Kraken Review 2024: Pros, Cons and How it Compares

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Looking for a trustworthy exchange in the volatile seas of cryptocurrency? Our direct Kraken review evaluates security, fees, interface, and support, offering the insights you need without the fluff. See how Kraken holds up in the crucial areas that impact your trading journey.

Key Takeaways

Kraken is recognized as a trusted cryptocurrency exchange offering a broad range of cryptocurrencies and trading pairs, with strong security features such as two-factor authentication and third-party audits for Proof of Reserves.
Kraken’s user interface caters to both novices and experienced traders through easy account setup, integration with TradingView for advanced charting, and desktop and mobile accessibility, ensuring users can trade on the go.
Despite competitive fees, a robust security framework, and a reliable performance record, some users report challenges with customer support and have experienced issues during periods of high market volatility.

Opening a Kraken Account

Opening a Kraken account is a breeze, combining security with simplicity. Within minutes, you can begin your trading adventure on one of the most respected cryptocurrency exchanges in the industry. Here's a simplified process:

Register with your name and contact details on Kraken's website.
Submit the registration form.
Look for an activation email from Kraken in your inbox.
Use the code from the email to activate your account on the website.
Complete additional verification for full access to Kraken Pro and other features.

KYC and Account Verification

Kraken adheres to regulatory compliance with mandatory Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) procedures. To initiate trading, users must provide foundational details, including an email address, date of birth, phone number, and residential address. These initial steps grant limited access, but to unlock the full capabilities of the platform, more thorough verification is necessary. Kraken's commitment to security may require what seems like an extensive collection of personal data. Here are the step-by-step requirements for different levels of account verification:

Provide your email address, full name, date of birth, and phone number for Starter verification.
Supply additional identification details and proof of residence for intermediate verification.
Complete a KYC questionnaire and provide financial information for Pro verification.

Setting Sail with Kraken

A reliable platform is a must-have when venturing into cryptocurrency trading. For many, Kraken serves as one of the top crypto exchange platforms. Since its inception in 2011, Kraken has grown to become a renowned titan in the industry, supporting approximately 228 different cryptocurrencies traded across 657 pairs. Its stronghold lies not only in its versatility but also in its commitment to security and user-friendly interface.

Security is of utmost importance for anyone venturing into the volatile world of cryptocurrency. Kraken recognizes this and lays the foundation for safe trading by implementing security measures such as two-factor authentication, cold storage, and multi-signature wallets. This unwavering commitment to security has earned Kraken a strong reputation among crypto investors, with a user base that spans the globe, from the United States to over 190 countries.

Anchoring Your Account on Kraken

Opening a Kraken account is straightforward, ensuring that you can quickly join the ranks of traders on this respected platform. Start by providing your basic information on the Kraken website, then submit the registration form and await an activation email. Once received, use the provided code to activate your account, and you're ready to dive into the initial trading features. For those looking to navigate the deeper waters of Kraken Pro and other advanced offerings, be prepared to submit additional verification documents, such as a government-issued photo ID.

Kraken is not just about easy account setup; it's also about fortifying your trading experience with robust security measures. Once your account is created, you're encouraged to enable two-factor authentication (2FA), adding an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access. The multi-tiered verification process, while simple, is part of Kraken's broader commitment to maintaining a secure trading environment. With your account anchored securely, you can set sail on your trading journey, exploring the rich features of Kraken's user interface.

Navigating Kraken's Interface

Kraken, established in 2011, stands out as a secure and user-friendly cryptocurrency exchange, offering a variety of trading options for a global audience. Its platform integrates with TradingView for advanced charting and provides a mobile app for trading on the go, catering to both novice and experienced traders. Despite occasional server downtime and customer support hiccups, Kraken's commitment to security is evident with features like two-factor authentication, cold storage, and Proof of Reserves audits.

Kraken's competitive trading fee structure, including low maker-taker fees and a wide range of cryptocurrencies, positions Kraken as a strong contender in the crypto exchange market. Users can navigate through an intuitive interface, access advanced trading features, and benefit from a robust security framework. While some challenges persist, Kraken's continuous improvements and responsive phone support aim to enhance the user experience and maintain its reputation as a trusted platform in the volatile world of cryptocurrency trading.

