Does Kraken spot trading have Maker rebates? How is the rate calculated?

Kraken offers Maker rebates for spot trading, with rates calculated based on 30-day volume and trading pair, rewarding users for adding liquidity to the market.

May 17, 2025 at 08:35 am

Does Kraken spot trading have Maker rebates? How is the rate calculated?

Kraken, a well-known cryptocurrency exchange, offers a variety of trading options to its users, including spot trading. Spot trading on Kraken allows users to buy and sell cryptocurrencies at the current market price. One of the frequently asked questions among traders is whether Kraken offers Maker rebates for spot trading and how the rates are calculated. This article will delve into these aspects in detail.

Understanding Maker and Taker Fees

Before diving into the specifics of Kraken's spot trading fees, it's important to understand the difference between Maker and Taker orders. A Maker order is an order that adds liquidity to the market, meaning it is placed on the order book and waits for a matching order to be executed. A Taker order, on the other hand, removes liquidity from the market by immediately matching with an existing order on the order book.

Does Kraken Offer Maker Rebates for Spot Trading?

Kraken's fee structure for spot trading is designed to incentivize users to add liquidity to the market. Yes, Kraken does offer Maker rebates for spot trading. This means that if you place a Maker order, you could receive a rebate rather than paying a fee. However, the specific conditions and rates can vary based on several factors, including the trading pair and your trading volume.

How Are Maker Rebates Calculated on Kraken?

The calculation of Maker rebates on Kraken is based on a tiered fee structure that takes into account the user's 30-day trading volume and the specific trading pair. The higher your trading volume, the better the rebate you can receive. Here's a detailed look at how these rebates are calculated:

• Trading Volume Tiers: Kraken categorizes users into different tiers based on their 30-day trading volume. For example, a user with a trading volume of less than $50,000 in the past 30 days falls into a different tier than a user with a volume of over $10 million.
• Trading Pair: Different trading pairs have different fee structures. For instance, trading BTC/USD might have different Maker rebates compared to trading ETH/EUR.
• Maker Rebate Rates: Depending on your tier and the trading pair, you can receive a rebate that ranges from 0% to a negative percentage, which means you get paid to add liquidity to the market. For example, a user in the highest volume tier might receive a 0.02% rebate for placing a Maker order on a specific pair.

To give you a clearer picture, let's consider an example. Suppose you are in the tier with a 30-day trading volume between $50,000 and $100,000, and you are trading BTC/USD. If the Maker rebate for this tier and pair is -0.01%, for every $10,000 you add to the market as a Maker, you would receive a $1 rebate.

How to Check Your Maker Rebate on Kraken

To check your current Maker rebate on Kraken, follow these steps:

• Log into your Kraken account.
• Navigate to the 'Fees' section under your account settings.
• Select the trading pair you are interested in.
• View your current tier and corresponding Maker rebate rate.

Maximizing Your Maker Rebates on Kraken

To maximize your Maker rebates on Kraken, consider the following strategies:

• Increase Your Trading Volume: The higher your 30-day trading volume, the better the tier you fall into, which can lead to higher rebates.
• Choose High-Rebate Trading Pairs: Some trading pairs offer higher rebates than others. Research and focus on pairs that provide the best rebates for your trading style.
• Use Limit Orders: Placing limit orders increases your chances of being a Maker, as these orders add liquidity to the market.

Understanding the Impact of Taker Fees

While Maker rebates are an attractive feature, it's also important to understand the Taker fees on Kraken. Taker fees are charged when you place an order that is immediately matched with an existing order on the order book. These fees are typically higher than Maker fees and can impact your overall trading costs. For example, if you are in the same tier as mentioned earlier, your Taker fee for BTC/USD might be 0.26%, which is significantly higher than the Maker rebate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I receive Maker rebates on all trading pairs on Kraken?

A: No, Maker rebates vary by trading pair. Some pairs offer higher rebates than others, so it's important to check the specific fees for each pair you are interested in trading.

Q: How often does Kraken update the fee structure?

A: Kraken periodically reviews and updates its fee structure. It's advisable to check the fees section of your account regularly to stay informed about any changes.

Q: Does Kraken offer any other incentives for spot trading besides Maker rebates?

A: Yes, Kraken also offers reduced fees for users who hold a certain amount of their native token, Kraken's own cryptocurrency. This can further reduce your trading costs.

Q: Can I use Kraken's API to automate my trading and still receive Maker rebates?

A: Yes, Kraken's API supports both Maker and Taker orders. By using the API, you can automate your trading strategy and still benefit from Maker rebates, provided your orders add liquidity to the market.