Kraken is one of the oldest US crypto exchanges, with proof-of-reserves checks by an external accountant and volume-based fees on Kraken Pro.
- ISO 27001 certified, SOC 2 Type 1 review
- Proof-of-reserves checks by an external accountant
- Volume discounts on Kraken Pro
- Futures and margin trading
- Instant buy costs 1% plus spread
- Interface can be complex
- US staking limited
Fees & costs
- Min. deposit
- €1 (SEPA)
- Trading
- Kraken Pro (spot, laagste volumeschijf): 0,40% maker / 0,80% taker; daalt naar 0,00% maker / 0,05% taker bij zeer hoog 30-daags volume. Direct kopen/verkopen: 1% (1,5% bij aangepaste orders), plus spread en eventuele betalingskosten.
- Stock fee
- N/A (Crypto only)
- Spread
- Direct kopen/verkopen bevat een spread; die verschilt per markt en ordergrootte.
- Deposits
- SEPA: gratis; pinpas/creditcard: € 0,25 + 3,75%; SWIFT-overschrijving (EUR): € 3
- Withdrawals
- SEPA: € 1 (min. € 2); SWIFT (EUR): € 5 (min. € 100); crypto: netwerkkosten per munt
- Inactivity
- None
Platforms & features
Who this fits best
Note: instant buy costs 1% plus spread.
How to use in practice
Professional Crypto Trading
Use Kraken Pro for advanced order types, professional charting, and maker/taker fees based on your 30-day trading volume.
Place limit orders with post-only settings to ensure maker fee status, and use the advanced charting tools to identify entry and exit points.
Crypto Futures and Margin Trading
Access leveraged products such as futures and margin for experienced traders (the BTC futures page shows maximum leverage of 10x). Leverage can amplify losses.
Open a long or short futures position on Bitcoin with 5x leverage to capitalize on anticipated market movements.
Staking
Stake supported cryptocurrencies directly on Kraken without running a validator yourself. Rewards are variable, not guaranteed, and Kraken withholds a commission; availability depends on your country.
Stake a supported asset and receive staking rewards in your account, minus Kraken's commission. Staking carries risks such as slashing.
Tips for beginners
- 01
Use Kraken Pro for lower fees
Instant Buy costs 1% (1.5% for custom orders) plus a spread built into the price. Kraken Pro charges 0.40% maker / 0.80% taker at the lowest tier, falling with your 30-day volume. Compare the total cost for your order size.
- 02
Verify proof of reserves
Kraken has proof-of-reserves checks done by an external accountant. You can check that your balance is included. It is a snapshot, not insurance or a guarantee.
- 03
Enable all security features
Kraken offers security features including FIDO2 two-factor authentication with passkeys and PGP-signed emails. Enable all available security features to protect your account from unauthorized access.
- 04
Start with spot trading before futures
If you're new to Kraken, master spot trading on Kraken Pro before attempting futures or margin trading. Leveraged products carry significant risk of amplified losses.
Account opening steps
- 1.
Create Account
Sign up with email and create a secure password with 2FA
- 2.
Verify Email
Confirm your email address through the verification link
- 3.
Complete KYC
Submit government ID (passport/driver's license) and proof of residence
- 4.
Fund Account
Deposit via SEPA, wire transfer, card, or crypto
- 5.
Start Trading
Trade cryptocurrencies on Kraken or Kraken Pro
Extended guide
Complete Guide to Crypto Trading with Kraken
Getting Started
Creating a Kraken account begins at kraken.com. Register with your email, create a secure password, and enable two-factor authentication immediately. Complete identity verification by uploading a government-issued ID and proof of residence. Verification typically takes 1-3 business days.
Once verified, fund your account via SEPA bank transfer (free, 0-3 business days), SWIFT wire (€3 for EUR) or debit/credit card (€0.25 + 3.75%). A SEPA withdrawal costs €1 (minimum €2).
Key Features and How to Use Them
Kraken vs Kraken Pro: The default interface offers simple buy/sell for 1% (1.5% for custom orders), plus spread and any payment fees. Kraken Pro offers advanced charting, multiple order types (limit, stop-loss, take-profit), and maker/taker fees that fall with your 30-day volume: from 0.40% maker / 0.80% taker at the lowest tier to 0.00% / 0.05% at the highest.
Proof of Reserves: Kraken has an external accountant regularly check that client balances are covered, and lets you check that your balance is included. Kraken itself notes there are no formally accepted rules defining such an audit. It is a snapshot, not insurance or a guarantee.
Staking: Eligible cryptocurrencies can be staked from your account. Rewards are variable and not guaranteed, Kraken withholds a commission, and staking carries risks such as slashing. Availability depends on your country and account.
Futures and margin: For eligible users, Kraken offers perpetual crypto futures; for EEA clients they are provided by a Cypriot entity (CySEC). Margin is available up to 10x on selected assets, and the BTC futures page shows a maximum of 10x. Leverage can amplify losses and your balance can be liquidated. It is not suitable for every investor.
Tips for Success
Compare the cost of instant buy and Kraken Pro for each order. Enable the available security features, such as FIDO2 two-factor authentication with passkeys and PGP-signed email. Start with spot trading before exploring margin or futures. Your maker/taker fees fall as your 30-day volume grows. Crypto is volatile and you can lose your capital.
Editorial review
Kraken is een van de oudste cryptobeurzen, opgericht in 2011. Voor klanten in de EER (ook Nederland) werkt Kraken via Payward Europe Solutions Ltd, dat in juni 2025 een MiCA-vergunning kreeg van de Central Bank of Ireland. Futures voor EER-klanten lopen via een aparte Cypriotische entiteit onder toezicht van CySEC. In de VS is Kraken geregistreerd bij FinCEN en in het VK bij de FCA. Kraken toont ruim 600 cryptohandelsparen. De handelskosten op Kraken Pro beginnen bij 0,40% maker en 0,80% taker en dalen met je 30-daags volume tot 0,00% maker en 0,05% taker.
Kraken legt de nadruk op beveiliging en is ISO 27001-gecertificeerd. Het laat ook proof-of-reserves-controles uitvoeren door een externe accountant. Dat is geen verzekering of garantie: je loopt nog steeds risico op verlies. Staking is beschikbaar voor meerdere munten; de beloning is variabel, niet gegarandeerd, en Kraken houdt er een provisie op in. Met futures en margin kunnen ervaren traders met hefboom handelen (margin tot 10x; op BTC-futures toont Kraken maximaal 10x). Hefboom kan verliezen versterken en is niet voor beginners.
Direct kopen/verkopen kost 1% (1,5% bij aangepaste orders), plus spread en eventuele betalingskosten; kaartstortingen kosten € 0,25 + 3,75%. Via Kraken Pro betaal je doorgaans minder. De standaardinterface is daardoor duurder voor beginners die het verschil niet kennen. Kraken is vooral geschikt voor ervaren cryptogebruikers die futures, margin en Pro-tarieven willen gebruiken.