Kraken
MiCAKraken is one of the oldest and most trusted exchanges. High security, proof-of-reserves, MiCA licensed.
Affiliate link. Commission does not increase your costs.
Pros
- + One of the oldest & most trusted
- + Proof-of-reserves audit
- + MiCA licensed
- + Good fiat support (EUR/USD/GBP)
- + Kraken Pro for professionals
Cons
- − Higher fees than Bybit
- − Slower KYC process
- − Fewer crypto options
Kraken was founded in 2011 in San Francisco and is one of the world's oldest continuously operating crypto exchanges. The platform is known above all for exceptional security — in 15+ years of operation, Kraken has never lost user funds to hacking. MiCA licence obtained through Ireland's CBI. With 10M+ users and a monthly proof-of-reserves audit confirming all user funds are 1:1 backed, Kraken sets the industry standard for trust.
How to register on Kraken from Estonia?
- Create account — Go to kraken.com, select Estonia as your country and register with email.
- Email verification — Enter the code sent to your email.
- KYC verification — Passport, ID card or driver's licence + selfie. Approval: 15–60 minutes. Kraken has a tiered KYC system (Starter, Intermediate, Pro).
- SEPA deposit — Free EUR bank transfer. Arrival: 1–3 business days.
- Buy crypto — Simple Buy Crypto interface or Kraken Pro for advanced order control.
Kraken fees 2026
| Transaction | Fee | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Spot maker | 0.16% | Decreases with volume |
| Spot taker | 0.26% | Higher than Bybit/OKX |
| SEPA deposit | Free | EUR bank transfer |
| Instant Buy | 1.5% | Simplified purchase |
Key features
- Proof-of-Reserves — Monthly independent audit proves Kraken holds 100% of user funds. Industry standard for transparency.
- Kraken Pro — Full-featured trading platform for professionals: advanced order types, lower fees via volume tiers, API access.
- Staking — ETH, DOT, ADA, SOL and more directly on platform. Rewards paid twice weekly.
- Margin trading — Up to 5x leverage on spot assets. Experienced users only.
- Fiat support — EUR, USD, GBP, CAD, AUD and more — one of the widest fiat selections on the market.
Security — Kraken's strongest point
Kraken is one of the market's most secure exchanges. The platform uses HSMs (Hardware Security Modules) for private key storage, keeps 95%+ of funds in cold storage and applies PGP encryption to communications. Kraken is the only major exchange that has never lost user funds to hacking in its entire history. Proof-of-Reserves audit is conducted monthly by an independent auditor.
Who is Kraken best for?
Best for: security-conscious investors who value transparency and track record. Ideal for long-term HODLing and staking. Kraken Pro suits professional traders seeking lower fees through volume. Downside: fees are higher than Bybit and OKX; KYC process is somewhat slower.
