Types of Kraken restrictions
- A request to verify your identity or update your details.
- Deposits and withdrawals paused while your account is reviewed.
- A specific withdrawal held or declined — including withdrawals to wallets linked to prohibited activity.
- Restrictions after a reversed bank or card payment.
- Security restrictions, including when Kraken believes you may be exposed to a scam.
Why Kraken restricts accounts
Kraken lists unusual sign-ins, missing or expired identity documents, chargebacks, legal or regulatory reviews (including changes in whether Kraken can serve your country) and terms-of-service breaches. Kraken support: why is my account restricted.
The review process and timing
- Kraken sends its questions by email or in-app request.
- Answer all of them at once. Kraken warns that partial answers can add days.
- Reviews usually take 10–14 business days. No fiat or crypto deposits or withdrawals are processed until the review ends.
- If there's no reply after more than 14 business days, contact Kraken's chat support.
Source of wealth and source of funds on Kraken
Kraken says a source-of-wealth or source-of-funds request does not mean you did something wrong — it can be triggered by your country of residence or by your circumstances (for example, being a student or unemployed with significant deposits).
Documents Kraken accepts include payslips, pension statements, inheritance documents, investment or liquidation records, business statements or tax documents, mining, staking or lending statements, and statements from other exchanges showing your name, address and balance. Kraken's rules: documents dated within the last 24 months, an address matching your Kraken profile, and no P.O. boxes. Kraken: source of wealth or source of funds documents.
If Kraken closes your account
Kraken doesn't disclose the reasons for closures and rarely reverses them, although support can escalate a case for a second review. You can't open a new account afterwards. According to Kraken, the remaining balance can only be withdrawn as fiat to a bank account in your own name that was previously linked — so crypto has to be sold first. Withdrawal requests are checked manually, and verification or legal holds can apply. Kraken: account closures.
Dust deposits from sanctioned wallets (2026)
In August 2026 thousands of tiny transfers from an HTX-linked wallet were sent to Kraken users' deposit addresses. Kraken's sanctions screening froze the affected accounts; access was later restored, while the sanctioned funds themselves were held. If your account was restricted after an unexpected small deposit, explain that you didn't initiate it and provide your history — don't try to send the funds back yourself.
How we help with Kraken cases
- We prepare one complete answer to all of Kraken's questions, so the 10–14 day clock isn't reset.
- We assemble source-of-wealth documents that meet Kraken's date and address rules.
- We draft escalation requests for a second review where that makes sense.
- In closures, we help plan the conversion and fiat withdrawal to a linked bank account.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Kraken account review take?
Usually 10–14 business days after you've answered all questions. Contact chat support if you hear nothing after more than 14 business days.
Can I withdraw crypto after Kraken closes my account?
According to Kraken, closed accounts can withdraw the remaining balance only as fiat to a previously linked bank account in your own name.
Can Kraken reverse a closure?
Rarely, but support can escalate a case for a second review. A well-documented explanation gives that review its best chance.