Kraken

Kraken is a global crypto exchange (founded in 2011) offering spot, margin, and futures trading, plus on-chain staking (availability varies by region). The Kraken Pro interface supports TradingView-style charts and full REST/WebSocket/FIX APIs for programmatic trading. Spot margin is available on selected markets, and futures leverage goes up to 50×.

Quick Facts

• Brand: Kraken • Founded: 2011 (by Jesse Powell) — legal entity Payward, Inc.
• Products: Spot, Margin (up to 5× broadly; up to 10× on select assets), Futures (up to 50×), Staking (jurisdiction-dependent), OTC, APIs.
• Native token: None (no exchange token).
• APIs & Tools: TradingView-style charts on Kraken Pro; REST, WebSocket & FIX connectivity for spot and futures.

Fees

Spot (Kraken Pro)

• Maker/Taker (entry tier): 0.25% / 0.40%, with lower fees at higher 30-day volumes (see schedule).

Derivatives (Futures)

• Base tier: 0.02% maker / 0.05% taker, discounted across volume tiers (down to 0.005% / 0.025% at high volumes). On select contracts Kraken advertises potential maker rebates (negative maker fees).

Fees can change — always check Kraken’s current Fee Schedule before trading.

Leverage

• Spot margin: typically up to 5× across many markets (and up to 10× on selected assets/eligibility).
• Futures: up to 50×.

KYC & Limits

Kraken requires verification to unlock funding, trading, margin, staking, and higher limits. Intermediate is the default level for most users; Pro increases funding/API limits. Exact fiat/crypto limits depend on your level and region (see Support).

Availability & Restrictions

Kraken says it serves 190+ countries, but access to certain assets/features (e.g., margin, staking, specific rails) varies by jurisdiction. U.S. access is state-dependent for some features; always confirm your eligibility on Support/Legal pages.

• Staking (U.S.): Kraken reintroduced on-chain staking for select U.S. states/territories (17 assets including ETH, SOL, DOT, ADA). Check the eligible-states list before enrolling.