How to Use Kraken Pro: Step by Step Guide (2026)

March 31, 2026 — By Tony Rabbit in Tutorials

Learn how to use Kraken Pro in 2026: spot and futures trading, advanced order types, staking, and fee optimization tips for active crypto traders.

Quick Answer

Kraken Pro is the advanced trading platform offered by Kraken, a leading cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2011. It caters to active traders with features like spot and futures trading, advanced order types, and staking. Kraken Pro is designed for users seeking deep liquidity and a robust trading workflow, distinct from the beginner-friendly Kraken exchange.

Kraken is one of the oldest and most trusted cryptocurrency exchanges in the world, founded in 2011 and headquartered in San Francisco. Known for its strong security record (never been hacked), regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions, and deep liquidity for professional traders, Kraken serves over 10 million users in 190+ countries.

Intent split

This page is specifically about Kraken Pro and active trading.
For account setup, verification and your first trade, read How to Use Kraken Exchange.

This tutorial focuses on the Kraken Pro trading workflow in 2026, including spot and futures trading, advanced order types, staking, and the fee structure that matters for active users. For pure account setup and first-trade onboarding, use the beginner Kraken exchange guide.

2011

Founded (One of the Oldest)

10M+

Users Worldwide

0 Hacks

Perfect Security Record

Why Choose Kraken

Kraken stands apart from competitors in three key areas: security (zero hacks since 2011, proof of reserves since before it was trendy), regulation (fully licensed in the US, UK, EU, Australia, and more), and institutional-grade trading (deep order books, OTC desk, and futures with up to 50x leverage). While Binance offers more tokens and Coinbase has a simpler interface, Kraken hits the sweet spot of trust, features, and accessibility.

Step 1 - Account Creation and KYC

Visit kraken.com and click "Create Account." Register with email, choose a username, and set a strong password. Kraken offers tiered verification: Starter (limited features, basic info only), Express (photo ID, unlocks most trading and fiat deposits), and Pro (additional documentation for higher limits and institutional features).

Express verification is sufficient for most users and typically completes within minutes. Once verified, immediately enable 2FA via Google Authenticator (not SMS - Kraken strongly recommends against SMS 2FA due to SIM swap risks), set up a Master Key for account recovery, and configure Global Settings Lock to prevent unauthorized changes.

Kraken Security Features

Kraken offers security features that most exchanges lack: Master Key (separate from 2FA, used for account recovery), Global Settings Lock (prevents changes to withdrawal addresses and email for a configurable period), PGP-signed emails (verify emails actually came from Kraken), and a dedicated security team that runs regular penetration testing.

Step 2 - Depositing Funds

Kraken supports extensive fiat deposit options: bank wire (SWIFT), SEPA transfers (EU), ACH and wire transfers (US), Faster Payments (UK), and more. Crypto deposits support all major networks. Most fiat deposits are free or very low cost. Kraken also offers instant deposits via Plaid-connected bank accounts in the US and Apple Pay/Google Pay for smaller amounts.

Step 3 - Spot Trading on Kraken Pro

Kraken Pro is the advanced trading interface with TradingView-powered charts, full order book depth, and professional order types including market, limit, stop-loss, stop-limit, take-profit, and trailing stop. The interface supports multiple chart layouts, drawing tools, and technical indicators.

Kraken lists 200+ cryptocurrencies with deep liquidity on major pairs. Trading pairs are denominated in USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, and several other fiat currencies - more fiat pairs than most competitors offer.

Step 4 - Futures Trading

Kraken Futures supports perpetual and fixed-maturity contracts with up to 50x leverage. The futures platform operates through a separate margin system with isolated and cross margin modes. Kraken Futures is regulated and available in most jurisdictions (not US for retail). Fees are competitive at 0.02% maker / 0.05% taker.

Leverage Warning

Futures trading with leverage can result in rapid losses exceeding your initial deposit. Start with low leverage (2-5x) and always use stop-losses. Kraken provides a liquidation price estimator - use it before every leveraged trade.

Step 5 - Staking

Kraken offers on-chain staking for 15+ assets directly from the platform. Simply navigate to Earn, select an asset, and stake. Rewards are distributed automatically. Popular staking options include ETH (3-4% APY), DOT (10-14%), SOL (5-7%), ATOM (13-18%), and ADA (3-6%). Kraken handles all validator operations - you just earn rewards.

Step 6 - NFT Marketplace

Kraken NFT is a custodial NFT marketplace supporting Ethereum, Polygon, and Solana NFTs. The unique advantage is zero gas fees for buying and selling - Kraken covers all blockchain transaction costs. You can browse, bid, buy, and list NFTs with fiat or crypto payment. This makes it one of the most beginner-friendly NFT platforms.

Fee Structure

Service	Fee
Spot Trading (base)	0.16% maker / 0.26% taker
Spot Trading (high volume)	Down to 0% maker / 0.1% taker
Futures Trading	0.02% maker / 0.05% taker
Staking	Included in displayed APY
NFT Trading	Zero gas fees

Pros

✔ Perfect security record since 2011
✔ Fully regulated in US, EU, UK, AU
✔ Proof of reserves pioneer
✔ Deep liquidity and professional tools
✔ Excellent fiat support (many currencies)
✔ Zero-fee NFT marketplace

Cons

✘ Higher base spot fees than Binance (0.26% vs 0.1%)
✘ Fewer tokens listed (200+ vs 350+)
✘ Interface less beginner-friendly than Coinbase
✘ No copy trading feature
✘ Futures not available for US retail

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kraken safe?

Kraken is one of the safest exchanges in the industry with zero hacks since 2011, proof of reserves audits, full regulatory compliance, and industry-leading security features like Master Key and Global Settings Lock.

Is Kraken available in the US?

Yes, Kraken is fully available in the US for spot trading, staking, and NFTs. Futures trading is not available for US retail users due to regulatory restrictions.

How do Kraken fees compare to Binance?

Kraken's base spot fees are higher (0.26% vs 0.1% taker). However, Kraken offers better fiat support, stronger security, and full US availability. High-volume traders can reduce Kraken fees to near-zero.

Does Kraken have staking?

Yes, Kraken offers on-chain staking for 15+ assets with competitive APY rates. Staking is simple - just select an asset and amount, and rewards are automatically distributed.

What is Kraken Pro?

Kraken Pro is the advanced trading interface with TradingView charts, order book, professional order types, and lower fees. It is free to use for all Kraken users.