Why does Kraken charge 1% for 'Instant Buy'?

The 'Instant Buy' feature is a retail-focused tool designed for convenience. The 1% fee, combined with variable market spreads and potential payment processing fees, covers the cost of immediate execution and the simplified user interface.

What is the difference between a maker and a taker fee?

A maker fee is paid when you place a limit order that adds liquidity to the order book. A taker fee is paid when you place an order that immediately matches an existing order, removing liquidity from the book. Maker fees are generally lower.

Does Kraken+ eliminate all fees?

No. Kraken+ waives trading fees on up to $10,000 of monthly volume for Buy, Sell, and Convert tools. However, payment processing fees (such as card fees) and market spreads still apply to these transactions.

Is Kraken Pro difficult to use?

Kraken Pro has a steeper learning curve than the standard app because it includes advanced charting, order books, and order types like limit orders. However, it is the standard interface for users who want to minimize trading costs.

How to Buy Bitcoin on Kraken — Step-by-Step Guide 2026

How-to · April 22, 2026 · 3 min read

Quick answerTo avoid high fees when buying Bitcoin on Kraken, stop using the 'Instant Buy' feature, which charges approximately 1% plus variable spreads. Instead, switch to the Kraken Pro interface to utilize the maker-taker fee model, where fees start as low as 0.25% for limit orders.

Why Are My Kraken Fees So High?

Many users encounter unexpectedly high costs when purchasing Bitcoin on Kraken because they rely on the 'Instant Buy' feature. While this retail interface is designed for speed and simplicity, it carries a 1% trading fee plus a variable market spread. When you add payment processing fees—which can reach 3.75% for card transactions—the total cost of a single purchase can quickly erode your returns. This 'Instant Buy' method is intended for beginners who prioritize convenience over cost-efficiency, but it is rarely the most economical way to accumulate digital assets.

How to Lower Fees by Switching to Kraken Pro

The most effective way to reduce your trading costs is to transition from the standard Kraken app to the Kraken Pro interface. Kraken Pro utilizes a tiered maker-taker fee structure. In this model, you pay lower fees when you provide liquidity to the market by placing 'limit orders' (maker) rather than 'market orders' (taker). At the base tier, maker fees start at 0.25%, while taker fees are 0.40%. By simply using a limit order to buy Bitcoin at a specific price, you can avoid the premium pricing associated with instant retail purchases.

Is the Kraken+ Subscription Right for You?

If you prefer the simplicity of the standard Kraken app but want to avoid the 1% trading fee, Kraken+ is a subscription service that waives trading fees on up to $10,000 of monthly volume for Buy, Sell, and Convert tools. While this is a practical 'set it and forget it' solution for retail users, it is important to note that payment processing fees and market spreads still apply. This service is best suited for users who perform regular, smaller purchases and want to avoid the manual effort of managing limit orders on the Pro interface.

Getting Started: A Secure Path to Bitcoin

Before you can trade, you must complete the identity verification (KYC) process. This involves a 3-step verification: a questionnaire, ID submission, and a live biometric selfie. Once verified, you can deposit funds. For the lowest costs, bank transfers are generally preferred, as card purchases often carry significant additional processing fees that are independent of the trading platform's fee structure.

Security: The 'Productively Paranoid' Approach

Kraken is widely recognized for its 'productively paranoid' security philosophy. Key features include:

Proof of Reserves: Publicly verifiable audits that prove customer assets are backed 1:1 on-chain.
Advanced Protections: Support for FIDO2-compliant hardware keys, global settings locks, and 2FA via authenticator apps.

While Kraken provides a secure environment, the most cautious path for long-term investors is to move holdings into a personal hardware wallet (cold storage) rather than leaving them on any exchange.

When to Use Kraken Pro vs. Standard Kraken

Kraken is an excellent fit if you value a long-standing reputation for security and transparency. However, you must choose the right interface for your goals:

Use Kraken Pro if: You are a cost-conscious investor who wants to minimize fees, you are comfortable with basic charting, and you are willing to use limit orders.
Use Standard Kraken if: You are a beginner who values a simple, 3-click purchase experience and are willing to pay a premium for that convenience.

If your primary goal is the lowest possible cost, mastering the Pro interface is the most effective practical step you can take today.

Frequently asked questions

Why does Kraken charge 1% for 'Instant Buy'?: The 'Instant Buy' feature is a retail-focused tool designed for convenience. The 1% fee, combined with variable market spreads and potential payment processing fees, covers the cost of immediate execution and the simplified user interface.
What is the difference between a maker and a taker fee?: A maker fee is paid when you place a limit order that adds liquidity to the order book. A taker fee is paid when you place an order that immediately matches an existing order, removing liquidity from the book. Maker fees are generally lower.
Does Kraken+ eliminate all fees?: No. Kraken+ waives trading fees on up to $10,000 of monthly volume for Buy, Sell, and Convert tools. However, payment processing fees (such as card fees) and market spreads still apply to these transactions.
Is Kraken Pro difficult to use?: Kraken Pro has a steeper learning curve than the standard app because it includes advanced charting, order books, and order types like limit orders. However, it is the standard interface for users who want to minimize trading costs.