What are the common reasons for a failed withdrawal from Kraken

Failed Kraken withdrawals often stem from insufficient balance, wrong network selection, or incorrect addresses—always verify available funds and wallet compatibility.

Aug 05, 2025 at 05:14 am

Insufficient Balance or Incorrect Asset Selection

One of the most frequent causes of a failed withdrawal from Kraken is attempting to withdraw more than the available balance in the selected cryptocurrency or fiat currency. Users often overlook pending orders, staked assets, or funds locked in Kraken Earn positions, which are not immediately withdrawable. It’s essential to verify the available balance—not the total balance—before initiating a withdrawal. Additionally, selecting the wrong cryptocurrency or network can result in irreversible fund loss. For instance, withdrawing USDT via the ERC-20 network to a wallet that only supports TRC-20 may lead to the transaction being rejected or lost. Always double-check the asset and the destination wallet’s supported networks.

Incorrect Withdrawal Address or Network Mismatch

Entering an invalid or incorrect withdrawal address is a major reason for failed transactions. Kraken does not validate external wallet addresses for correctness—only format. If even one character is wrong, the funds may be sent to an unreachable or incorrect destination. Similarly, network mismatch occurs when the withdrawal network (e.g., Optimism, Arbitrum, BSC, or Polygon) does not align with the receiving wallet’s supported network. To prevent this:

• Copy the receiving address directly from the wallet interface.
• Confirm the wallet supports the selected blockchain network.
• Use Kraken’s address book to save and reuse verified addresses.
• Test with a small amount before sending larger sums.
  

  Account Verification and Withdrawal Limits

  
  Kraken enforces tiered verification levels, and higher withdrawal limits require more extensive identity verification. If a user attempts to withdraw an amount exceeding their current tier’s limit, the request will fail. For example, unverified accounts have very low or zero withdrawal capabilities. To resolve this:
• Log into your Kraken account.
• Navigate to Settings > Account > Identity Verification.
• Submit required documents such as government-issued ID, proof of address, and, if needed, proof of source of funds.
• Wait for approval, which may take several business days.
  Once verified, withdrawal limits are increased, allowing larger transactions to proceed.
  

  Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and Security Failures

  
  Kraken mandates two-factor authentication (2FA) for all withdrawal actions. If 2FA is not properly configured or the authentication code is entered incorrectly, the withdrawal will be blocked. Common issues include:
• Using an outdated Google Authenticator code.
• Not syncing the time on the 2FA app.
• Losing access to the 2FA device without a backup method.
  To ensure smooth withdrawals:
• Enable 2FA via Google Authenticator or YubiKey in Settings > Security.
• Store backup codes in a secure location.
• If locked out, use Kraken’s account recovery process, which may require identity confirmation.
  Without successful 2FA verification, Kraken will not process the withdrawal, treating it as a security risk.
  

  System Maintenance or Temporary Service Outages

  
  Kraken occasionally performs scheduled maintenance or experiences unexpected outages on specific blockchain networks or fiat withdrawal systems. During these periods, withdrawal requests may be delayed or fail outright. For example, Ethereum network upgrades or Bitcoin mempool congestion can affect crypto withdrawals. Similarly, bank processing downtimes impact SEPA or SWIFT transfers. Users should:
• Check Kraken’s Status Page (status.kraken.com) for real-time updates.
• Monitor official Kraken Blog or Twitter for announcements.
• Avoid initiating time-sensitive withdrawals during known maintenance windows.
  If a withdrawal fails due to system issues, Kraken typically refunds the amount to the account automatically once services resume.
  

  Whitelist and Withdrawal Protection Settings

  
  Kraken offers a withdrawal whitelist feature to enhance security. If enabled, users can only send funds to pre-approved addresses. Attempting to withdraw to a new or unverified address without first adding it to the whitelist will result in failure. The process to manage this:
• Go to Funding > Withdraw > Settings.
• Enable Withdrawal Whitelist if not already active.
• Add the destination address and confirm via email and 2FA.
• Wait for the 24-hour cooldown period before the address becomes active.
  Even if the withdrawal is initiated correctly, bypassing this cooldown will cause rejection. Users must plan ahead and add addresses well in advance of intended transfers.
  

  Fiat Withdrawal Issues: Bank Details and Processing Rules

  
  For fiat currency withdrawals (e.g., USD, EUR), incorrect or mismatched bank details are a primary cause of failure. Kraken requires the bank account to be under the same legal name as the Kraken account holder. Discrepancies in name spelling, account number, or routing details will lead to rejection. Additionally:
• Ensure the bank supports incoming international transfers if using SWIFT.
• Confirm that SEPA transfers are within the Eurozone for EUR withdrawals.
• Verify that the bank account is capable of receiving the specific currency.
  Failed fiat withdrawals are typically reversed within 3–5 business days, but delays depend on intermediary banks.
  

  Frequently Asked Questions

  Why did my Kraken withdrawal disappear from the history?
  
  A withdrawal may appear to vanish if it was rejected due to an error. Check the Transaction History filter for “failed” or “canceled” status. Funds are usually returned to your account within minutes to hours. If not visible, contact Kraken Support with the transaction ID.

  Can I cancel a pending withdrawal on Kraken?
  
  Yes, if the withdrawal is still in “pending” status, you may cancel it via Funding > Withdraw > History. Click the “Cancel” option next to the transaction. Once processing begins, cancellation is no longer possible.

  What happens if I send crypto to Kraken using the wrong network?
  
  If you deposit using an unsupported network (e.g., sending BEP-20 USDT to a ERC-20 deposit address), Kraken may not credit the funds. Contact Kraken Support immediately with the transaction ID. Recovery is possible in some cases but not guaranteed.

  How long does Kraken take to reverse a failed withdrawal?
  
  Most failed withdrawals are reversed within 1 to 24 hours. Fiat reversals may take 3–5 business days due to banking processes. Check your balance and transaction history. If funds are not returned after 48 hours, submit a support ticket.