Kraken Review 2026 — Fees, Security & Features

Kraken is the most trusted exchange in crypto. Founded in 2011 by Jesse Powell, it is one of the oldest and most respected platforms in the industry — and it has never been hacked. In over 13 years of operation, Kraken has maintained a flawless security record that no other major exchange can match.

The exchange has built its reputation on institutional-grade security, regulatory compliance, and transparency. It was among the first exchanges to publish quarterly proof-of-reserves audits and to pass a SOC 2 Type 2 examination. With licenses spanning the US, EU, UK, and beyond, Kraken is arguably the most regulated exchange in the world.

The trade-off? Higher fees. Kraken's default spot fees of 0.25% maker / 0.40% taker are significantly above competitors like Binance (0.10%). For traders who prioritize security and regulation above all else, that premium is worth paying. For cost-sensitive traders, alternatives offer better value.

Kraken lists 200+ cryptocurrencies across spot markets. While this is fewer than Binance (400+) or Bybit (600+), Kraken takes a quality-over-quantity approach — every listed asset undergoes rigorous compliance and security review before being made available.

All major assets are supported:

, and more. The exchange also lists select DeFi tokens, Layer 2 assets, and established altcoins. New listings are added regularly but conservatively.

On the derivatives side, Kraken offers 100+ futures contracts with up to 50x leverage. EUR deposits via SEPA are free, making it cost-effective for European traders to fund their accounts.

Track live prices for all Kraken-listed assets on our crypto price hub .