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How to Buy Bitcoin on Kraken: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

Glyntex Team

• 2 min read

Kraken is one of the oldest and most reputable cryptocurrency exchanges. It's known for strong security, good fees, and solid customer support. Here's how to buy Bitcoin on Kraken step by step.

Why Kraken?

  • Lower fees than Coinbase for most purchase methods
  • Strong security track record (no major hacks)
  • Available in most US states and 190+ countries
  • Supports ACH, wire, and card deposits
  • Kraken Pro for lower fees on larger trades

Step 1: Create an Account

  1. Go to kraken.com
  2. Click "Create Account"
  3. Enter your email and create a strong password
  4. Verify your email address

Step 2: Verify Your Identity

Kraken requires KYC (identity verification) to deposit fiat money. There are several verification tiers:

  • Starter: Name, DOB, country, phone — allows small deposits
  • Intermediate: Government ID + selfie — higher limits
  • Pro: Enhanced verification for large volumes

For most users, Intermediate verification is sufficient. It typically takes a few minutes to a few hours.

Step 3: Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Before depositing anything:

  1. Go to Security → Two-Factor Authentication
  2. Set up 2FA with an authenticator app (Google Authenticator, Authy)
  3. Don't use SMS 2FA — it's vulnerable to SIM swaps

Also consider setting a Global Settings Lock to prevent account changes without a cooldown period.

Step 4: Deposit Funds

Go to Funding → Deposit → US Dollar (or your currency).

Options in the US:

  • ACH (bank transfer) — free or low fee, takes 1–5 business days to clear
  • Wire transfer — faster, small fee
  • Debit card — instant but higher fees (not available in all regions)

ACH is the most cost-effective for regular buying. Note that ACH funds may have a hold period before you can withdraw.

Step 5: Buy Bitcoin

Using Kraken's Simple Buy

  1. Click "Buy Crypto" in the navigation
  2. Select BTC
  3. Enter the amount in USD
  4. Review and confirm

Simple and fast, but slightly higher fees.

Using Kraken Pro (Lower Fees)

  1. Go to pro.kraken.com
  2. Select BTC/USD trading pair
  3. Use a limit order: set the price you're willing to pay, the amount, and submit
  4. Your order fills when the market reaches your price

Kraken Pro's maker fee (limit orders) is typically 0.16% — much lower than the simple buy interface.

Step 6: Withdraw Bitcoin to Your Wallet

Don't leave Bitcoin on Kraken. Move it to your own wallet:

  1. Go to Funding → Withdraw → Bitcoin
  2. Enter your wallet address (from Trezor, Ledger, or your software wallet)
  3. Enter the amount
  4. Complete 2FA confirmation
  5. Confirm via email

Always send a small test first. Verify it arrives before sending the full amount.

Setting Up Recurring Buys

Kraken supports recurring buys under the "Earn" or "Buys" section. Set a weekly or monthly purchase amount to dollar-cost average automatically. This removes the emotional element from timing the market.

Fees Summary

  • Simple buy: ~1.5% spread + fee
  • Kraken Pro limit orders: 0.16% maker / 0.26% taker
  • ACH deposit: free
  • Withdrawal: network fee (varies with Bitcoin congestion)

Summary

Kraken is a solid, reputable exchange with lower fees than many competitors. Use Kraken Pro for limit orders to minimize fees on larger purchases. Most importantly, withdraw to a hardware wallet after buying — Trezor Safe 5 or Ledger.

Also see: How to Buy on Coinbase | Bitcoin Custody Options | Bitcoin Security Checklist

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