How much is the handling fee for Kraken perpetual contracts? Is the rate tiered?

Kraken's fee structure for perpetual contracts offers tiered rates based on 30-day volume, with maker fees from 0.02% to 0.00% and taker fees from 0.05% to 0.01%.

May 16, 2025 at 09:00 pm

When trading perpetual contracts on Kraken, understanding the handling fees, also known as trading fees, is crucial for any trader looking to optimize their trading strategy. Kraken's fee structure for perpetual contracts is designed to be competitive and transparent, offering different rates based on the user's trading volume and whether they are a maker or a taker in the trade.

Understanding Maker and Taker Fees

Kraken's fee structure differentiates between maker and taker fees. A maker fee is charged when a trader adds liquidity to the market by placing an order that does not immediately execute, thus creating or "making" a new order in the order book. Conversely, a taker fee is applied when a trader removes liquidity from the market by placing an order that immediately executes against an existing order, thus "taking" an order from the order book.

Standard Fee Rates for Perpetual Contracts

For perpetual contracts, Kraken applies the following standard fee rates:

• Maker Fee: 0.02% of the trade value
• Taker Fee: 0.05% of the trade value

These rates apply to users who do not meet the criteria for any of Kraken's volume-based discounts.

Tiered Fee Structure Based on Trading Volume

Kraken offers a tiered fee structure that rewards users with higher trading volumes with lower fees. The tiers are based on the total trading volume over a 30-day period and are applicable to both maker and taker fees. Below is a detailed breakdown of the tiered fee structure:

• Tier 1: 0-50,000 USD volume

  • Maker Fee: 0.02%
  • Taker Fee: 0.05%

• Tier 2: 50,001-100,000 USD volume

  • Maker Fee: 0.015%
  • Taker Fee: 0.04%

• Tier 3: 100,001-250,000 USD volume

  • Maker Fee: 0.01%
  • Taker Fee: 0.03%

• Tier 4: 250,001-500,000 USD volume

  • Maker Fee: 0.005%
  • Taker Fee: 0.02%

• Tier 5: 500,001-1,000,000 USD volume

  • Maker Fee: 0.002%
  • Taker Fee: 0.015%

• Tier 6: 1,000,001+ USD volume

  • Maker Fee: 0.00%
  • Taker Fee: 0.01%

How to Check Your Trading Volume and Fee Tier

To check your current trading volume and corresponding fee tier on Kraken, follow these steps:

• Log into your Kraken account.
• Navigate to the 'Fees' section under your account settings.
• View your 30-day trading volume and the corresponding fee tier.

This information is updated daily, so it's important to monitor your trading activity to understand your current fee rates.

Calculating Your Fees

To calculate the fees for a specific trade, you need to know the trade value and whether you are acting as a maker or a taker. Here's how to do it:

• Determine the trade value: This is the total value of the trade in USD.
• Identify your fee tier: Based on your 30-day trading volume.
• Apply the appropriate fee rate: Multiply the trade value by the maker or taker fee rate corresponding to your tier.

For example, if you are in Tier 3 and you execute a trade as a maker with a value of $10,000, your fee would be calculated as follows:

• Fee = Trade Value x Maker Fee Rate
• Fee = $10,000 x 0.01%
• Fee = $1

Additional Considerations

It's important to note that Kraken may adjust its fee structure from time to time, so it's advisable to check the latest fee schedule on their website. Additionally, certain promotions or special events might offer reduced fees or fee waivers, which can be beneficial for traders looking to minimize their trading costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I reduce my fees by using Kraken's referral program?

A: Yes, Kraken offers a referral program where you can earn a percentage of the trading fees generated by users you refer to the platform. This can indirectly help reduce your overall trading costs by generating additional income.

Q: Are there any other ways to reduce trading fees on Kraken?

A: Besides the tiered fee structure and referral program, Kraken occasionally runs promotions that can offer reduced fees or fee waivers. Additionally, trading in larger volumes can naturally move you to a lower fee tier, thus reducing your fees.

Q: How often does Kraken update the fee tiers?

A: Kraken updates the fee tiers based on your 30-day trading volume daily. This means that your fee tier can change from day to day depending on your trading activity.

Q: Do the fees for perpetual contracts differ from those for spot trading?

A: Yes, the fee structure for perpetual contracts is different from that of spot trading. While both have maker and taker fees, the rates and tier thresholds can vary. It's important to check the specific fee schedule for each type of trading on Kraken's website.