Kraken Guide 2025: Trading & Staking

What Is This Exchange?

Founded in 2011, Kraken is one of the oldest and most trusted cryptocurrency exchanges with over ten years of proven history. Why trust Kraken? The platform has strong security measures and high reliability, which have earned it a solid reputation amongst users and experts who recommend it for legal compliance and trustworthy operations.

The platform offers comprehensive trading services, including spot trading for buying and selling coins, staking for earning passive rewards, and margin trading with leverage. For example, you can stake Ethereum to earn 4-6% APY while holding your coins. Futures trading for contracts and fiat on-ramps are available in many countries, enabling easy deposits and fast withdrawals.

This versatile platform, with its many features and flexible tools, serves both beginners who need simple interfaces and professionals who require advanced capabilities, making it accessible and useful for everyone in the cryptocurrency space. Compare exchanges or read our exchange guide.

Key Features

Why is the platform popular amongst traders? It balances ease of use with advanced capabilities that appeal to both beginners and experts through these core features:

• Security: Industry-leading measures including proof-of-reserves audits and an insurance fund that protects client assets.
• Staking: Competitive rewards on ETH, DOT, ADA, ATOM with flexible terms. For example, stake 1 ETH and earn approximately 0.05 ETH annually.
• Advanced Trading: Margin trading, perpetual futures, pro-level order types, and deep liquidity for smooth trading.
• Fiat Support: Major currencies including USD, EUR, GBP, JPY with fast deposits and withdrawals.
• Low Fees: Tiered maker-taker model with volume discounts. For example, trading $100,000 monthly reduces fees to 0.16%.

These features work well together to create a reliable platform that many people trust, as evidenced by consistently good reviews.

How to Get Started in 2025

Getting started is simple and takes just a few minutes by following these steps:

• Visit the website and click "Create Account", which is easy to find.
• Enter your email and create a strong, secure password.
• Verify your email address by checking your inbox and clicking the confirmation link.
• Complete identity verification, which is called KYC. Upload your identification document. It keeps everyone safe.
• Enable two-factor authentication security. This adds extra security. Your account stays protected.
• Deposit your trading funds. Use a bank transfer or a card. Money arrives very quickly.
• Start trading or staking. You are now ready. Begin earning staking rewards.

The process is quick. Most people finish in ten minutes. Support is available if you need help, and the platform is user-friendly.

Pros and Cons

Like any exchange, it has advantages. It also has trade-offs. Here is what you should know to help you decide.

• Pros: industry-leading security keeps your money safe. Staking rewards help you earn. Fiat support makes deposits easy. Regulatory compliance builds trust. Strong brand reputation matters.
• Cons: KYC verification required for full access. Some advanced features are restricted in certain regions. Check your country's rules.

Overall, the pros outweigh the cons, with many users being happy, and the platform works well. It is worth trying.

Getting started on Kraken is straightforward, even if you’re new to crypto. Here’s the process:

• Register an account on the official Kraken website.
• Complete identity verification (KYC) for deposits and withdrawals.
• Deposit fiat or crypto and begin trading, staking, or exploring advanced tools.

Once verified, you can access Kraken from both web and mobile apps, making it easy to manage your portfolio anywhere.

Trading Features and Tools

Spot Trading

The core trading platform offers comprehensive spot trading functionality, enabling you to buy and sell cryptocurrencies at current market prices with competitive fees and deep liquidity across hundreds of trading pairs.

• 200+ cryptocurrencies: Extensive selection including major coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum, plus emerging altcoins and DeFi tokens with multiple fiat and crypto trading pairs
• Deep liquidity: Consistent order book depth across major trading pairs ensures minimal slippage and efficient order execution even for large trades
• Low fees: Starting at 0.16% maker and 0.26% taker fees, with volume-based discounts reducing costs for active traders
• Advanced orders: Stop-loss, take-profit, and conditional orders provide sophisticated risk management and automated trading strategies
• API access: Professional-grade REST and WebSocket APIs enable algorithmic trading, automated portfolio management, and custom trading applications

Spot trading on Kraken combines simplicity for beginners with advanced features for experienced traders. The intuitive interface makes it easy to execute basic buy and sell orders, whilst advanced order types and API access satisfy professional trading requirements. This balance makes Kraken suitable for users at all experience levels.

Pro Platform

Kraken Pro (formerly Kraken Terminal) provides an advanced trading interface designed for professional traders who require sophisticated charting tools, real-time market data, and comprehensive portfolio analytics in a single integrated platform.

