Kraken Staking
score
Fees: Commission on rewards; varies by asset (non-U.S.)
A reasonable custodial option for non-U.S. users who trust Kraken's long operating history. The main caveat is the 2023 SEC settlement that ended U.S. staking service and the inherent custodial risk; this is not financial advice.
What It Is
Kraken Staking is the custodial staking service of Kraken, one of the oldest crypto exchanges, operating since 2011. For non-U.S. users it offers straightforward staking across a reasonable set of proof-of-stake assets, with the exchange holding your coins and handling the validation in exchange for a commission on rewards.
Strengths
Kraken's long operating history counts for a lot here. Security and custody scores 7.5, reflecting a solid overall security reputation, and transparency and track record earns a 7 on the back of reliable payouts and a generally clean operational record. Asset coverage also sits at 7 — a reasonable, if not maximal, selection — and the interface is approachable for non-technical users.
Costs
On price, fees score 6, the weakest criterion. Kraken charges a commission on rewards that varies by asset, and rewards themselves score 6.5, so net yields are decent rather than class-leading. As with any custodial service, the exact rate depends on the asset and your region.
The Key Caveat
The most important thing to know is the regulatory history: in 2023 Kraken settled with the SEC and shut down its U.S. staking-as-a-service program. That means the service is oriented toward non-U.S. users, and availability and yields differ by region. Being custodial, the model also places your keys and counterparty risk with the exchange.
Verdict
Kraken Staking is a reasonable custodial choice for non-U.S. users who value a long-running exchange with a solid reputation and an easy interface. The overall 6.9 reflects real strengths tempered by the U.S. shutdown, custodial risk, and region-dependent terms. Confirm what is available where you live, and treat this as information, not financial advice.
Overall 6.9 / 10 — the weighted average of the criteria above. How we score →
- + Long-standing exchange with a solid overall security reputation
- + Easy custodial staking across a reasonable set of PoS assets
- + Reliable payouts and a generally clean operational history
- + Clear product interface for non-technical users
- − Settled with the SEC in 2023 and shut down its U.S. staking-as-a-service program
- − Custodial model means keys and counterparty risk sit with the exchange
- − Availability and yields differ by region, limiting some users
Is Kraken Staking safe?
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Kraken has a long operating history and a solid security reputation, earning security and custody a 7.5, with reliable payouts and a generally clean record. Because it is custodial, however, your keys and counterparty risk sit with the exchange.
Can U.S. users stake on Kraken?
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Kraken settled with the SEC in 2023 and shut down its U.S. staking-as-a-service program, so the service is aimed at non-U.S. users. Availability and yields also vary by region.
What are Kraken Staking's fees?
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Kraken charges a commission on rewards that varies by asset. Combined with rewards that score 6.5, net yields are decent rather than the best available, and fees are the service's weakest criterion at 6.
Which coins can I stake on Kraken?
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Kraken supports a reasonable set of proof-of-stake assets, earning asset coverage a 7. The exact list and yields depend on your region.
Is Kraken good for staking?
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For non-U.S. users who trust its long history, it is a reasonable custodial option with an overall 6.9. The caveats are the U.S. staking shutdown, custodial counterparty risk, and region-dependent availability.