Kraken vs. Kraken Pro: Features and fees, explained
Kraken is geared toward beginners and individual investors, while Kraken Pro is for advanced and institutional traders.
The core Kraken platform keeps fees simple with a flat 1% fee, whereas Kraken Pro uses a 30 day trading volume-based maker-taker model that offers lower fees with higher trading volumes.
Kraken focuses on accessibility by offering a streamlined trading experience, while Kraken Pro focuses on functionality, by offering more advanced products, functionality and tools for active traders.
Both Kraken and Kraken Pro offer access to the same underlying cryptocurrencies, stocks and ETFs, so the choice comes down to trading features rather than available cryptocurrencies.
Both platforms share the same institutional-grade security protections, including 2FA, cold storage, encryption, withdrawal whitelist — all backed by a deep focus on global regulatory compliance.
Intro to Kraken vs. Kraken Pro
Every crypto journey looks different.
Some traders are taking their first step with Bitcoin or the latest memecoin, while others are running advanced strategies across multiple assets.
Kraken and Kraken Pro are each designed with a specific client’s goals, needs and experience in mind. While Kraken focuses an easy and secure way to invest in crypto, Kraken Pro delivers a more configurable and strategic way to trade crypto.
Not sure which platform is right for you? That is ok!
You can easily switch between either platform using the same log in at any time. Plus, while Kraken and Kraken Pro differ in many ways, the types of cryptocurrencies they connect you to the same.
And since this is Kraken after all, they both come with the same institutional-grade security and reliability that has earned our place amongst the longest lasting crypto exchanges.
While you can’t “go wrong” when choosing between the two platforms, it can be helpful to know how they differ, so you can decide which is best for your crypto strategy.
 |  |
|---|---|
Beginners and individual investors | Advanced and institutional traders |
Slightly higher fees; simplified fee structure | Lower, tiered maker-taker fees based on 30-day trading volume |
Simple, user-friendly
| Powerful with advanced charting and analytics |
Basic buy/sell orders | Advanced order types (limit, stop loss, take profit, trailing orders and more) |
Spot and futures trading | Margin, futures, FX and derivatives trading |
No volume-based benefits | Fee discounts based on trading volume |
自动赚取奖励 | 质押 |
*Note: Avaliablity of certain trading features may vary by region
Fees and pricing
Understanding Kraken vs Kraken Pro fees is key to choosing the right platform. The standard Kraken platform offers a flat fee structure, while Kraken Pro offers a volume-based model designed to reward active traders.
Here’s how they compare side by side.
| |
|---|---|
Flat fee + spread Zero trading fees for Kraken+ up to monthly volume | Tiered maker-taker model based on 30-day trading volume |
否 | 是 |
Flat 1% fee + spread
| Spot: Starting at 0.25%, as low as 0.00% Futures: Starting at 0.02%, as low as -0.0050%. |
Flat 1% fee + spread | Spot: Starting at 0.40%, as low as 0.08% Futures: Starting at 0.05%, as low as 0.01% |
Kraken fees and pricing
Kraken’s core platform keeps things simple. For instant buy, sell or convert transactions, you can expect a fixed 1% trading fee. This fee is waived for Kraken+ members who have their fees waived up to a monthly limit.
For nonmembers, the trading fee on Kraken may also include a spread, which is the difference between the crypto market rate and the rate you receive. This is standard across most crypto exchanges since spread covers the cost of providing instant liquidity and greater price certainty for traders.
The size of the spread can vary depending on factors, like market volatility, asset type, order size and overall account activity.
Kraken also offers Auto Earn, which lets users passively grow their holdings by earning rewards on supported assets. It's a simple solution to help maximize the potential of the crypto you already hold.
This straightforward fee and rewards structure makes costs more transparent and predictable for beginners. However, active or high-volume traders may find Kraken Pro’s volume-based maker-taker model a more cost-effective trading platform.
