Kraken: Buy and sell crypto securely

Why choose Kraken?

Security and reliability are the foundations of Kraken. Whether you are a first-time buyer or an advanced trader, Kraken combines institutional-grade protections with an approachable user experience. Below we walk through the core benefits, how to get started, and best practices for keeping your funds safe.

1

Industry-leading security

Kraken uses multi-layered security: cold storage for the majority of assets, multi-signature withdrawal safeguards and strong encryption across systems.

2

Simple onboarding & fiat support

Buy crypto with bank transfers, debit/credit cards and multiple fiat currencies — identity verification is fast and compliant.

3

Advanced trading tools

Spot, margin, staking, futures and OTC desks give active traders deep liquidity and robust order types.

4

Transparent fees & 24/7 support

Clear fee tiers and helpful customer support ensure you can trade without surprises and get help any time.

How to get started

Create an account: Sign up with your email and secure a strong, unique password.
Verify your identity: Complete the required KYC steps to unlock fiat deposits and higher limits.
Deposit funds: Transfer fiat via bank, or deposit crypto from an external wallet.
Buy or trade: Use the simple Buy Crypto flow for fast purchases, or the advanced trade interface for limit and market orders.
Secure your account: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) and consider a hardware wallet for long-term holdings.

Start buying crypto

Best practices for security

Good security is a combination of platform protections and user habits. Follow these simple rules to reduce risk:

Enable 2FA and use an authenticator app rather than SMS.
Use strong, unique passwords and a trusted password manager.
Store large balances in hardware wallets or cold storage.
Beware of phishing — always verify URLs and never share private keys.

Supported assets & liquidity

Kraken lists hundreds of cryptocurrencies — from major coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum to emerging tokens. Deep liquidity across pairs helps keep slippage low for most trades, and an OTC desk is available for institutional-sized orders.

Frequently asked questions

Is Kraken safe for beginners?

Yes. Kraken’s user interface includes a straightforward "Buy Crypto" flow for newcomers plus in-platform education and support resources to help you learn at your own pace.

What payment methods are accepted?

Bank transfers, ACH (where supported), SWIFT, and debit/credit cards are common options — availability depends on your country and verification level.

How do I withdraw my crypto?

Withdrawals are done by sending crypto to an external address. For improved security, whitelist trusted withdrawal addresses and confirm via your 2FA method.