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Kraken Exchange Review 2025: The Truth About Trading, Fees, and Safety
Kraken exchange is one of the most secure and reliable options on the market. In a space where there is a lot of volatility and uncertainty, the Kraken crypto exchange is a safe harbor for your money. When I revisited our Kraken exchange review for 2025 during a regular check-in, I learned that the brand continues to be rock solid in the crypto realm.
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Kraken at a Glance
Notable Features
User-friendly interface, advanced trading tools, real-time pricing.
Fees
Spot trading fees range from 0.16% – 0.26%, instant buy/sell fees are 0.9% – 1.5%, and withdrawal fees vary by method.
Cryptocurrencies
200+
Security Features
2FA, advanced encryption, biometric login, most funds held in offline cold storage, regular Proof of Reserves audits, regulated in multiple jurisdictions.
KYC Requirements
Full legal name, date of birth, residential address, phone number, email, government-issued photo ID; (U.S. users must provide Social Security Number or Proof of address)
Maximum Daily Deposit Amount
Up to $100,000 per day (varies by deposit method, higher for Kraken Pro users)
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Why Kraken Exchange Stands Out
Pros
One of the original cryptocurrency exchanges
Strong industry reputation for security
Wide range of funding options
Regulated and licensed in many markets
Supports 350+ assets
Cons
Not available to New York residents
Account verification can be slow
Experienced a treasury security incident in 2024 (no customer funds lost)
In-depth Details: What’s to Like and What You Should Know
Kraken exchange delivers a professional, intuitive platform for trading over 200 cryptocurrencies. The platform supports spot, margin, and futures markets with deep liquidity and competitive pricing. Its interface is streamlined for beginners and advanced traders, enabling easy management of portfolios, staking of digital assets, and participation in the NFT marketplace. Security is integral, with features like mandatory two-factor authentication, cold storage for client funds, withdrawal whitelisting, and regular Proof of Reserves audits. You benefit from transparent fees, responsive 24/7 customer support, and a comprehensive suite of educational resources. It is a strong choice for people who want a secure and versatile place to trade crypto, which is why it is considered one of the best crypto exchanges in the world.
History and Background
The Kraken exchange was founded in 2011 in San Francisco, by Jesse Powell. The aim was to build a secure and reliable cryptocurrency exchange, following the security failures of Mt. Gox. After two years of development and beta testing, Kraken officially launched in 2013, initially supporting Bitcoin, Litecoin, and euro trades. The platform quickly expanded its offerings, adding more cryptocurrencies, fiat pairs, and advanced trading features such as margin trading. It became one of the first exchanges listed on Bloomberg Terminals in 2014, helping to establish its reputation for transparency and regulatory compliance. Today, the exchange operates globally, serving millions of users with a wide range of digital asset services.
Safety and Security
Kraken exchange has built its reputation on a foundation of robust security and operational transparency. It secures the majority of client assets in offline, geographically distributed cold wallets. Mandatory two-factor authentication (2FA) is required for all accounts. The platform’s commitment to best practices is demonstrated by its SOC 2 Type I and ISO/IEC 27001 certifications, as well as regular third-party Proof of Reserves audits to verify asset backing. Regulatory compliance and continuous monitoring, round out Kraken’s comprehensive approach to user safety.
Here are some of the things that caught my eye:
- Cold storage: Over 95% of client funds are held offline in secure, air-gapped wallets.
- SOC 2 Type I and ISO/IEC 27001 certifications: Independent audits confirm high standards for security and data integrity.
- Mandatory two-factor authentication: All users must enable 2FA for account access.
- Withdrawal whitelisting: Only pre-approved wallet addresses can receive withdrawals.
- Global Settings Lock (GSL): Prevents unauthorized changes to critical account settings.
- Proof of Reserves audits: Regular third-party audits verify all client assets are fully backed.
- Regulatory compliance: The site operates under oversight in multiple jurisdictions and follows global AML/KYC standards.
- Continuous security monitoring: 24/7 surveillance, ongoing penetration testing, and a bug bounty program help identify and address vulnerabilities.
- User education: It provides regular updates and resources to help you recognize and avoid emerging security threats.
