What is the transaction fee for Kraken contracts? What are the differences in user fees for different levels?

Kraken's transaction fees vary by contract type and user trading volume, with maker fees ranging from 0.16% to 0% and taker fees from 0.26% to 0.08% across different levels.

May 04, 2025 at 02:14 am

Kraken is a well-known cryptocurrency exchange platform that offers a variety of trading options, including spot trading and futures trading. One of the key considerations for users when choosing a trading platform is the transaction fee structure. In this article, we will delve into the transaction fees for Kraken contracts and explore the differences in user fees for different levels.

Understanding Kraken Contracts

Kraken offers several types of contracts, including futures and margin trading. Futures contracts allow users to speculate on the future price of cryptocurrencies, while margin trading enables users to borrow funds to trade larger positions. Each type of contract has its own fee structure, which can vary based on the user's trading volume and account tier.

Transaction Fees for Futures Contracts

For futures contracts, Kraken charges a maker fee and a taker fee. The maker fee is applied when a user adds liquidity to the market by placing an order that does not immediately execute. The taker fee, on the other hand, is charged when a user removes liquidity from the market by placing an order that immediately executes.

• Maker Fee: The maker fee for futures contracts on Kraken ranges from 0.02% to 0.00% depending on the user's 30-day trading volume.
• Taker Fee: The taker fee ranges from 0.07% to 0.02% based on the same criteria.

Transaction Fees for Margin Trading

Margin trading on Kraken also involves fees that depend on the user's trading volume and account tier. The fees for margin trading are structured similarly to spot trading fees but with additional considerations for borrowing costs.

• Trading Fee: The trading fee for margin trading ranges from 0.16% to 0% for makers and from 0.26% to 0.10% for takers.
• Borrowing Fee: In addition to the trading fee, users must pay a borrowing fee for the funds they borrow. This fee varies based on the cryptocurrency being borrowed and the duration of the loan.

User Fee Levels on Kraken

Kraken categorizes users into different levels based on their trading volume over the past 30 days. Each level has its own fee structure, which can significantly impact the overall cost of trading. Here are the different levels and their corresponding fee structures:

• Level 1: Users with a 30-day trading volume of less than $50,000. The maker fee is 0.16% and the taker fee is 0.26%.
• Level 2: Users with a 30-day trading volume between $50,000 and $100,000. The maker fee is 0.14% and the taker fee is 0.24%.
• Level 3: Users with a 30-day trading volume between $100,000 and $250,000. The maker fee is 0.12% and the taker fee is 0.22%.
• Level 4: Users with a 30-day trading volume between $250,000 and $500,000. The maker fee is 0.10% and the taker fee is 0.20%.
• Level 5: Users with a 30-day trading volume between $500,000 and $1,000,000. The maker fee is 0.08% and the taker fee is 0.18%.
• Level 6: Users with a 30-day trading volume between $1,000,000 and $2,500,000. The maker fee is 0.06% and the taker fee is 0.16%.
• Level 7: Users with a 30-day trading volume between $2,500,000 and $5,000,000. The maker fee is 0.04% and the taker fee is 0.14%.
• Level 8: Users with a 30-day trading volume between $5,000,000 and $10,000,000. The maker fee is 0.02% and the taker fee is 0.12%.
• Level 9: Users with a 30-day trading volume between $10,000,000 and $20,000,000. The maker fee is 0.00% and the taker fee is 0.10%.
• Level 10: Users with a 30-day trading volume of $20,000,000 or more. The maker fee is 0.00% and the taker fee is 0.08%.

How to Check Your Fee Level on Kraken

To check your current fee level on Kraken, follow these steps:

• Log in to your Kraken account.
• Navigate to the "Fees" section in your account settings.
• Your current fee level and the corresponding fees will be displayed based on your 30-day trading volume.

Differences in User Fees for Different Levels

The primary difference in user fees for different levels on Kraken is the reduction in both maker and taker fees as the trading volume increases. Higher trading volumes result in lower fees, which can significantly benefit active traders. For example, a user at Level 1 will pay a maker fee of 0.16% and a taker fee of 0.26%, while a user at Level 10 will pay a maker fee of 0.00% and a taker fee of 0.08%.

Additionally, the fee structure for futures contracts and margin trading can vary slightly. For futures contracts, the maker fee can drop to 0.00% at higher levels, while the taker fee can be as low as 0.02%. For margin trading, the maker fee can also reach 0.00% at higher levels, with the taker fee dropping to 0.10%.

Impact of Fees on Trading Strategies

The fee structure on Kraken can influence trading strategies. Active traders who frequently place orders may benefit from achieving higher fee levels to reduce their trading costs. Conversely, occasional traders may find the fees at lower levels to be more relevant to their trading activity.

For example, a trader who primarily uses futures contracts might focus on achieving a higher trading volume to reduce the taker fee, which can be significant for high-frequency trading. On the other hand, a trader who uses margin trading might prioritize reducing the borrowing fee by maintaining a higher account balance and trading volume.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I reduce my fees on Kraken by trading more frequently?

A: Yes, increasing your trading volume over a 30-day period can help you achieve a higher fee level, which in turn reduces both maker and taker fees. However, be mindful of the risks associated with increased trading frequency.

Q: Are there any additional fees I should be aware of when trading on Kraken?

A: In addition to trading fees, you may encounter withdrawal fees, deposit fees, and borrowing fees for margin trading. These fees vary depending on the cryptocurrency and the method of transaction.

Q: How often does Kraken update the fee levels?

A: Kraken updates the fee levels based on your 30-day trading volume, which means your fee level can change monthly. It's important to monitor your trading activity to understand your current fee level.

Q: Can I negotiate fees with Kraken for high-volume trading?

A: Kraken does not typically negotiate fees on an individual basis. However, the fee structure is designed to reward high-volume traders with lower fees automatically as they reach higher levels.