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Frustrated kraken user claims bitcoin fees are too high

Frustrated Kraken Users Express Concerns | Bitcoin Fees and App Performance at Stake

By

Vitalik Buterin

Mar 11, 2026, 06:56 AM

Edited By

Brian Lee

Updated

Mar 12, 2026, 12:41 AM

2 minutes reading time

A worried person looking at a smartphone displaying high Bitcoin fees and app errors, showing frustration

A wave of dissatisfaction is rising among people using the Kraken platform. Many express their frustration over high fees and lagging app performance, contradicting Krakenโ€™s promises of low-cost trading alternatives. This issue is sparking heated conversations on various forums regarding user experience and potential repercussions.

Hidden Costs Surprise New Investors

Newcomers expected low fees, but many report unexpected charges. "I bought Bitcoin at 68k but got charged at 69k," stated one frustrated user. Another complaint noted, "Regular Kraken market buys have massive spreads and fees," leaving users feeling deceived.

Interestingly, many users shared that utilizing limit orders can help mitigate these fees. A suggestion from the community stated, "Setting trades to post only can cut fees in half." Plus, the shift to Kraken Pro is often recommended for those looking for lower fees and greater control, though it can be daunting for beginners. One comment emphasized, "Donโ€™t use instant buys. Get the Kraken Pro app."

Performance Issues Cause Frustration

Beyond fees, the app's performance troubles are another common concern. Users reported a slow interface, with one remarking, "Most of the time, it doesn't ask for authentication." This raises potential worries about security and trustworthiness.

Users also highlighted how many new traders stumble upon the pricier instant buy option. As one person pointed out, "The apps are designed to charge new traders more," indicating that while the app aims to be user-friendly, the cost comes at a steep price.

Ongoing Conversations with Management

Krakenโ€™s CEO responded to the growing unrest, promising to investigate the app's performance issues during a recent forum discussion. While some see this as a positive engagement, skepticism remains strong among the user base.

Notable User Sentiment and Comments

  • โ–ณ Many newer users express feelings of being misled about fee structures.

  • โ–ฝ Continued reports of sluggish app performance hinder effective trading.

  • โ€ป Several users advocate for using Kraken Pro to avoid surprise fees.

This increasing user discontent may prompt Kraken to reconsider its fee structure sooner rather than later. With a looming 70% likelihood of impending changes, the platform risks losing clientele to competitors if improvements are not swiftly implemented.

Quick User Insights

  • New investors are experiencing higher-than-expected fees.

  • Many are exploring alternatives like Kraken Pro to save money.

  • Performance issues are raising significant concerns about app reliability.

The situation highlights a broader trend where platforms must prioritize customer satisfaction to maintain their market position. Kraken may need to adapt quickly to restore faith among its user base.