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T4

Kraken

Established exchange known for security, low fees, and advanced trading.

centralized
Proof of Reserves
Beginner Friendly
Mobile App
Reviewed by Sarah Lin, Staff Writer — Exchanges Last verified: 2026-03-09Scoring methodology

This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you sign up or make a purchase through these links. This does not influence our editorial evaluations. Learn more

Best For

Low-fee trading and advanced users

Pros

  • Lower trading fees
  • Strong security
  • Advanced tools
  • Proof of reserves

Cons

  • Interface can be complex
  • Fewer altcoins
  • US staking restrictions

Regulatory Status

Registered MSB with FinCEN. Holds state Money Transmitter Licenses. Settled with SEC (Nov 2023) over staking services and agreed to discontinue U.S. staking.

Regulatory status varies by jurisdiction and changes frequently. Always verify current licensing with your local regulator before depositing funds.

Enforcement History

major
2023-02SEC

Settled with SEC for $30M over offering unregistered staking-as-a-service program to U.S. customers. Agreed to cease U.S. staking.

Primary source

Why This Trust Score Is Not Higher

U.S. staking no longer available after SEC settlement. Interface complexity can lead to beginner mistakes with order types.

Trust scores are calculated using our published scoring methodology. Score changes are documented in our corrections log.

Key Information

Type
centralized
Maker Fee
0.16%
Taker Fee
0.26%
Proof of Reserves
Yes
Mobile App
Yes
Staking
Available

Country Availability

Available in:

US
UK
CA
AU
DE
FR

Availability can change without notice. Verify directly on the exchange's website for your specific country and region.

Deposit Methods

bank transfer
wire
crypto

Supported Chains

ethereum
solana
bitcoin
polygon
avalanche

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kraken safe?+
Kraken publishes proof of reserves, meaning you can verify they hold the assets they claim. Regulatory status varies by jurisdiction — check the "Regulatory Status" section above for details specific to Kraken. No exchange is 100% safe — consider moving large holdings to a self-custody wallet after purchasing. Enable 2FA and withdrawal whitelisting for extra security.
Is Kraken good for beginners?+
Yes, Kraken is considered beginner-friendly with a straightforward interface and educational resources. If you're new to crypto, start with small amounts and use the "simple" buy interface if available.
What are Kraken's fees?+
Kraken's fees vary by trade type and volume. Check the "Key Information" section above for current maker/taker rates. Many exchanges also charge different fees for their "simple" vs "advanced" trading interfaces — the simple interface is usually more expensive. Always check the fee schedule on Kraken's website before trading.
Should I keep my crypto on Kraken?+
For active trading, keeping funds on Kraken is practical. For long-term holding or large amounts, move crypto to a self-custody wallet. Exchanges can freeze accounts, get hacked, or face regulatory issues. The safest approach: buy on the exchange, then transfer to your own wallet.
K

Kraken

centralized Exchange

Proof of Reserves

Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you sign up or make a purchase through these links. This does not influence our editorial evaluations. Learn more

K

Kraken

Exchange

8.0

Editorial Score

Trust Score: 8.5/10

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Similar Exchanges

C

Coinbase

US beginners and regulated trading

R

River

Bitcoin-only investors in the US

G

Gemini

Security-conscious US traders who want insurance and compliance

Compare

Kraken vs CoinbaseKraken vs RiverKraken vs GeminiKraken vs Binance

Calculators

Bitcoin Profit CalculatorDCA CalculatorStaking Rewards Calculator

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