Kraken Pro fees and pricing
Kraken Pro uses a maker-taker fee model to scale with trading activity. Instead of flat % fees, trading fees are based on monthly trading volume. In this model, the more you trade and the more liquidity you provide, the less you pay in fees.
Kraken Pro’s fee model distinguishes between two types of orders, which helps explain how costs are calculated. Maker orders carry lower fees while taker orders hold slightly higher fees.
Whether you’re a maker or a taker depends on how your order interacts with the order book:
- Maker: Your order adds liquidity. This happens when you place a limit order that doesn’t immediately match an existing order. Essentially, you’re “making” the market by giving other traders an order to fill.
- Taker: Your order removes liquidity. This happens when you place an order that immediately matches an existing order on the book. You’re “taking” from the market because you’re consuming available offers.
This tiered structure common across most crypto exchanges rewards higher-volume traders with lower fees in return for them adding liquidity to Kraken.
Kraken Pro also supports staking, allowing active users to earn rewards on eligible assets while they trade. With advanced order types and analytics, Kraken Pro is tailored for traders who prioritize lower fees and hands-on market engagement.
Trading tools and features
Not all trading strategies are the same, and the tools you need depend on your approach. Kraken and Kraken Pro both give access to crypto and traditional equities markets, but the range of order types and margin and futures options differ between the two.
| |
|---|---|
是 | 是 |
否 | Yes |
是
| 是 |
Market, limit, recurring buy orders | Market, limit, take profit, stop loss, trailing and iceberg orders |
自动赚取奖励 | Staking rewards up to 17% |
高 | 高 |
Kraken app and Kraken.com | Kraken Pro app and pro.kraken.com |
Kraken app and Kraken.com | Kraken Pro app and pro.kraken.com |
Kraken app and Kraken.com | Kraken Pro app and pro.kraken.com |
Kraken app and Kraken.com | Kraken Pro app and pro.kraken.com |
Kraken trading tools and features
The core Kraken platform gives traders an easy path into the crypto market. Buying and selling crypto on the spot market is simple. Investors can choose to use market orders to buy or sell at the current market price, as well as limit orders to buy or sell at a certain market price. This simplifies the process of buying, selling or converting crypto, without needing to navigate complex tools or charts.
Kraken’s order form is designed to be intuitive and transparent. Traders can execute transactions quickly, and the platform automatically matches orders for smooth execution. Strong liquidity across trading pairs helps execute trades efficiently, while maintaining competitive pricing.
Kraken’s standard platform also provides basic price charts and the following order types:
- Market order: Buys or sells crypto immediately at the best available current price. It’s the fastest way to execute a trade.
- Limit order: Sets a specific price at which you want to buy or sell. The trade only executes if the market reaches that price.
- Recurring buy order: Automatically purchases a set amount of crypto on a regular schedule. Some traders use this order type to build positions without manual intervention over time using an investing strategy called dollar cost averaging.
Accessible from the web and from the Kraken app, investors rely on Kraken to manage and execute transactions with ease.
This streamlined setup is ideal for those starting out or planning to hold for the long term rather than actively trade.
It delivers all the essentials you need to confidently participate in the crypto market, without overwhelming beginners with advanced features.
Kraken Pro trading tools and features
Kraken Pro is a strong fit for traders who require advanced trading tools and deeper market access. It provides standard spot trading alongside more sophisticated products like margin and futures trading. These tools allow traders to control larger positions by borrowing funds and also help to formulate hedging strategies.
Additionally, Kraken Pro supports a wide range of advanced trade orders, giving users more flexibility to manage positions and risk.
These trade orders include:
- Stop loss orders: Limit your loss or lock in a profit on an existing position
- Stop loss limit orders: Define maximum loss limits to manage risk
- Take profit orders: Set a target to protect your profits on positions
- Take profit limit orders: Set a specific market price to manage risk on positions
- Iceberg orders: Place large limit orders without causing a market impact
- Trailing stop orders: Keep your position open and profit as long as the price is moving in your favor
- Trailing stop limit orders: Manage risk and avoid slippage by placing a limit order when the market reverses
With Kraken Pro, traders can also switch instantly between spot, margin, derivatives trading and staking. This allows them to track performance in one clear, consolidated portfolio.
