Kraken has long stood as a pillar in the cryptocurrency exchange landscape. Since its founding in 2011, it has built a reputation for security, regulatory compliance, and a robust suite of trading tools. But with the market evolving rapidly, is Kraken still among the top contenders in 2025? This in-depth review explores Kraken’s features, fees, security, and user experience to help you decide whether it's the right platform for your crypto journey.
Why Kraken Stands Out in 2025
Kraken remains one of the most trusted names in crypto, especially for users prioritizing regulation and transparency. Unlike many platforms that operate in gray areas, Kraken is fully registered with De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP), making it a legal and compliant option for Dutch traders since 2024. It also holds registrations in Spain, Ireland, and Italy, signaling its strong push into the European market.
With over 450 supported cryptocurrencies, quarterly trading volumes exceeding $207 billion, and more than 10 million active users, Kraken combines scale with legitimacy. Its longevity—over 14 years in operation—further cements its status as a market leader.
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Key Highlights from This Kraken Review
- Founded in 2011, making it one of the oldest exchanges
- Regulated in the Netherlands by DNB
- Offers Kraken Pro for professional traders
- Supports staking, futures trading, NFTs, and OTC services
- Competitive trading fees with volume-based discounts
- Strong security measures including Proof of Reserves and 2FA
Creating a Kraken Account: A Step-by-Step Guide
Getting started on Kraken is straightforward and secure. Here’s how to set up your account:
- Visit the Official Website
Go to Kraken’s official site and click “Sign Up” in the top-right corner. - Register Your Details
Enter your email address and create a strong password. Confirm your email via the link sent to your inbox. Complete KYC Verification
Kraken uses a mandatory Know Your Customer (KYC) process to ensure platform safety and regulatory compliance. You’ll need to provide:- Full name and date of birth
- Address and phone number
- Government-issued ID (for higher verification levels)
- Occupation details
Kraken offers three verification tiers—Basic, Intermediate, and Pro—each unlocking additional features like higher withdrawal limits and advanced trading tools.
- Deposit Funds
Once verified, deposit fiat or crypto. Supported methods include bank transfers, PayPal, and credit cards (though iDEAL is not available). - Start Trading
Buy popular cryptos like Bitcoin and Ethereum or explore emerging tokens such as Sui (SUI) and Celestia (TIA). You can also trade spot, use leverage, or engage in futures contracts.
Let’s be clear: Investing carries risk. Your capital is at stake.
What Does Kraken Offer Traders?
Kraken goes beyond basic crypto buying and selling. It delivers a comprehensive ecosystem tailored to both beginners and advanced investors.
Extensive Crypto Selection
Kraken lists over 200 cryptocurrencies, focusing on quality over quantity. While some decentralized exchanges offer thousands of tokens, Kraken vets each listing for security and legitimacy—giving users peace of mind.
You can trade major assets like:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Cardano (ADA)
- Solana (SOL)
And explore high-potential altcoins such as Polkadot (DOT) and The Graph (GRT). Missing a token? Kraken allows users to submit listing requests.
High Liquidity & Market-Competitive Fees
As one of the largest exchanges globally, Kraken ensures high liquidity—meaning faster trades at better prices. On Kraken Pro, trading fees range from 0% to 0.26%, depending on your 30-day volume. High-volume traders often enjoy zero fees on maker orders.
Compare this to:
- Coinbase: Starts at 1.49%
- eToro: Flat 1% fee
- OKX: Up to 0.1% with flexible deposit options
This makes Kraken particularly attractive for frequent traders seeking cost efficiency.
Leverage and Futures Trading
Advanced users can access:
- Leveraged trading on over 100 cryptos (up to 5x)
- Perpetual futures on Kraken Pro, allowing long or short positions
These tools let traders capitalize on market volatility—though risks increase with leverage.
Self-Custody Wallet Support
When you buy crypto on Kraken, you truly own it. You can withdraw assets to your personal wallet—supporting major chains like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cardano, and Avalanche.
Special Features That Set Kraken Apart
Beyond standard exchange functions, Kraken offers several value-added services.