• Professional charts: TradingView integration with advanced technical indicators, drawing tools, and customizable layouts for comprehensive market analysis
• Order book depth: Real-time market depth visualization showing liquidity levels and order flow for informed trading decisions
• Portfolio management: Advanced position tracking with profit/loss calculations, performance analytics, and detailed transaction history
• Margin trading: Up to 5x leverage on selected trading pairs with flexible collateral options and risk management tools
• Futures trading: Perpetual contracts with up to 50x leverage, funding rate displays, and advanced order types for derivatives trading

The Pro platform delivers institutional-grade trading capabilities whilst maintaining accessibility for individual traders. The interface is highly customizable, allowing you to arrange charts, order books, and trading panels according to your preferences. This flexibility ensures efficient workflow regardless of your trading style or strategy requirements.

Mobile Trading

The Kraken mobile application brings full exchange functionality to iOS and Android devices, enabling you to trade, stake, and manage your portfolio from anywhere with complete feature parity to the desktop platform.

• Complete functionality: All desktop features including spot trading, staking, deposits, withdrawals, and advanced order types accessible through the mobile interface
• Biometric security: Fingerprint and face recognition authentication provide convenient yet secure access to your account
• Push notifications: Real-time price alerts, order execution confirmations, and deposit/withdrawal notifications keep you informed
• Offline mode: View portfolio balances and transaction history without internet connection for convenient reference

The mobile app maintains the same security standards as the desktop platform, including two-factor authentication, withdrawal address whitelisting, and encrypted data transmission. This ensures your funds remain protected even when trading on mobile devices.

Staking and Earning Rewards

On-Chain Staking

Earn passive income by participating in network validation through Kraken's staking services. The platform handles all technical complexity, allowing you to earn rewards without running validator nodes or maintaining infrastructure. Staking rewards are distributed automatically and can be withdrawn or reinvested at any time.

• Ethereum (ETH): 3-5% APY with liquid staking options that allow you to trade staked ETH whilst earning rewards
• Cardano (ADA): 4-6% APY with flexible terms and no lock-up periods for maximum liquidity
• Polkadot (DOT): 10-14% APY with 28-day unbonding period and governance voting rights
• Cosmos (ATOM): 8-12% APY with governance participation enabling you to vote on network proposals
• Solana (SOL): 5-8% APY with epoch-based rewards distributed approximately every 2-3 days

Staking rewards vary based on network conditions, validator performance, and total staked supply. Kraken automatically selects high-performing validators to maximise your returns whilst maintaining network security and decentralisation principles.

Staking Benefits

Kraken's staking service provides several advantages over running your own validator nodes or using other staking platforms, making it an attractive option for both beginners and experienced cryptocurrency holders.

• No minimum amounts: Start staking with any amount, even small holdings, without meeting minimum validator requirements
• Automatic rewards: Earnings distributed automatically to your account without manual claiming or complex procedures
• Flexible unstaking: Withdraw staked assets when needed, subject to network-specific unbonding periods ranging from instant to 28 days
• Compound growth: Reinvest rewards automatically or manually to benefit from exponential compound interest over time
• Tax reporting: Detailed transaction records and staking reward history simplify tax compliance and reporting requirements

The combination of competitive rates, flexible terms, and automatic reward distribution makes Kraken's staking service one of the most user-friendly options in the cryptocurrency industry. You can start earning passive income immediately without technical knowledge or significant capital requirements.

Pro Trading Platform

Professional Interface

The Pro platform serves as Kraken's flagship trading interface, designed specifically for serious traders and institutional clients who require advanced charting tools, sophisticated order types, and professional-grade market analysis capabilities. The interface provides institutional-level functionality whilst remaining accessible to individual traders.

The customizable dashboard allows you to arrange charts, order books, trade history, and portfolio information according to your preferences. Real-time market data feeds provide up-to-the-second price information, whilst advanced technical indicators including moving averages, RSI, MACD, Bollinger Bands, and dozens of others enable comprehensive technical analysis. Multiple chart types including candlestick, line, and bar charts support various analysis methodologies, whilst drawing tools and overlay indicators facilitate pattern recognition and trend analysis.

The platform supports both light and dark themes with fully customizable layouts that adapt to individual trading preferences and workflow requirements.

Advanced Orders

The Pro platform supports a comprehensive set of order types that extend far beyond basic market and limit orders. Stop-loss orders protect your positions from adverse price movements, whilst take-profit orders automatically lock in gains when price targets are reached. Trailing stops adjust dynamically with price movements, allowing you to capture upside potential whilst protecting against reversals. Conditional orders execute automatically based on specific market conditions, enabling sophisticated trading strategies without constant monitoring.

