Christy Lynn
Kraken is one of the oldest and most respected crypto exchanges in the world, known for strong security, low fees on its Pro platform and a wide selection of coins. But it isnโt the simplest option for brand-new buyers, and it isnโt available in every state. Our Kraken review covers fees, coins, staking, safety and who Kraken is really best for in 2026.
Quick answer: Kraken is one of the best crypto exchanges for US investors who want low fees, strong security and staking. Kraken Pro charges maker-taker fees starting at 0.40% / 0.80% that fall as you trade more, while the simpler Kraken app charges 1% on instant buys. It supports hundreds of coins, offers staking in most states and has never suffered a major hack. The main drawbacks: Kraken Pro takes time to learn, and Kraken isnโt available in a few states, including New York and Washington.
Open a Kraken account
- Low fees on Kraken Pro
- Staking in most US states
- Security record since 2011
Not available in every state. Affiliate link. Check Kraken for any current new-user offer.
Fees, coins and state availability were checked in October 2026 and change often. Confirm current details on Krakenโs website before you sign up.
Kraken at a glance
| Kraken | |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2011 (launched 2013) |
| Best for | Low fees, staking and active traders |
| Trading fees | Kraken Pro from 0.40% maker / 0.80% taker; 1% on instant buys in the Kraken app |
| Coins | Hundreds of cryptocurrencies |
| Staking | Yes, in most US states |
| US availability | Most states, not New York or Washington |
| Security | Proof of reserves, cold storage, no major exchange hack |
| Support | 24/7 live chat and help center |
Kraken pros and cons
Where Kraken excels
- Low fees on Kraken Pro, among the cheapest major US exchanges
- Strong security record and regular proof-of-reserves audits
- Wide coin selection with hundreds of assets
- Staking on 20+ assets in most US states
- 24/7 support by live chat
Where Kraken can improve
- Not available in every state, including New York and Washington
- Kraken Pro has a learning curve for beginners
- Instant buys cost more (1% plus spread) than Pro orders
- Staking unavailable in some large states such as California and New Jersey
Kraken fees
Kraken has two ways to buy crypto, and the fee difference is large:
| Kraken app (simple) | Kraken Pro (advanced) | |
|---|---|---|
| Trading fee | 1% on instant and recurring buys, 1.5% on custom orders | From 0.40% maker / 0.80% taker, lower as 30-day volume rises |
| Spread | Yes, built into the price | No, you trade on the order book |
| Best for | Quick, small purchases | Larger or regular purchases |
The Kraken+ subscription waives trading fees on the Kraken app up to a monthly volume limit, which can make sense if you buy regularly. Most people save the most by funding with a bank transfer and placing limit orders on Kraken Pro, which usually pay the lower maker fee.
Coins and markets
Kraken lists hundreds of cryptocurrencies, from Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana and XRP to a long list of altcoins, plus several stablecoins and fiat currencies. It tends to list new assets more cautiously than some rivals, which many investors see as a plus. Availability of individual coins can vary by state.
Kraken staking
Kraken offers staking on more than 20 assets, including Ethereum, Solana, Cardano and Polkadot, with flexible options you can unstake quickly and bonded options that lock coins for a period. After settling with the SEC and pausing US staking in 2023, Kraken relaunched staking for US customers in 2025.
Staking is available in most states, but not everywhere: residents of states such as California, New Jersey, New York and Washington canโt use Krakenโs on-chain staking. Rewards vary by asset and arenโt guaranteed. Compare options in the best staking platforms.
Is Kraken safe?
Kraken has one of the strongest security reputations in crypto. It keeps the large majority of customer assets in cold storage, publishes regular proof-of-reserves reports so customers can verify their balances are backed, and has never suffered a major hack of its exchange.
- Account protection: two-factor authentication, global settings lock, withdrawal address allowlisting and optional master keys.
- Regulation: Kraken holds licenses and registrations in the US and other countries. In March 2025, the SEC dismissed its lawsuit against Kraken with prejudice, with no penalties.
- Your part: use an authenticator app or security key, never share codes, and move long-term holdings to a hardware wallet.