My Overview: What really impresses me about the exchange is how seriously they take security. You get features like withdrawal whitelisting and Global Settings Lock that give you real control over your account safety.
Special features
This exchange provides a host of special features that support casual and advanced traders. Pro features, like margin trading enables you to amplify positions with up to 5x leverage. Futures trading provides exposure to cryptocurrency derivatives with up to 50x leverage.
The Kraken staking and Auto Earn options enable you to earn rewards on a variety of digital assets with flexible terms. An NFT marketplace, also brings digital collectibles into the mix. Advanced order types, like stop-loss and take-profit, offer greater trading control. Throw in deep liquidity, an OTC desk for large trades (Kraken Institutional), and comprehensive API access, all making Kraken crypto exchange a very attractive option.
Usability
I found the platform’s usability a real highlight. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, whether I’m on desktop or mobile. Placing trades, checking prices, and managing my portfolio, all feel straightforward (even with advanced features like margin or staking). I appreciate how quickly I can find what I need, and the educational resources are helpful when I want to dig deeper. The Kraken crypto exchange makes crypto trading accessible without sacrificing professional tools.
Customer support
The brand provides 24/7 customer support through live chat and email, ensuring you can access help at any time. The support team is knowledgeable and responsive, assisting with technical issues, account questions, and trading concerns. The Kraken exchange also offers an online help center and a wide range of educational resources, making it easy for you to find answers and resolve common issues independently.
Other useful features you should know about
- Mobile app: The Kraken App offers a streamlined buy and sell interface that is easy for even complete beginners to understand.
- Mobile Kraken Pro app: The Pro mobile app delivers advanced charting, order management, and portfolio tracking on the go, rivaling desktop functionality.
- Customizable API access: Kraken offers a powerful API, letting you automate trading strategies, access real-time market data, and integrate with third-party trading tools.
- Kraken Institutional: High-volume and institutional clients can access dedicated account managers for personalized support and tailored trading solutions.
- Dark pool trading: Kraken provides a dark pool where you can place large orders anonymously, minimizing market impact and slippage.
- Fee rebates for high volume: Active traders can benefit from a tiered fee schedule, earning lower fees and even rebates on maker trades as their 30-day trading volume increases.
- Krak App:Although there is no Kraken crypto credit card (yet), this handy new payment system enables peer-to-peer payments of both cryptocurrencies and fiat currencies.
- xStocks: Allows for investment in tokenized versions of notable US entities, such as Apple, Tesla and Microsoft.
The Kraken Pro App: For the Serious Trader
The Kraken Pro app is a mobile-first trading platform for advanced crypto users who want powerful tools on the go. It offers a customizable interface with real-time price updates, advanced charting, and access to hundreds of cryptocurrencies across more than 700 markets. You can place a wide range of order types, including market, limit, stop-loss, and take-profit orders, directly from your mobile device. Kraken Pro also supports margin and futures trading, in-depth analytics, and portfolio management, all secured by industry-leading protocols. The Pro interface also features customizable widgets, instant deposits and withdrawals, and 24/7 customer support. It is a comprehensive solution for active traders.
Key Differences Between the Kraken and Kraken Pro Apps:
The True Cost of Trading on This Exchange
Trading on the Kraken exchange base platform comes with various fees. Spot trading fees generally range from 0.16% to 0.26% per trade. The Instant Buy/Sell feature charges higher fees: 0.9% for stablecoins and 1.5% for other cryptocurrencies. Withdrawal fees depend on the asset and method; fiat withdrawals are typically between $0 and $35. Crypto withdrawal fees vary by coin and network conditions. A spread fee of about 0.5% to the exchange rate, is applied for fiat conversions. There are no fees for opening or maintaining an account. Margin and futures trading may involve additional costs, like funding rates and liquidation fees.
While the Kraken’s fee schedule is competitive compared to other major exchanges, you should review all applicable fees based on your trading habits and funding preferences to properly assess the total cost of using the platform.
Does Kraken charge a monthly fee?
Kraken exchange does not charge a monthly fee for using its desktop platform, mobile app, or Kraken Pro app. You can access these interfaces for free, with no subscription or maintenance costs. You only pay trading fees when you buy, sell, or trade cryptocurrencies on any of the brand’s platforms. Kraken+ on the other hand, is a monthly subscription program.