Charting the Course

A key feature of the Kraken platform that stands out is its integration with TradingView. This integration provides users with:

Detailed charts
Market analysis tools
Multiple chart types, such as candlestick and Heikin-Ashi
Various drawing tools and technical indicators for in-depth market analysis

This integration supports informed decision-making and strategic futures trading, while also considering the potential risks and benefits of margin trading.

Despite the advanced features, Kraken’s user-friendly interface ensures that the platform remains straightforward to use. Even those new to cryptocurrency trading can easily navigate the platform and utilize its advanced trading tools. This blend of user-friendly design and advanced functionality makes Kraken an ideal platform for both beginners and experienced traders.

Professional traders are not left out either. Kraken review provides advanced features such as:

price and volume alerts
access to Cryptowatch
kraken offers margin trading
The platform is also planning the launch of a native FIX API for enhanced trading efficiency and reliability.

The integration with TradingView and the provision of advanced trading features place Kraken at the helm of cryptocurrency trading platforms. Whether you are a beginner eager to learn or an experienced trader looking to hone your skills, Kraken provides the tools necessary to chart your course in the sea of cryptocurrency trading.

The Mobile Fleet

Cryptocurrency trading is not limited to your desktop. With Kraken’s mobile app, you can chart your course on the go. The app is available on both iOS and Android devices, underscoring its broad accessibility. This mobile accessibility caters to a large mobile user base, with mobile devices accounting for a significant 63.17% of visits on Kraken.com.

The Kraken mobile app, much like its desktop counterpart, has garnered high ratings. The app boasts a rating of 4.3 out of 5 on Google Play and 4.7 out of 5 on the App Store. The Kraken Pro app also features robust reviews, highlighting the positive user experience across both platforms.

Known for its user-friendly design, the Kraken mobile app offers the following features:

Accessible to both novices and veteran cryptocurrency enthusiasts
Facilitates trading with the capability to buy and sell over 120 crypto assets
Provides tools to track prices, view transaction history, and review portfolio allocations

With the Kraken mobile app, trading is literally at your fingertips. Whether you’re on the move or prefer to trade from the comfort of your home, Kraken ensures that you’re never too far from the action.

Navigating Uncharted Seas

Kraken’s commitment to performance is evident in his:

Uptime target of 99.9+%, demonstrating the platform’s dedication to reliability
Systems engineered to minimize jitter ensure consistent latency
Contribution to reduced execution costs and controlled market risk

However, like any voyage on the high seas, there are always challenges to face. Some Kraken users have reported server downtime issues, which could disrupt trade execution, especially during critical trading periods. Despite these challenges, Kraken has shown resilience and adaptability. The platform boasts a baseline round-trip latency of about 2.5 ms, representing a significant improvement over time.

During times of high market volatility, Kraken’s infrastructure has managed to keep jitter below 30 ms, providing stable trade execution when compared to other crypto exchanges. Factors such as order type, liquidity, and size can affect the speed of trades, with market orders being executed almost instantaneously.

A 4x improvement in their maximum observed throughput, handling more than 1 million requests per minute, further emphasizes Kraken's commitment to performance and reliability. The use of a blue/green deployment strategy allows Kraken to deploy updates without impacting the active trading system, allowing for uninterrupted trading and swift rollback if necessary.

Security in the Storm

In the unpredictable world of cryptocurrency trading, security is of utmost importance. As such, Kraken prioritizes security and employs measures such as cold storage, keeping a vast majority (95%) of user deposits offline to safeguard against hacks. To ensure the integrity of user balances, Kraken implements third-party audits known as Proof of Reserves.

In comparison to other platforms, Kraken Exchange Review has been more transparent about its security protocols, including regular security testing. This transparency, combined with Kraken’s track record of no instances of successful hacks, underscores the platform’s robust security.

