Coinbase vs Kraken: Coinbase's referral bonus is smaller but simpler. New U.S. users get $20 in Bitcoin after buying $15 of any crypto (code 9PBNMCW). Kraken's referral rewards go up to $300 but depend on the funding or trading requirements in Kraken's plan terms (code g2s2jjgd). Terms apply. Crypto involves risk.
Coinbase vs Kraken referral bonus at a glance
| Coinbase | Kraken | |
|---|---|---|
| Code | 9PBNMCW | g2s2jjgd (alternate: tb4y3bmc72by) |
| What you get | $20 in Bitcoin for new U.S. users after buying $15 of any crypto | Rewards of up to $300 |
| Who qualifies | New to Coinbase (never had a Coinbase account), U.S. | New to Kraken (no current or past account), in a region where Kraken referral promotions are allowed |
| Main requirement | Verify your identity, then make a first crypto purchase of $15 on coinbase.com/trade with a bank transfer, debit card or credit card | Verify your identity with an ID from the country you pick at sign-up, then meet the funding or trading requirements in Kraken's plan terms |
| Time window | Within 90 days of becoming trade eligible | The window stated in Kraken's plan terms |
| What doesn't count | Coinbase Advanced and Prime purchases | Some trades, such as fiat-to-stablecoin |
| Fees | Coinbase fees | Kraken fee schedule |
| Official referral terms | Coinbase referral terms | Kraken referral terms |
| Full details | Coinbase referral code page | Kraken referral code page |
Pick Coinbase if…
- You want a small, fixed bonus: $20 in Bitcoin for a $15 purchase.
- You plan to buy on coinbase.com/trade (not Coinbase Advanced or Prime).
- You can make the purchase within 90 days of becoming trade eligible.
Pick Kraken if…
- You plan to fund and trade more and want the higher possible reward (up to $300).
- You live where Kraken referral promotions are allowed.
- You are willing to read Kraken's plan terms for the exact thresholds and window.
Can you use both?
Coinbase and Kraken are separate companies with separate referral programs, so being new to one does not depend on the other. Each pays its reward only to customers who are new to that platform and meet its own terms.
Fees and spreads can be larger than a small bonus. Check each fee page before you buy: Coinbase fees · Kraken fee schedule.
Risk note: Crypto prices are volatile and you can lose money. A sign-up bonus is not a reason to invest more than you can afford to lose. Nothing here is financial or tax advice.
Frequently asked questions
Which is bigger, the Coinbase or Kraken referral bonus?
Kraken lists rewards of up to $300, but reaching that depends on the funding or trading requirements in its plan terms. Coinbase gives new U.S. users a fixed $20 in Bitcoin after a $15 purchase.
What is the Coinbase referral code?
9PBNMCW. New U.S. users get $20 in Bitcoin after buying $15 of any crypto within 90 days of becoming trade eligible. Terms apply.
What is the Kraken referral code?
g2s2jjgd (alternate code: tb4y3bmc72by). New Kraken users can earn rewards of up to $300 after meeting the requirements in Kraken's plan terms. Terms apply.
Can I get both bonuses?
They are separate programs. You can qualify for each one if you are new to that platform and meet its terms.
Are crypto referral bonuses taxable?
Referral rewards may be taxable. Check with a tax professional.