Kraken Pro
Kraken Pro is Krakenโs advanced trading platform, available free on web and mobile with the same account. It offers real-time charts, an order book, limit, stop and take-profit orders, and the lowest fees on Kraken. Margin and futures availability depends on your location and eligibility; in 2025 Kraken acquired NinjaTrader, a US futures platform, to expand its offering.
New to charts? Our guides to reading candlestick charts and position sizing will help you get started safely.
Ease of use
The Kraken app is clean and easy for simple buys, and switching to Kraken Pro takes one tap when youโre ready to save on fees. Beginners may find Kraken Proโs order book intimidating at first, and Coinbaseโs app is still a little simpler for a very first purchase.
Customer support
Kraken offers 24/7 live chat and email support plus a detailed help center, and itโs generally rated well for responsiveness compared with other large exchanges. Kraken will never call you unexpectedly or ask you to move your funds. If someone does, itโs a scam; see our guide to crypto scams.
How to open a Kraken account
- Go to Kraken and sign up with your email, a username and a strong password.
- Verify your identity with a photo ID and proof of address.
- Turn on two-factor authentication with an authenticator app or security key.
- Link your bank account and deposit dollars by bank transfer.
- Buy crypto in the Kraken app, or switch to Kraken Pro and place a limit order for lower fees.
Kraken vs Coinbase vs Gemini
| Exchange | Best for | Highlights | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kraken Best for low fees | Cost-conscious buyers and stakers | Kraken Pro maker-taker fees, 20+ stakeable assets, strong security | Visit Kraken |
| Coinbase Best for beginners | First-time buyers | Simplest app, hundreds of coins, new-user bonus | Open account |
| Gemini | Security-first beginners | New York trust company, crypto rewards credit card | Visit Gemini |
Read the head-to-head comparisons: Kraken vs Gemini, Kraken vs Binance and our Coinbase review. Or see the full list of the best crypto exchanges.
Who should use Kraken?
- Good fit: investors who want low fees, regular buyers willing to use Kraken Pro, stakers in supported states and anyone who values a long security track record.
- Consider alternatives: New York and Washington residents, total beginners who want the simplest possible app (try Coinbase), and stakers in states where Kraken staking isnโt offered.
How we reviewed Kraken
We compared Krakenโs published fee schedules, product pages, staking terms, state availability, security disclosures and regulatory history against other major US exchanges. Partners canโt pay for our ratings. Read our review process.
The bottom line
Kraken is one of the best all-around crypto exchanges for US investors, especially if you care about fees and security. Use Kraken Pro with limit orders to keep costs low, stake eligible coins if your state allows it, and move long-term holdings to a hardware wallet. If youโre brand new and want the simplest start, Coinbase is a little easier, but many investors graduate to Kraken as they buy more.
Open a Kraken account
- Low fees on Kraken Pro
- Staking in most US states
- Security record since 2011
Not available in every state. Affiliate link. Check Kraken for any current new-user offer.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kraken legit?
Yes. Kraken has operated since 2013, is licensed in the US and other countries, publishes proof of reserves and has never suffered a major exchange hack.
Is Kraken safe?
Kraken is one of the most secure exchanges, with cold storage, proof of reserves and strong account protections. Protect your account with an authenticator app or security key.
What are Krakenโs fees?
Kraken Pro starts at 0.40% maker and 0.80% taker and gets cheaper with volume. The simple Kraken app charges 1% on instant buys plus a spread.
Is Kraken available in all US states?
No. Kraken isnโt available in a few states, including New York and Washington. Check Krakenโs site for your state.
Can I stake on Kraken in the US?
Yes, in most states. Kraken relaunched US staking in 2025, but it isnโt available in states such as California, New Jersey, New York and Washington.
Is Kraken better than Coinbase?
Kraken usually has lower fees and a strong security record. Coinbase is simpler for beginners and lists more coins. Many investors use both.
Is Kraken publicly traded?
Not yet. Krakenโs parent company filed confidentially for an IPO in November 2025, but as of this writing Kraken remains private.
Does Kraken report to the IRS?
Yes. Like other US exchanges, Kraken issues Form 1099-DA for 2025 transactions onward. See our crypto tax guide.
