How to transfer from spot to futures on Kraken?

To trade futures on Kraken, manually transfer funds from your spot wallet to your futures wallet—ensure KYC is complete, double-check asset compatibility, and confirm with 2FA.

Jul 25, 2025 at 11:36 am

Understanding Spot and Futures Accounts on Kraken

Kraken separates trading into two distinct environments: spot trading and futures trading. Your spot account holds your actual cryptocurrency balances—like BTC, ETH, or USDT—that you’ve purchased or deposited. In contrast, the futures account is a separate ledger used exclusively for leveraged trading contracts. Even if you have funds in your spot wallet, they must be manually transferred to your futures wallet before you can open or maintain a futures position. This separation ensures risk containment and regulatory compliance.

Step-by-Step: Navigating to the Transfer Section

To begin the transfer, log in to your Kraken account via the web platform (mobile app support may vary).

• Click on the “Funding” tab in the top navigation menu.
• From the dropdown, select “Transfer funds”.
• You’ll now see options to move assets between your spot and futures accounts.
• Ensure your identity verification (KYC) is complete—if not, Kraken may restrict futures access entirely.
• Choose the asset you want to transfer—this must be a coin or stablecoin supported by Kraken Futures (e.g., BTC, ETH, USDT, or USD).
  

  Specifying the Transfer Amount and Confirming Details

  
  Once in the transfer interface:
• Select “From: Spot Wallet” and “To: Futures Wallet”.
• Enter the exact amount you wish to move. Be precise—Kraken does not allow fractional transfers below the asset’s minimum unit (e.g., 0.00000001 BTC).
• Review the transfer summary: it will show the asset, amount, and current exchange rate if applicable (for fiat).
• If transferring stablecoins like USDT, confirm the network (e.g., ERC-20 or TRC-20) matches Kraken’s supported standards—mismatched networks can result in permanent loss of funds.
• Click “Submit” only after verifying every field.
  

  Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Verification

  
  Kraken requires an extra layer of security for all fund movements:
• After submitting the transfer, a pop-up will prompt for 2FA authentication.
• Open your authenticator app (Google Authenticator, Authy, etc.) and enter the 6-digit code.
• If you use SMS-based 2FA, wait for the text message and input the code.
• In rare cases, Kraken may request email confirmation—check your inbox for a link to finalize the transfer.
• This step is non-negotiable; skipping it leaves the transfer pending indefinitely.
  

  Checking the Transfer Status and Wallet Balances

  
  Once 2FA is verified:
• Go to the “History” section under “Funding” to see real-time status updates.
• Look for an entry labeled “Transfer to Futures” with a timestamp and status of “Completed”.
• Navigate to your futures dashboard—your balance should now reflect the transferred amount.
• If the balance doesn’t update within 5 minutes, refresh the page or clear your browser cache.
• For large transfers (e.g., over $10,000), Kraken may apply a manual review—this can take up to 24 hours but is rare for verified users.
  

  Troubleshooting Common Transfer Errors

  
  If the transfer fails:
• Check for “Insufficient funds”—ensure your spot wallet has enough to cover the amount plus any hidden fees (Kraken typically charges zero for internal transfers, but network fees may apply for certain assets).
• Verify the asset is eligible for futures trading—Kraken does not allow all spot assets (e.g., ADA or XRP) in futures.
• If the 2FA code is rejected, ensure your device clock is synced—time drift breaks TOTP codes.
• Contact Kraken Support only if the error persists after 30 minutes; include your transfer ID from the history log.
  

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  Frequently Asked Questions

  Can I reverse a transfer from spot to futures on Kraken?
  
  Yes—you can move funds back from futures to spot at any time using the same “Transfer funds” interface. Select “From: Futures Wallet” and “To: Spot Wallet”, then follow the same 2FA process.

  Why doesn’t my transferred balance appear in the futures trading interface?
  
  This usually means the transfer hasn’t settled. Wait 5–10 minutes, then refresh. If it still doesn’t appear, ensure you’re viewing the correct futures market (e.g., BTC/USD vs. ETH/USD)—balances are market-specific in some cases.

  Is there a fee for transferring between spot and futures on Kraken?
  
  No, Kraken does not charge fees for internal transfers between spot and futures wallets. However, if you’re moving a token that incurs network fees (like ERC-20 tokens), those are deducted from your spot balance before the transfer.

  Do I need to complete a new KYC for futures if I already have a spot account?
  
  Yes—Kraken treats futures as a separate product. Even with a verified spot account, you must opt-in to futures trading and complete Kraken’s futures-specific KYC, which may include proof of address and income verification.