How to apply for Kraken contract API? What permissions and call restrictions are there?

Applying for a Kraken contract API involves registering, setting permissions, and securing keys with 2FA; be aware of call restrictions like rate and burst limits.

May 04, 2025 at 09:43 am

Applying for a Kraken contract API involves several steps that ensure secure and efficient access to Kraken's trading platform. In this guide, we'll walk through the process of applying for a Kraken contract API, discuss the permissions available, and detail the call restrictions you need to be aware of.

Understanding Kraken Contract API

The Kraken contract API allows users to interact programmatically with Kraken's trading platform. This is particularly useful for traders who want to automate their trading strategies or developers who are building applications that need to access market data and execute trades. Kraken's contract API is designed to be robust, secure, and efficient, ensuring that users can perform their operations with minimal latency and maximum security.

Steps to Apply for Kraken Contract API

To apply for a Kraken contract API, follow these steps:

• Register for a Kraken Account: If you don't already have one, you'll need to create a Kraken account. Visit the Kraken website, click on "Sign Up," and follow the registration process. Make sure to verify your email address and complete any required KYC (Know Your Customer) verification.

• Navigate to the API Section: Once your account is set up and verified, log in to your Kraken account. Go to the "Settings" menu, and then click on "API" to access the API management section.

• Create a New API Key: In the API section, you will see an option to "Generate New Key." Click on this to start the process of creating your API key. You will be prompted to enter a name for your key, which helps you manage multiple keys if needed.

• Set Permissions: When creating your API key, you need to set the permissions. Kraken allows you to customize the permissions for each key, so you can limit the access to specific functions. The available permissions include:

  • Query Funds: Allows the API to check your account balances.
  • Create and Cancel Orders: Permits the creation and cancellation of orders.
  • Withdraw Funds: Enables the withdrawal of funds from your account.
  • Ledger and Trades: Grants access to your trade history and ledger entries.

• Generate the Key: After setting the permissions, click on "Generate Key." Kraken will provide you with an API Key and an API Secret. It's crucial to save these securely, as the API Secret will not be shown again after you leave the page.

• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): For added security, Kraken requires that you enable 2FA on your account before you can use the API. Follow the instructions to set up 2FA using an authenticator app or a physical security key.

Permissions and Their Implications

Kraken's API permissions are designed to give users control over what their API keys can do. Here's a detailed look at each permission:

• Query Funds: This permission allows your API to check the balances of your Kraken account. It's useful for applications that need to monitor account balances in real-time but does not allow any transactions.

• Create and Cancel Orders: With this permission, your API can create new orders and cancel existing ones. This is essential for automated trading bots that need to execute trades based on predefined strategies.

• Withdraw Funds: This permission is the most sensitive, as it allows your API to initiate withdrawals from your account. It's recommended to use this permission sparingly and only with keys that are stored in highly secure environments.

• Ledger and Trades: This permission grants access to your trade history and ledger entries. It's useful for applications that need to analyze past trades or generate reports.

Call Restrictions on Kraken Contract API

Kraken imposes several call restrictions to ensure the stability and security of their platform. Here are the key restrictions you need to be aware of:

• Rate Limits: Kraken enforces rate limits on API calls to prevent abuse and ensure fair access for all users. The exact limits depend on the type of call, but typically, you are allowed a certain number of requests per minute. For example, the "Query Funds" call might be limited to 15 requests per minute, while "Create Order" might be limited to 5 requests per minute.

• Burst Limits: In addition to rate limits, Kraken also implements burst limits. These allow for a certain number of calls to be made in a short period, after which the rate limit applies. For instance, you might be allowed to make 30 "Query Funds" calls in a 10-second burst, but then you would need to wait before making more calls.

• IP Restrictions: Kraken may also enforce IP-based restrictions to prevent unauthorized access. If you're using the API from multiple IP addresses, you might need to whitelist those IPs with Kraken support.

• Key-Specific Limits: Some restrictions are applied on a per-key basis. For example, if you have multiple API keys, each key might have its own set of rate limits. This allows you to distribute your API calls across multiple keys if needed.

Managing Your API Keys

Once you have your API keys set up, it's important to manage them effectively. Here are some best practices:

• Regularly Review Permissions: Periodically review the permissions of your API keys to ensure they still meet your needs. If you no longer need a certain permission, you can regenerate the key with updated permissions.

• Use Different Keys for Different Purposes: If you're using the API for multiple applications or purposes, consider creating separate keys for each. This helps in isolating the permissions and makes it easier to manage and revoke access if needed.

• Monitor API Usage: Kraken provides tools to monitor your API usage. Use these to keep track of your call rates and ensure you're not hitting the limits unexpectedly.

• Secure Your Keys: Always store your API keys in a secure environment. Avoid hardcoding them into your applications, and consider using environment variables or secure vaults to manage them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I have multiple API keys with different permissions on Kraken?

A: Yes, you can create multiple API keys on Kraken, and each key can have different permissions. This allows you to tailor the access level for different applications or purposes.

Q: What should I do if I hit the rate limit on Kraken's API?

A: If you hit the rate limit, you should wait until the limit resets before making more calls. You can also consider distributing your calls across multiple API keys if you have them, or optimize your application to make fewer calls by batching requests where possible.

Q: How can I secure my Kraken API keys?

A: To secure your Kraken API keys, store them in a secure environment such as an encrypted vault or use environment variables. Never share your keys or hardcode them into your applications. Additionally, enable two-factor authentication on your Kraken account for an extra layer of security.

Q: Can I change the permissions of an existing API key on Kraken?

A: No, you cannot change the permissions of an existing API key on Kraken. If you need to change the permissions, you will need to generate a new key with the desired permissions and revoke the old key.