Kraken stands as one of the oldest and most established cryptocurrency exchanges globally, operating since 2011 with a strong reputation for security, transparency, and reliability. Trusted by over 10 million users across 190+ countries, Kraken consistently ranks among the top crypto platforms by spot trading volume. Whether you're a beginner exploring Bitcoin for the first time or an experienced trader diving into futures and margin markets, Kraken offers a comprehensive suite of tools designed to meet diverse investment needs.
With regulatory registrations in key regions including the United States and Europe (UK), Kraken ensures compliance while delivering high liquidity, competitive fees, and advanced trading features. The platform supports more than 200 cryptocurrencies and provides multiple access points through its user-friendly web interface and mobile app. For Dutch investors, Kraken’s recent DNB registration signals growing commitment to the Netherlands market—though localized support remains limited.
In this in-depth review, we’ll explore Kraken’s core offerings, fee structure, security practices, and how it compares to rivals like Bitvavo, Coinbase, and Bybit—especially in euro-denominated Bitcoin trading.
Kraken Products & Services
Kraken has evolved into a multi-tiered platform catering to different levels of expertise. Its main offerings include Kraken (New), Kraken Pro, and Kraken Legacy, each tailored for specific user types.
Kraken (New)
Designed for simplicity, Kraken (New) is ideal for beginners or those focused on straightforward crypto purchases. Users can quickly buy Bitcoin and other digital assets using euros deposited via SEPA transfer (powered by Plaid), PayPal, direct bank transfer, Apple Pay, or credit card. This streamlined experience makes entering the crypto market fast and intuitive.
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Kraken Pro
For active traders and professionals, Kraken Pro delivers a powerful, customizable trading interface with real-time charts, advanced order types, and deep liquidity. It supports spot, margin (up to 5x), and futures trading across numerous pairs. The platform allows full layout customization or selection from pre-built templates (simple or advanced), enhancing usability for technical analysts.
Available order types include:
- Limit
- Market
- Stop-loss
- Stop-loss limit
- Take profit
This flexibility ensures precise trade execution, making Kraken Pro a preferred choice for day traders and algorithmic strategies.
Kraken Trading (Legacy)
The legacy version blends elements of both the new and Pro platforms. It features a basic order book dashboard without integrated charts, suitable for users who prefer minimalistic interfaces. While functional, most users are encouraged to transition to Kraken Pro for better performance and features.
Kraken OTC Desk
For institutional investors or high-net-worth individuals placing large orders, Kraken operates a professional Over-the-Counter (OTC) desk. This service enables trades starting from €100,000 with tighter spreads and deeper liquidity, minimizing market impact. Clients receive personalized 1-on-1 support, ensuring smooth execution for substantial transactions.
This feature positions Kraken as a serious player in institutional crypto services, competing directly with platforms like Coinbase Institutional.
Kraken Fees Overview
Kraken uses a tiered fee model based on 30-day trading volume (in USD). Fees decrease as volume increases, rewarding frequent traders with lower costs. There is no separate VIP program—pricing adjusts automatically based on activity.
| 30-Day Volume (USD) | Maker Fee | Taker Fee |
|---|---|---|
| $0 – $50,000 | 0.16% | 0.26% |
| $50,001 – $100,000 | 0.14% | 0.24% |
| $100,001 – $250,000 | 0.12% | 0.22% |
| $250,001 – $500,000 | 0.10% | 0.20% |
| $500,001 – $1M | 0.08% | 0.18% |
| $1M – $2.5M | 0.06% | 0.16% |
| $2.5M – $5M | 0.04% | 0.14% |
| $5M – $10M | 0.02% | 0.12% |
| $10M – $100M | 0.00% | 0.10% |
Notably, makers trading over $10 million monthly pay zero fees—making Kraken highly attractive for algorithmic and high-frequency traders.
Liquidity: Kraken vs Bitvavo vs Coinbase vs Bitstamp
Historically, Kraken dominated euro-based Bitcoin spot markets in liquidity. However, recent trends show significant shifts.
In late 2023, Kraken led with a EUR-BTC trading volume of ~$62.9 million, followed by Bitvavo ($42.9 million) and Coinbase ($36.2 million). But by November 2024, Bitvavo surged, recording €50 billion in euro trading volume—more than doubling from the previous month—and capturing nearly 10% of global BTC-EUR fiat volume.
