.