Together, these features give advanced traders the technical analysis tools they need to execute sophisticated strategies.
Security measures
Both Kraken and Kraken Pro place security above everything when it comes to keeping your crypto safe. It’s a core focus for both platform, and it underpins both the Kraken and Kraken Pro client experiences.
| |
|---|---|
是 | 是 |
是 | Yes |
是
| 是 |
是 | 是 |
是 | 是 |
是 | 是 |
Kraken and Kraken Pro security measures
Kraken is one of the most secure digital asset exchanges on the market today. We live and breathe security — with multiple world-class teams dedicated to testing and strengthening our systems.
Both Kraken and Kraken Pro share the same iron-clad protections. These include, but are not limited to, two-factor authentication (2FA), cold storage for the majority of client funds and encryption to safeguard sensitive data.
Additional account protections, like withdrawal whitelists and the Global Settings Lock (GSL), help prevent unauthorized changes and withdrawals. This gives both occasional and active traders an added layer of control over their assets.
Each of these security features works together to reduce risk and provide greater peace of mind.
On top of these technical protections, Kraken adheres to global regulatory standards, ensuring compliance with relevant laws in every jurisdiction we operate. This dual focus on secure technology and regulatory compliance reflects Kraken’s long-standing dedication to keeping client assets secure and supporting a trustworthy trading environment.
Kraken Pro vs. Kraken: What’s the bottom line?
Choosing between Kraken and Kraken Pro comes down to your trading style, goals and experience level.
Kraken’s core platform is ideal for beginners and more casual investors. Its user-friendly interface and straightforward order types make investing in crypto more accessible to a wide range of users.
Kraken Pro, on the other hand, is designed for active and advanced traders. With powerful charting tools, a full range of order types, detailed analytics and lower fees for higher-volume trading, it offers greater control and flexibility.
That said, Kraken offers a seamlessly integrated ecosystem of platforms.
You can start your crypto journey on the Kraken app and easily transition to Kraken Pro on the web using the same login as your strategy and needs evolve. This makes Kraken a truly all-in-one choice for both new and experienced crypto traders.
Ready to get started? Sign up for Kraken and choose the platform that fits your trading style.
FAQ: Kraken Pro vs. Kraken
What is the key difference between Kraken and Kraken Pro?
Kraken is designed for beginners and individual investors with a simple interface and basic order types. Kraken Pro offers advanced charting, order types, analytics and lower fees for active traders.
How do the fees on Kraken compare to those on Kraken Pro?
Kraken charges a flat 1% trading fee for instant buys/sells. Kraken Pro uses a volume-based maker/taker model that offers lower fees for active or high-volume traders.
How much is Kraken Pro? Is it free?
Kraken Pro is free to use. There are no account setup or maintenance fees. Trading fees are based on a tiered maker-taker model, with high-volume discount opportunities and staking rewards.
Is there a cost to switch between the Kraken and Kraken Pro platforms?
There is no cost to upgrade from the core Kraken platform and Kraken Pro. Both platforms use the same account, so there’s no additional cost to switch between the two.
What is Kraken+ and how does it affect fees?
Kraken+ is a membership that lets users trade fee-free on Kraken for trading volumes up to $10,000 per month. New users can try Kraken+ free for 30 days, then it costs just $4.99 per month. Members also earn boosted rewards, with up to 4%+ APR on USDG holdings — double the standard rate.
Do Kraken and Kraken Pro have different mobile apps?
Yes. Kraken has the Kraken app, while Kraken Pro has its own Kraken Pro app. Both platforms are also accessible from the web via kraken.com.