- Exchange
One of the top ten regulated cryptocurrency exchanges in the world by trading volume.
Scores
- Mandatory KYC
- Required for key features and can be required arbitrarily at any time.
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Mandatory KYC -25 0
Required for key features and can be required arbitrarily at any time.
-25 Privacy0 Trust -
KYC Trigger System -4 -4
This service scans transactions automatically in search for suspicious transactions. If the transaction is flagged suspicious by the system, the user might be required a KYC procedure in order to complete the trade or get a refund.
-4 Privacy-4 Trust -
Custodial wallet -3 -5
These services manage your private keys and keep custody your funds. These wallets are typically offered by centralized exchanges like Coinbase or Binance. Using them requires trusting the institution with your assets.
-3 Privacy-5 Trust -
May suspend your account 0 -4
The service reserves the right to suspend or limit access to your account. For example, if you have overdue payments or you violated the service’s ToS.
0 Privacy-4 Trust -
Data Sharing -3 0
Personal and account data may be shared with authorities and third-party providers for compliance, fraud prevention, and service provision.
-3 Privacy0 Trust -
Account required -1 0
Users require creating an account with the service in order to access and use its features.
-1 Privacy0 Trust -
Verified 0 +10
Thoroughly tested and verified by the team. But things might change, this is not a guarantee. Read more about the listing statuses.
Check out the proof.
0 Privacy+10 Trust -
Audited 0 +5
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Good Customer Support 0 +5
Customer support for this service is usually fast and helpful. They answer questions fast and solve problems.
0 Privacy+5 Trust -
Legally Registered Entity 0 +2
This service is operated by a legally registered company, which enhances user trust by providing a recognized entity that can be held accountable for service issues or fraudulent activities. However, legal recourse may be difficult in some jurisdictions.
0 Privacy+2 Trust -
🇺🇸 Legally registered 0 +2
Legally registered as Payward Interactive, Inc. in United States.
0 Privacy+2 Trust -
Email required 0 0
To create a user account in this service, you need to provide a valid email.
0 Privacy0 Trust -
JavaScript needed 0 0
The service requires the user to enable JavaScript in order to access and use its features.
0 Privacy0 Trust -
Some countries are restricted 0 0
Offered services may not be available in some countries due to logistics, regulations or arbitrary decisions. Please check for any restrictions before use.
0 Privacy0 Trust - Base score +50 +50
Overall = 60% Privacy + 40% Trust (Truncated)
Terms of Service Review
Kraken’s ToS mandates KYC verification for account creation and key services. Personal data is collected and may be shared for compliance. Funds can be blocked for legal reasons. High privacy risks due to mandatory identity checks.
Mandatory KYC
Kraken requires identity verification for account creation and use of services, including e-money wallets and certain features like Kraken Verify (Annex J).
Data Sharing
Personal information may be disclosed to third parties like credit agencies and authorities for fraud prevention and legal compliance (Section 1).
Transaction Monitoring
Kraken can reject or suspend transactions and accounts if suspicious activity is detected or for regulatory compliance (Sections 4, 15).
Account Suspension
Kraken reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts without notice, potentially blocking access to funds for legal or security reasons (Section 15).
Reviewed from kraken.com/legal
ToS reviews are AI-generated and should be used as a reference only.
Events
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Verification
Learn moreThoroughly tested and verified by the team. But things might change, this is not a guarantee.
Comments
I’ve been using Kraken for several years now. The fee structure is pretty good, particularly if you trade more than US$50k per month, there is a rapid drop in the fees. Withdrawl fees are acceptable, and I’ve never had problems to withdrawl any crypto on any network. I have never withdrawn fiat back to my bank account, but there are also fees for that too. I have never had any funds blocked.
KYC is fairly extensive. I don’t remember exactly what I needed to provide, but i think it was a photo of a passport, plus obviously name, address, stuff like this. Account is linked to one specific country. So no matter in the world where you are, you are tied to restrictions for that location. If you are a UK user, then UK restrictions apply. That means you cannot buy Monero on Kraken if you are a UK customer.
The REST API is excellent. If you are a developer and can invest time in building an automated strategy, then Kraken’s API is brilliant for this.
What puts me off Kraken is their announcement to comply with CARF. This essentially means that from 1st January 2026, Kraken is obligated to provide details about transactions and trades to the UK government, which is a massive breach of privacy. There will therefore be tax implications for all users making bidirectional trades on Kraken. Also, withdrawls to any public-ledger private wallets may be compromised (e.g. Ethereum networks, Bitcoin, etc.), because Kraken may report these public addresses to the UK government so that they can then monitor your Assets via the various explorers and “make a determination about how much tax YOU need to pay”.
tl;dr; Kraken is an excellent centralized exchange but now appears to be shtng on their user’s privacy by reporting to the government.
fees are reasonable. But the strict KYC requirements and occasional token removals are a downside if you care about privacy and freedom.
In General a good Exchange. They De-listed Monero and a few other Tokens. They added a strong KYC requirement when they changed to a new Partner in the EU.
Of all the crypto exchanges I have used, Kraken Pro is one of the best. The app is user-friendly, offers a wide selection of cryptocurrencies, and has reasonable fees. Additionally, you can withdraw cryptocurrencies for a low fee.
However, the KYC process is bad. That’s why I’m deducting one star. However, if you are looking for a regulated exchange where you can easily buy and sell and don’t mind the KYC check, you should take a look at Kraken.
Awesome exchange with good mobile apps, easy to use, trade and manage crypto, with seamless off ramp to any bank account. Highly recommended.