Honest Verdict and Expert Breakdown

No sponsorships. No shortcuts. Just real tests, real results

We don’t just skim surfaces—we torture-test platforms for 30+ days, spending real money to expose hidden fees, reliability issues, and security flaws.

Is Kraken a Safe and Reliable Crypto Exchange for Trading in 2025?

Published March 2025
🕒 7 mins read

Is Kraken Safe
Quick Summary

Rating: 4.5/5

Category > Crypto Exchange
Fees: 0.16%
Founded: 2011
Best for : Security-conscious traders

Overview

Founded in 2011, Kraken has become one of the most established cryptocurrency exchanges in the world. With a reputation for strong security, regulatory compliance, and a broad range of features, it continues to serve both beginners and advanced traders globally. But in 2025, how does Kraken really perform in terms of safety, usability, fees, and profitability?

Kraken: Security Champion But Is It Right For You?
Let’s explore.

Key Features of Kraken

  • Spot Trading
  • Staking
  • Margin Trading
  • Futures Trading
  • Kraken Pro – An advanced trading interface with:
    • Deep liquidity
    • Real-time order books
    • Advanced charting and analytics
    • Lower trading fees

Key Advantages & Limitations

Pros

– Low Fees, 0.16% maker fees for <$100K volume (cheaper than Coinbase).
– Industry-leading security. Zero breaches since 2011 (verified with Hacken audit).
– Wide range of assets and fiat currencies.
– Strong regulatory standing.
– Excellent staking rewards.
– Lightning withdrawals, 97% under 30 mins

Cons

– Slightly complex interface for beginners..
– Limited Altcoin. 120+ coins vs Binance’s 500+
Higher fiat deposit fees compared to some competitors.
– Slow Fiat Deposits. 1-3 business days (Coinbase does instant)..

Rigorous Testing Data

A. Fee Transparency Test

  • Method: Traded $10,000 in BTC/ETH pairs.
  • Result:
    • Advertised Fee: 0.16% maker
    • Actual Fee: 0.159-0.162%

B. Security Stress Test

  • 2FA Options: SMS, Google Auth, YubiKey
  • Withdrawal Safeguards:
    • 24h lockdown after password change
    • Whitelist-only addresses (by default)
CurrencyTime (Avg)Notes
BTC22 minsFastest among top 5 exchanges
USD6 hoursRequires email confirmation

C.  Security Deep Dive

  • 2FA Options: YubiKey, Google Auth, Master Key PGP.
  • Pen Test: API rate-limited to 15 calls/sec (no brute-force vulnerability).

Is Kraken Safe and Legit in 2025?

Kraken has built a strong reputation for security, and for good reason:

  • No major hacks since its launch in 2011.
  • 95%+ of user funds stored in cold wallets.
  • Two-factor authentication (2FA)Global Settings Lock, and Master Key for account protection.
  • Fully regulated in several jurisdictions including the U.S. and EU.
  • Auditable reserves, making it one of the few exchanges to undergo Proof of Reserves checks.

✅ Verdict: Yes, Kraken is one of the safest and most legitimate exchanges available in 2025.

Is NiceHash Still Safe

User Interface and Experience

  • Kraken Standard: Clean, easy-to-navigate for beginners.
  • Kraken Pro: Ideal for serious traders, includes complex order types, APIs, and charting tools.
  • Mobile Apps: Available on Android and iOS with access to both standard and pro features.

👉 Users often report slow resolution for account issues. However, trustpilot ratings reflect these delays, not security concerns.

Final Verdict

Kraken is the Swiss bank of crypto—ideal for security-focused traders who don’t need obscure altcoins. Beginners should try their ‘Kraken Lite’ mode.

Kraken remains a top-tier crypto exchange in 2025, offering:

  • Trusted security and regulatory compliance.
  • A deep selection of crypto and fiat options.
  • Advanced trading tools with competitive fees.

Whether you’re a beginner who values safety or a pro trader looking for powerful features, Kraken is a reliable choice — especially when using Kraken Pro.

⭐ Our Rating: 4.5 / 5

Why:
Secure, regulated, full-featured, and transparent — slightly less beginner-friendly than some alternatives but still excellent overall.

Alternative Comparison

FeatureKrakenBinanceCoinbase 
Fees0.16%0.10%0.50%
SecurityBestGoodFair
Coins120+500+150+
StakingYesYesLimited
Best ForSecurity-conscious tradersAltcoin loversBeginners

Alternative Comparison

Beetpool

– Fees: 1%
– Coins: 3 (BTC, ETH, LTC)
– Payout Speed: 23hrs
– Rating: ★★★★ (4.1)
– Note: Best for small miners

F2Pool

– Fees: 3%
– Coins: 12
– Payout Speed: 28hrs
– Rating: ★★★★ (4.4)
– Note: Higher fees but more coins/reliability

NiceHash

– Fees: 2.5%
– Coins: 8
– Payout Speed: 6hrs
– Rating: ★★★ (3.9)
– Note: Faster payout but volatile fees

User Reviews

ETH staking works flawlessly—payouts every 2 days.

@@StakingQueen

.

The only exchange I trust with 6-figure sums.

@CypherPunk

Ready To Start

LEGAL
STAY UPDATED

No sponsored content
Ad-free since 2024

Scroll to Top