Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you open an account or sign up through links on this page. This does not cost you extra. Our rankings are based on our published methodology, not on commission amount.
Crypto disclosure: WeTheTraders is an educational comparison site only. We do not provide exchange, custody, wallet, brokerage, money transmission, or investment advisory services. Crypto and trading involve risk. We may earn commissions from links, but commissions do not change our ratings.
Kraken Review
A long-standing crypto exchange with strong security, lower Pro fees and deep liquidity. Good for intermediate users.
Best for
- Security-conscious users
- Lower-fee Pro trading
- Intermediate traders
Not best for
- You want the simplest possible UI
- Your US state is restricted
Our verdict & scoring
Kraken is a veteran exchange respected for security and reliability, offering competitive fees on Kraken Pro, deep liquidity and a broad coin selection. Available in many countries and US states (with some restrictions), and generally more fee-efficient than simple retail apps. In March 2025 the SEC dismissed its lawsuit against Kraken (Payward) with prejudice — no penalties or admissions — and Kraken resumed on-chain staking for US users. Kraken also acquired US futures broker NinjaTrader in 2025.
Scores are based on our review methodology. Affiliate relationships do not buy higher ratings.
Pros
- Strong security reputation
- Lower Pro fees
- Deep liquidity
Cons
- Instant-buy fees are high
- Some products restricted by region
- UI less beginner-slick than rivals
Fees & hidden costs explained
Competitive maker/taker fees on Kraken Pro; higher on the simple Instant Buy flow.
Safety, regulation & availability
US: FinCEN-registered MSB with state money-transmitter licenses (operated by Payward, Inc./Payward Ventures, Inc.); the SEC dismissed its enforcement case with prejudice in March 2025. UK: subject to FCA financial-promotion rules for cryptoassets. EU: operating under the MiCA framework. Some products/states restricted — verify local availability.
Account protection: Crypto is not covered by SIPC or FSCS. Review Kraken's own security and proof-of-reserves disclosures.
Available to retail traders in:
Verify this platform yourself:
Official sources
Risk warning: Trading stocks, options, futures, forex, crypto, CFDs and funded accounts involves risk. You can lose money. This website is educational only and does not provide financial, investment, tax or legal advice.
Leverage, volatility, fees, spreads, liquidity and platform rules can increase losses.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you click some links on our site. This does not cost you extra. Our comparisons are educational and transparent, and our rankings are not affected by commissions.