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How To Open a Kraken Account in 2026
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How to Open a Kraken Account
Highlights:
• A Kraken account can be opened on the broker’s mobile app or website. If you are not a U.S. resident,
then click here.
• Kraken offers multiple account types, including both crypto and securities accounts.
• Just a few minutes are required to open a brokerage account at Kraken.
If you’ve been thinking about giving Kraken a shot, read this before opening a U.S.-based account:
Overview of Accounts at Kraken
For Americans, Kraken offers both business and individual accounts. No other account registrations are available; examples of accounts that won’t be found include joint accounts and IRAs.
There are three asset classes Kraken offers for American accounts: crypto, securities, and crypto futures. Each of these needs its own account. For example, it’s not possible to trade stocks or ETFs in a futures or crypto account. All three are available in the United States in either business or personal format. The company only offers self-directed brokerage accounts; there are no managed accounts or any type of investment advice.
Opening a Kraken Account on the Website
To open any type of available account at Kraken,
head to the broker’s promo page. In the top-right corner, there is a purple sign-up button. If you click on this, you’ll start the application for a cryptocurrency account. If that’s what you want, enter your e-mail address and select business or personal as the account type. Go through the various pages in the online application and supply all requested details.
Kraken does have strict KYC (know-your-customer) policies. Therefore, both business and individual accounts will have to upload documents to help the brokerage house identify the group or person opening the account. On the individual side, expect a request for a copy of a driving license. Applicants will need either a Social Security Number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
On the business side, Kraken requires an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to open an account. Business applicants will need to provide all sorts of details on the enterprise, including business formation documents and verification of all Ultimate Beneficial Owners.
The personal account at Kraken will be an individual taxable account. The business setup, on the other hand, can be used by a variety of institutions, including sole props, corporations, and LLCs.
The steps to open a futures or stock and ETF account are the same with the exception that you need to begin the application on the correct page (securities or futures). For crypto futures, hover over the Trade link at the top of the website and click on the link for Ninjatrader; doing so will bring you to the futures page. Here, click on the purple button at the top to sign up for futures.
For securities, hover over the Invest link at the top and click on the link to trade stocks. Once on the stock and ETF page, click on the purple button to sign up and follow the on-screen instructions to open the securities account.
Kraken Bonus
Visit Kraken Website
Opening a Kraken Account on the Mobile App
The Kraken mobile app can also be used to open an account with the broker. Download the app and look for the purple button to create an account; you’ll get the same crypto application.
To trade stocks and ETFs, log into the app after completing the crypto application and look for the button to unlock stock trading. If you don’t see the button, it may be because you live in an ineligible state (not all states are eligible for securities trading). Futures trading can likewise be enabled on the Kraken Pro app (but not the regular Kraken app).
Fees, Minimums, and Timeframes
Kraken charges no fees to open any type of account, and there is no account minimum, either. Stock and crypto accounts on the individual side are opened within a day typically; sometimes, Kraken opens them immediately. A business account may take up to a week to open.
Kraken Promotion
Visit Kraken Website
Updated on 6/26/2026.
Chad Morris has been analyzing investment firms for Brokerage-Review.com since 2015. Backed by FINRA Series 65, 66, and SIE credentials, his work reflects a deep knowledge of the retail brokerage industry and digital trading tools.
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