Kraken is one of the most trusted and long-standing cryptocurrency exchanges in the industry, known for its robust security, regulatory compliance, and competitive fee structure. Since its founding in 2011, Kraken has served millions of users worldwide with a wide range of trading tools and services—from spot trading to futures, margin, and over-the-counter (OTC) transactions.
If you're considering using Kraken to buy, sell, or trade crypto, understanding its fee structure is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we break down every aspect of Kraken fees, including trading, deposit, withdrawal, and advanced trading costs, so you can make informed decisions and maximize your returns.
Understanding Kraken’s Fee Structure
Kraken’s pricing model is designed to be transparent and scalable. Fees vary depending on your trading volume, account type, and transaction method. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trader, knowing how these fees work helps you optimize your strategy.
Key factors that influence Kraken fees include:
- Your 30-day trading volume
- Whether you're a maker or taker in the market
- The type of transaction (spot, margin, futures, OTC)
- Payment method used for deposits or purchases
Let’s dive into each category in detail.
Spot Trading Fees on Kraken
Spot trading involves buying or selling cryptocurrencies at current market prices, with immediate settlement. Kraken uses a maker-taker fee model, which rewards users who add liquidity (makers) with lower fees than those who remove it (takers).
Maker-Taker Pricing
| 30-Day Volume (USD) | Maker Fee | Taker Fee |
|---|---|---|
| $0 – $50k | 0.16% | 0.26% |
| $50k – $100k | 0.14% | 0.24% |
| $100k – $250k | 0.12% | 0.22% |
| $250k – $500k | 0.10% | 0.20% |
| $500k – $1M | 0.08% | 0.18% |
| Over $1M | 0.00% | 0.10% |
👉 Discover how low-fee trading can boost your crypto profits today.
Note: Higher trading volumes unlock lower fees—encouraging active participation in the market.
Stablecoin & FX Pair Fees
Kraken offers reduced fees for stablecoin pairs like USDT/USD and DAI/USDT, as well as fiat currency pairs such as EUR/USD.
- Maker fees: 0.20% down to 0.00%
- Taker fees: 0.20% down to 0.15%
While volume-based discounts apply to most pairs, stablecoin and FX order books do not qualify for tiered discounts.
Instant Buy/Sell Fees
For users who prefer simplicity over advanced order types, Kraken’s Instant Buy feature allows quick purchases via credit/debit card or bank transfer.
- Debit/Credit Card: 3.75% + €0.25 per transaction
- Bank Transfer (SEPA, SWIFT, etc.): 0.5% fee
- Direct Account Balance Purchase: 1.5% for crypto; 0.9% for stablecoins
These fees are higher than standard trading but offer convenience and speed—ideal for new investors.
Advanced Trading: Margin & Futures
Kraken supports sophisticated trading strategies through margin and futures markets, catering to experienced traders seeking leverage and hedging opportunities.
Margin Trading Fees
Margin trading lets you borrow funds to increase your position size—up to 5x leverage on select pairs.
- Opening Fee: 0.01% – 0.02%
- Rollover Fee: Charged every 4 hours (as low as 0.01%)
Positions can remain open for up to:
- 365 days (non-U.S. residents)
- 28 days (U.S. residents)
Only Intermediate and Pro account holders qualify for margin services. Starter and Express users are excluded.
💡 Margin trading amplifies both gains and losses. Always assess risk before entering leveraged positions.
Futures Trading Fees
Kraken Futures allows up to 50x leverage, making it highly capital-efficient compared to spot or margin trading.
- Maker Fees: 0.02% – 0.00%
- Taker Fees: 0.05% – 0.01%
Supported assets include BTC, ETH, LTC, XRP, and BCH.
Futures contracts are settled using aggregated index prices from multiple exchanges—ensuring transparency and fairness.
👉 Learn how futures trading with low fees can enhance your portfolio strategy.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Trading
For high-net-worth individuals and institutions executing large trades, Kraken’s OTC desk provides a private, secure way to trade without impacting market prices.
