Kraken
| Trust score | 10/10 (rank 3) |
|---|---|
| 24h volume | 24,075 BTC |
| Fees (maker / taker) | 0.25% / 0.40% |
| KYC | Required |
| Proof of reserves | Published |
| Insurance | Not disclosed |
| Licenses | US (state MTLs), UK (FCA registered), EU (MiCA via Ireland), Canada (restricted dealer) |
| Derivatives | Yes |
| Website | www.kraken.com |
Kraken is one of the oldest exchanges with no major customer-fund hack in its history. It publishes regular proof-of-reserves audits and offers staking, spot and derivatives for eligible regions.
Pros
- 14+ year track record without a customer-fund breach
- Regular third-party proof-of-reserves
- Strong customer support and compliance
Cons
- Fees higher than Binance/OKX on the base tier
- Smaller altcoin selection
Securing your Kraken account
- Enable Global Settings Lock and master key
- Use hardware 2FA
Full walkthrough: exchange account security and the checklist.
Questions
Is Kraken safe?
Kraken publishes proof of reserves, has no publicly disclosed insurance fund and is licensed or registered in US (state MTLs), UK (FCA registered), EU (MiCA via Ireland), Canada (restricted dealer). Fees higher than Binance/OKX on the base tier. Keep only what you actively trade on any exchange.
What are Kraken fees?
Base spot fees are 0.25% maker and 0.40% taker, lower with volume tiers.
Does Kraken require KYC?
Yes, identity verification is required before trading or withdrawing.
Where is Kraken based?
Founded in 2011. Headquarters: United States.