Overview
Kraken pairs one of the longest clean security records in the industry with genuinely low fees on Kraken Pro, which is why it's our all-round pick for most people.
Founded in 2011, Kraken has never suffered a major exchange hack — a rare claim in crypto. It balances a beginner-friendly app with a professional trading platform, deep liquidity on major pairs, staking, and strong regulatory standing across multiple regions.
Key features
- Kraken Pro with low maker/taker fees and advanced order types
- One of the best security and uptime track records in the sector
- Staking and yield on a wide range of assets
- 24/7 support that's better regarded than most rivals
Fees & costs
Kraken Pro's spot fees start around 0.25% taker and fall with volume, well below the simple buy/sell rates on mainstream apps. The instant-buy path on the basic app costs more, so use Kraken Pro (free, same account) for the best pricing. Deposit and withdrawal fees vary by asset and method.
Security & trust
Security is Kraken's headline strength: a long unbroken track record, proof-of-reserves audits, strong account controls, and a serious security culture. It's regulated in several jurisdictions. Still a custodial exchange, so use 2FA and move long-term holdings to your own wallet.
Pros & cons
👍 Pros
- Excellent long-standing security record
- Low spot fees on Kraken Pro
- Wide asset and staking support
- Strong regulatory standing
👎 Cons
- Basic interface is less flashy than some rivals
- Occasional regional feature restrictions
- Some advanced features gated by verification tier
Who it's for
✅ Good fit if…
Anyone wanting a trusted, low-fee all-rounder — from first-timers on the simple app to active traders on Kraken Pro.
⛔ Look elsewhere if…
Traders chasing hundreds of obscure micro-cap altcoins may find wider selection on KuCoin or MEXC.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kraken safe to use?
Security is Kraken's headline strength: a long unbroken track record, proof-of-reserves audits, strong account controls, and a serious security culture. It's regulated in several jurisdictions. Still a custodial exchange, so use 2FA and move long-term holdings to your own wallet.
What are Kraken's trading fees?
Kraken's spot trading fees start from around 0.25% and fall with volume. Deposit and withdrawal fees vary by method, so check Kraken's current fee schedule before trading.
Is Kraken available in Australia?
Yes — Kraken lists its availability as US · EU · AU · Global. Always confirm it supports your country and payment method when you sign up.
Is Kraken good for beginners?
Kraken is best all-round. Anyone wanting a trusted, low-fee all-rounder — from first-timers on the simple app to active traders on Kraken Pro.
Verdict
Bottom line. Our pick for most people. The balance of safety, fees, features and reputation is hard to beat — start on the app, graduate to Kraken Pro.