Buying Crypto on Kraken

Last updated: September 16, 2026

Withdrawal hold

Certain instant purchases, such as debit or credit card or digital wallet purchases, may trigger a withdrawal hold for up to 72 hours. Plaid ACH purchases have a withdrawal hold of 7 days. Withdrawal holds may also be triggered by deposits from certain banks as well as security reasons. This hold can apply to any purchase, not just your first.

You can buy, sell and convert any combination of cryptocurrencies and cash instantly using the Buy, Sell and Convert buttons on your account home page.

Instructions on how to use the Buy, Sell and Convert options are shown below.

Note: Transactions may not be cancelled once initiated. All purchases are final and non-refundable.

How to Buy

1
On the right hand side, click on Buy.
2
On the Buy screen, a default asset is selected. 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.
3
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 Buy button, ensure that you have selected the correct Pay With method and frequency. Note: you can pay with your cash balance, your debit or credit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay, or with Plaid ACH.
4
If everything looks right, click Buy + asset to complete the order.
5
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. If everything looks good, click Confirm.
6
That's it! You've successfully bought crypto.

How to Sell

1
On the right hand side, click on Sell.
2
On the Sell screen, a default asset is selected. 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.
3
Enter the amount you want to sell and click the Sell + asset button.
4
A confirmation screen will pop up so you can double check your order.
5
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 some geographic restrictions on certain assets, there is no limitation on supported currency pairs.

1
On the right hand side, click Convert.
2
On the Convert screen, default To and From assets are selected. In the From drop-down menu, select one of your available assets.
3
Type in how much of your asset you’d like to convert.
4
A confirmation screen will pop up so you can double check your order.
5
If everything looks right, click Confirm to complete the order.

How to add your debit or credit card

1
On the right hand side, If you have not yet added a payment method click on Add payment method.
2
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.
3
Your address is pre-filled with the verified address on your Kraken account, however this can be edited if your card billing address differs.
4
Click continue once you have inputted the required information.
5
Once your card has been validated, you will be able to select it from the Pay with options.
6
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.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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Note: The default payment currency is pre-determined by your verified country of residence.