How to lower trading fees on Kraken?

Understanding Kraken’s Fee Structure

1. Kraken operates on a tiered fee model based on the user's 30-day trading volume and their average staked balance of KSM or DOT for nominated accounts. The higher the volume and stake, the lower the fees become.

2. Fees are split into two categories: maker and taker. Makers add liquidity to the order book and typically pay lower fees, while takers remove liquidity and incur slightly higher charges.
3. Standard taker fees start at 0.26%, while maker fees can be as low as 0.16% for users with minimal volume. These rates decrease significantly for high-volume traders.
4. Users who hold and stake Polkadot (DOT) or Kusama (KSM) may qualify for additional fee discounts if they nominate Kraken as their validator, unlocking up to a 50% reduction in trading fees.
5. Understanding these tiers and requirements is essential for minimizing costs over time.

Strategies to Reduce Trading Fees

1. Increase your 30-day trading volume to move up the fee tiers. Kraken recalculates this automatically, so consistent trading helps maintain a higher tier.

2. Stake DOT or KSM through Kraken Earn to qualify for the Nominated Account discount, which can cut fees in half regardless of trading volume.
3. Place limit orders instead of market orders whenever possible. Limit orders act as maker trades, benefiting from lower fee rates.
4. Avoid unnecessary trades to keep your volume concentrated on high-impact transactions, helping you reach higher tiers faster.
5. Use Kraken Pro for advanced order types and tighter spreads, reducing both slippage and effective fees per trade.

Leveraging Kraken Loyalty Programs

1. Participate in Kraken’s staking programs. Staking even small amounts of DOT or KSM designates you as a Nominated Account, directly lowering your fee bracket.

2. Monitor promotional campaigns. Kraken occasionally runs limited-time offers that reduce fees for specific pairs or new product adopters.
3. Refer friends using Kraken’s affiliate program. Both you and the referred user may receive fee rebates or credits after meeting trading thresholds.
4. Maintain account activity and avoid prolonged inactivity, which might reset your tier status or disqualify you from loyalty benefits.
5. Link your Kraken account to external tools that track fee efficiency and volume progress toward the next tier.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Kraken calculate my trading volume for fee tiers?Kraken calculates your 30-day rolling trading volume across all spot and futures markets. This total determines your current fee tier and is updated in real time. Volume from both maker and taker trades counts equally toward the threshold.

Can I lose my fee discount if I stop staking DOT or KSM?Yes. If you unstake your DOT or KSM or stop nominating Kraken as your validator, you will lose the Nominated Account status and the associated fee discount. Your fees will revert to the standard rate based on volume alone.

Do futures trading fees count toward my volume for spot fee discounts?Yes. Kraken includes futures trading volume when calculating your total 30-day volume, which impacts both spot and futures fee tiers. High activity in either market can elevate your standing across the platform.

Are there any hidden fees on Kraken besides the listed maker and taker rates?Kraken maintains transparency with no hidden trading fees. However, deposit methods like wire transfers may have processing fees, and withdrawal fees vary by cryptocurrency. These are separate from trading fees and clearly listed in the fee schedule.