Kraken+
Whether you are an experienced trader, or you are just starting out, fees and hidden costs are bound to influence your trading decisions. This exchange has simplified the process with Kraken+, a premium subscription service, which allows you to trade fee-free with up to $10,000 per month. Plus, Kraken+ subscribers earn double the returns on any USDG trades (up to 4%+ APR), get early access to new tools, receive priority support, and more.
What Can You Buy on Kraken?
You can buy over 200 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and many altcoins. The platform also supports stablecoins, DeFi tokens, and a wide range of trading pairs. Kraken Pro offers access to crypto futures, margin trading, and an NFT marketplace where you can buy and sell digital collectibles.
How to Set Up a Kraken Exchange Account
If you want to try out the platform for yourself, here’s what you need to do:
- Step 1: Visit the Kraken website or download the Kraken mobile app, then click Create Account or Sign Up.
- Step 2: Enter your email address, create a username, and set a strong password. You will also select your country of residence.
- Step 3: Agree to the terms of service and privacy policy, then submit your information.
- Step 4: Verify your email address by clicking the link or entering the activation code sent to your inbox.
- Step 5: Complete your profile by providing your full legal name, date of birth, residential address, phone number, and occupation.
- Step 6: Upload a government-issued photo ID (passport or driver’s license) and, if required, a recent proof of address (like a utility bill or bank statement) for KYC verification.
- Step 7: Link a payment method, such as a bank account or debit card, to fund your account.
- Step 8: Set up two-factor authentication (2FA) for enhanced account security.
Once your identity is verified (which can take from a few minutes to several days, depending on your region and verification level), you can begin trading.
Kraken Alternatives
Kraken is a top contender for crypto traders who want advanced tools, robust security, and a wide range of assets. It may, however, not suit everyone’s needs or preferences. If you’re interested in how this site stacks up against other leading exchanges, check out our in-depth comparison articles to find the platform that best matches your trading style.
Why You Should Trust CryptoVantage: How I Reviewed Kraken
The CryptoVantage methodology for evaluating the top crypto exchanges considers multiple dimensions of the digital asset trading experience. Key factors we assess include:
- Trade volumes and asset availability
- Trading features and tools
- Security
- Transparency, reputation and support
- Fees and added costs
- Ease of use
Final Thoughts: Is Kraken Worth It?
In my opinion, Kraken is worth considering if you’re serious about crypto trading. The platform’s blend of advanced features, deep liquidity, and industry-leading security gives me real confidence when managing my assets. I appreciate how intuitive the interface is, whether I’m trading on desktop or mobile. The variety of supported coins enables me to diversify easily. The transparent fee structure and responsive support add to the overall trustworthiness. While no exchange is perfect, this one strikes a strong balance between power and usability,
FAQs
Yes, it is considered one of the safest cryptocurrency exchanges. The platform uses advanced security measures like two-factor authentication, cold storage for most assets, and regular security audits. The exchange is also regulated in multiple jurisdictions and has a strong reputation for transparency and reliability. As with any exchange, you should enable all available security features and use self-custody for large balances to maximize safety.
Yes, it is a well-established and trusted platform. It has been up-and-running since 2011, and ticks all the boxes when it comes to security, regulatory compliance and transparency. The platform is registered as a Money Services Business (MSB) with the US Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). This also ensures that it complies with the necessary anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) requirements.
As we have discussed at length, Kraken is a great platform to buy, sell, trade, and even invest your digital assets. However, it is always best to rely on a self-custody hardware wallet for long-term secure storage. Check out our top list of the Safest Crypto Wallets for more guidance on secure storage.
These exchanges are actually quite evenly matched. Both of them offer excellent security features, a wide variety of assets, helpful tools and special features, not to mention, they both have dedicated platforms designed for more advanced users. In the end, the best choice will really come down to your personal trading goals, and preferences. If you do decide to switch, don’t forget to follow the process outlined in our How to Transfer From Coinbase to Kraken guide, to ensure none of your tokens go missing along the way.
