How to buy Cardano (ADA) on Kraken?

Cardano (ADA) is a blockchain platform founded by Charles Hoskinson, offering smart contracts, dApps, and a research-driven approach using the Ouroboros proof-of-stake algorithm for energy efficiency and scalability.

Jul 10, 2025 at 11:28 am

What is Cardano (ADA)?

Cardano (ADA) is a blockchain platform that aims to provide more advanced features than any protocol previously designed. It was founded by Charles Hoskinson, one of the co-founders of Ethereum. ADA is the native cryptocurrency of the Cardano network, which supports smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). The platform emphasizes scientific philosophy and peer-reviewed research in its development process, making it stand out from many other blockchain projects.

Before proceeding with how to buy ADA on Kraken, understanding what you're investing in is crucial. Cardano’s unique approach to consensus through the Ouroboros proof-of-stake algorithm makes it energy-efficient and scalable compared to older proof-of-work systems like Bitcoin.

Why Choose Kraken for Buying Cardano?

Kraken is one of the most trusted cryptocurrency exchanges in the world, known for its strong security measures and regulatory compliance. It offers users access to a wide range of digital assets, including Cardano (ADA). The exchange provides real-time market data, advanced trading tools, and multiple deposit options such as bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and crypto deposits.

Buying ADA on Kraken is ideal due to its user-friendly interface, low fees for high-volume traders, and support for various fiat currencies like USD, EUR, and GBP. Additionally, Kraken has a solid track record of handling user funds securely, which is essential when dealing with digital assets.

Setting Up Your Kraken Account

Before purchasing ADA, you need to create and verify your account on Kraken:

• Visit the Kraken website and click “Sign Up” to register.
• Fill in your email address and set a secure password.
• Complete the phone verification step by entering the code sent to your mobile number.
• Provide personal details such as full name, date of birth, and address during identity verification.
• Upload a government-issued ID (like a passport or driver’s license) to complete KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) using an app like Google Authenticator for added security.

Once your account is verified, you can proceed to fund your account and start trading ADA.

Funding Your Kraken Wallet

After setting up your account, the next step is to deposit funds into your Kraken wallet:

• Navigate to the “Funding” section under your account dashboard.
• Choose your preferred method: bank transfer, wire transfer, credit/debit card, or crypto deposit.
• For USD deposits via ACH, link your bank account and initiate a transfer. This may take 3–5 business days to clear.
• If you prefer instant funding, use a debit card, though this option may come with higher fees.
• Once the funds are available in your Kraken balance, they will appear under the “Wallets” tab.

Ensure your account has sufficient funds before placing a trade for ADA.

Purchasing Cardano (ADA) on Kraken

Now that your account is funded, you can proceed to buy ADA:

• Go to the “Trade” section and search for “ADA” or navigate to the ADA/USD trading pair.
• Select either a market order (buy instantly at current price) or a limit order (set your desired price).
• Enter the amount of ADA you want to purchase or specify the USD value.
• Review the transaction details, including fees and total cost, before clicking “Buy ADA”.

The purchased ADA will be reflected in your Kraken wallet almost immediately if you used a market order. You can also choose to store your ADA in a hardware wallet for enhanced security.

Managing Your ADA Holdings

After buying ADA, it's important to manage your holdings wisely:

• Check your ADA balance regularly under the “Wallets” section.
• Consider transferring your ADA to a cold storage wallet if you plan to hold it long-term.
• Monitor the price of ADA using Kraken’s real-time charts and set price alerts.
• Explore staking options if Kraken supports ADA staking in the future, allowing you to earn rewards.

Kraken occasionally adds new features, so keep an eye on announcements related to staking, lending, or additional trading pairs involving ADA.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I buy Cardano (ADA) with PayPal on Kraken?

No, Kraken does not currently support purchasing ADA directly with PayPal. However, you can use PayPal-linked debit cards or transfer funds from PayPal to your bank account before depositing to Kraken.

Q2: Is there a minimum purchase amount for ADA on Kraken?

Yes, Kraken typically enforces a minimum trade size, which varies depending on the trading pair. For ADA/USD, the minimum is usually around $10 worth of ADA.

Q3: How long does it take for ADA to arrive in my Kraken wallet after purchase?

If you place a market order, ADA should appear in your wallet within seconds. Limit orders may take longer depending on market conditions and whether your specified price is met.

Q4: Does Kraken charge a fee for withdrawing ADA?

Yes, Kraken charges a small network fee for ADA withdrawals, which covers the blockchain transaction cost. This fee fluctuates based on network congestion but is generally less than $1.