What are the fees for withdrawing from Kraken

Kraken's withdrawal fees vary by cryptocurrency and network conditions, with real-time costs displayed before transaction confirmation.

Aug 03, 2025 at 10:01 am

Understanding Kraken Withdrawal Fees Structure

Kraken, one of the leading cryptocurrency exchanges, applies withdrawal fees that vary based on the digital asset being transferred. These fees are set by Kraken to cover network transaction costs and operational expenses. It is important to note that each cryptocurrency has a different fee structure, which is determined by blockchain congestion, transaction size, and market standards. For example, Bitcoin (BTC) withdrawals typically incur a fee based on satoshis per byte, while Ethereum (ETH) fees are calculated in gas units multiplied by the current network gas price.

Users must access the official Kraken Fees & Minimums page to view up-to-date withdrawal costs. This page categorizes fees by digital asset and withdrawal method. The displayed fee is usually a flat rate per transaction, regardless of the amount withdrawn, although some assets may have dynamic fees during high network load. These fees are deducted directly from the withdrawn amount, meaning the user receives the net amount after the fee is subtracted.

How to Check Withdrawal Fees on Kraken

To determine the exact cost of a withdrawal, users must log into their Kraken account and navigate to the Funding section. From there, selecting Withdraw Funds will display a dropdown menu of supported cryptocurrencies. After choosing a specific asset, Kraken automatically shows the associated network fee before the transaction is confirmed.

• Click on the "Funding" tab in your Kraken dashboard
• Select "Withdraw" from the submenu
• Choose the cryptocurrency you wish to withdraw
• Enter the destination wallet address
• Input the withdrawal amount
• Observe the estimated network fee displayed below

This real-time fee preview ensures transparency. The displayed fee includes both Kraken’s processing charge and the underlying blockchain network cost. Users should verify the destination address carefully, as Kraken does not refund transactions sent to incorrect addresses, even if the fee was paid.

Fee Variations Across Different Cryptocurrencies

Kraken supports over 70 cryptocurrencies, each with distinct withdrawal fees. For instance:

• Bitcoin (BTC): Fees fluctuate based on network congestion. As of recent data, standard BTC withdrawals cost around 0.0005 BTC, while priority options may cost more.
• Ethereum (ETH): Withdrawals are priced in ETH and depend on gas fees. Typical fees range from 0.004 to 0.01 ETH, varying with network demand.
• Stablecoins like USDT (ERC-20): When withdrawn via the Ethereum network, fees are paid in ETH, not USDT. The fee depends on ETH gas prices at the time of withdrawal.
• Litecoin (LTC): Usually costs around 0.001 LTC per transaction.
• XRP: Requires a minimum reserve of 10 XRP in the destination wallet. Kraken charges a small fee, typically 0.02 XRP, but users must ensure the receiving wallet meets the reserve requirement.

These fees are subject to change without notice due to shifts in blockchain economics. Kraken updates its fee schedule regularly to reflect current network conditions.

Withdrawal Fees for Fiat Currencies

Kraken also allows users to withdraw fiat currencies such as USD, EUR, and GBP. These withdrawals differ significantly from crypto withdrawals in both process and cost structure. Fiat withdrawals are processed via bank transfer, SEPA, SWIFT, or domestic wire, each carrying its own fee.

• SEPA (Euro transfers): Typically free or low-cost (around €0.05 to €1) for Euro-denominated accounts within the SEPA zone.
• Domestic Wire (USD): U.S. customers may incur a $5 fee for outgoing domestic wire transfers.
• SWIFT (International): International wire transfers in USD or other currencies can cost $30 to $50, with additional intermediary bank fees possible.

Users must ensure their bank supports the selected withdrawal method. For example, SEPA transfers require an IBAN number, while SWIFT transfers require a BIC/SWIFT code. Kraken processes fiat withdrawals only to verified bank accounts previously linked to the user’s identity.

Minimizing Withdrawal Costs on Kraken

To reduce withdrawal expenses, users can adopt several strategies. Timing plays a crucial role, especially for cryptocurrencies with dynamic fees. Withdrawing Ethereum or ERC-20 tokens during periods of low network congestion can significantly lower gas costs. Tools like Etherscan Gas Tracker help identify optimal times.

• Monitor blockchain network load using external tools before initiating a withdrawal
• Use Kraken’s fee tier system—higher-volume traders may qualify for reduced fees
• Choose networks with lower inherent costs (e.g., withdrawing USDT via TRON (TRC-20) instead of Ethereum) if the receiving wallet supports it
• Consolidate small balances into fewer, larger withdrawals to minimize per-transaction fees

Kraken does not offer fee discounts for specific user tiers beyond its maker-taker fee schedule, which applies to trading, not withdrawals. However, frequent users should still verify their account status and withdrawal limits, as higher verification levels unlock greater withdrawal capacities.

Common Issues and Fee-Related Errors

Users sometimes encounter errors related to insufficient funds for withdrawal fees. For example, attempting to withdraw 0.0004 BTC when the fee is 0.0005 BTC will fail. Kraken requires the available balance to exceed the sum of the withdrawal amount and the network fee.

Another common issue involves incorrect network selection. Withdrawing USDT via ERC-20 to a wallet that only accepts TRC-20 can result in lost funds. Always confirm the receiving wallet’s supported networks. Kraken displays a warning if the destination appears incompatible, but the final responsibility lies with the user.

Deposits used to cover withdrawal fees must fully clear before a withdrawal can proceed. For instance, a recent ACH deposit in USD may take 4–5 business days to settle. Attempting a fiat withdrawal before settlement results in rejection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Kraken charge different fees for verified vs. unverified accounts?

No, Kraken applies the same withdrawal fees across all verified account levels. However, unverified accounts have lower withdrawal limits and may not access certain withdrawal methods.

Can I cancel a withdrawal after it’s been processed?

Once a cryptocurrency withdrawal is confirmed by Kraken, it cannot be canceled or reversed. For fiat withdrawals, users may contact support immediately, but success depends on processing stage.

Why was my withdrawal fee higher than expected?

Fee spikes occur during high blockchain congestion, especially on Ethereum or Bitcoin networks. Kraken passes on actual network costs, which can rise temporarily.

Are there minimum withdrawal amounts on Kraken?

Yes, each asset has a minimum. For example, BTC minimum is 0.002 BTC, ETH is 0.01 ETH, and USD fiat withdrawals require at least $10. These prevent uneconomical transactions.