Kraken Exchange in 2025: In-Depth Review

Discover the Kraken exchange: features, security, and more for crypto traders seeking a reliable platform.

Introduction

Launched in 2011 by Jesse Powell and Thanh Luu, Kraken has grown into a household name among crypto traders—from casual users to experienced professionals. What began as a secure and straightforward trading hub has blossomed into a diverse ecosystem, now offering margin trading, staking, NFT marketplaces, decentralized storage, parachain auctions, and even select financial services through its banking charter.

With a broad portfolio of 268 supported digital assets and coverage across seven major fiat currencies, Kraken serves over 10 million users across 190 nations. It is accessible throughout the U.S. except in New York, Maine, and Washington. Beginners typically start on the default Kraken platform, while more seasoned traders head to Kraken Pro, the platform's advanced terminal. Meanwhile, their updated non-custodial wallet supports over 1,000 digital tokens and NFTs.

For professionals, Kraken Pro opens doors to eight distinct order types, a futures market with 30+ collateral options, and an expanded staking suite. Having secured $130 million in external investment, including a significant $100 million round in 2019 for acquiring Crypto Facilities in the UK, Kraken also became the first U.S. crypto firm to receive a Special Purpose Depository Institution (SPDI) charter, granting it permission to offer crypto banking services. Still, Kraken is not an FDIC-backed institution.

Key Takeaways

• Accessible to All: Kraken supports over 10 million clients globally, providing both basic and pro-level platforms.

• Reasonable Trading Fees: Using a tiered, maker-taker fee system, Kraken adjusts rates based on trading volume—ideal for frequent or high-volume traders.

• Diverse Offerings: From crypto trades to staking, NFTs, banking options, and non-custodial wallets, Kraken delivers a multifaceted suite of services.

• Strong Security Posture: The exchange maintains high security standards and adheres to regulatory frameworks worldwide.

• Seamless User Interface: Both the web version and mobile app offer intuitive layouts, helping users execute trades with ease.

• Customer Support: Offers 24/7 assistance via live chat and email, aiding users across time zones.

• Broad Asset Support: 360+ cryptocurrencies and seven fiat options make Kraken a flexible tool for any portfolio.

• Revenue Model: Primary income stems from transactional fees and premium subscriptions.

Attribute	Detail
User Count	10M+ globally
Trading Platforms	Standard Kraken (beginner) and Kraken Pro (advanced)
Fee System	Tiered structure; maker-taker pricing
Core Services	Trading, staking, NFTs, wallet, crypto banking
Security Focus	Cold storage, audits, 2FA
Interface Options	Web and mobile platforms
Asset Variety	Over 360 crypto assets and 7 fiat currencies
Income Streams	Primarily through fees and paid services

Kraken Exchange: Key Tools and Infrastructure

Kraken has maintained its relevance by delivering comprehensive services for both entry-level traders and advanced investors. The platform is split into two interfaces:

• Kraken Standard: Created for beginners, this layout simplifies the buying, selling, and trading experience without overwhelming features.

• Kraken Pro: Tailored for professionals, it offers advanced order execution (eight types), futures trading with flexible collateral, and premium staking options.

In 2024, Kraken released an updated Kraken Wallet—non-custodial, easy to use, and built with transparency in mind. It supports over 1,000 digital assets, including NFTs, and offers full user control.

Security and Compliance

Security is one of Kraken’s cornerstones. Here's how Kraken builds trust:

• Cold Storage: A majority of assets are stored offline, making them inaccessible to online breaches.

• Proof-of-Reserves: Regular third-party audits verify that Kraken holds a full reserve of customer assets, bolstering transparency.

• Two-Factor Authentication: Optional 2FA setup adds a layer of security to user accounts.

The exchange complies with regulations in multiple jurisdictions and holds a digital asset banking license from the State of Wyoming.

