Kraken is one of the oldest US crypto exchanges, known for security, proof of reserves, and competitive trading fees on Kraken Pro.
- Strong security track record
- Proof of reserves
- Low fees on Pro
- Futures and margin trading
- Instant buy has higher fees
- Interface can be complex
- US staking limited
Fees & costs
- Min. deposit
- €$10
- Trading
- 0.00%-0.26% maker/taker (volume-based)
- Stock fee
- N/A (Crypto only)
- Spread
- Tight spreads on major pairs
- Deposits
- Free (SEPA, Wire)
- Withdrawals
- Network fees
- Inactivity
- None
Platforms & features
Who this fits best
Note: instant buy has higher fees.
How to use in practice
Professional Crypto Trading
Use Kraken Pro for advanced order types, professional charting, and competitive 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 trading products including futures with up to 50x leverage for experienced traders seeking amplified exposure to crypto markets.
Open a long or short futures position on Bitcoin with 5x leverage to capitalize on anticipated market movements.
Earning Through Staking
Stake supported cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, Polkadot, and Solana directly on Kraken to earn staking rewards without managing validator nodes.
Stake your DOT holdings to earn staking rewards automatically distributed to your account while Kraken handles the technical infrastructure.
Tips for beginners
- 01
Use Kraken Pro for lower fees
The Instant Buy feature has higher spreads built into prices. Switch to Kraken Pro (free) for maker/taker fees as low as 0.00%-0.26%, which can significantly reduce costs on trades above small amounts.
- 02
Verify proof of reserves
Kraken publishes cryptographic proof that they hold sufficient assets to cover all client deposits. You can verify this independently, providing transparency about the exchange's solvency.
- 03
Enable all security features
Kraken offers comprehensive security including 2FA, PGP-signed emails, and withdrawal address whitelisting. 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 200+ 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, 1-5 days), wire transfer, or credit card (higher fees). European users benefit from free SEPA deposits with €0.09 withdrawal fees.
Key Features and How to Use Them
Kraken vs Kraken Pro: The default interface offers simple buy/sell with convenience fees. Switch to Kraken Pro for advanced charting, multiple order types (limit, stop-loss, take-profit), and significantly lower maker/taker fees (0.00%-0.26% based on volume).
Proof of Reserves: Kraken publishes cryptographic proof that client assets are fully backed. Navigate to the proof of reserves page to verify independently using on-chain data, providing transparency that few exchanges offer.
Staking: Eligible cryptocurrencies can be staked directly from your account. Kraken handles validator operations while you earn rewards. Note that US customers have limited staking options due to regulatory restrictions.
Futures Trading: For eligible users, Kraken offers crypto futures with up to 50x leverage. Complete additional verification to access this feature. Futures require understanding of liquidation risks and margin requirements.
Tips for Success
Always use Kraken Pro for better pricing—the fee difference is substantial. Enable all security features including 2FA, PGP-signed email confirmations, and withdrawal address whitelisting. Start with spot trading to understand the platform before exploring margin or futures.
Monitor your volume tier for fee discounts. As your 30-day trading volume increases, your maker/taker fees decrease. Kraken's 10+ year track record without major security breaches demonstrates their commitment to security.