Crypto Basics

Kraken Review 2023 - Features, Fees and Top Alternatives

Get insights into Kraken's features, fees, and find top alternatives in this detailed review. Discover how it works and assess its reliability.
Sumit Meghani
8 Minutes
MIN

As the crypto world continues to evolve, it's crucial for investors and enthusiasts to stay updated on the best platforms available. In this detailed review post, we'll delve into an in-depth review of one of the leading crypto exchanges, Kraken, in 2023.

By the end of this post, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of Kraken's features, fees, and possible alternatives, enabling you to make informed decisions.

Kraken Overview

Kraken is one of the veteran names in the cryptocurrency exchange space, having been launched way back in 2011. Founded by Jesse Powell, this U.S.-based exchange has made a name for itself by focusing on high security, regulatory compliance, and a wide range of cryptocurrency assets. 

Over the years, it has built a strong reputation for reliability and integrity, attracting millions of users globally. In today's fast-paced crypto market, Kraken continues to evolve, offering a blend of old-school trustworthiness and cutting-edge features. 

Whether you're a casual investor or a seasoned trader, Kraken's platform aims to cater to your needs with its extensive services, from basic spot trading to complex futures contracts.

Key Features of Kraken

Robust Security - Kraken invests heavily in state-of-the-art security measures, making it one of the safest exchanges. It employs measures like two-factor authentication (2FA), cold storage, and encrypted data storage.

Broad Cryptocurrency Selection - In 2023, Kraken supports over 200+ cryptocurrencies, from major players like Bitcoin and Ethereum to emerging gems. This wide variety offers versatility for investors.

User-friendly Interface - For beginners and professionals alike, Kraken's platform is intuitive and easy to navigate. It also offers a mobile application for trading on-the-go.

Advanced Trading Options - For more seasoned traders, Kraken offers features like futures trading, margin trading, and over-the-counter (OTC) options.

Fee Structure on Kraken

Trading Fees - Kraken operates on a maker-taker model. The fee varies depending on the volume, starting at 0.16% for makers and 0.26% for takers. As your monthly trading volume increases, these fees decrease.

Fee Structure on Kraken

Deposit and Withdrawal Fees - While deposit fees are minimal or non-existent for most cryptocurrencies, withdrawal fees depend on the specific coin and network congestion.

Margin Trading Fees - For those leveraging Kraken's margin trading, expect a fee that varies depending on the cryptocurrency pair being traded.

How to Create Account in Kraken?

Opening an account with Kraken is a straightforward process, designed to ensure both ease of use and the utmost security for its users. Follow these step-by-step guidelines to get started:

1. Visit the Official Website - Head over to Kraken's official website. On the homepage, click on the "Create Account" button, typically located in the top right corner.

2. Enter Basic Information - You'll be prompted to enter your email address, create a username, and set a strong, unique password. Remember, a robust password often combines letters (both upper and lowercase), numbers, and special symbols.

3. Verify Email - After providing your details, Kraken will send a confirmation email to the address you provided. Click on the verification link in the email to confirm your account's creation.

4. Set Up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) - For enhanced security, Kraken will prompt you to set up 2FA. This is a critical step as it provides an additional layer of protection for your account. You can use apps like Google Authenticator or Authy for this purpose.

5. Complete KYC Verification - Before you can begin trading, Kraken requires users to complete a Know Your Customer (KYC) verification. 

This step involves providing personal details and uploading identification documents, such as a passport or driver's license. The verification process helps ensure the platform's safety and compliance with regulatory standards.

6. Funding Your Account - Once verified, navigate to the 'Funding' tab in your account. Here, you can choose your preferred method to deposit funds, whether in fiat currency or cryptocurrencies.

7. Ready to Trade - With your account funded, you're all set to start exploring and trading on Kraken's extensive platform.

Remember, while the sign-up process is designed to be user-friendly, always ensure you’re using a secure connection and a trusted device when setting up your account, given the sensitive nature of the information involved.

