Why is my Kraken withdrawal pending

A pending Kraken withdrawal means your request is being processed—either undergoing security checks or awaiting blockchain confirmation—and is typically resolved within minutes to hours.

Aug 04, 2025 at 02:49 am

Understanding Withdrawal Processing on Kraken

When a Kraken withdrawal is pending, it typically means the transaction has been initiated but not yet processed or confirmed on the blockchain. The status "pending" indicates that Kraken has received your withdrawal request and is currently handling it. This stage may involve internal verification, security checks, or awaiting confirmation from the blockchain network. It's important to recognize that "pending" does not mean failed—it is a normal part of the withdrawal lifecycle. Kraken employs multi-layered security protocols to prevent unauthorized withdrawals, which may extend processing time, especially for large amounts or new account activities.

Security and Verification Checks

Kraken conducts automated risk assessments on all withdrawal requests. If your account has recently undergone changes—such as a new device login, IP address shift, or updated withdrawal address—Kraken may flag the transaction for manual review. During this phase, the withdrawal remains in "pending" status while the system verifies legitimacy. To expedite this process:

• Ensure your two-factor authentication (2FA) is active and accessible.
• Confirm that your email and phone number are verified.
• Avoid logging in from unrecognized devices during withdrawal periods.
  If Kraken detects anomalies, it may require additional identity verification (e.g., uploading a government ID or selfie). Completing these steps promptly can reduce delays caused by security protocols.
  

  Blockchain Network Congestion and Fees

  
  Even after Kraken processes your withdrawal, the transaction may remain pending on the blockchain network due to congestion or insufficient fees. For crypto withdrawals, Kraken broadcasts the transaction to the relevant blockchain (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). If the network is overloaded, transactions with lower fees may sit in the mempool (a holding area for unconfirmed transactions) for extended periods. To check this:
• Obtain the transaction hash (TXID) from your Kraken withdrawal history.
• Paste the TXID into a blockchain explorer like blockchain.com (for Bitcoin) or etherscan.io (for Ethereum).
• Review the number of confirmations. If it shows "0 confirmations," the network hasn’t processed it yet.
  In such cases, you cannot cancel the transaction, but you can sometimes accelerate it using services like Bitcoin Fee Boost (if supported by your wallet).
  

  Withdrawal Limits and Scheduling

  
  Kraken enforces daily and weekly withdrawal limits based on your account verification level. If your request exceeds these limits, it will remain pending until sufficient time passes or you upgrade your account. To check your current limits:
• Log in to your Kraken account.
• Navigate to "Funding" > "Withdrawal Limits".
• Review the 24-hour and 7-day thresholds for your currency.
  Additionally, Kraken may batch withdrawals for certain cryptocurrencies to optimize costs. For example, XRP or XLM withdrawals are often processed in scheduled batches rather than instantly. This means your withdrawal could be delayed by several hours even if approved internally. Check Kraken’s fees and minimums page for specific processing schedules per asset.
  

  Incorrect or Unconfirmed Withdrawal Addresses

  
  Providing an invalid or unverified withdrawal address can cause prolonged pending status. Kraken requires users to pre-verify external addresses for security. If you attempt to withdraw to an unverified address:
• The transaction may freeze in "pending" state.
• You’ll receive an email prompting you to confirm the address via 2FA.
  To resolve this:
• Go to "Funding" > "Withdraw".
• Select the cryptocurrency and enter the destination address.
• Click "Add new address" and follow the verification steps.
• Once confirmed, retry the withdrawal.
  Ensure the address matches the correct network format (e.g., a Bitcoin address starting with "bc1" or "3"). Sending funds to an incompatible address (e.g., sending BTC to a BCH address) may result in permanent loss.
  

  Troubleshooting Steps for Pending Withdrawals

  
  If your Kraken withdrawal remains pending beyond expected timeframes, take the following actions:
• Check the Kraken Status Page: Visit [status.kraken.com](https://status.kraken.com) to see if there are ongoing outages or maintenance affecting withdrawals.
• Review Email Notifications: Kraken sends alerts for verification requests or failed attempts. Search your inbox for "Kraken" and "withdrawal".

• Contact Kraken Support: Submit a ticket via "Help" > "Contact Us". Include:

  • Your Kraken email.
  • Transaction hash (TXID).
  • Timestamp of the withdrawal.
  • Screenshots of the pending status.
    Avoid submitting duplicate tickets, as this can slow response times.
• Monitor Blockchain Activity: Use a blockchain explorer to verify if the TXID exists. If it does, the issue lies with network confirmation, not Kraken.
  

  Frequently Asked Questions

  
  How long does a Kraken withdrawal usually stay pending?
  Most withdrawals are processed within minutes to a few hours. Fiat withdrawals (e.g., USD via SEPA or wire) may take 1–5 business days. Cryptocurrency withdrawals depend on blockchain speed—Bitcoin can take 10 minutes to several hours, while Ethereum varies with gas fees.
  

  Can I cancel a pending withdrawal on Kraken?
  
  You cannot cancel a withdrawal once it’s pending. If it’s stuck due to network issues, you must wait for confirmation or rejection. For unverified address holds, canceling may be possible before 2FA confirmation. Check the withdrawal page for a "Cancel" option—if visible, proceed immediately.

  What does it mean if my withdrawal is "awaiting confirmation"?
  
  This status means Kraken has sent a confirmation email or 2FA prompt to your registered device. You must approve the withdrawal using your authenticator app or email link. Failure to respond within 24 hours may result in automatic cancellation.

  Why did my withdrawal disappear from the history?
  
  If a pending withdrawal vanishes, it was likely automatically canceled due to inactivity, failed verification, or invalid address. Check your email for cancellation notices. The funds should reappear in your Kraken balance within 24 hours. If not, contact support with your account details.