How to assess Kraken fees before you trade
You can assess Kraken fees by checking the current fee schedule, finding your volume tier, and previewing the order cost before you confirm the trade.
Vahe HakobyanEditor-in-chief
Updated Oct 6, 20263 min readFact-checked
On this page
- Fee schedules and tier tables can change.
- Maker and taker orders pay different rates.
- Your tier usually follows trailing volume.
- Deposit, withdrawal, and conversion fees are separate.
- Keep fee records for US taxes.
You will check Kraken's current fee schedule, find your maker or taker rate, and preview the order cost before you confirm. It takes a few minutes and a look at your recent volume.
What should you know before trading?
Kraken publishes its fee schedule and tier table on its site, so read the current version before you trade. Kraken can change rates and thresholds, so an old screenshot may be stale. Trading fees are separate from deposit, withdrawal, and currency conversion fees.
How do you assess fees step by step?
Your fee depends on whether your order adds or removes liquidity and on your trailing volume. Kraken calls the first maker and the second taker.
- 1Decide maker or takerA limit order can cross the spread and pay the taker fee. A market order usually pays the taker fee.
- 2Check your volume tierLook at your trailing volume in your Kraken account and match it to the tier table. If your volume falls, your tier can change.
- 3Preview the order costEnter the order details in the order preview and read the fee and total before you confirm.
What should you do after trading?
Keep a record of every trade, including the fee, for US tax reporting and account reconciliation. The IRS treats crypto as property, so trading one crypto for another or paying with crypto can be taxable.
Frequently asked questions
Kraken can update its fee schedule and tier thresholds at any time, so check the current fee page before each trade.
Kraken Pro uses its own maker and taker fee schedule and volume tiers, so rates from the standard Kraken app do not carry over.
The IRS treats crypto as property, so fees tied to a trade usually adjust your gain or loss rather than count as a separate deduction.
Yes, your tier usually depends on your trailing trading volume, so older trades can fall out of the window and lower your tier.