External validation further underscores Kraken’s security standards. The platform has been recognized on Nic Carter’s Proof of Reserves webpage and ranked second on a crypto exchange security review site. In 2018, Kraken received the CSO50 Award in acknowledgment of its advanced security initiatives, ensuring it is not an unregistered securities exchange.

Kraken also enhances individual account security through two-factor authentication, a global settings lock, and password and biometric protection via its app. Should a user’s mobile device be compromised or lost, Kraken’s support team can remotely revoke access to the app, adding an extra layer of user security.

Customer Support Signals

While maneuvering through the volatile world of cryptocurrency trading can be difficult, Kraken’s customer support team is always ready to assist. Users can reach out for support through live chat, phone, and email channels. Some users have reported positive experiences with Kraken’s customer support, noting quick response times and some problems being resolved in about 20 minutes.

However, the waters are not always calm. Some users have encountered issues such as delayed response times from customer support and issues with held funds, especially in the context of phishing attacks. These issues underscore the importance of vigilant security measures and responsive customer support in the unpredictable world of cryptocurrency trading.

Despite some positive experiences, Kraken’s overall customer support satisfaction rating on Trustpilot is low, at 2.2 out of 10 based on 1,700 reviews. This suggests that there is room for improvement in the realm of customer support. However, it’s worth noting that customer service experiences can vary greatly, and negative experiences tend to be more vocalized than positive ones.

The Treasure Chest of Features Versus the Kraken's Fee Monster

Cost is a major consideration for any trader when choosing a cryptocurrency exchange. In this aspect, Kraken sets itself apart with competitive trading fees and an extensive feature set. Kraken’s maker-taker fees range from 0% to 0.26%, which is competitive when compared to other crypto exchanges such as Binance, with similar fees ranging from 0% to 0.10% depending on VIP level, and Coinbase, which typically has higher maker-taker fees than Kraken Pro.

For credit card purchases, Kraken charges a fee of 3.75% + €0.25, which is within the range of Binance’s fees of 3% to 4.5%. Kraken also applies fees for bank account transactions, varying from $4 to $35, while Binance offers free bank account transactions outside the U.S. Kraken’s fee model incentivizes market making by offering low trading fees, with a lower fee for makers at 0.16% compared to a 0.26% taker fee. When using instant buy options, a fee of 0.9% is charged for stablecoins and 1.5% for other cryptocurrencies. Kraken fees for purchase transactions are $5, while Binance charges between 0.02% and 0.10% for purchase transactions.

The selection of cryptocurrencies available on Kraken encompasses 69 coins and 3 stablecoins, contrasting with Binance’s wider array, offering more than 500 coins for international crypto investors. Despite the smaller selection, Kraken offers the same platform and feature accessibility to both U.S. residents and international users, unlike Binance U.S.’s more limited options for its domestic customers. Considering Kraken’s competitive fee structure and extensive feature set, crypto exchanges offer a remarkable value proposition. It stands out with slightly lower pricing than most prominent rivals and offers features beyond the typical offerings of competitors. In the battle between the treasure chest of features and the fee monster, it seems that Kraken has found a balance that offers substantial value to its users.

Cryptocurrencies Available on Kraken

Kraken boasts an extensive selection of more than 200 cryptocurrencies, catering to a global market with a diverse array of trading preferences. Investors and traders can find a multitude of options, ranging from the well-known heavyweights of the digital currency world to the emerging altcoins poised for growth. Among the prominent cryptocurrencies available on Kraken are:

These are just the tip of the iceberg, as Kraken continues to expand its offerings, providing users with access to a wide spectrum of digital assets for trading and investment opportunities.

Supported wallets

Kraken supports an array of wallets to ensure the safety and convenience of its users, including, but not limited to:

Hardware wallets like Ledger and Trezor are known for their robust security features.
Software wallets that provide ease of access and flexibility for everyday transactions.
Mobile wallets for those who prefer to manage their cryptocurrencies on the go.
Web wallets that offer quick access through a browser without the need to download software.
Paper wallets are for those seeking a physical form of cryptocurrency storage.

Is Kraken safe for cryptocurrency exchange?

