Kraken remains one of the most enduring centralized cryptocurrency exchanges (CEX), having weathered multiple market downturns and regulatory shifts. This 2025 review dives deep into Kraken’s core features, security practices, fee structure, and overall reliability to help traders and investors make informed decisions. We’ll explore why Kraken has survived when many competitors have failed, offering a balanced look at its strengths, weaknesses, and long-term viability.
Kraken at a Glance: Our Overall Assessment
Kraken is a U.S.-based cryptocurrency exchange with global reach and a strong reputation for transparency and security. It prioritizes regulatory compliance and offers a broad range of digital assets and trading tools. While platforms like Binance provide more extensive functionality, Kraken stands out for its user-friendly interface and robust security framework—making it a preferred choice for many traders.
| Feature | Score |
|---|---|
| Security | 5/5 |
| Customer Support | 3/5 |
| Fees | 4/5 |
| Available Assets | 5/5 |
| Product Offerings | 4/5 |
| BeInCrypto Rating | 4.2/5 |
👉 Discover how Kraken stacks up against top-tier crypto platforms in real-time trading environments.
Who Should Read This Kraken Review?
Whether you're already using Kraken or are new to crypto exchanges, this review delivers essential insights. It's ideal for:
- Crypto enthusiasts – Both beginners and experienced users looking for reliable exchange options.
- Traders – From individual day traders to institutional investors seeking secure, compliant platforms.
- Fintech followers – Anyone interested in how regulated crypto platforms operate in today’s evolving financial landscape.
What Is Kraken?
Founded in 2011 by Jesse Powell and Thanh Luu, Kraken is one of the oldest and most respected cryptocurrency exchanges in the industry. Headquartered in San Francisco, California, it was among the first Bitcoin exchanges to be listed on the Bloomberg Terminal.
Over the years, Kraken has expanded its services globally, offering advanced trading tools, spot and derivatives markets, NFT trading, and staking-as-a-service options. Its long-standing commitment to security and regulatory compliance has earned it widespread trust within the crypto community.
How to Sign Up on Kraken in 2025
Creating an account on Kraken is straightforward:
- Visit the official Kraken website and click “Sign Up.”
- Choose between Personal or Business account type.
- Enter your email and create a secure password.
- Confirm your registration via the activation link sent to your inbox.
Once verified, you can complete identity verification (KYC) to unlock full trading capabilities.
Kraken Welcome Bonuses and Referral Program
Kraken offers a referral program that rewards users for inviting friends. Here's how it works:
- Share your unique referral link from the app.
- When someone signs up using your link and trades $100 worth of crypto within 30 days, both you and your friend receive **$10 in Bitcoin (BTC)**.
- The maximum bonus you can earn through referrals is $100 in BTC.
- Note: This offer is not available to residents of Washington or New York.
While Kraken doesn’t currently offer deposit-matching bonuses like some competitors, its referral incentives remain a solid way to earn free crypto.
The History of Kraken: Regulatory Milestones and Challenges
Kraken made headlines by becoming the first U.S. crypto exchange to receive a Special Purpose Depository Institution (SPDI) charter in Wyoming. This allows it to function similarly to a bank, reducing reliance on traditional banking partners for fiat transactions.
However, despite these advancements, Kraken faced regulatory scrutiny. In February 2023, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reached a settlement with Kraken over its staking-as-a-service program, which the SEC deemed an unregistered securities offering. As part of the agreement, Kraken halted its staking services for U.S. customers.
“Intermediaries must provide proper disclosures required under our securities laws.”
— Gary Gensler, SEC Chair
This case underscores the growing regulatory pressure on crypto platforms offering yield-generating products.
Where Is Kraken Available?
Kraken operates across multiple continents, serving users in:
- North America
- South America
- Europe
- Asia
- Africa
- Oceania
Despite its global footprint, Kraken is not available in certain restricted jurisdictions, including Iran and North Korea due to U.S. sanctions. Additionally, services like staking are unavailable to all U.S.-based customers following regulatory action.
Kraken User Base and Trading Volume
Kraken has seen steady growth in user adoption:
- ~4 million users (2019)
- ~6 million users (2021)
- ~9 million users (2022)
Annual trading volumes reflect strong market activity:
- $802.82 billion in 2021
- $397.76 billion in 2022
Note: These figures represent registered accounts; active user counts may vary.
The platform has raised capital from over 45 investors, including prominent names like Digital Currency Group and Blockchain Capital, signaling strong institutional confidence.