Customer Support and Education

One of Kraken's most commendable aspects is its dedication to customer education. Their resource library contains a multitude of guides, video tutorials, and webinars. In case of concerns, their customer support, available 24/7, is responsive and effective.

Pros and Cons of Kraken

Like all platforms, Kraken comes with its set of strengths and weaknesses. Recognizing them can help users make an informed decision on whether it aligns with their trading and investment needs.

Pros

1. Robust Security - One of Kraken’s foremost advantages is its strong emphasis on security. Features like cold storage for funds, encrypted data, and the option of two-factor authentication make it a reliable platform.

2. Wide Cryptocurrency Selection - Kraken boasts an extensive list of supported cryptocurrencies. From mainstream coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum to emerging tokens, there's a diverse range for investors.

3. User-Friendly Interface - Whether you're a novice or a pro, Kraken’s intuitive design ensures a smooth trading experience. Their platform, including the mobile app, is designed for efficiency and ease.

4. Regulatory Compliance - As one of the few exchanges that prioritize regulatory measures, Kraken ensures it operates within legal boundaries, enhancing trust among its users.

5. Educative Resources - Kraken doesn't just offer a trading platform; they educate. With a vast collection of articles, tutorials, and webinars, users can stay informed and sharpen their trading skills.

Cons

1. Instant Buy Fees - Kraken's instant buy option comes with significant fees. Purchases for stablecoins begin at 0.9% while other cryptocurrencies stand at 1.5%. 

If using a debit or credit card, an additional 3.75% fee is charged, and 0.5% for ACH transfers. For fewer fees, consider depositing cash and waiting for clearance.

2. Geographical Restrictions - Kraken is currently unavailable for residents of New York and Washington state due to high regulatory compliance costs. This restriction isn't exclusive to Kraken; exchanges like Binance.US and Crypto.com have similar limitations.

3. Platform and App Limitations - While Kraken's platform and app cover basic functionalities efficiently, they might fall short for those seeking advanced features. 

While you can monitor cryptocurrency prices and set alerts, advanced traders might miss comprehensive charting tools and research capabilities.

Is Kraken Right for You?

Deciding on Kraken hinges on your trading needs and priorities. Consider factors like fees, especially for instant buys which are higher on Kraken. 

If you're based in New York or Washington state, Kraken's services are unavailable due to regional restrictions. While beginners might find Kraken comprehensive, seasoned traders could miss certain advanced features. 

Nonetheless, if security and educational resources rank high on your list, Kraken's robust safety measures and learning tools could make it an ideal choice. Always align the platform's offerings with your unique requirements before diving in.

Top Alternatives to Kraken

While Kraken offers an impressive suite of features, it's always beneficial to consider alternatives based on individual needs.

Coinbase - A friendly interface and strong security protocols make Coinbase an excellent choice for beginners. It offers over 210 cryptocurrencies and is known for its ease of use.

Binance - With an extensive range of supported coins and low fees, Binance remains a top competitor. It's ideal for those seeking diverse trading options.

Gemini - Prioritizing regulatory compliance and security, Gemini is a platform for those who place safety above all else.

Also Read - eToro Review

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the minimum deposit amount on Kraken?

While Kraken doesn't have a strict minimum deposit for cryptocurrencies(ACH method minimum $1), there might be minimum limits for fiat deposits, which vary based on your funding method and currency.

Q2. How does Kraken handle forked coins?

Kraken typically supports major forks, crediting users with the forked coins based on their existing holdings. However, always check Kraken's official announcements for specifics on individual forks.

Q3. Can I use Kraken for staking?

Yes, Kraken offers staking services with the Kraken Pro app for certain cryptocurrencies except ETH, allowing users to earn rewards by simply holding their coins on the platform.

Q4. How does Kraken ensure the safety of user funds?

A significant portion of Kraken's funds are stored offline in cold storage. Additionally, they use encrypted databases and offer two-factor authentication for user accounts.

