✍️ Author: Karel Havlíček – Bitcoin Analyst & Editor · 📅 Updated:
What Kraken is and why we trust it
Kraken is one of the oldest crypto exchanges in the world – running since 2011, and in all those years no client funds were lost to a major hack. In an industry where exchanges vanish overnight, that is the most valuable reference there is.
In the EU it operates under a MiCA licence and has long been one of the loudest advocates of proof-of-reserves audits – cryptographic proof that client assets actually exist. For us it is the second pick right after Anycoin: slightly more complex, but with the lowest fees among serious exchanges.
- Investors who, after FTX, care about security above all
- Buyers of larger amounts (low fees compound)
- Advanced users: limit orders, Kraken Pro, staking
- Anyone who finds derivative exchanges overwhelming
Fees and deposits
In the Kraken Pro interface you pay maker/taker fees from 0.16/0.26% at the base tier – practically the lowest among regulated exchanges. SEPA deposits in EUR are free or near-free. The simple “Buy” interface costs more – as with Coinbase, learning Pro pays off.
Check current rates in the app; they fall with volume. Cards carry a markup – avoid them.
How to start step by step
- Register via the link below and complete KYC (ID + selfie).
- Send EUR via SEPA – usually credited within one business day.
- Switch to Kraken Pro and place a limit order on BTC/EUR.
- Enable 2FA (ideally a hardware key) and address whitelisting.
- Move long-term savings to your own wallet – see our Trezor review.
🎬 Video tutorials for Kraken (YouTube)
Security: why Kraken is the benchmark
Most assets sit in air-gapped cold storage, with strict internal controls, an in-house security team (Kraken Security Labs publicly cracks hardware wallets to push vendors to improve) and proof-of-reserves. Still, no exchange is a vault – after buying, the same rule applies as everywhere: large amounts go to your own wallet.
For alternatives see our Coinbase Advanced review and the tools overview.
✅ Pros
- No major loss of client funds since 2011
- Lowest fees among serious exchanges (from 0.16/0.26%)
- MiCA licence + proof-of-reserves
- Free SEPA deposits
- Solid support and pro-grade tools
⚠️ Cons
- The Pro interface can overwhelm beginners at first
- The simple “Buy” interface is pricey
- No CZK – conversion to EUR needed
❓ Frequently asked questions
Is Kraken safe?
One of the safest exchanges anywhere: no major client-fund hack since 2011, cold storage, proof-of-reserves audits. Long-term savings still belong in your own wallet.
What are Kraken’s fees?
In Kraken Pro from 0.16% (maker) / 0.26% (taker) at the base tier, falling with volume. SEPA deposits are free. The simple interface costs more – use Pro.
Does Kraken operate legally in the EU?
Yes, under a licence per the EU MiCA regulation plus numerous licences worldwide.
Does Kraken support staking?
Yes, for many assets (EU availability varies by country). Note: staking rewards are usually taxable income – confirm with a tax advisor.
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