Key Features Offered by Kraken
Kraken supports a comprehensive suite of trading and investment tools:
- Spot Trading: Buy and sell over 230 cryptocurrencies at market prices.
- Margin Trading: Trade with leverage (up to 5x), amplifying potential gains—and risks.
- Futures Trading: Access leveraged futures contracts with competitive fees.
- NFT Marketplace: Trade digital collectibles with zero gas fees on selected blockchains.
- Staking-as-a-Service: Earn passive income by staking supported assets (outside the U.S.).
- Advanced Trading Interface: Customizable charts, order types, and real-time data for experienced traders.
👉 See how leading exchanges handle high-volume futures trading with minimal slippage.
Kraken’s Security Measures
Security is central to Kraken’s operations:
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Required for login and withdrawals.
- FIDO2 Security Keys: Support for hardware-based authentication.
- Cold Storage: Over 95% of customer funds are stored offline in geographically distributed vaults.
- Proof of Reserves (PoR): Kraken conducted the world’s first cryptographic PoR audit in 2014 and continues regular public audits to verify asset backing.
These measures reinforce trust, especially during periods of market volatility.
Kraken Fee Structure
Kraken uses a tiered fee model based on 30-day trading volume:
Spot Trading Fees
| Volume (USD) | Maker Fee | Taker Fee |
|---|---|---|
| ≤ $50,000 | 0.16% | 0.26% |
| > $500M | 0.00% | 0.04% |
Futures Trading Fees
| Volume (USD) | Maker Fee | Taker Fee |
|---|---|---|
| ≤ $100,000 | 0.0200% | 0.0500% |
| > $100M | 0.0000% | 0.0100% |
Margin trading fees vary by asset, with funding rates typically charged every 4 hours. Stablecoin pairs also follow volume-based pricing, with takers paying as low as 0.001% at higher tiers.
Pros and Cons of Using Kraken
Advantages
- ✅ Strong regulatory compliance and transparency
- ✅ Wide selection of tradable assets (230+)
- ✅ Advanced tools for professional traders
- ✅ Industry-leading security protocols
- ✅ Zero gas fees on NFT transactions
Disadvantages
- ❌ No staking services available for U.S. users
- ❌ Mixed customer support reviews—some report slow response times
- ❌ Regulatory challenges may impact future product rollouts
- ❌ Interface can be complex for beginners
How Does Kraken Compare to Competitors?
| Feature | Kraken | Coinbase | Binance | Robinhood |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spot Trading | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Margin Trading | Yes | Limited | Yes | Yes |
| Futures Trading | Yes | Indirect | Yes | No |
| Staking/Earn | Yes* | Yes | Yes | No |
| NFT Marketplace | Yes (no gas fees) | Yes | Yes | No |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
* Not available to U.S. customers
While Binance leads in asset variety (500+), Kraken excels in security and regulatory clarity—making it ideal for risk-conscious investors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Kraken a safe exchange?
Yes, Kraken is considered one of the safest exchanges due to its cold storage practices, regular audits, and multi-layered authentication. However, users should always enable MFA and use hardware wallets for large holdings.
What are Kraken’s trading fees?
Fees depend on your 30-day trading volume. Makers start at 0.16%, takers at 0.26%, decreasing significantly with higher volume. Futures and margin fees are similarly structured.
Is Kraken better than Binance?
It depends on your needs. Kraken offers stronger security and compliance—ideal for U.S. users—while Binance provides more altcoins and advanced trading features.
Can I withdraw money from Kraken to my bank?
Yes. You can link your bank account and withdraw fiat currencies like USD or EUR. Processing times range from 0–5 business days depending on method and location.
Does Kraken have a mobile app?
Yes. The Kraken app is available on iOS and Android, offering full trading functionality, portfolio tracking, and secure access to your wallet.
Does Kraken offer a demo account?
Yes—Kraken offers a futures trading demo account, allowing users to practice with virtual funds before trading live.
👉 Test drive advanced trading strategies risk-free on a top-rated exchange platform.
Final Verdict: Is Kraken Worth It in 2025?
Kraken continues to stand strong in a competitive and volatile market. Its emphasis on security, compliance, and transparent operations makes it a trusted choice for both retail and institutional investors.
While customer support could improve and certain services are limited in the U.S., its overall offering remains robust. For traders who value safety over flashy features, Kraken is a top-tier option in 2025.
As always, do your own research and never invest more than you can afford to lose.
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