How to use market orders on Kraken?

Market orders on Kraken execute trades quickly at current prices, ideal for speed-focused traders; learn to place them and manage slippage effectively.

Apr 23, 2025 at 07:01 am

Using market orders on Kraken can be an efficient way to execute trades quickly at the current market price. Market orders are ideal for traders who prioritize speed over price control, as they ensure your order is filled immediately, albeit at the best available price at the time of execution. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps of placing a market order on Kraken, discuss the types of market orders available, and provide tips for using them effectively.

Understanding Market Orders on Kraken

Market orders on Kraken are orders to buy or sell a cryptocurrency at the best available price in the market at the time the order is placed. Unlike limit orders, which allow you to set a specific price at which you want to buy or sell, market orders are executed instantly, ensuring that your trade is completed as soon as possible. This can be particularly useful in fast-moving markets where prices can change rapidly.

Types of Market Orders on Kraken

Kraken supports two main types of market orders:

• Simple Market Order: This is the most straightforward type of market order where you specify the quantity of the cryptocurrency you want to buy or sell, and the order is filled at the best available price.

• Market Order with a Maximum/Minimum Price: This type of market order allows you to set a maximum price you're willing to pay when buying or a minimum price you're willing to accept when selling. If the market price exceeds these limits, the order will not be executed, providing you with some control over the price.

How to Place a Simple Market Order on Kraken

To place a simple market order on Kraken, follow these steps:

• Log in to your Kraken account: Ensure you are logged into your Kraken account. If you don't have an account, you'll need to create one and complete the necessary verification steps.

• Navigate to the trading page: Once logged in, go to the trading page by clicking on the "Trade" tab at the top of the screen.

• Select the trading pair: Choose the cryptocurrency pair you want to trade. For example, if you want to buy Bitcoin with US dollars, select the BTC/USD pair.

• Choose the order type: On the trading page, select "Market" as the order type from the dropdown menu.

• Enter the quantity: Specify the amount of cryptocurrency you want to buy or sell. You can enter the quantity in either the base currency (e.g., BTC) or the quote currency (e.g., USD).

• Review and submit the order: Double-check the details of your order, including the quantity and the estimated total cost or proceeds. Once you're satisfied, click the "Buy" or "Sell" button to submit your order.

How to Place a Market Order with a Maximum/Minimum Price on Kraken

To place a market order with a maximum or minimum price on Kraken, follow these steps:

• Log in to your Kraken account: As with the simple market order, ensure you are logged in to your Kraken account.

• Navigate to the trading page: Go to the trading page by clicking on the "Trade" tab.

• Select the trading pair: Choose the cryptocurrency pair you want to trade.

• Choose the order type: Select "Market" as the order type from the dropdown menu.

• Enter the quantity: Specify the amount of cryptocurrency you want to buy or sell.

• Set the maximum/minimum price: Enter the maximum price you're willing to pay when buying or the minimum price you're willing to accept when selling. This will be the price limit for your order.

• Review and submit the order: Carefully review the details of your order, including the quantity, the price limit, and the estimated total cost or proceeds. Once you're satisfied, click the "Buy" or "Sell" button to submit your order.

Tips for Using Market Orders Effectively on Kraken

When using market orders on Kraken, consider the following tips to maximize their effectiveness:

• Understand Slippage: Market orders can be subject to slippage, which is the difference between the expected price of a trade and the price at which the trade is actually executed. In highly volatile markets, slippage can be significant, so it's important to be aware of this when placing market orders.

• Monitor Market Conditions: Before placing a market order, take a moment to assess the current market conditions. If the market is highly volatile, you may want to consider using a limit order instead to have more control over the price.

• Use Market Orders for Liquid Assets: Market orders are most effective for highly liquid assets, where there is enough trading volume to ensure your order is filled quickly at a favorable price. For less liquid assets, you may encounter larger slippage or difficulty in filling your order.

• Be Aware of Fees: Kraken charges fees for market orders, which can vary depending on your trading volume and the specific cryptocurrency pair. Be sure to factor these fees into your trading strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I cancel a market order on Kraken after it has been submitted?

A: No, once a market order is submitted on Kraken, it cannot be canceled because it is executed immediately at the best available price.

Q: What is the difference between a market order and a limit order on Kraken?

A: A market order is executed immediately at the best available price, whereas a limit order allows you to set a specific price at which you want to buy or sell. Market orders prioritize speed, while limit orders prioritize price control.

Q: Are market orders on Kraken suitable for all types of traders?

A: Market orders are best suited for traders who prioritize speed and are comfortable with the potential for slippage. They may not be ideal for traders who need more control over the execution price or are trading in less liquid markets.

Q: How does Kraken handle partial fills for market orders?

A: Kraken will attempt to fill your market order at the best available price. If the available liquidity is insufficient to fill your entire order at once, your order may be partially filled, with the remaining portion filled as more liquidity becomes available.