Kraken Pro Overhauls Fee Structure to Reward Users for Holding Assets

Kraken Pro has announced a significant update to its fee structure, shifting from a system that solely based trading fee tiers on spot and futures trading volume to one that now incorporates users' Assets Under Portfolio (AOP). This change aims to reward long-term holders and those actively participating in staking and rewards programs, in addition to active traders.

The new fee tier system, effective July 9, 2026, allows users to qualify for the highest possible tier based on the best of three metrics: their spot trading volume, their futures trading volume, or their AOP. This means users no longer need to meet thresholds across all three categories to achieve a specific tier; meeting the criteria in just one will determine their fee rate. This unified approach applies to both spot and futures trading fees.

Assets Under Portfolio (AOP) includes the current USD value of everything held in a user's Kraken wallet, encompassing balances in staking, Opt-In Rewards, and Dual Investment. Loans and balances from embedded parent clients, as well as equities, are excluded from this calculation. A key distinction is that AOP is assessed at a point-in-time, unlike trading volume which is typically averaged over a 30-day period. Consequently, a user's AOP-qualified tier can adjust immediately if market prices fluctuate or if funds are withdrawn or deposited.

For customers in California, the US, and New Zealand, where futures trading is unavailable or does not apply to cross-platform tier qualification, only spot trading volume and AOP will be considered for fee tier determination.

The update is designed to benefit a broader range of Kraken users. Active traders will still see their volume reflected in their tier, while users who maintain substantial balances in their Kraken wallets, participate in staking, or utilize features like Opt-In Rewards and Dual Investment, can now leverage these holdings to secure better trading rates. This offers an incentive for users to keep their assets on the platform rather than moving them to external wallets or other exchanges.

Kraken has emphasized that this is a change in how tiers are calculated, not a blanket reduction in fees. While many accounts may see their rates decrease, the new system does not guarantee lower fees for every user. An AOP-qualified tier is dynamic and will move in conjunction with the user's balance. There is no opt-in process required; accounts are automatically placed into the correct tier based on the highest qualifying measure.

The company has provided detailed fee schedules for both spot and futures trading, illustrating the rates in basis points (one basis point equals 0.01%). For futures, a negative maker rate is noted, indicating a rebate where Kraken pays the maker rather than the other way around.

Kraken also included standard disclaimers regarding the risks associated with trading, particularly futures and margin trading, emphasizing that these complex instruments carry a high risk of rapid losses due to leverage. They advise users not to invest money they cannot afford to lose and highlight that tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may change. Product availability may vary by jurisdiction, and certain products may not be covered by investor-compensation or deposit-protection schemes.

The new cross-platform fee tier system is live as of July 9, 2026. Kraken states that whether a user is an active spot trader, a futures specialist, or a long-term holder (or a combination thereof), Kraken Pro now rewards their activity or assets with a single, unified tier that applies to both spot and futures products.

Key facts
| Metric | Qualification Basis | Application | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spot Trading Volume | User's spot trading volume over a set period | Sets fee tier for spot and futures trading | Standard volume-based qualification |
| Futures Trading Volume | User's futures trading volume over a set period | Sets fee tier for spot and futures trading | Standard volume-based qualification |
| Assets Under Portfolio (AOP) | Current USD value of assets in Kraken wallet (staking, rewards, Dual Investment included) | Sets fee tier for spot and futures trading | Point-in-time assessment, dynamic |

This update represents a strategic move by Kraken to enhance user loyalty and engagement by offering tangible benefits to a wider spectrum of its user base. By recognizing the value of held assets, Kraken Pro is aligning its fee structure with the diverse ways users interact with the platform, potentially attracting and retaining users who prefer long-term holding strategies alongside active trading. Users are encouraged to check their current holdings to understand how they might benefit from the new tiered system.

Source: Kraken Blog RSS - https://blog.kraken.com/product/pro/new-kraken-pro-fee-tiers