Q5. Are there withdrawal limits on Kraken?

Yes, withdrawal limits on Kraken depend on the user's verification level. The more verified and compliant you are, the higher your withdrawal limit.

Q6. Is Kraken available internationally?

Kraken is accessible in many countries worldwide, with a few exceptions. Always verify availability based on your specific location on their website.

Conclusion

Choosing a crypto exchange is a significant decision, influencing the ease, safety, and success of your trading ventures. Kraken, with its extensive features, remains a top contender in 2023. However, based on specific requirements, alternatives like Coinbase, Binance, Gemini, or Bitfinex might be more suitable.

Before diving in, always ensure to conduct personal research and consult trusted resources to remain updated. Remember, the crypto landscape is dynamic, and the best decisions are informed ones.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website does not constitute investment advice, financial advice, trading advice, or any other sort of advice and you should not treat any of the website's content as such.

Token Metrics does not recommend that any cryptocurrency should be bought, sold, or held by you. Do conduct your own due diligence and consult your financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

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Token Metrics Team

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Crypto API to Google Sheets in 5 Minutes: How to Use Token Metrics API with Apps Script

Token Metrics Team
6 min
MIN

If you're a trader, data analyst, or crypto enthusiast, chances are you've wanted to pull live crypto data directly into Google Sheets. Whether you're tracking prices, building custom dashboards, or backtesting strategies, having real-time data at your fingertips can give you an edge.

In this guide, we'll show you how to integrate the Token Metrics API — a powerful crypto API with free access to AI-powered signals — directly into Google Sheets in under 5 minutes using Google Apps Script.

📌 Why Use Google Sheets for Crypto Data?

Google Sheets is a flexible, cloud-based spreadsheet that:

  • Requires no coding to visualize data
  • Can be shared and updated in real time
  • Offers formulas, charts, and conditional formatting
  • Supports live API connections with Apps Script

When combined with the Token Metrics API, it becomes a powerful dashboard that updates live with Trader Grades, Bull/Bear Signals, historical OHLCV data, and more.

🚀 What Is Token Metrics API?

The Token Metrics API provides real-time and historical crypto data powered by AI. It includes:

  • Trader Grade: A score from 0 to 100 showing bullish/bearish potential
  • Bull/Bear Signal: A binary signal showing market direction
  • OHLCV: Open-High-Low-Close-Volume price history
  • Token Metadata: Symbol, name, category, market cap, and more

The best part? The free Basic Plan includes:

  • 5,000 API calls/month
  • Access to core endpoints
  • Hourly data refresh
  • No credit card required

👉 Sign up for free here

🛠️ What You’ll Need

  • A free Token Metrics API key
  • A Google account
  • Basic familiarity with Google Sheets

⚙️ How to Connect Token Metrics API to Google Sheets

Here’s how to get live AI-powered crypto data into Sheets using Google Apps Script.

🔑 Step 1: Generate Your API Key

  1. Visit: https://app.tokenmetrics.com/en/api
  2. Click “Generate API Key”
  3. Copy it — you’ll use this in the script

📄 Step 2: Create a New Google Sheet

  1. Go to Google Sheets
  2. Create a new spreadsheet
  3. Click Extensions > Apps Script

💻 Step 3: Paste This Apps Script

const TOKEN_METRICS_API_KEY = 'YOUR_API_KEY_HERE';

async function getTraderGrade(symbol) {

  const url = `https://api.tokenmetrics.com/v2/trader-grades?symbol=${symbol.toUpperCase()}`;

  const options = {

    method: 'GET',

    contentType: 'application/json',

    headers: {

      'accept': 'application/json',

      'x-api-key': TOKEN_METRICS_API_KEY,

    },

    muteHttpExceptions: true

  };

  

  const response = UrlFetchApp.fetch(url, options);

  const data = JSON.parse(response.getContentText() || "{}")

  

  if (data.success && data.data.length) {

    const coin = data.data[0];

    return [

      coin.TOKEN_NAME,

      coin.TOKEN_SYMBOL,

      coin.TA_GRADE,

      coin.DATE

    ];