Asset Support and Fiat Integration

Kraken’s asset coverage is extensive and well-structured:

Asset Category	Count
Cryptocurrencies	360+ supported
Fiat Currencies	7 major currencies, including USD, EUR, GBP

You can trade or fund accounts using USD, EUR, CAD, GBP, JPY, CHF, and AUD. Crypto-to-crypto and fiat-to-crypto transactions are fully supported.

Comparing Kraken to Competing Exchanges

To determine if Kraken is your ideal exchange, consider its usability, pricing, customer service, and supported tools.

Fee Structure and Funding Methods

Kraken utilizes a volume-based pricing model to lower trading costs for active users. Their maker-taker model is transparent and rewards frequent traders with lower fees.

Monthly Volume	Maker Fee	Taker Fee
$0 – $50K	0.16%	0.26%
$50K – $100K	0.14%	0.24%

Funding options include:

• Bank transfers (ACH, SWIFT)

• Cryptocurrency deposits

• Wire transfers

Note: Some deposit methods incur third-party fees.

Interface & User Experience

Kraken’s design appeals to all levels of traders:

• Standard Interface: Clean, clear, and easy to follow.

• Advanced Pro Tools: Real-time charts, deep order books, and customizable dashboards.

• Mobile Access: The Kraken app on iOS and Android mirrors most desktop features.

The wallet’s support for over 1,000 crypto assets and NFTs makes it a great tool for managing portfolios from anywhere.

Customer Support and Brand Trust

Kraken prioritizes user support and industry integrity:

• Support Channels: 24/7 live chat and email response.

• Reputation: High trust among retail and institutional traders thanks to compliance and top-tier security.

Fast Facts

Detail	Info
Launched	2011
Headquarters	San Francisco, California
User Base	10M+ users across 190 countries
Managed Assets	Over $1.2 trillion in cumulative trading volume
Platform Access	Web, Kraken App, Kraken Pro App
Wallet	1,000+ tokens and NFTs supported
Regulatory Status	Holds SPDI charter; not FDIC insured
Recent Funding	$130M+, including $100M in 2019

Comparing Kraken’s Value in the Market

When stacked against other exchanges, Kraken holds its own with a unique mix of high-grade security, user-focused design, and regulatory transparency. Here's a snapshot:

Exchange	Security	UI/UX	Asset Variety	Pro Tools	Compliance
Kraken	Outstanding	Beginner-Pro	360+	Yes	Very High
KuCoin	Moderate	Intermediate	700+	Yes	Moderate
MEXC	Solid	Advanced	1600+	Yes	Moderate
Gate.io	Good	Mixed	1700+	Yes	Limited
WhiteBIT	Secure	Beginner	300+	Partial	Improving

Conclusion

Kraken Exchange continues to be a dominant force in the cryptocurrency space in 2025. With strong security mechanisms, vast asset support, and a tailored experience for both casual users and trading pros, Kraken earns its position as a top-tier exchange.

Its dual-platform setup—Kraken and Kraken Pro—ensures flexibility for different user levels. The transparent fee model, non-custodial wallet, and mobile tools make it appealing across the board.

Whether you're exploring crypto for the first time or managing institutional capital, Kraken delivers on performance, safety, and usability. Check out our reviews of Binance, Coinbase and Bybit to see how Kraken compares head-to-head.

FAQ

Is Kraken secure?

Yes. Kraken employs cold storage, 2FA, and regular proof-of-reserve audits to ensure client funds are safe.

What are Kraken Pro’s key features?

Kraken Pro includes eight advanced order types, futures contracts with 30+ collateral options, staking, and customizable analytics tools.

How do Kraken’s fees work?

Fees follow a volume-based maker-taker model, with rates as low as 0.14% maker and 0.24% taker for $50K+ monthly volume.

What assets can I trade on Kraken?

You can access over 360 cryptocurrencies and seven fiat currencies including USD, EUR, and GBP.

How does Kraken build user trust?

Through regulatory compliance, transparent fees, and third-party audits of reserves.

Is Kraken beginner-friendly?

Yes. Kraken offers a simplified standard platform for new users and a professional-grade interface for advanced traders.