Exchange review
Kraken review
Kraken is one of the longest-running US-headquartered crypto exchanges, serving retail and institutions across spot, futures, margin, and staking. It is a frequent first pick for users prioritizing regulatory standing.
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Fees & costs
On entry tier, Kraken charges 0.250% maker and 0.400% taker on spot, and 0.020% / 0.050% on perpetual futures.
Features
- spot
- futures
- margin
- staking
- fiat onramp
Pros
- Strong US regulatory standing
- Long uninterrupted operating history
- Excellent fiat onramp coverage
Cons
- Higher spot taker fees vs. global peers
- Smaller altcoin selection
Regions & licensing
Kraken accepts users in global, us, eu, jp. Licensing footprint: FinCEN MSB, FCA UK e-money, AUSTRAC AU.
FAQ
Is Kraken safe to use?
Kraken operates under FinCEN MSB, FCA UK e-money, AUSTRAC AU and has been active since 2011. As with any centralized exchange, withdraw long-term holdings to self-custody.
What are Kraken's fees?
Spot fees start at 0.250% maker / 0.400% taker. Perpetual futures start at 0.020% maker / 0.050% taker. VIP tiers reduce these materially based on 30-day volume.
Does Kraken require KYC?
Yes — full KYC is required to trade and withdraw on Kraken.
Where is Kraken available?
Kraken accepts users in global, us, eu, jp. It is restricted in no listed major jurisdictions.