Kraken review 2026: fees, security and MiCA licence
Kraken is one of the most solid crypto platforms for a European user in 2026: MiCA-licensed, founded in 2011, never hacked, with low fees via Kraken Pro and a free SEPA deposit. Its interface takes some getting used to, but the security-to-fees ratio is excellent.
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, Kraken's separate free app: fees of 0.16%-0.26% per order depending on your volume, i.e. a fraction of the cost of instant buy.
On deposits, the SEPA transfer is free, whereas buying by card costs about 3%. Used well, the platform is therefore inexpensive. We detail the method in our guide how to avoid fees on Kraken.
Our testing method
We manually verify the fees, conditions and referral code directly in the Kraken app, and we date every check. The amounts shown match what we observe; the app is always the source of truth.
Does Kraken offer a welcome bonus?
Yes, through its referral programme. By signing up with a Kraken referral code, you can receive up to €250 in crypto bonus depending on the current in-app offer. The amount is set at random by Kraken and is not guaranteed: you have to meet the conditions (new account, identity verification, bank-transfer deposit, minimum purchase volume) within the stated time.
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.
Ready to open a Kraken account? Find the verified referral code and all the bonus terms.
See the Kraken referral codeInvesting in crypto-assets carries a risk of partial or total loss of capital. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.