Kraken Rolls Out Premium Membership for Investors Seeking an Edge in Crypto Markets

Cryptocurrency exchange Kraken on Monday launched a new premium membership offering called Kraken+, targeting individual investors who want to reduce trading fees and earn higher returns on stablecoin holdings.

The subscription was officially rolled out on Monday, with the exchange positioning it as an optional add-on to its standard platform.

For a monthly fee of $4.99, Kraken+ users can trade up to $10,000 per month without incurring trading fees, and earn up to 4% APR for holding Global Dollar (USDG), a stablecoin backed by cash equivalents, it said. By contrast, non-subscribers currently earn 2% APR on USDG balances held on the platform.

The exchange is also offering a 30-day free trial to let users test out the new tier. Kraken, founded in 2011 and based in US, is one of the oldest operating crypto exchanges. The move to introduce a subscription-based service comes as platforms compete to retain users and differentiate offerings amid volatile market conditions.

Image Source: Kraken

Kraken Strengthens Product Suite as It Eyes Public Markets

Kraken’s launch of Kraken+ comes amid broader efforts to expand its product suite. Last month, the firm agreed to acquire US-based retail futures trading platform NinjaTrader for $1.5b.

The acquisition is expected to bolster its ability to offer crypto futures and derivatives within a regulated framework. It is also reportedly exploring a $1b debt raise as it prepares for a potential initial public offering, signaling a shift toward more institutional ambitions.

Alongside the subscription service, the exchange announced that USD-to-USDG conversions are now free for all users. As a result, it’s easier for users to access stablecoin rewards. USDG is issued by Paxos in partnership with Kraken, Robinhood, and Anchorage. Moreover, it is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and available on both Ethereum and Solana.

Kraken Rolls Out Convenience Features as Competition Heats Up

The platform is also rolling out recurring crypto purchase options for US users, allowing them to set up automatic bank transfers to dollar-cost average (DCA) into their chosen assets without deposit or processing fees. The company says it plans to expand this feature globally.

Kraken continues to offer free access to its main platform. However, the launch of Kraken+ reflects a broader trend toward tiered services in crypto trading. As competition grows, exchanges face increasing pressure to offer added value. Many users now seek either greater convenience or an edge in volatile markets.

More updates and product integrations are expected in the months ahead, the company said.