  } else {

    return ['No data', '-', '-', '-'];

  }

}

async function getSheetData() {

  const sheet = SpreadsheetApp.getActiveSpreadsheet().getActiveSheet();

  const symbols = sheet.getRange('A2:A').getValues().flat().filter(Boolean);

  const results = [];

  results.push(['Name', 'Symbol', 'Trader Grade', 'Date']);

  for (const symbol of symbols) {

    if (symbol) {

      const row = await getTraderGrade(symbol);

      results.push(row);

    }

  }

  sheet.getRange(2, 2, results.length, results[0].length).setValues(results);

}

🧪 Step 4: Run the Script

  1. Replace 'YOUR_API_KEY_HERE' with your real API key.
  2. Save the project as TokenMetricsCryptoAPI.
  3. In your sheet, enter a list of symbols (e.g., BTC, ETH, SOL) in Column A.
  4. Go to the script editor and run getSheetData() from the dropdown menu.

Note: The first time, Google will ask for permission to access the script.

✅ Step 5: View Your Live Data

After the script runs, you’ll see:

  • Coin name and symbol
  • Trader Grade (0–100)
  • Timestamp

You can now:

  • Sort by Trader Grade
  • Add charts and pivot tables
  • Schedule automatic updates with triggers (e.g., every hour)

🧠 Why Token Metrics API Is Ideal for Google Sheets Users

Unlike basic price APIs, Token Metrics offers AI-driven metrics that help you:

  • Anticipate price action before it happens
  • Build signal-based dashboards or alerts
  • Validate strategies against historical signals
  • Keep your data fresh with hourly updates

And all of this starts for free.

🏗️ Next Steps: Expand Your Sheet

Here’s what else you can build:

  • A portfolio tracker that pulls your top coins’ grades
  • A sentiment dashboard using historical OHLCV
  • A custom screener that filters coins by Trader Grade > 80
  • A Telegram alert system triggered by Sheets + Apps Script + Webhooks

You can also upgrade to the Advanced Plan to unlock 21 endpoints including:

  • Investor Grades
  • Smart Indices
  • Sentiment Metrics
  • Quantitative AI reports
  • 60x API speed

🔐 Security Tip

Never share your API key in a public Google Sheet. Use script-level access and keep the sheet private unless required.

🧩 How-To Schema Markup (for SEO)

{

  "@context": "https://schema.org",

  "@type": "HowTo",

  "name": "Crypto API to Google Sheets in 5 Minutes",

  "description": "Learn how to connect the Token Metrics crypto API to Google Sheets using Google Apps Script and get real-time AI-powered signals and prices.",

  "totalTime": "PT5M",

  "supply": [

    {

      "@type": "HowToSupply",

      "name": "Google Sheets"

    },

    {

      "@type": "HowToSupply",

      "name": "Token Metrics API Key"

    }

  ],

  "tool": [

    {

      "@type": "HowToTool",

      "name": "Google Apps Script"

    }

  ],

  "step": [

    {

      "@type": "HowToStep",

      "name": "Get Your API Key",

      "text": "Sign up at Token Metrics and generate your API key from the API dashboard."

    },

    {

      "@type": "HowToStep",

      "name": "Create a New Google Sheet",

      "text": "Open a new sheet and list crypto symbols in column A."

    },

    {

      "@type": "HowToStep",

      "name": "Add Apps Script",

      "text": "Go to Extensions > Apps Script and paste the provided code, replacing your API key."

    },

    {

      "@type": "HowToStep",

      "name": "Run the Script",

      "text": "Execute the getSheetData function to pull data into the sheet."

    }

  ]

}

✍️ Final Thoughts

If you're serious about crypto trading or app development, integrating live market signals into your workflow can be a game-changer. With the Token Metrics API, you can get institutional-grade AI signals — right inside Google Sheets.