Key Features:
- Minimum trade size: $100,000 (exceptions possible)
- Supports major fiat currencies and digital assets
- Personalized service with expert market insights
- Available 24/7 across global regions
OTC clients benefit from:
- Confidential execution
- Competitive pricing
- Fast settlement
AML/KYC verification is required to access OTC services.
Deposit and Withdrawal Fees
Kraken keeps deposit fees minimal or free for most cryptocurrencies and fiat options.
Crypto Deposits
- Bitcoin (BTC): Minimum 0.0001 BTC — Free
- Ethereum (ETH): Minimum 0.05 ETH — Free (but subject to network gas fees)
- Cardano (ADA): Minimum 5 ADA — Free
Most crypto deposits are free, though ERC-20 tokens may incur a one-time address setup fee.
Crypto Withdrawals
| Asset | Withdrawal Fee | Minimum Amount |
|---|---|---|
| BTC | 0.00015 BTC | 0.0005 BTC |
| ETH | 0.0035 ETH | 0.005 ETH |
| ADA | 1 ADA | 5 ADA |
Fees reflect network congestion and vary slightly over time.
Fiat Deposits & Withdrawals
Supported currencies: USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, JPY, CHF, AUD
Deposit Methods:
- Bank Transfer (SEPA, ACH, SWIFT): Typically free
- Credit/Debit Card: 3.75% + €0.25 (Intermediate/Pro verified accounts only)
Withdrawal Notes:
- First-time cash withdrawals have a 72-hour hold
- No withdrawals to credit/debit cards
- Limits depend on verification level
Kraken Fee Credits (KFEE)
Kraken issues internal tokens called Kraken Fee Credits (KFEE) that can offset trading costs.
- 1,000 KFEE = $10 in trading fees
- Can be used across any trade (not limited to USD pairs)
- Do not expire
- Automatically applied when available
Users often receive KFEE during promotions or as part of referral programs—offering a way to trade fee-free up to a certain volume.
Security & Compliance
Kraken is registered as a Money Services Business (MSB) with FinCEN in the U.S. and licensed under FINTRAC in Canada. It enforces strict KYC/AML policies and employs advanced security protocols such as:
- Two-factor authentication (2FA)
- Global Settings Lock
- Cold storage for over 95% of funds
- 24/7 customer support for security incidents
No major security breaches have occurred since Kraken’s launch—a testament to its industry-leading safeguards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are Kraken fees high compared to other exchanges?
A: No—Kraken offers competitive fees, especially for high-volume traders. Its maker fees go as low as 0.00%, and taker fees start at 0.10%, making it one of the more affordable platforms for active traders.
Q: Do I pay fees on canceled orders?
A: No—you are only charged when your order executes ("touched"). Canceled or unexecuted limit orders incur no fees.
Q: How can I reduce my Kraken trading fees?
A: Increase your 30-day trading volume to move up the fee tiers. Also consider using KFEE credits or switching to limit orders (maker trades) for lower rates.
Q: Is Instant Buy more expensive than Kraken Pro?
A: Yes—Instant Buy charges up to 3.75% + €0.25 for card purchases, while Kraken Pro charges as little as 0.16% for takers and even less for makers based on volume.
Q: Can I withdraw money directly to my credit card?
A: No—Kraken does not allow fiat withdrawals to credit or debit cards. You must use bank transfers (e.g., SEPA, ACH).
Q: What is the minimum amount to use OTC trading?
A: The standard minimum is $100,000, though exceptions may be granted based on client history and relationship with Kraken.
Final Thoughts
Kraken stands out as a secure, transparent, and cost-effective platform for both retail and institutional crypto investors. With flexible fee structures across spot, margin, futures, and OTC markets, it caters to all experience levels while maintaining strong regulatory compliance.
Whether you're just starting out or managing a complex portfolio, understanding Kraken fees empowers you to trade smarter and keep more of your profits.
👉 Start trading with low fees and advanced tools on a trusted platform today.