On November 12 alone, Bitvavo reported a 24-hour volume of €1 billion—making it the most liquid EUR-spot market worldwide at that time. By December 2023 estimates, Bitvavo already held over 50% market share in euro-denominated Bitcoin trades.
While Kraken remains highly liquid globally, Bitvavo now leads in euro-specific liquidity, especially relevant for Dutch and European traders prioritizing low slippage and fast execution in EUR pairs.
Kraken EARN & Staking
Kraken EARN allows users to stake around 20 different cryptocurrencies directly on the exchange. Annual percentage yields (APYs) range from 1% to 26%, depending on the asset and network conditions.
Popular stakable coins include:
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Solana (SOL)
- Polkadot (DOT)
- Cardano (ADA)
Staking rewards are distributed regularly with minimal effort required—ideal for passive income seekers. However, users should be aware that staking involves risks such as slashing penalties or smart contract vulnerabilities.
Kraken NFT Marketplace
Kraken launched its own NFT marketplace, featuring premium collections like Bored Ape Yacht Club and CryptoPunks. The platform emphasizes ease of use and security, allowing users to buy, sell, and manage digital collectibles seamlessly within their existing accounts.
This integration enhances Kraken’s ecosystem beyond traditional trading—appealing to collectors and Web3 enthusiasts.
Pros and Cons of Using Kraken
✅ Advantages
- Long-standing reputation since 2011 with no major security breaches
- Strong regulatory compliance in U.S., UK, and Netherlands (DNB registered)
- Deep global liquidity and support for over 200 cryptocurrencies
- Advanced tools: futures, margin trading, OTC desk, and customizable interface
- Supports Bitcoin Lightning Network withdrawals—enabling near-instant, low-cost microtransactions in SATS
- High security standards: cold storage, proof-of-reserves audits, optional YubiKey authentication
❌ Disadvantages
- No native Dutch-language website or customer support
- Customer service accessible only via live chat for most European users
- Slightly steeper learning curve compared to simpler platforms like Bitvavo
- Lacks a dedicated VIP program unlike competitors such as Bybit
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Kraken safe to use?
A: Yes. Kraken employs military-grade encryption, stores most funds in cold wallets, conducts regular third-party audits for proof of reserves, and supports two-factor authentication including hardware keys like YubiKey.
Q: Does Kraken support iDEAL payments?
A: Not yet officially—but Kraken has confirmed plans to introduce iDEAL in the Netherlands following its DNB registration.
Q: Can I trade Bitcoin futures on Kraken?
A: Yes. Kraken Pro offers futures contracts with leverage options, making it suitable for experienced traders seeking hedging or speculative strategies.
Q: How does Kraken compare to Bitvavo for Dutch users?
A: Bitvavo leads in euro liquidity and local language support, making it more user-friendly for beginners. However, Kraken offers more advanced tools like margin trading and OTC services.
Q: Does Kraken offer staking rewards?
A: Yes. Through Kraken EARN, users can stake over 20 cryptocurrencies with APYs ranging from 1% to 26%.
Q: Can I withdraw crypto via the Lightning Network?
A: Yes! Kraken supports Lightning Network withdrawals for Bitcoin—allowing fast, low-fee transfers to compatible wallets like BlueWallet or Muun.
Final Thoughts: Should You Use Kraken?
Kraken remains a top-tier cryptocurrency exchange renowned for its security, regulatory compliance, and advanced trading capabilities. While newer platforms like Bitvavo have surpassed it in euro-specific liquidity—especially among Dutch traders—Kraken excels in global reach, product depth, and institutional-grade services.
It's particularly well-suited for:
- Intermediate to advanced traders using futures or margin
- Investors interested in staking or OTC transactions
- Users valuing long-term platform stability and transparency
For Dutch users specifically, combining a Bitvavo account for simple euro-based trades with a Kraken account for advanced features could be an optimal strategy.
Whether you're buying your first Bitcoin or executing complex derivatives trades, Kraken continues to be a reliable and feature-rich option in the evolving crypto landscape.
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