Kraken Review
Pro-grade crypto exchange with deep liquidity and staking. Independent Kraken review: 4.5/5 for crypto. Best for Active and advanced crypto traders.
By Michael Hewitt, Founder & Editor-in-Chief. Rates last checked September 7, 2026.
Our verdict
Active crypto traders who'll use Kraken Pro get maker and taker fees as low as 0.00% and 0.10%, 220+ cryptocurrencies, and a security record since 2011 with no major hacks. Two catches keep it from rating higher: the Instant Buy interface costs more than Pro, and staking is unavailable in several U.S. states.
Skip it if you only want one-tap buying, or live in a state where staking is unavailable.
About Kraken
Pro-grade crypto exchange with deep liquidity and staking. Kraken is offered by Payward, Inc. Our editorial rating is 4.5 out of 5.
Best for: Active and advanced crypto traders.
Editorial grade: A (composite score 90/100).
Highlights
- 220+ cryptocurrencies with deep order books and tight spreads
- Staking/Earn rewards on 20+ assets (subject to state availability)
- Kraken Pro platform with maker fees starting at 0.00%
What we like
- Low maker/taker fees on Kraken Pro (as low as 0.00%/0.10%)
- Long-standing security track record (since 2011), no major hacks
- Margin and futures trading for qualified users
- Kraken Prime for institutions; 24/7 live chat support
Where it falls short
- Kraken Instant Buy interface is costlier than Kraken Pro
- Staking currently unavailable in several U.S. states
Fees, minimums, and rates
Monthly fee: 0.00%–0.80% (Pro). Minimum to open: Varies by asset. Rates and fees last checked on September 7, 2026.
How we reviewed it
This is a desk review: we have not opened an account with Payward, Inc.. It is built from Payward, Inc.'s published rates, fee schedule and terms and from the public complaint record, and compared with the other products in the Crypto shortlist. Our brokerage and robo-advisor reviews weight costs and fees (25%), platform and tools (20%), asset selection (15%), account types (10%), education and research (10%), customer support (10%), and trust and safety (10%). The rubric is the same for every brand.
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Read our full editorial methodology for how we review products.