Kraken
Kraken, one of the oldest US exchanges (2011), is known for strong security, transparency and compliance, and holds an Irish MiCA licence.
Key facts
- Trading platforms
- WebKraken ProMobileAPI
- Account types
- StarterIntermediateProInstitutional
- Instruments
- Spot CryptoMarginFuturesStaking
- Deposit & withdrawal
- CryptoBank TransferBank Card
- Features
- Accepts IraniansPersian supportIslamic accountCopy tradingDemo account
Score breakdown
Each criterion is rated 0–5 by our editorial team.
- Trust & Regulation4.7
- Fees & Costs3.8
- Platform & UX4.4
- Deposit & Withdrawal4.4
- Support4.2
- Features & Range4.0
Full review
Kraken was founded in 2011 by Jesse Powell and is one of the oldest active crypto exchanges. It has never reported a major hack resulting in loss of client funds and is known for a strong security culture.
Kraken is registered as an MSB with FinCEN, with the FCA in the UK, FINTRAC in Canada and AUSTRAC in Australia, and in 2025 received a MiCA licence from the Central Bank of Ireland. Kraken Bank holds a Wyoming SPDI charter. In 2023 Kraken settled with the SEC, ending its US staking-as-a-service programme and paying a penalty.
On Kraken Pro, base fees are 0.25% maker and 0.40% taker, falling with volume; simple Buy/Sell in the app costs more. Futures (for eligible clients), margin and staking are offered, with a demo environment for futures.
Funding is via bank transfer in multiple fiat currencies, crypto and cards. Kraken does not accept residents of Iran.
Last updated: Oct 6, 2026
Pros & cons
- Long track record and strong security
- Registered/licensed in reputable jurisdictions
- Many fiat currencies
- Proof of Reserves
- Futures demo environment
- Higher base fees than Asian exchanges
- Fewer assets than largest rivals
- No copy trading
- Does not accept Iranian users
Licences & regulation
Tier 1 means the strictest oversight.
| Regulator | Authority | Tier | Licence no. |
|---|---|---|---|
🇬🇧FCA Financial Conduct Authority | Financial Conduct Authority | Tier 1 | — |
🇺🇸FinCEN Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (MSB) | Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (MSB) | Tier 2 | — |
🇨🇦FINTRAC Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre | Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre | Tier 2 | — |
CBI (Ireland, MiCA) CBI (Ireland, MiCA) | CBI (Ireland, MiCA) | Tier 3 | — |
AUSTRAC AUSTRAC | AUSTRAC | Tier 3 | — |
User reviews
- 5 stars0
- 4 stars0
- 3 stars0
- 2 stars0
- 1 stars0
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