Kraken sub-account management: how to create and set sub-account permissions

Kraken's sub-account management allows users to organize crypto activities, set permissions, and monitor transactions efficiently.

Jun 06, 2025 at 09:57 am

Managing sub-accounts on Kraken can be a powerful tool for users who wish to organize their cryptocurrency activities more efficiently. Whether you're a trader looking to segregate different trading strategies or an organization managing multiple users, sub-account management on Kraken allows you to create and set permissions for sub-accounts with ease. This article will guide you through the process of creating a sub-account and setting up its permissions step by step.

Accessing Sub-Account Management on Kraken

To start managing sub-accounts on Kraken, you need to access the sub-account management section. Here's how you can do it:

• Log in to your Kraken account. Ensure that you are using a secure and trusted device.
• Navigate to the 'Account' section. You can find this in the top right corner of the Kraken website.
• Click on 'Sub-accounts'. This option should be available under the 'Account' dropdown menu.

Once you are in the sub-account management section, you will see an overview of any existing sub-accounts and options to create new ones.

Creating a New Sub-Account

Creating a new sub-account is straightforward. Follow these steps:

• Click on the 'Create Sub-Account' button. This button is usually prominently displayed in the sub-account management section.
• Enter the required information. You will need to provide a name for the sub-account and possibly additional details depending on Kraken's current policies.
• Confirm the creation. After entering the necessary information, click on the 'Confirm' or 'Create' button to finalize the process.

Once the sub-account is created, you will receive a notification, and the new sub-account will appear in your list of sub-accounts.

Setting Sub-Account Permissions

After creating a sub-account, the next crucial step is setting its permissions. Permissions determine what actions the sub-account can perform, and it's essential to set them according to your needs. Here's how you can set permissions:

• Select the sub-account you want to configure by clicking on it from the list of sub-accounts.
• Go to the 'Permissions' tab. This tab will display all the available permissions you can set for the sub-account.
• Choose the permissions you want to enable or disable. Common permissions include trading, withdrawal, and deposit capabilities.
• Save the changes. After selecting the desired permissions, click on the 'Save' or 'Update' button to apply the changes.

It's important to review the permissions periodically to ensure they still align with your needs.

Managing Sub-Account API Keys

For users who want to automate their trading or other activities, managing API keys for sub-accounts is essential. Here's how to do it:

• Access the sub-account for which you want to manage API keys.
• Navigate to the 'API' tab. This tab will be available in the sub-account's settings.
• Create a new API key by clicking on the 'Create API Key' button. You will need to specify what permissions the API key should have.
• Securely store the API key. Once created, you will be shown the API key and secret. It's crucial to save these securely as you won't be able to retrieve them later.

API keys allow you to automate various functions of the sub-account, making it easier to manage multiple accounts efficiently.

Monitoring Sub-Account Activity

Keeping track of what's happening in your sub-accounts is vital for security and management purposes. Kraken provides tools to monitor sub-account activity:

• View transaction history. You can access the transaction history of each sub-account to see all deposits, withdrawals, and trades.
• Check account balances. Regularly review the balances of your sub-accounts to ensure they align with your expectations.
• Set up alerts. Kraken allows you to set up alerts for certain activities, such as large withdrawals or significant trades, which can help you stay informed about sub-account activity.

By monitoring your sub-accounts, you can quickly identify and respond to any unusual activity.

Transferring Funds Between Sub-Accounts

Transferring funds between sub-accounts is a common requirement for users managing multiple accounts. Here's how you can do it:

• Select the sub-account from which you want to transfer funds.
• Navigate to the 'Transfer' section. This might be found under a 'Funds' or 'Wallet' tab.
• Enter the amount you wish to transfer and select the destination sub-account.
• Confirm the transfer. After entering the details, review them and confirm the transfer.

Transfers between sub-accounts are usually instant and free, making it an efficient way to manage your funds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I change the name of a sub-account after it's been created?

A: Yes, you can change the name of a sub-account. Simply go to the sub-account management section, select the sub-account, and look for an option to edit the name. Save the changes once you've updated the name.

Q: Is there a limit to the number of sub-accounts I can create on Kraken?

A: Kraken may impose limits on the number of sub-accounts you can create based on your account type and verification level. It's best to check the specific limits in the sub-account management section or contact Kraken support for detailed information.

Q: Can sub-accounts have their own API keys with different permissions than the main account?

A: Yes, each sub-account can have its own API keys with permissions set independently of the main account. This allows for more granular control over what automated processes can do on each sub-account.

Q: What happens to a sub-account if I close my main Kraken account?

A: If you close your main Kraken account, all associated sub-accounts will also be closed. It's important to transfer any funds out of the sub-accounts before closing the main account to avoid losing access to them.