Kraken
A security-focused, long-established exchange with a strong compliance track record.
Kraken Referral Code & Link
No referral code or link is currently available for Kraken.
Quick Summary
Kraken is a centralized cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2011, among the longest continuously operating major exchanges, known specifically for a strong security track record (never having suffered a major hack of customer funds) and proactive regulatory compliance. It occupies a middle ground between Coinbase's higher fees and stronger US compliance focus and Binance's lower fees and broader but more regulatorily complicated global footprint.
Kraken at a Glance
| Category | Crypto Exchanges |
|---|---|
| Pricing model | Freemium |
| Starting price | 0-0.26% maker/taker fee, volume-based |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android |
| Editorial rating | ★ 4 / 5 |
| Launched | 2011 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, California, USA |
| Best for | A security-focused, long-established exchange with a strong compliance track record. |
| Community votes | 423 |
Pros
- Long, unbroken security track record with no major hack of customer funds in over a decade
- Proactive regulatory licensing across multiple jurisdictions reflects a compliance-forward approach
- Kraken Pro fees are competitive with or better than Coinbase's comparable interface
- Strong customer support reputation relative to other major exchanges
- Supports both simple beginner-friendly buying and advanced trading tools in one platform
Cons
- Simple "Kraken" buy interface fees are notably higher than Kraken Pro's rates, similar to Coinbase's two-tier structure
- Smaller token selection than Binance's much broader global listing
- Less brand recognition among casual, first-time crypto buyers than Coinbase
- Some advanced features and higher-volume discounts require navigating Kraken Pro specifically
- US regulatory environment has limited certain staking and token offerings, similar to Coinbase's restrictions
Kraken Pricing Plans
Official pricing as published by Kraken. Verify current rates before purchasing.
Kraken Pro
0-0.26% maker/taker fee, volume-based
- Lower fees than Kraken's basic interface
- Advanced order types
- Margin trading available
Kraken (Standard)
~1.5% Spread-based instant buy
- Simple buy/sell interface
- Easier for beginners
- Fiat funding via bank transfer or card
Kraken is a centralized cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2011, among the longest continuously operating major exchanges, known specifically for a strong security track record (never having suffered a major hack of customer funds) and proactive regulatory compliance. It occupies a middle ground between Coinbase's higher fees and stronger US compliance focus and Binance's lower fees and broader but more regulatorily complicated global footprint.
What Makes Kraken Stand Out
Long, unbroken security track record with no major hack of customer funds in over a decade. Proactive regulatory licensing across multiple jurisdictions reflects a compliance-forward approach
Kraken Pro fees are competitive with or better than Coinbase's comparable interface
Pricing and Plans
Kraken offers a free tier that provides meaningful value for individuals and small teams, with paid plans unlocking additional capabilities as needs grow.
Who Should Use Kraken
Kraken is best for teams and individuals who need crypto exchanges capabilities and where long, unbroken security track record with no major hack of customer funds in over a decade. It may not be the right fit when simple "kraken" buy interface fees are notably higher than kraken pro's rates, similar to coinbase's two-tier structure.
Verdict
Kraken delivers on its core promise as a crypto exchanges tool. Kraken is a centralized cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2011, among the longest continuously oper... For teams evaluating crypto exchanges options, Kraken is worth considering based on its specific strengths and how they align with your requirements.
Overall rating: 4.1 / 5
Kraken is the most compliance-focused US-available cryptocurrency exchange — the platform that institutional investors, regulated funds, and sophisticated retail traders often prefer for its regulatory track record, security history, and professional trading tools. While Coinbase has broader consumer brand recognition, Kraken is frequently the exchange of choice for users who have done their research.
Security Record and Regulatory Posture
Kraken's security record is exceptional among major cryptocurrency exchanges — it has never been hacked, despite being a major exchange for over a decade. This track record matters significantly in an industry where major exchange hacks (Mt. Gox, Bitfinex, Cryptopia, FTX) have destroyed billions in customer assets.
Kraken's regulatory compliance approach has been proactive rather than reactive: registering as a Money Services Business with FinCEN, obtaining state money transmission licenses, and implementing KYC/AML procedures that meet or exceed regulatory requirements. This compliance posture makes Kraken appropriate for institutional use cases where exchange regulatory standing is a due diligence criterion.
