Kraken review 2026: fees, security and MiCA licence

Is Kraken reliable and secure?

Yes. Kraken is one of the oldest exchanges still in operation: founded in 2011, it has never suffered a major hack of its reserves, which is one of the best security track records in the sector. The platform is MiCA-licensed, under the European regulation on crypto-assets, and registered as a PSAN (digital asset service provider) in France.

For the user, this means a clear European regulatory framework and the ability to operate legally across the whole EU, a criterion that has become decisive since the suspension of Binance in the EU.

What are Kraken's real fees?

This is the most misunderstood point. Kraken offers two buying routes with very different fees:

• Instant buy ('Buy' in one click): simple but noticeably more expensive.
• Kraken Pro works with your Kraken account, on the web or in the app. The first spot tier charges 0.40 % maker / 0.80 % taker, excluding promotions. A maker order adds liquidity to the order book; a taker order executes against an existing order. A limit order can be a taker order if it executes immediately. Your tier, trading pair and applicable offers may change these rates.

Several euro SEPA deposit methods are free at Kraken, subject to availability on your account. Card payment fees depend on the route and country and may add to trading fees and the spread. Check the total shown before confirming and any separate fees charged by your bank. how to avoid fees on Kraken

Does Kraken offer a welcome bonus?

Yes, through its referral programme. By signing up with a Kraken referral code, you receive a guaranteed €30 crypto bonus once the conditions are met: new account, identity verification, a deposit of at least €200 and €200 of trades, within the time stated in the app.

What are Kraken's weak points?

No platform is perfect. The main criticism you can level at Kraken is the Kraken Pro interface, which can intimidate a complete beginner at first glance, even though it remains the key to paying low fees. Instant buy, though simpler, is expensive: you therefore have to accept spending a few minutes getting to grips with the Kraken Pro app.

• Who it's for: European users looking for security, regulation and low fees.
• Avoid if: you don't want to make any learning effort and only buy via instant buy.
• Our verdict: #1 pick for migrating from Binance in 2026.

To compare Kraken with the other MiCA-licensed platforms, see our crypto platform comparison.