How to enable futures trading on my Kraken account?

To start futures trading on Kraken, verify your account to Intermediate or Pro level, enable futures in the dashboard, fund your futures wallet, and place your first leveraged trade—always mindful of risks like liquidation and margin requirements.

Jul 30, 2025 at 03:57 am

Understanding Futures Trading on Kraken

Futures trading on Kraken allows users to speculate on the future price of cryptocurrencies using leveraged contracts. Before enabling this feature, it’s essential to understand that futures involve higher risk due to leverage, margin requirements, and potential for liquidation. Kraken offers both cross-margin and isolated-margin modes, giving traders flexibility in managing risk. To begin, ensure your account is verified at the Intermediate or Pro level, as futures access is not available for Basic-tier accounts.

Step-by-Step Account Verification

To enable futures trading, your Kraken account must be fully verified. Navigate to your account settings and locate the "Verification" tab. Follow these steps:

• Upload a government-issued ID (e.g., passport or driver’s license)
• Complete a live selfie verification using your webcam or mobile device
• Wait for Kraken’s review—this may take up to 24 hours
• Confirm your email and phone number if not already done
  Once verified, return to the main dashboard and look for the “Futures” section under trading options. If it’s still grayed out, refresh the page or log out and back in.
  

  Enabling Futures in Your Kraken Dashboard

  
  After verification, activate futures manually:
• Click on the “Futures” tab in the top navigation bar
• Select “Get Started” or “Enable Futures”
• Read and accept the Risk Disclosure Agreement—this is mandatory
• Set your default margin mode: choose between Cross Margin (uses entire balance as collateral) or Isolated Margin (limits risk to a specific position)
• Confirm with your two-factor authentication (2FA) code
  You’ll now see the futures trading interface. If the tab remains inactive, contact Kraken support directly via live chat or email.
  

  Funding Your Futures Wallet

  
  Before trading, transfer funds to your futures wallet:
• Go to “Wallets” > “Transfer Funds”
• Choose the asset you want to use (e.g., USDT, BTC, ETH)
• Select “Spot Wallet” as the source and “Futures Wallet” as the destination
• Enter the amount and click “Submit”
• Confirm the transfer using your 2FA method
  Note: Transfers between wallets are instant and fee-free. Always ensure your futures wallet has sufficient balance to cover initial margin and fees. Kraken displays real-time margin requirements per contract.
  

  Placing Your First Futures Trade

  
  Once funded, initiate a trade:
• Open the futures trading interface
• Choose a contract (e.g., BTC/USD perpetual)
• Set your order type: Limit, Market, or Stop-Loss
• Input the size (in contracts or USD value)
• Select leverage: Kraken allows up to 50x for BTC, lower for altcoins
• Review liquidation price and margin usage displayed in real time
• Click “Buy/Long” or “Sell/Short” and confirm with 2FA
  Always double-check your settings—especially leverage and position size—to avoid unexpected losses. Use test orders with small amounts to familiarize yourself with the interface.
  

  Troubleshooting Common Issues

  
  If futures remain disabled despite verification:
• Clear your browser cache or try Kraken’s official app
• Ensure your region supports futures—Kraken restricts access in certain countries like the U.S. (except via Kraken Futures entity)
• Check for pending identity document reviews in your verification history
• Disable any ad blockers or privacy extensions that might interfere
  If none work, submit a support ticket specifying “Futures Not Enabled” as the subject. Include a screenshot of your verification status and error message.
  

  Frequently Asked Questions

  
  Q: Can I use my existing Kraken Spot account for futures without re-verifying?
  Yes—if your account is already Intermediate or Pro tier, no additional documents are needed. Just enable futures in the dashboard and accept the risk agreement.
  

  Q: Why is the leverage option grayed out after funding?
  
  Leverage is restricted based on your trading volume and account age. New futures users start at 5x and can increase it gradually by trading consistently over 7 days.

  Q: Is there a minimum deposit to start futures trading on Kraken?
  
  No strict minimum exists, but you must have enough to cover the initial margin. For BTC/USD at 5x leverage, this is typically under $10. Always check the contract specifications.

  Q: Can I switch between cross and isolated margin after opening a position?
  
  No. The margin mode is locked per position. You must close the current trade before switching modes for new entries. Choose carefully during setup.