Quick Stats
✓ Founded
2011
✓ Registered Users
10M+
✓ Coins Listed
200+
✓ Spot Fee
0.25%
Our Verdict: 4.5 / 5
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.
Pros & Cons
✓ What We Like Pros
Zero hacks since 2011 — best security track record in crypto Proof of reserves audits published quarterly MiFID II licensed in Ireland for EU derivatives US regulated — FinCEN MSB registered Institutional-grade infrastructure and custody
✓ What Could Be Better Cons
Higher fees (0.25–0.40% spot) vs competitors Fewer coins than competitors (200+ vs 400+) No copy trading feature UI less modern than Binance/Bybit Limited earn products compared to competitors
Kraken Fees: Security Comes at a Premium
Kraken's fee structure reflects its institutional positioning. At <strong>0.25% maker / 0.40% taker</strong> on spot trades, fees are above the industry average. For comparison, Binance charges 0.10% and Bybit charges 0.10%. However, Kraken's futures fees are competitive at 0.02% maker / 0.05% taker.
| Product | Maker Fee | Taker Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Spot Trading | 0.25% | 0.40% |
| Futures Trading | 0.02% | 0.05% |
| Margin Trading | 0.02% | 0.02% |
| SEPA Deposit | Free | Free |
| SEPA Instant | Free | Free |
| Card Deposit | 3.75% | — |
| Crypto Withdrawal | Varies | — |
Security: The Safest Exchange in Crypto
Security is Kraken's defining feature and the primary reason traders choose it over cheaper alternatives. No other major exchange can claim a 13+ year track record with zero security breaches.
Zero Breaches Since 2011
Kraken has never been hacked — a record unmatched by any other major exchange. Its multi-layered security architecture has withstood over a decade of increasingly sophisticated attacks.
Proof of Reserves (Quarterly)
Kraken publishes verifiable proof-of-reserves audits every quarter, allowing users to cryptographically verify that the platform holds sufficient reserves to cover all customer deposits.
95% Cold Storage
Kraken stores 95% of all user funds in air-gapped, geographically distributed cold storage. Only the minimum necessary for daily withdrawals is kept in hot wallets.
SOC 2 Type 2 Audit
Kraken is one of the few crypto exchanges to have completed a SOC 2 Type 2 audit, an industry-standard examination of security controls, availability, and data integrity used by traditional financial institutions.
Supported Cryptocurrencies
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 .
Key Trading Features
✓ Spot Trading
Buy and sell 200+ cryptocurrencies with advanced order types including limit, market, stop-loss, and take-profit. Full TradingView charting integration on Kraken Pro.
✓ Futures (50x Leverage)
Trade 100+ futures contracts with up to 50x leverage on major pairs. Competitive fees at 0.02% maker / 0.05% taker. Available to EU residents through Kraken's MiFID II license.
✓ Margin Trading
Borrow funds to amplify spot positions with up to 5x leverage on cross and isolated margin. Supports major trading pairs with competitive margin rates.
✓ Staking
Earn rewards by staking assets directly on Kraken. Supports ETH, SOL, DOT, ADA, ATOM, and more. Flexible and bonded staking options with competitive APYs.
✓ NFT Marketplace
Kraken's curated NFT marketplace supports Ethereum and Polygon collections. Buy, sell, and hold NFTs within your Kraken account with no gas fees for trades on the platform.
✓ Kraken Pro (Advanced UI)
Full-featured trading terminal with advanced charting, order book depth, and professional tools designed for active traders and institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kraken safe to use? +
What are Kraken's fees? +
Is Kraken regulated in Europe? +
How many coins does Kraken support? +
Should I use Kraken or Binance? +
Derivatives & Leveraged Products — Important Risk Warning
Derivatives are complex financial instruments that carry a high risk of rapid capital loss. Leveraged trading (futures, perpetual contracts, margin trading, options) can result in losses that exceed your initial investment. The majority of retail investor accounts lose money when trading derivatives.
You should carefully consider whether you understand how derivatives work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, investment advice, or a recommendation to trade derivatives.
In the European Union, crypto derivatives are classified as financial instruments under MiFID II. Only platforms with appropriate MiFID II authorization may offer these products to EU residents. Regulatory treatment varies by jurisdiction — verify the legal status of derivatives trading in your country before participating.
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