Trading Products and Features
Kraken offers spot trading for 200+ cryptocurrencies, futures trading with leverage, margin trading (up to 5x for eligible users in eligible jurisdictions), staking for proof-of-stake assets, and an OTC desk for large transactions.
Kraken Pro is the professional trading interface with order books, advanced chart types, multiple order types (limit, market, stop-loss, take-profit), and API access for algorithmic trading. Fees on Kraken Pro are competitive: 0.25% maker, 0.40% taker at baseline, reducing to 0.02% maker / 0.05% taker at $10M+ monthly volume.
The basic Kraken interface (Kraken.com) provides a simpler buying experience with higher fees — similar to Coinbase's consumer interface vs. Advanced Trade. Users comfortable with order books should always use Kraken Pro.
Kraken vs. Coinbase
The most relevant comparison for US users. Coinbase wins on brand recognition, mobile app quality, and institutional custody (Coinbase Prime). Kraken wins on trading fees (lower at comparable volumes), product range (futures, margin), customer service reputation, and security track record. Sophisticated traders often prefer Kraken; first-time crypto buyers often start with Coinbase.
Kraken NFT and Crypto Services
Kraken has expanded into NFT marketplace, crypto staking (earning yield on supported proof-of-stake cryptocurrencies), and DeFi access — building toward a broader crypto financial services platform beyond spot exchange.
Overall rating: 4.1 / 5
Best Alternatives to Kraken
2 alternatives listed. Looking for a Kraken alternative? Here are the top options our community recommends, ranked by popularity and editorial score.
Quick comparison: Kraken vs Coinbase
| Feature | Kraken | Coinbase |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Freemium | Freemium |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android |
| Editorial rating | ★ 4 / 5 | ★ 4 / 5 |
| Community votes | 423 | 478 |
The most widely trusted US crypto exchange, publicly listed and heavily regulated.
The world's largest crypto exchange by trading volume, with the broadest token selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Kraken, answered by our editorial team.
- Has Kraken ever been hacked?
- Kraken has maintained an unbroken security track record since its 2011 founding, with no major breach resulting in loss of customer funds — a notably long clean record in an industry where several major exchanges have suffered significant hacks over the years.
- Is Kraken Pro different from regular Kraken?
- Yes, similar to Coinbase's two-interface structure, the standard Kraken interface (simple buy/sell) carries higher spread-based fees aimed at beginners, while Kraken Pro offers substantially lower maker/taker fees and advanced trading tools within the same account, better suited to frequent or cost-conscious traders.
- How does Kraken compare to Coinbase for security and trust?
- Both Kraken and Coinbase maintain strong security and compliance reputations. Kraken's longer operating history (since 2011, versus Coinbase's 2012) and unbroken security record give it a slight edge on pure track record, while Coinbase's public company status provides a different kind of transparency through SEC financial disclosure requirements.
- Is Kraken worth it?
- Kraken is worth evaluating if your team needs crypto exchanges capabilities. The rating of 4.1/5 reflects its strengths and areas for improvement — consider trialing it against alternatives before committing.
- What are the main advantages of Kraken?
- Kraken stands out in the crypto exchanges category for its core feature set and the specific strengths that define its market position. Teams that align with these strengths tend to find it valuable.
- How does Kraken compare to alternatives?
- Kraken competes in the crypto exchanges market with a specific positioning. It is best evaluated against alternatives based on your specific requirements, team size, and budget.
- What is a referral bonus on Kreemhunt?
- A referral bonus is an incentive — like bonus credit, a discount, or extra features — that a software vendor offers when someone signs up through a referral link or code instead of going to the product directly. Kreemhunt tracks which of the tools we cover currently have an active referral arrangement, like Kraken, so you don't have to hunt for one yourself.
- Does Kraken currently have a referral code or link?
- Not at the moment. Kreemhunt doesn't have a tracked referral code or link for Kraken right now — this page will update automatically if one becomes available, so it's worth checking back before you sign up.
- Does using a referral link cost me anything extra?
- No. Using a referral link or code to sign up for Kraken costs the same as signing up directly — in most cases referral programs are designed so the new user gets a bonus and the referrer gets a reward, with no markup passed on to you.
- How do I claim Kraken's referral bonus?
- There's no active referral bonus for Kraken tracked on Kreemhunt right now. Once one becomes available, it'll appear in the referral box on this page along with instructions for claiming it.
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