It is safe for anyone who wants to sell cryptocurrency to Kraken. Crypto investing has high security requirements. It was important to evaluate several important elements to ensure the safety of the transactions we conducted. The American regulator FinCEN also oversees Kraken. This website uses advanced SSL encryption to keep everything secure.

Deposit and Withdrawal Methods

Kraken provides a user-friendly experience with multiple deposit and withdrawal options.
The availability of methods may vary due to regulatory requirements and exchange policies.
Users should consult Kraken's service terms for up-to-date fee schedules.
Kraken prioritizes a streamlined funding process for user accounts.

Pros, Cons, and Features

Kraken is an established cryptocurrency exchange that began in 2011, offering a diverse range of cryptocurrencies and trading pairs. It prides itself on advanced security measures, competitive fees, and a user-friendly interface that caters to both novice and experienced traders.

With options for margin trading, futures trading, and staking, Kraken provides a comprehensive trading experience. However, potential investors should be aware of the high risks associated with the volatile cryptocurrency market and invest responsibly, as Kraken does not offer financial advice.

Pros of Kraken

Advanced security features
Competitive fee structure
User-friendly interface for all trader levels
Variety of trading options, including margin and futures
broad range of supported cryptocurrencies

Cons of Kraken

High volatility and investment risks in cryptocurrency markets
Some user report customer support delays
Occasional server downtime during peak trading periods

Features of Kraken

Kraken offer Margin trading, futures trading, and staking options
Integration with TradingView for advanced charting
Mobile app availability for trading on the go
Two-factor authentication and cold storage for enhanced security
Competitive maker-taker fee model

Summary

As our voyage through the depths of Kraken comes to an end, let’s take a moment to reflect on what we’ve discovered. Kraken has proven itself to be a versatile and secure cryptocurrency exchange, offering a broad range of trading pairs and a user-friendly interface. Its commitment to security is reflected in its implementation of measures like two-factor authentication, cold storage, and multi-signature wallets.

The platform’s user-friendly design and competitive fees make it an attractive option for both beginners and experienced traders. While the Kraken mobile app ensures that users can navigate the cryptocurrency trading sea on the go,. The integration with TradingView and the provision of advanced trading features further enhance the trading experience on Kraken.

However, like any sea creature, Kraken is not without its challenges. Some users have reported server downtime issues, and others have experienced delayed response times from customer support. Despite these challenges, Kraken has shown its resilience and adaptability, continually improving its services and addressing user concerns.

In the battle of the treasure chest of features versus Kraken’s fee monster, Kraken emerges victorious. Its competitive fee structure and extensive feature set offer substantial value for its users. Whether you’re a novice trader just starting out or an experienced sailor navigating the tumultuous waves, Kraken offers a reliable and intuitive platform for your cryptocurrency trading journey.

In conclusion, Kraken’s commitment to security, user-friendly design, competitive fees, and extensive feature set make it a formidable creature in the vast sea of cryptocurrency exchanges. As with any voyage, there are always unforeseen challenges that lie ahead, but with Kraken at the helm, you can confidently navigate the turbulent waters of cryptocurrency trading.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kraken trustworthy?

Yes, Kraken is a highly recommended exchange with a strong reputation, robust security measures, a user-friendly interface, and responsive customer support.

Is Kraken better than Coinbase?

Kraken has a higher overall score of 9.6 compared to Coinbase's score of 9.1, and it offers a better and smoother user experience. Consider choosing Kraken over Coinbase.

Is Kraken good or bad?

Kraken is a highly recommended crypto exchange, offering a wide range of deposit and withdrawal methods, robust security measures, a user-friendly interface, and responsive customer support. It is a good choice for cryptocurrency investors and traders.

Why can't I withdraw from Kraken?

It's possible your bank is blocking the withdrawal due to Kraken being an unregulated financial institution. Make sure the withdrawal amount meets the minimum limit and there are no issues with your account.

What security measures does Kraken implement?

Kraken implements security measures such as cold storage, multi-signature wallets, and third-party audits like Proof of Reserves to safeguard its users' accounts. These measures help ensure the safety and security of your funds.

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