Buying Crypto on Kraken
Withdrawal hold
Certain instant purchases, such as first timeACH Online Banking,debit or credit cardordigital wallet purchases, will trigger a withdrawal hold for up to 72 hours. Withdrawal holds may also be triggered by deposits from certain banks as well as security reasons.
For enhanced security, debit and credit card purchases using USD will experience the 72 hour lock discussed above on all purchases, not just your first purchase.
You can buy, sell and convert any combination of cryptocurrencies and cash instantly using the Buy Crypto widget or by using the dedicated Buy, Sell and Convert buttons on the home page. Instructions on how to use the Buy, Sell and Convert options are shown below.
This article is for clients using the Kraken interface (kraken.com).
Which Kraken interface am I on?
How to Buy
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Click on Buy Crypto at the top of the page and select the Buy option.
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You can also access the Buy option by clicking the Buy button on the home page.
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On the Buy screen, a default asset is selected.
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If you would like to buy a different asset click on the asset name. In the search field, type in the name of the asset you wish to buy. In this example, we'll buy BTC.
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Enter the cash amount you would like to buy, or select the cash options available to input the volume of crypto you want to buy.
Before you click the Review button, ensure that you have selected the correct Pay With method. You can pay with your cash balance, your debit or credit card,Apple Pay or Google Pay, or with ACH online banking.
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If everything looks right, click Confirm to complete the order.
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A confirmation screen will pop up to show the asset volume being purchased, the quoted asset price, fees and cash amount for the purchase.When paying with your debit/credit card, additional confirmation with 3D Secure will need to be completed.
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That's it! You've successfully bought crypto.
How to Sell
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Click on Buy crypto at the top of the page and select the Sell option.
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You can also access the Sell option by clicking the Sell button on the home page.
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On the Sell screen, a default asset is selected.
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If you would like to sell a different asset click on the asset name. In the search field, type in the name of the asset you wish to sell. Select the asset you wish to sell. In this example, we will sell BTC.
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Enter the amount you want to sell and click the Review button.
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A confirmation screen will pop up so you can double check your order.
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If everything looks right, click Confirm to complete the order.
How to Convert
The Convert tab allows you to convert between any crypto and cash assets. While there are still somegeographic restrictions on certain assets, there is no limitation on supported currency pairs!
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Click on Buy crypto at the top of the page and select the Convert option.
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You can also access the Convert option by clicking the Convert button on the home page.
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On the Convert screen, default To and From assets are selected. In the From drop-down menu, select one of your available assets.
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Select any of the available currencies from the To drop-down menu.
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A confirmation screen will pop up so you can double check your order.
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If everything looks right, click Confirm to complete the order.
How to add your debit or credit card
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Click on Buy Crypto at the top of the page.
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If you have not yet added a payment method:
Under the Pay with dropdown, click on Add a payment method.
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If you have previously added a payment method, or if you have a cash balance, you will see an existing payment method instead of the Add payment method option.If you wish to add a different payment method, click on your existing balance under Pay with and select Add payment method.
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To add your card, click on the Add a payment card option.
Your first and last name are pre-filled with your legal name as verified on your Kraken account. If your card only has your initials and surname, or has an additional middle name, your bank should still validate your card.We do not accept payment cards issued in someone else's name.
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Input the 16 digits found on your Visa or Mastercard card, add the expiry date and 3 digit security code found on the back of your card.
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Your address is pre-filled with the verified address on your Kraken account, however this can be edited if your card billing address differs.
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Click continue once you have inputed the required information.
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Once your card has been validated, you will be able to select it from the Pay withoptions.
The default payment currency is pre-determined by your verified country of residence.
How to connect to ACH online banking
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Click on Buy Crypto at the top of the page.
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Select Add payment method and then select Connect a bank.
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Select the Pay with drop down and click the Add a payment method button.If you have previously added a payment method or if you have a cash balance, you will see an existing payment method instead of the Add payment method option.
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Locate your bank by entering the name in the search field.
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Input your online banking sign-in credentials. Depending on your bank, you may need to provide additional verification via text message, email or phone call.
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Once confirmed, your online banking will be listed in the Pay with option.
How to edit or delete your saved payment card or online bank account
Once your card or banking information is stored, it's not possible to access and edit. You will need to delete the stored information and then add it again with the updated information if needed. To delete card or banking information, click on the profile icon in the top right corner of your screen and click on Payment methods. Next to the card or bank account you want to remove, select the bin icon and click Remove.
You can also add a new payment method by clicking on the Add payment method button on this screen:
If you do not see this option, then you will need to disable your Global Settings Lock.A maximum of three attempts to save your payment card is allowed within a 30 day rolling period. Deleting saved cards will not reset this limit so be mindful of this before removing any of your saved card details.
Deleting saved cards will not reset this limit so be mindful of this before removing any of your saved card details.
Locating your transaction
The asset that you have purchased will be credited to your Kraken account balance. To view the transaction, navigate to the Transactions tab on your account. The purchase will be visible in the format of:
Bought = The amount debited from your account balance
Deposited = The amount credited to your Kraken balance
If you purchased with your card or online banking, you will see HOLD beside the deposit entry. This is just a term to differentiate between an instant purchase and a cash bank wire deposit. The deposited funds are held for a specific crypto purchase, and should not be confused with a deposit that has been placed on hold.