This setup is simple, fast, and completely free to start. Try it today and unlock a smarter way to trade and build in crypto.

👉 Get Your API Key & Start for Free

Announcements

🚀Put Your $TMAI to Work: Daily Rewards, No Locks, Up To 200% APR.

Token Metrics Team
5 min
MIN

Liquidity farming just got a major upgrade. Token Metrics AI ($TMAI) has launched its first liquidity incentive campaign on Merk — and it’s designed for yield hunters looking to earn fast, with no lockups, no gimmicks, and real rewards from Day 1.

📅 Campaign Details

  • Duration: June 5 – June 19, 2025
  • Rewards Begin: 17:00 UTC / 1:00 PM ET
  • Total TMAI Committed: 38 million+ $TMAI
  • No Lockups: Enter or exit at any time
  • APR Potential: Up to 200%

For two weeks, liquidity providers can earn high daily rewards across three different pools. All rewards are paid in $TMAI and distributed continuously — block by block — through the Merkl platform.

💧 Where to Earn – The Pools (as of June 5, 17:00 UTC)

Pool                                                    Starting APR %               Total Rewards (14 days)                Current TVL

Aerodrome WETH–TMAI        150%                                16.79M TMAI (~$11,000)                   $86,400

Uniswap v3 USDC–TMAI        200%                                14.92M TMAI (~$9,800)                    $19,900

Balancer 95/5 WETH–TMAI    200%                                5.60M TMAI (~$3,700)                       $9,500

These pools are live and actively paying rewards. APR rates aren’t displayed on Merkl until the first 24 hours of data are available — but early providers will already be earning.

🧠 Why This Campaign Stands Out

1. Turbo Rewards for a Short Time

This isn’t a slow-drip farm. The TMAI Merkl campaign is designed to reward action-takers. For the first few days, yields are especially high — thanks to low TVL and full daily reward distribution.

2. No Lockups or Waiting Periods

You can provide liquidity and withdraw it anytime — even the same day. There are no lockups, no vesting, and no delayed payout mechanics. All rewards accrue automatically and are claimable through Merkl.

3. Choose Your Risk Profile

You get to pick your exposure.

  • Want ETH upside? Stake in Aerodrome or Balancer.
  • Prefer stablecoin stability? Go with the Uniswap v3 USDC–TMAI pool.

4. Influence the Future of TMAI Yield Farming

This campaign isn’t just about yield — it’s a test. If enough users participate and volume grows, the Token Metrics Treasury will consider extending liquidity rewards into Q3 and beyond. That means more TMAI emissions, longer timelines, and consistent passive income opportunities for LPs.

5. Built for Transparency and Speed

Rewards are distributed via Merkl by Angle Labs, a transparent, gas-efficient platform for programmable liquidity mining. You can see the exact rewards, TVL, wallet counts, and pool analytics at any time.

🔧 How to Get Started

Getting started is simple. You only need a crypto wallet, some $TMAI, and a matching asset (either WETH or USDC, depending on the pool).

Step-by-step:

  1. Pick a pool:
    Choose from Aerodrome, Uniswap v3, or Balancer depending on your risk appetite and asset preference.

  2. Provide liquidity:
    Head to the Merkl link for your pool, deposit both assets, and your position is live immediately.

  3. Track your earnings:
    Watch TMAI accumulate daily in your Merkl dashboard. You can claim rewards at any time.

  4. Withdraw when you want:
    Since there are no lockups, you can remove your liquidity whenever you choose — rewards stop the moment liquidity is pulled.

🎯 Final Thoughts

This is a rare opportunity to earn serious rewards in a short amount of time. Whether you’re new to liquidity mining or a DeFi veteran, the TMAI Merkl campaign is built for speed, flexibility, and transparency.

You’re still early. The best yields happen in the first days, before TVL rises and APR stabilizes. Dive in now and maximize your returns while the turbo phase is still on.

