Kraken, established in 2013, is a globally recognized cryptocurrency exchange. It ranks as the fourth-largest platform by trading volume, offering access to over 220 cryptocurrencies. This review covers its trading tools, fees, security, and overall usability to help you decide if it fits your investing needs.
Trading Platforms and Tools
Kraken provides versatile trading environments suitable for both beginners and advanced users.
Kraken Terminal
The Kraken Terminal is a professional, free charting interface built on Cryptowatch technology. It includes:
- Real-time customizable charts with drawing tools and technical indicators
- Order book and depth charts for market sentiment analysis
- Integrated trading forms for direct order placement
- Watchlists for tracking selected markets
Cryptowatch Premium Terminal
Cryptowatch offers advanced features across 25 exchanges, including Binance and Coinbase Pro. It covers over 4,000 markets via API data feeds.
Free features include:
- Advanced charting with Moving Averages, RSI, and Bollinger Bands
- Multi-exchange trading from a single interface
- Customizable alerts and trader chat functionality
Premium features (paid via credits):
- 24/7 email and text alerts
- Google Sheets integration for market data
- Zapier automation for orders and alerts
- WebSocket API for real-time data
👉 Explore advanced trading tools
Supported Cryptocurrencies and Assets
Kraken supports 65+ cryptocurrencies and 7 fiat currencies (USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF). Popular options include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, Ripple, and Dogecoin. The platform also offers:
- Crypto-to-fiat and crypto-to-crypto trading pairs
- Futures contracts and market indices
- Margin trading on select assets
Fee Structure
Kraken offers competitive fees, especially for high-volume traders:
- Kraken Pro: Maker fees from 0%–0.16%, taker fees from 0.10%–0.26%
- Standard Kraken: 0.9% fee for stablecoins, 1.5% for other crypto/fiat pairs
- Card processing: 3.75% + €0.25 per transaction
- No fees for staking, withdrawals to futures wallets, or account maintenance
Volume-based discounts apply for traders exceeding $50,000 in 30-day trading volume.
Leverage and Margin Trading
Leverage limits vary by asset:
- Spot trading: Up to 5x leverage (e.g., 5x for BTC/USD, 2x for XMR/EUR)
- Futures trading: Up to 50x leverage on most contracts
Mobile Experience
Kraken offers two mobile apps:
- Kraken App: Beginner-friendly interface for buying, selling, and portfolio tracking. Supports credit/debit card purchases and fiat withdrawals.
- Kraken Pro: Advanced mobile trading with margin support, candlestick charts, and staking. Requires API key for login.
Both apps are available on iOS and Android but exclude users in sanctioned jurisdictions.
Account Funding and Verification
Deposits and withdrawals support cryptocurrencies and bank transfers. Card purchases are limited to crypto buys.
Verification levels:
- Starter: Basic personal info (1–2 minute approval)
- Express: US-only with higher limits
- Intermediate: Enhanced features with moderate documentation
- Pro: Full functionality with rigorous KYC (several days for approval)
Withdrawal limits range from $2,500/day (Starter) to $100,000,000/30 days (Pro).
Security Measures
Kraken maintains a strong security record:
- 95% of assets held in cold storage
- Proof of reserves via biannual Merkle-tree audits
- Two-factor authentication (2FA), SSL encryption, and email confirmation for withdrawals
- $100 million insurance fund for potential breaches
Additional Features
- Staking: Earn up to 23% APY on supported cryptocurrencies
- NFT Marketplace: For buying and selling non-fungible tokens (under development)
- Futures Trading: Available via web platform with high leverage options
Customer Support
Support is available 24/7 via:
- Live chat chatbot
- Email request forms
- Phone support in English, Spanish, and French
Note: Support does not provide tax advice. Users are directed to consult local tax authorities.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Low trading fees on Kraken Pro
- Extensive cryptocurrency selection
- Strong security and regulatory compliance
- Staking and futures trading options
- Low $10 minimum deposit
Cons:
- Slow verification for Pro accounts
- Limited newer altcoin support
- Low spot trading leverage
- No fiat deposits via card/PayPal
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of traders is Kraken best for?
Kraken suits both beginners and professionals. Its fee structure benefits high-volume traders, while its intuitive interface and educational resources cater to newcomers. Advanced features like margin trading and staking appeal to experienced investors.
How does Kraken ensure the safety of user funds?
Kraken uses cold storage for 95% of assets, conducts biannual proof-of-reserves audits, and maintains a $100 million insurance fund. Regulatory compliance with FCA, FinCEN, and other bodies adds additional security layers.
Why might a deposit or withdrawal be placed on hold?
Holds can occur due to verification-level limits, name mismatches between Kraken and bank accounts, or bank-initiated security reviews. Withdrawal holds may result from insufficient balances or invalid amount requests.
Can I use a credit card to deposit fiat currency?
Kraken does not accept credit/debit cards for fiat deposits in most regions. However, users can purchase cryptocurrencies with cards via the "Buy Crypto" feature. Bank transfers remain the primary fiat funding method.
Does Kraken offer a demo account?
No general demo account exists, but futures traders can use a paper trading account with virtual funds. This allows risk-free practice of derivatives trading strategies.
Is Kraken available to UK traders?
Yes, but UK retail traders cannot access Kraken Futures due to FCA regulations. They can still buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies for long-term investment.
Final Verdict
Kraken remains a top-tier crypto exchange in 2025, offering low fees, diverse assets, and robust security. Its blend of beginner-friendly tools and advanced features makes it suitable for most traders. While verification times and altcoin variety could improve, its regulatory compliance and staking options solidify its position as a leading platform.