How to operate futures trading on Kraken?

Kraken offers futures trading for cryptocurrencies, allowing speculation on price movements; setting up involves account creation, funding, and using the trading interface effectively.

Apr 23, 2025 at 12:42 am

Introduction to Futures Trading on Kraken

Kraken is a well-established cryptocurrency exchange that offers a variety of trading options, including futures trading. Futures trading on Kraken allows traders to speculate on the future price of cryptocurrencies, potentially profiting from both rising and falling markets. This article will guide you through the process of operating futures trading on Kraken, covering everything from account setup to executing your first trade.

Setting Up Your Kraken Account

Before you can start trading futures on Kraken, you need to set up an account. Here's how you can do it:

• Visit the Kraken website: Go to the official Kraken website and click on the "Sign Up" button.
• Fill out the registration form: Enter your email address, create a strong password, and agree to the terms of service.
• Verify your email: You will receive an email from Kraken with a verification link. Click on the link to verify your email address.
• Complete the KYC process: To trade futures, you will need to complete the Know Your Customer (KYC) process. This involves submitting identification documents such as a passport or driver's license, and a proof of address.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): For added security, enable 2FA on your account. You can use an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Authy.

Once your account is set up and verified, you can proceed to fund your account and start trading futures.

Funding Your Account for Futures Trading

To trade futures on Kraken, you need to deposit funds into your account. Here's how to do it:

• Log into your Kraken account: Enter your email and password, and complete the 2FA process if enabled.
• Navigate to the Funding page: Click on the "Funding" tab at the top of the page.
• Select your deposit method: Choose the cryptocurrency or fiat currency you want to deposit. Kraken supports a variety of deposit methods, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and cryptocurrency deposits.
• Enter the deposit amount: Specify the amount you want to deposit and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the deposit.
• Wait for the funds to arrive: Depending on the deposit method, it may take some time for the funds to be credited to your Kraken account.

Once your account is funded, you can move on to setting up your futures trading account.

Setting Up Your Futures Trading Account

Kraken requires you to set up a separate futures trading account to access their futures market. Here's how to do it:

• Navigate to the Futures section: From the main Kraken dashboard, click on the "Futures" tab.
• Create a futures sub-account: Click on the "Create Futures Sub-Account" button. You will be prompted to enter a name for your sub-account.
• Link your funding account: Select the funding account you want to link to your futures sub-account. This is the account from which you will transfer funds to trade futures.
• Review and confirm: Review the details of your futures sub-account and click "Confirm" to create it.

With your futures trading account set up, you are now ready to start trading futures on Kraken.

Navigating the Kraken Futures Trading Interface

The Kraken futures trading interface is designed to be user-friendly, but it can be overwhelming for new traders. Here's a breakdown of the key components:

• Order Book: This displays the current buy and sell orders for the futures contract you are viewing. The order book is divided into two sections: bids (buy orders) and asks (sell orders).
• Trading Chart: The trading chart shows the price movement of the futures contract over time. You can customize the chart to display different time frames and technical indicators.
• Order Entry: This is where you can enter your trade orders. You can choose to place market orders, limit orders, or stop orders.
• Open Orders: This section displays all your active orders that have not yet been filled.
• Position Summary: This shows your current open positions, including the size of your position, the entry price, and the current profit or loss.

Understanding these components will help you navigate the Kraken futures trading interface more effectively.

Executing Your First Futures Trade

Now that you are familiar with the Kraken futures trading interface, you can execute your first futures trade. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Select the futures contract: From the list of available futures contracts, select the one you want to trade. Kraken offers futures contracts for various cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum.
• Choose your trade direction: Decide whether you want to go long (buy) or short (sell) the futures contract. Going long means you expect the price to rise, while going short means you expect the price to fall.
• Set your position size: Determine the size of your position. This is the number of contracts you want to trade. Keep in mind that trading futures involves leverage, so a small position size can still result in significant profits or losses.
• Enter your trade order: In the order entry section, enter the details of your trade. You can choose to place a market order, which will be executed at the current market price, or a limit order, which will be executed at a specific price you set.
• Review and confirm: Review the details of your trade order and click "Confirm" to execute it.

Once your trade is executed, you will see it reflected in your open positions and order history.

Managing Your Futures Positions

After executing your first futures trade, you need to manage your positions effectively. Here are some key aspects to consider:

• Monitoring your positions: Keep an eye on your open positions and the market conditions. Use the trading chart and other tools to analyze price movements and make informed decisions.
• Setting stop-loss orders: To limit potential losses, consider setting stop-loss orders. A stop-loss order will automatically close your position if the price reaches a certain level.
• Taking profits: Decide when to take profits on your winning positions. You can set take-profit orders to automatically close your position when the price reaches a certain level.
• Adjusting leverage: Kraken allows you to adjust the leverage on your futures positions. Higher leverage can increase potential profits but also increases potential losses, so use it cautiously.

By actively managing your futures positions, you can maximize your chances of success in futures trading on Kraken.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I trade futures on Kraken with a demo account?

A: Kraken does not currently offer a demo account for futures trading. You will need to use real funds to trade futures on the platform.

Q: What are the trading hours for futures on Kraken?

A: Futures trading on Kraken is available 24/7, allowing you to trade at any time of day or night.

Q: Are there any fees associated with futures trading on Kraken?

A: Yes, Kraken charges fees for futures trading. These include a maker fee for adding liquidity to the market and a taker fee for removing liquidity. The exact fee rates can be found on the Kraken website.

Q: Can I trade futures on Kraken from any country?

A: Kraken's availability for futures trading may vary depending on your country of residence. You should check the Kraken website to see if futures trading is available in your jurisdiction.