Introduction
Established in 2013, Kraken ranks among the top cryptocurrency exchanges globally, boasting high liquidity, robust security, and competitive fees. This review covers its trading platforms, supported assets, fees, leverage, and regulatory compliance—essential insights for new traders evaluating Kraken in 2025.
Key Highlights
- Regulated: Licensed by FCA, FinCEN, FINTRAC, AUSTRAC, and others.
- Low Fees: Maker/taker fees start at 0%–0.26% on Kraken Pro.
- 65+ Cryptos: Trade Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Ripple (XRP), and more.
- Advanced Tools: Includes Kraken Terminal and Cryptowatch for professional charting.
- Security: No hacks since launch; 95% funds in cold storage.
👉 Explore Kraken’s trading platform
Trading Platforms
1. Kraken Terminal
Features:
- Real-time order book and depth charts.
- Customizable candlestick charts with MACD, RSI, Bollinger Bands.
- Watchlist and trading form for instant orders.
- Best For: Day traders needing detailed technical analysis.
2. Cryptowatch (Premium)
- Coverage: Aggregates data from 25+ exchanges (Binance, Coinbase Pro, etc.).
Free Features:
- Multi-exchange trading.
- Alerts for price/volume changes.
Premium Features:
- Zapier integration for automated trades.
- WebSocket API for developers.
Supported Cryptocurrencies
Kraken supports 65+ cryptos and 7 fiat currencies, including:
- Major Coins: BTC, ETH, USDT, XRP.
- Fiat Pairs: USD, EUR, GBP, JPY.
- Futures & Indices: Trade with 50x leverage on futures contracts.
Fees & Commissions
| Transaction Type | Fee Structure |
|-------------------|-----------------------------|
| Spot Trading | 0.9% (stablecoins), 1.5% (other cryptos) |
| Kraken Pro | 0%–0.26% (volume-based) |
| Card Deposits | 3.75% + €0.25 |
| Crypto Withdrawals| Network fees only |
Leverage & Margin
- Spot Trading: Up to 5x leverage (e.g., BTC/USD).
- Futures: 50x leverage on most contracts.
- Risk Note: Higher leverage amplifies potential losses.
Mobile Apps
Kraken App:
- Buy/sell crypto, track portfolios.
- 2FA-enabled.
Kraken Pro:
- Advanced orders, margin trading.
- No fiat funding (website-only).
Payment Methods
- Deposits: Bank transfers, Bitcoin, Ethereum.
- Withdrawals: Crypto transfers, fiat (USD/EUR).
- Processing Time: 1–5 business days for fiat.
Regulation & Security
- Licenses: FCA (UK), FinCEN (USA), AUSTRAC (Australia).
Fund Safety:
- Proof of Reserves audits biannually.
- $100M insurance fund for breaches.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|-------------------------------|-----------------------------|
| Low fees for high-volume traders | Slow Pro account verification |
| 50x leverage on futures | Limited altcoin selection |
| Strong regulatory compliance | No fiat deposits via cards |
FAQ
1. Who is Kraken best for?
Answer: High-volume traders and beginners alike—thanks to its Pro platform and simple UI.
2. Can UK traders use Kraken Futures?
Answer: No. UK retail traders are restricted to spot trading under FCA rules.
3. How long do withdrawals take?
Answer: Crypto: instant; Fiat: 1–5 days.
4. Does Kraken offer staking?
Answer: Yes! Earn up to 23% APY on select cryptos.
Top Alternatives
- Binance: Lower fees but less regulated.
- Coinbase: Easier fiat deposits, higher fees.
- Gemini: Strong security, fewer cryptos.
Final Verdict
Kraken excels in security, fees, and futures trading, making it a top choice for serious crypto traders in 2025. However, slow verification and limited altcoins may deter some users.
Next Steps: Open an account and start trading with as little as $10.