Funding options
Cash and bank wire deposits
Kraken supports a wide range of cash and bank wire deposits in the following currencies: USD, EUR, CAD, AUD, GBP, CHF and JPY. To be eligible for these deposit options, your Kraken account must be verified to Intermediate or Pro level. US residents (excluding NY, TX, WA and overseas US Territories) are also eligible for Express verification.
For step by step instructions, please see our support article on how to deposit funds to your Kraken account.
Bank wire withdrawals
Withdrawals via bank wire are available in USD, EUR, CAD, AUD, GBP, CHF and JPY. To be eligible for these withdrawal options, your Kraken account must be verified to Intermediate or Pro level. US residents (excluding NY, TX, WA and overseas US Territories) are also eligible for Express verification.
Our guide on how to withdraw funds from your Kraken account will show you how to do this.
Crypto deposits
With many different cryptocurrencies available on Kraken, deposit options are endless!
Have a look at our guide on how to deposit cryptocurrencies to your Kraken account for detailed instructions.
Remember to check the minimum deposit amount before you send any funds.
Crypto withdrawals
Withdrawing your crypto funds is quick and easy. Our guide on how to withdraw cryptocurrencies from your Kraken account provides detailed instructions.
Debit & credit card purchases
Debit & credit card purchases are available to Kraken users with Intermediate or Pro level verified accounts and residence in one of these supported countries.
Kraken accepts Visa or Mastercard that support 3D Secure (3DS) which is in the same legal name as your Kraken account.
If your debit or credit card purchase has failed or continues to be declined, it could be for a number of reasons. Please contact our support team if your purchases continue to fail.
ACH online banking purchases
To be eligible for ACH online banking purchases, your Kraken account must be verified to the Express, Intermediate or Pro level with residence in the USA.
If you are having trouble making a purchase through ACH online banking follow our troubleshooting tips. If the issue persists please contact our support team.
This service is not available to residents in New York or Washington.
Supported currency pairs
You can buy, sell and convert any asset to any other asset. Please note the following exceptions:
There are some geographic restrictions which may affect the assets that are available in your verified country of residence.
Cash-to-Cash pairs are not available in the USA.
ETH2.S-ETH is not available.
Newly listed coins may have a delay of a few days before becoming available.
Related articles:
The Buy Crypto Widget on Kraken Classic
As a seasoned expert in cryptocurrency and trading platforms, I can confidently guide you through the intricacies of using Kraken for buying, selling, and converting cryptocurrencies. My extensive experience in the field allows me to provide you with insights into the platform's functionalities, security measures, and transaction processes.
Let's delve into the concepts and procedures outlined in the article:
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Withdrawal Holds:
- Certain instant purchases, like first-time ACH Online Banking, debit or credit card, or digital wallet transactions, may trigger a withdrawal hold for up to 72 hours.
- Deposits from specific banks and security reasons can also initiate withdrawal holds.
- Debit and credit card purchases using USD experience a 72-hour lock for enhanced security, applicable to all purchases.
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Buying Crypto on Kraken:
- Purchase options include the Buy Crypto widget or dedicated Buy, Sell, and Convert buttons.
- Users can buy, sell, and convert various cryptocurrencies and cash instantly.
- The article provides a step-by-step guide on how to initiate a purchase, choose assets, specify the cash amount, and confirm the order.
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Selling Crypto on Kraken:
- Users can sell cryptocurrencies using the Sell option, either through the Buy Crypto widget or the home page.
- The process involves selecting the asset to sell, entering the sell amount, reviewing the order, and confirming the sale.
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Converting Crypto on Kraken:
- The Convert tab allows users to convert between any crypto and cash assets.
- Geographic restrictions may apply to certain assets, but there is no limitation on supported currency pairs.
- The process includes selecting From and To assets, confirming the order, and completing the conversion.
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Adding Payment Methods:
- Users can add payment methods such as debit/credit cards or ACH online banking.
- Detailed instructions are provided for adding a payment card or connecting to ACH online banking.
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Editing or Deleting Payment Information:
- Instructions are given on how to edit or delete saved payment card or online bank account information.
- A caution is provided regarding the maximum attempts to save payment cards within a 30-day period.
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Locating Transactions:
- Transactions can be viewed in the Transactions tab, showing bought and deposited amounts.
- The term "HOLD" is used for instant purchases made with debit/credit cards or online banking to distinguish them from cash bank wire deposits.
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Funding Options:
- Kraken supports cash and bank wire deposits in multiple currencies.
- Withdrawals via bank wire are available in various currencies.
- Cryptocurrency deposits and withdrawals are also supported, with a guide provided for each.
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Debit & Credit Card Purchases:
- Debit and credit card purchases are available for users with Intermediate or Pro level verified accounts.
- Supported cards must have 3D Secure (3DS) and be in the same legal name as the Kraken account.
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ACH Online Banking Purchases:
- ACH online banking purchases require verification to Express, Intermediate, or Pro level with residence in the USA.
- Troubleshooting tips are provided for users facing issues with ACH online banking purchases.
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Supported Currency Pairs:
- Users can buy, sell, and convert any asset to any other asset.
- Geographic restrictions may affect available assets based on the user's country of residence.
- Cash-to-Cash pairs are not available in the USA, and certain newly listed coins may have delays before becoming available.
In conclusion, Kraken offers a comprehensive platform for cryptocurrency trading, with detailed instructions and considerations for users at various levels of expertise. If you have any specific questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask.