Advanced traders can utilise iceberg orders to hide large positions and reduce market impact when executing substantial trades. Algorithmic trading features include TWAP (Time-Weighted Average Price) and VWAP (Volume-Weighted Average Price) orders that help institutional traders execute large positions efficiently whilst minimising market disruption and achieving optimal pricing. These sophisticated order types provide professional-grade execution capabilities typically found only on institutional trading platforms.

Margin and Derivatives

The Pro platform offers extensive margin trading capabilities with leverage up to 5x on major trading pairs. Detailed margin requirements are displayed in real-time, whilst automatic profit and loss calculations help you monitor position performance. Automatic liquidation protection prevents losses from exceeding your account balance, ensuring effective risk management even during volatile market conditions.

Futures trading is available through Kraken's dedicated derivatives platform, offering perpetual contracts on major cryptocurrencies with leverage up to 50x. Advanced risk management tools include portfolio margin calculations that consider correlations between positions, enabling more capital-efficient trading. Sophisticated hedging strategies are supported through the ability to hold both spot and futures positions simultaneously, allowing you to protect your portfolio against adverse price movements whilst maintaining exposure to potential gains.

API Trading

Comprehensive REST and WebSocket APIs provide programmatic access to all trading functionality, market data, and account management features. High-frequency trading strategies are supported through low-latency connections and robust rate limiting that ensures reliable performance even during periods of high market activity. The APIs enable automated trading systems, custom trading interfaces, and integration with portfolio management tools.

Professional traders can implement fully automated strategies using Kraken's API infrastructure, which supports various programming languages including Python, JavaScript, Java, and C++. Extensive documentation with code examples and testing environments facilitates rapid development and deployment of custom trading solutions. The API's reliability and performance make it suitable for both individual algorithmic traders and institutional trading operations.

Institutional Services

The Pro platform caters specifically to institutional clients with dedicated account management, custom trading solutions, and enhanced security features. OTC (over-the-counter) trading desks facilitate large transactions with minimal market impact, whilst custody solutions provide secure storage for institutional-scale holdings. Regulatory compliance support helps institutions navigate complex legal requirements across different jurisdictions.

White-label solutions enable financial institutions to offer cryptocurrency trading to their clients under their own brand. These solutions include branded interfaces, custom fee structures, and seamless integration with existing infrastructure, allowing traditional financial institutions to enter the cryptocurrency market without building their own exchange infrastructure from scratch.

Security and Regulatory Compliance

Security Measures

Kraken implements industry-leading security measures to protect user funds and personal information. The exchange has maintained a strong security track record since its founding in 2011, with no major security breaches affecting customer funds. This commitment to security makes Kraken one of the most trusted cryptocurrency exchanges globally.

• Cold storage: 95% of funds stored offline in geographically distributed locations with military-grade security
• Multi-signature: Multiple approvals required for transactions, preventing unauthorised access even if individual keys are compromised
• Proof-of-reserves: Regular third-party audits verify that Kraken maintains full asset backing for all customer deposits
• Insurance coverage: Protection against security breaches and operational failures through comprehensive insurance policies
• 2FA mandatory: Two-factor authentication required for all accounts, with support for hardware security keys
• Withdrawal locks: Time delays and email confirmations for large withdrawals provide additional protection against unauthorised access

The combination of cold storage, multi-signature wallets, and comprehensive insurance provides multiple layers of protection for your funds. Even in the unlikely event of a security breach, the majority of customer assets remain protected in offline storage, whilst insurance coverage provides additional safeguards.

Regulatory Compliance

Kraken operates as a fully regulated cryptocurrency exchange in multiple jurisdictions, maintaining licences and compliance with local regulations across North America, Europe, and other regions. This regulatory compliance provides legal protections and ensures the exchange operates according to established financial standards.

• US regulations: Licensed money transmitter in most US states with FinCEN registration and state-level compliance
• EU compliance: Regulated in multiple European jurisdictions including Germany, Netherlands, and other member states
• KYC/AML: Comprehensive identity verification and anti-money laundering procedures meet international standards
• Regular audits: Third-party security and financial reviews verify operational integrity and asset backing
• Transparency: Public disclosure of policies, procedures, and proof-of-reserves builds trust through openness

Regulatory compliance ensures that Kraken operates according to established financial standards, providing legal protections for users and reducing the risk of regulatory actions that could affect access to your funds. This makes Kraken particularly suitable for institutional investors and users who prioritise regulatory certainty.

Kraken NFT Trading Marketplace

Comprehensive NFT Trading Platform

Kraken NFT represents the exchange's entry into the non-fungible token market, offering a comprehensive platform for buying, selling, and trading digital collectables. The marketplace supports multiple blockchain networks, including Ethereum, Solana, and Polygon, enabling users to access a diverse range of NFT collections.

