How to unlock US margin trading

Last updated: May 6, 2026

Eligible US retail clients can unlock margin trading directly from Kraken Pro in a few simple steps.

If you have already unlocked US futures trading, the process is shorter, you will only need to accept the Spot Margin terms (Margin Loan Agreement, Margin Addendum and Control Agreement) to enable margin trading.

  1. Log in to your Kraken account on Kraken Pro (Web or mobile)

  2. On the Trade tab, enable the Margin toggle on the order form

  3. Select the Unlock button at the top of the order form

  4. If you don’t already have a Kraken Derivatives US account, you will be prompted to open one.

  5. Read and accept the required terms and disclosures

  6. If you're eligible, a success message will display. Select Trade now to start trading

Note: You must have a verified Kraken account before unlocking margin trading.

The questionnaire covers a few quick topics:

  • Your annual income, net worth, and liquid net worth

  • Your trading experience with stocks, bonds, and futures

  • Whether you qualify as a professional trader 

Most clients complete this in under 5 minutes.

US spot margin trading through Kraken Derivatives US is not currently available to:

  • NFA Members or Exchange members

  • CFTC registrants

  • Employees of or persons related to an employee of an IB, FCM, CFTC, NFA, or Exchange

US clients who have self-certified as an Eligible Contract Participant (ECP) are not eligible for US spot margin. See ECP self-certification for US clients for ECP margin details.

Once unlocked, your existing Kraken balance is immediately available as collateral, subject to applicable haircuts. There is no additional transfer step required. See funding your US margin account for details.

Spot margin trading involves substantial risk and is not suitable for everyone. You may lose all or more than the initial investment, exceeding the value of collateral deposited with the firm to open and maintain the position. You may be required to provide additional collateral on short notice or no notice, and you may remain responsible for any deficiency after liquidation and collateral application. Trading should be undertaken only with risk capital—funds that can be lost without jeopardizing one’s financial security or lifestyle—and only by those who can afford such losses. While leverage can increase potential returns, it also significantly increases risk. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. Availability of spot margin trading through Kraken Derivatives US is subject to certain limitations and eligibility criteria. View Risk Disclosure Statement


Spot margin trading is provided by NinjaTrader Clearing, LLC d/b/a Kraken Derivatives US, a CFTC-registered Futures Commission Merchant and NFA Member (NFA ID: 0309379), with financing provided by Payward Accredited LLC. View Disclosures

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