Kraken has emerged as a compelling alternative to mainstream exchanges like Coinbase, offering competitive fees, advanced trading features, and robust security. This guide explores Kraken’s fee structure in detail, helping traders optimize costs while leveraging its unique offerings.
Kraken Fee Structure Overview
Kraken employs a volume-based fee schedule, meaning trading fees decrease as your 30-day trading volume increases. Key components include:
- Maker-Taker Fees: Ranging from 0% to 0.26%.
- Purchasing Fees: 0.9%–1.5% for crypto, plus card/bank processing fees.
- Futures/Margin Fees: As low as 0.0025% for high-volume traders.
Account Tiers and Verification
Kraken offers three verification levels:
| Tier | Features | Requirements |
|------|----------|--------------|
| Starter | Crypto-only trading | Basic KYC |
| Intermediate | Fiat deposits, Futures trading | Photo ID, SSN, Proof of Residence |
| Pro | OTC desk, Dark Pool | Enhanced KYC |
👉 Explore Kraken’s Pro features
Trading Fees Breakdown
Spot Trading Fees
Fees depend on order type (maker/taker) and 30-day volume:
| 30-Day Volume (USD) | Maker Fee | Taker Fee |
|---------------------|----------|----------|
| <$50K | 0.16% | 0.26% |
| $50K–$100K | 0.12% | 0.24% |
| >$1M | 0.06% | 0.16% |
- Maker: Adds liquidity (e.g., limit orders).
- Taker: Removes liquidity (e.g., market orders).
Purchasing Fees
| Method | Fee | Notes |
|--------|-----|-------|
| Credit Card | 3.75% | Lower than Coinbase (3.99%) |
| Bank Transfer | 0.5% | Slower processing |
| Stablecoins | 0.9% | USDC, USDT, etc. |
| Altcoins | 1.5% | ETH, BTC, etc. |
Kraken vs. Coinbase: Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | Kraken | Coinbase |
|----------|--------|----------|
| Trading | 0%–0.26% | 0.50% |
| Card Purchase | 3.75% | 3.99% |
| Bank Transfer | 1.7% | 1.49% |
Pros of Kraken:
- Lower trading fees for active traders.
- Futures/margin trading (up to 5x leverage).
- No recorded hacks.
Pros of Coinbase:
- Simpler for beginners.
- FDIC-insured USD balances.
Advanced Trading Fees
Futures Fees
Volume-based discounts apply:
| 30-Day Volume (USD) | Maker Fee | Taker Fee |
|---------------------|----------|----------|
| <$100K | 0.02% | 0.05% |
| >$50M | 0.0025% | 0.0125% |
Margin Fees
- Opening Fee: 0.01%–0.02%.
- Rollover Fee: 0.01%–0.02% per 4 hours.
👉 Master margin trading on Kraken
Security Features
Kraken prioritizes safety with:
- 95% cold storage for crypto assets.
- PGP encryption for communications.
- 2FA via proprietary authenticator.
FAQs
1. How do I reduce Kraken’s trading fees?
- Increase your 30-day trading volume to qualify for lower tiers.
2. Are Kraken’s card fees worth it?
- Only for small purchases; use bank transfers for larger amounts.
3. Can U.S. residents use Kraken Futures?
- Yes, except NY/Washington residents.
4. Is Kraken safe for long-term holdings?
- Yes, with cold storage and robust encryption.
Conclusion
Kraken excels for active traders and security-conscious users, offering:
- Competitive volume-based fees.
- Advanced tools (Futures, Margin).
- Unmatched track record in security.
Best for: High-volume traders, futures enthusiasts, and those prioritizing low fees over beginner-friendly interfaces.