The platform features an intuitive interface that makes NFT trading accessible to both beginners and experienced collectors. Users can browse collections by category, rarity, price, and other filters, making it easy to discover new projects and track market trends. The marketplace also includes detailed analytics and price history for individual NFTs and collections.

Zero-Fee Trading Model

One of Kraken NFT's most compelling features is its zero-fee trading model for most transactions. Unlike many competitors that charge significant marketplace fees, Kraken allows users to buy and sell NFTs without paying platform fees, making it an attractive option for active traders and collectors.

The platform covers gas fees for certain transactions on supported networks, further reducing the cost of NFT trading. This approach helps democratize access to NFT markets and makes it more economical for users to experiment with digital collectables without worrying about excessive fees eating into their profits.

Curated Collections and Partnerships

Kraken NFT focuses on quality over quantity, featuring carefully curated collections from established artists, brands, and creators. The platform also partners with notable artists and projects to offer exclusive drops and limited-edition releases, providing users with access to high-quality digital art and collectables.

The marketplace includes detailed creator profiles, project roadmaps, and community information to help users make informed purchasing decisions. Kraken's reputation and security standards extend to its NFT platform, providing additional confidence for users investing in digital assets.

Integration with Kraken Exchange

Kraken NFT seamlessly integrates with the main Kraken exchange, allowing users to fund their NFT purchases directly from their trading accounts. This integration eliminates the need to transfer funds between platforms and provides a unified experience for users interested in both cryptocurrency trading and NFT collecting.

Users can easily convert between cryptocurrencies and use their existing Kraken balances to purchase NFTs, making the platform particularly convenient for existing Kraken customers. The integration also enables advanced features, such as portfolio tracking across both traditional crypto assets and NFT holdings.

Kraken Compared to Competitors

Kraken vs Binance

• Security: It has stronger regulatory compliance and transparency
• Fees: Binance slightly lower, but It offers better customer protection
• Regulation: Kraken is fully licensed in the US/EU, Binance faces regulatory challenges
• Staking: Both offer comprehensive staking, Kraken more transparent
• User base: Binance larger globally, Kraken preferred by institutions

Kraken vs Coinbase

• Fees: Kraken significantly lower trading fees than Coinbase
• Features: It offers more advanced trading tools and options
• Staking: It provides better staking rates and more options
• User experience: Coinbase more beginner-friendly, Kraken more professional
• Asset selection: It offers more altcoins and trading pairs

Kraken vs OKX

• Regulation: Kraken stronger in Western markets, OKX better in Asia
• Derivatives: OKX offers more futures and options products
• Spot trading: Both excellent, Kraken better for institutional clients
• Security: It has longer track record and better transparency
• Fiat support: Kraken superior fiat on/off ramps in US/EU

Trading Fees

Kraken uses a maker-taker fee model with volume-based discounts ranging from 0.16% maker / 0.26% taker for the starter tier (0–$50k volume) down to custom rates for the VIP tier ($500k+ volume) with potentially 0% maker fees.

Deposit and Withdrawal Fees

• Crypto deposits: Free for all supported cryptocurrencies
• Fiat deposits: Free for most bank transfers; card payments may incur small fees
• Crypto withdrawals: Network fees only (varies by blockchain)
• Fiat withdrawals: Typically $5–$25 depending on method and region
• Staking: No fees for staking; some assets may have small unstaking fees

Fee optimisation Tips

• Use limit orders: Maker fees are always lower than taker fees
• Increase trading volume: Higher volume unlocks lower fee tiers
• Choose efficient networks: Use lower-cost blockchains for withdrawals
• Monitor network congestion: Withdraw during low-traffic periods

Fee Comparison with Competitors

• vs Binance: Kraken’s fees are slightly higher, but it maintains a stronger security reputation
• vs Coinbase: It offers significantly lower fees for active traders
• vs Gemini: Similar fee ranges with comparable security standards

Customer Support and Services

Kraken Overview

What is Kraken?

Kraken is a global crypto exchange offering spot, staking, and advanced trading services with a focus on security and compliance.

How do I get started on Kraken in 2025?

Sign up on the official website, complete KYC, deposit funds, and you’re ready to trade or stake crypto.

What are the key features of Kraken?

Features include low trading fees, proof-of-reserves, staking services, advanced trading tools, and fiat ramps for easy onboarding.

What are the pros and cons of using Kraken?

Pros: security, staking, fiat support, trusted brand. Cons: mandatory KYC and limited access in some regions.

Is Kraken safe to use?