👉 Join the Pools and Start Earning

Announcements

Token Metrics API Joins RapidAPI: The Fastest Way to Add AI-Grade Crypto Data to Your App

Token Metrics Team
5 min
MIN

The hunt for a dependable Crypto API normally ends in a graveyard of half-maintained GitHub repos, flaky RPC endpoints, and expensive enterprise feeds that hide the true cost behind a sales call. Developers waste days wiring those sources together, only to learn that one fails during a market spike or that data schemas never quite align. The result? Bots mis-fire, dashboards drift out of sync, and growth stalls while engineers chase yet another “price feed.”

That headache stops today. Token Metrics API, the same engine that powers more than 70 000 users on the Token Metrics analytics platform, is now live on RapidAPI—the largest marketplace of public APIs with more than four million developers. One search, one click, and you get an AI-grade Crypto API with institutional reliability and a 99.99 % uptime SLA.

Why RapidAPI + Token Metrics API Matters

  • Native developer workflow – No separate billing portal, OAuth flow, or SDK hunt. Click “Subscribe,” pick the Free plan, and RapidAPI instantly generates a key.

  • Single playground – Run test calls in-browser and copy snippets in cURL, Python, Node, Go, or Rust without leaving the listing.

  • Auto-scale billing – When usage grows, RapidAPI handles metering and invoices. You focus on product, not procurement.

What Makes the Token Metrics Crypto API Different?

  1. Twenty-one production endpoints

    Live & historical prices, hourly and daily OHLCV, proprietary Trader & Investor Grades, on-chain and social sentiment, AI-curated sector indices, plus deep-dive AI reports that summarise fundamentals, code health, and tokenomics.

  2. AI signals that win

    Over the last 24 months, more than 70 % of our bull/bear signals outperformed simple buy-and-hold. The API delivers that same alpha in flat JSON.

  3. Institutional reliability

    99.99 % uptime, public status page, and automatic caching for hot endpoints keep latency low even on volatile days.

Three-Step Quick Start

  1. Search “Token Metrics API” on RapidAPI and click Subscribe.
  2. Select the Free plan (5 000 calls / month, 20 request / min) and copy your key.
  3. Test:

bash

CopyEdit

curl -H "X-RapidAPI-Key: YOUR_KEY" \

     -H "X-RapidAPI-Host: tokenmetrics.p.rapidapi.com" \

     https://tokenmetrics.p.rapidapi.com/v2/trader-grades?symbol=BTC

The response returns Bitcoin’s live Trader Grade (0-100) and bull/bear flag. Swap BTC for any asset or explore /indices, /sentiment, and /ai-reports.

Real-World Use Cases

Use case

How developers apply the Token Metrics API

Automated trading bots

Rotate allocations when Trader Grade > 85 or sentiment flips bear.

Portfolio dashboards

Pull index weights, grades, and live prices in a single call for instant UI load.

Research terminals

Inject AI Reports into Notion/Airtable for analyst workflows.

No-code apps

Combine Zapier webhooks with RapidAPI to display live sentiment without code.

Early adopters report 30 % faster build times because they no longer reconcile five data feeds.

Pricing That Scales

  • Free – 5 000 calls, 30-day history.
  • Advanced – 20 000 calls, 3-month history.
  • Premium – 100 000 calls, 3-year history.
  • VIP – 500 000 calls, unlimited history.

Overages start at $0.005 per call.

Ready to Build?

• RapidAPI listing: https://rapidapi.com/tm-ai/api/token-metrics 

https://rapidapi.com/token-metrics-token-metrics-default/api/token-metrics-api1
• Developer docs: https://developers.tokenmetrics.com
• Support Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/tokenmetrics-devs/shared_invite/…

Spin up your key, ship your bot, and let us know what you create—top projects earn API credits and a Twitter shout-out.

Choose from Platinum, Gold, and Silver packages
Reach with 25–30% open rates and 0.5–1% CTR
Craft your own custom ad—from banners to tailored copy
Perfect for Crypto Exchanges, SaaS Tools, DeFi, and AI Products