NFT Marketplace
Kraken hosts an NFT marketplace supporting collections on Ethereum and Solana. While NFT trading cooled after the 2021 boom, experts predict steady growth ahead—making this a forward-looking feature.
Crypto Staking with Smart Rewards
Staking on Kraken lets you earn passive income by locking tokens. It’s similar to earning interest on a savings account.
| Crypto | Flexible APY | Fixed APY | Min Lock Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardano (ADA) | 3% – 6% | Not available | None |
| Ethereum (ETH) | Variable | 3% – 6% | Variable |
| Polkadot (DOT) | 8% – 12% | 15% – 21% | 28 days |
| Solana (SOL) | 2% – 4% | 5% – 7% | 3 days |
Kraken charges a 15% commission on staking rewards but offers flexibility—some plans allow early unstaking.
OTC Desk & Account Management
For institutional investors or those trading large volumes ($100K+), Kraken’s OTC desk provides personalized support and better pricing. High-net-worth clients can also access dedicated account managers.
API and Free Credits
Developers can integrate Kraken via API for algorithmic trading. Additionally, users may receive Kraken Free Credits (KFEE)—1,000 KFEE = $10 off trading fees—through promotions or engagement.
Deposit & Withdrawal Options
Kraken supports multiple funding methods:
| Method | Min Deposit | Processing Time | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank Transfer | €1.00 | 0–3 business days or instant | Free |
| PayPal | €1.00 | Near-instant | Free |
| Credit Card | €10.00 | Near-instant | Not specified |
| Crypto | Varies by token | Near-instant | Free |
While convenient, note that iDEAL payments are not supported—a drawback for Dutch users accustomed to this method.
Is the Kraken App Worth It?
Yes. The Kraken app, available on iOS and Android, mirrors the desktop experience with intuitive navigation, real-time data, and full trading capabilities. Enhanced security features like 2FA make it safe for on-the-go investing.
For DeFi enthusiasts, Kraken Wallet (formerly Zap) is a non-custodial solution supporting over 2,000 tokens across multiple blockchains. You control your private keys—perfect for maximum autonomy.
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Security: Is Kraken Safe?
Absolutely. Kraken employs multiple layers of protection:
- Proof of Reserves: Regular third-party audits verify user funds.
- Custody Security: Assets are stored in cold storage; company funds are separated from customer holdings.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Required for login and withdrawals.
- Bug Bounty Program: Offers up to $1.5 million for critical vulnerability reports.
These measures make Kraken one of the most secure centralized exchanges today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kraken legal in the Netherlands?
Yes. Kraken is officially registered with De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) as a VASP since 2024.
Is using Kraken free?
Yes, account creation and deposits are free. You only pay fees when trading or withdrawing.
Which cryptos can I buy on Kraken?
Over 200 cryptocurrencies are available, including BTC, ETH, ADA, DOT, and SOL. Tokens like BODEN, TREMP, and WEN are restricted in the Netherlands due to local regulations.
Is Kraken safe?
Yes. With regulatory compliance, Proof of Reserves audits, cold storage, and 2FA, Kraken prioritizes user security.
Does Kraken have an app?
Yes. The Kraken app is available for both iOS and Android devices.
Can I deposit via iDEAL?
No. iDEAL is not supported at this time.
Who owns Kraken?
Kraken is operated by Payward, Inc., founded by Jesse Powell.
Where is Kraken headquartered?
San Francisco, California, USA.
Is there a Kraken Wallet?
Yes. The Kraken Wallet is a non-custodial DeFi wallet supporting thousands of tokens across multiple chains.
Final Verdict: Should You Use Kraken in 2025?
Kraken remains a top-tier choice for crypto traders in 2025—especially those who value regulation, security, and a clean interface. While it lacks iDEAL support and has higher minimums than some rivals, its strengths far outweigh the drawbacks.
Whether you're new to crypto or an experienced trader looking for a reliable platform with staking, futures, NFTs, and institutional-grade tools, Kraken delivers.
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Let’s reiterate: Capital is at risk when investing.