Kraken
A security-focused, long-established exchange with a strong compliance track record.
Kraken Referral Code & Link
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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 |
| 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’s decade-plus operating history without a major security breach is a genuinely rare achievement in an industry that has seen several prominent exchange hacks over the years, and that track record — combined with proactive multi-jurisdiction regulatory licensing — has built a security-and-compliance-focused reputation that positions it as a stable middle ground between Coinbase and Binance.
This review covers Kraken’s security track record, its two-tier fee structure, and how it compares to Coinbase and Binance.
A Decade Without a Major Breach
Since its 2011 founding, Kraken has avoided the major security breaches that have affected several other prominent exchanges over the years, a track record that matters significantly for an industry where custodial fund security is a primary user concern.
Kraken Pro vs. Standard Interface
Similar to Coinbase’s dual-interface structure, Kraken’s standard buy/sell interface carries higher, simpler spread-based fees aimed at beginners, while Kraken Pro offers substantially lower maker/taker fees and advanced trading tools — the same account supports both, and cost-conscious users should use Kraken Pro specifically.
Kraken Fee Structure
Kraken Pro — 0-0.26% maker/taker fee (volume-based) Lower fees than Kraken’s basic interface, advanced order types, and margin trading availability.
Kraken (Standard) — approximately 1.5% (spread-based instant buy) A simple buy/sell interface, easier for beginners, with fiat funding via bank transfer or card.
Kraken vs. Coinbase and Binance
Coinbase offers stronger brand recognition among first-time buyers and public company transparency. Binance offers lower fees and a broader token selection globally, with a more complicated recent regulatory history. Kraken’s position is a stable middle ground — strong security and compliance with competitive Pro-tier fees, without Coinbase’s brand premium or Binance’s regulatory baggage.
Who Should Use Kraken
Security-conscious users prioritizing a long, clean track record get one of the most established exchanges with the least eventful security history among major platforms.
Cost-conscious traders can use Kraken Pro for fees competitive with or better than Coinbase’s comparable interface.
Who Should Consider Alternatives
Users wanting the broadest possible token selection will find Binance’s much larger listing more comprehensive than Kraken’s more curated offering.
Expert Verdict
Kraken’s combination of a long, unbroken security track record and proactive regulatory compliance makes it one of the safest, most stable choices among major exchanges, occupying a sensible middle ground between Coinbase’s brand premium and Binance’s lower fees but more complicated regulatory history.
International Pricing Notes
Kraken’s available features and fees vary by country; some products and tokens are restricted in certain jurisdictions including parts of the US.
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 |
| 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.
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