Kraken Review 2026
The Kraken record for United States traders — registrations on file, the fee schedule, and the Oracl8 verdict.
Regulation in United States
| Regulator | FinCEN MSB — FinCEN MSB |
| Licence Number | Registered |
| Regulated Entity | Payward, Inc. |
| Max Leverage | 1:5 |
| Max Leverage (Crypto) | 1:5 |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Taker Fee | 0.26% |
| Listed Coins & Pairs | 200+ |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android, Kraken Pro, API |
| Copy Trading | ✗ |
| Spot Ownership | ✗ |
| Inactivity fee | No inactivity fee |
Verdict
On file with FinCEN MSB under licence Registered. Opening figure $0. Leverage in United States capped at 1:5.
About Kraken
On the record, Kraken traces to 2011, based in San Francisco, United States. Its book runs to 200 coins and trading pairs — the major cryptocurrencies alongside stablecoins and altcoins. Its registrations span several jurisdictions, with the primary licence held by Payward, Inc. under FinCEN MSB.
Within United States, Kraken runs as Payward, Inc., cleared by FinCEN MSB under licence Registered. That caps a United States trader at 1:5 on crypto derivatives, per FinCEN MSB rules.
Trading Platforms
Pros
- FinCEN MSB regulated — licence Registered
- 200+ coins & pairs listed
- Negative balance protection in United States
- Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, Kraken Pro, API
Cons
- No inactivity fee
- 0% of retail clients lose money
- Derivatives trading — you may not custody the underlying coin
- No spot withdrawal / custodial only
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kraken regulated?
On file, Kraken carries FinCEN MSB licence Registered, held by the regulated entity Payward, Inc. — a live registration you can pull up on the official FinCEN MSB public register.
What is the minimum deposit for Kraken in United States?
The opening figure is $0 — what it takes to fund a live account for a United States trader operating under FinCEN MSB.
What leverage does Kraken offer in United States?
For United States, the FinCEN MSB rules hold Kraken to 1:5 on crypto derivatives. An offshore-registered entity may list a higher ceiling.
Is Kraken safe to trade with?
Under FinCEN MSB, Kraken must segregate client funds, carry negative balance protection and submit to independent audit. None of that removes market risk, but it is real investor protection on the record.
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