Yes, Kraken is one of the most secure exchanges with proof-of-reserves, cold storage, and comprehensive insurance coverage.

What cryptocurrencies can I trade on Kraken?

It supports 200+ cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and most major altcoins, with high liquidity pairs.

Does Kraken offer staking?

Yes, It offers staking for 15+ cryptocurrencies with competitive rewards and flexible terms.

Sources & References

• Official Kraken Exchange Website
• Kraken Official Support Documentation
• Official Kraken Company Blog
• Kraken Proof of Reserves

Common Questions and Answers

Is Kraken safe to use?

Yes, Kraken is one of the most secure exchanges with strong regulatory compliance and security measures.

What are Kraken's trading fees?

Kraken charges 0.16% maker and 0.26% taker fees for most trading pairs, with discounts for high-volume traders.

Can I stake crypto on Kraken?

Yes, it offers staking for multiple cryptocurrencies with competitive rewards.

How do I verify my Kraken account?

Complete KYC verification by providing identification documents and personal information.

Does Kraken support fiat deposits?

Yes, it supports bank transfers, wire transfers, and other fiat deposit methods in multiple currencies.

What is Kraken?

Kraken is a global cryptocurrency exchange offering spot, staking, and advanced trading services with a focus on security.

How to get started on Kraken in 2025?

Register on Kraken's official site, complete KYC verification, deposit funds, and begin trading or staking. Professional onboarding includes comprehensive identity verification, proof-of-address documentation, and enhanced due diligence for institutional accounts, unlocking higher withdrawal limits and advanced trading features. The registration process prioritises security through multi-factor authentication, device verification, and comprehensive account protection measures that safeguard user assets and personal information throughout the onboarding journey. New users benefit from Kraken's extensive educational resources, intuitive interface design, and responsive customer support, which facilitate smooth platform adoption and confident cryptocurrency trading from initial account creation through advanced feature utilisation. Professional traders leverage Kraken's comprehensive API documentation, advanced order types, and institutional-grade infrastructure to implement sophisticated trading strategies immediately upon account activation. The platform's commitment to regulatory compliance ensures smooth onboarding for users across multiple jurisdictions, with clear guidance on verification requirements and transparent communication throughout the account activation process. Advanced users appreciate Kraken's support for multiple fiat currencies, diverse deposit methods, and efficient fund transfer processes that enable rapid capital deployment and flexible treasury management across international operations. The onboarding experience reflects Kraken's focus on security, compliance, and user experience, providing clear instructions, responsive support, and comprehensive documentation that addresses common questions and helps users adopt the platform with confidence at all experience levels. Institutional clients benefit from dedicated account management services that provide personalised onboarding support, customised feature configuration, and priority assistance, ensuring smooth platform integration and optimal feature utilisation from day one. The verification process, whilst thorough, maintains reasonable timeframes through efficient processing systems and clear communication that keeps users informed throughout the approval journey. Professional users value Kraken's transparent approach to compliance, comprehensive security measures, and institutional-grade infrastructure, which provide confidence in platform reliability and asset security from initial registration through ongoing trading operations. The platform's reputation for security and regulatory compliance attracts users who prioritise these factors over feature complexity or an extensive selection of cryptocurrencies, creating a user base that values transparency, reliability, and professional-grade operations. New users should prepare the required documentation in advance, including government-issued identification, proof of address, and potentially additional verification materials for enhanced account tiers that unlock higher limits and advanced features. The onboarding process typically completes within hours to days, depending on verification complexity and current processing volumes, with clear status updates and responsive support available throughout the journey. Professional traders appreciate Kraken's efficient onboarding, which enables rapid platform access, whilst maintaining rigorous security standards and comprehensive compliance procedures that protect user interests and platform integrity. The platform's focus on regulatory excellence and transparent operations creates confidence amongst institutional users and professional traders who require reliable infrastructure and comprehensive compliance frameworks for their cryptocurrency trading activities. Users seeking to maximise their Kraken experience should explore the platform's extensive educational resources, familiarise themselves with advanced features, and engage with customer support to optimise their account configuration and feature utilisation based on specific trading requirements and operational objectives. The investment in thorough onboarding and platform familiarisation pays substantial dividends through enhanced trading efficiency, optimal feature utilisation, and confident platform navigation, supporting successful cryptocurrency trading strategies and portfolio management across diverse market conditions and trading scenarios. Professional users who dedicate time to comprehensive platform learning and strategic feature configuration achieve substantially better outcomes than those who rush through onboarding without proper preparation and platform familiarisation that enables optimal feature utilisation and strategic trading execution.

Related Cryptocurrency Exchange Guides

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• Detailed Kraken Exchange Review

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