Best Crypto to Buy on Kraken: From Bitcoin to Meme and AI Coins

Kraken is known as an exchange that doesn’t rush to list trendy new assets – it takes pride in its "we’d rather be late than list scams" approach. However, its lineup of over 520 assets is a far cry from its once highly limited selection. Naturally, this might make you wonder what is the best crypto to buy on Kraken.

While I definitely cannot tell you which asset is the best for your portfolio, I’ve picked out some popular options that crypto experts usually go for on Kraken.

From Layer-1 coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum to stablecoins, meme coins, AI projects, and RWA projects, I’ll break them down into the most trendy categories. This way, you’ll know not just what’s available on Kraken, but also how different types of crypto can fit into different strategies.

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What Makes a Crypto "Best to Buy"

Before we get into the best crypto to buy now on Kraken, I want to make sure we’re on the same page regarding what can be considered "the best".

Truthfully, this term is highly subject to interpretation, depending on your goals, risk tolerance, and the rest of your portfolio. However, here are some important factors that separate strong picks from the rest:

• Liquidity & Volume. Coins with high trading activity on Kraken make it easier to enter or exit positions without heavy slippage.
• Fundamentals. Strong technology, an active developer community, and real adoption give a project staying power.

• Security & Compliance. Assets that pass Kraken’s strict listing standards generally have more legitimacy and a lower risk of being outright scams.
• Ecosystem Growth. Tokens tied to expanding ecosystems (like DeFi, RWAs, or AI projects) tend to have stronger long-term potential.
• Fit for Your Strategy. "Best" looks different for each person’s goals: Bitcoin and Ethereum for stability, stablecoins for low risk, or meme/AI coins if you’re chasing trends.

In short, the best crypto to buy on Kraken is the one that aligns with your objectives and sits within a balanced portfolio.

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Best Crypto to Buy on Kraken by Category

To make it easier for you to choose, I’ve divided the Kraken crypto coins I’ll cover into several categories: Layer-1 coins, stablecoins, meme coins, AI coins, and real-world asset (RWA) coins. Here’s a short overview if you’re not much of a reader:

Table: The asset categories and key roles of some of the best crypto to buy on Kraken

They can all be bought via the spot market and quick purchasing with fiat on Kraken. On top of that, for each of these assets, you can set recurring buys if you plan to employ a dollar-cost averaging (DCA) strategy. Now, let’s go over them category by category.

Layer-1 Coins (BTC, ETH, etc.)

I know you might be looking for shiny, new coins on Kraken to buy, but I must cover the basics first, aka Layer-1 coins.

Layer-1 coins are native tokens of foundational blockchains that secure the network, pay for transactions, and, in some cases, support decentralized applications. Bitcoin and Ethereum are obviously the two main examples of such assets. They have the highest market caps, deepest liquidity and long track records.

📚 Read More: Layer-1 Crypto List

Bitcoin (BTC)

I believe everyone’s trek into crypto starts with Bitcoin. Even if not directly, Bitcoin is the first successful cryptocurrency to exist,^[1] which started the whole era. It’s also often described as digital gold because of its long track record, unmatched liquidity, and role as the market’s benchmark.

Table: Bitcoin's availability on Kraken

For many, Bitcoin is a hedge against inflation. That said, it’s probably best suited for long-term holding, given its history of surviving multiple market cycles and dictating the trends of the whole crypto market.

Though there are more and more ways to use Bitcoin nowadays. For example, on Kraken, you can even stake Bitcoin via the Babylon protocol. While it’s not staking per se (it’s referred to as opt-in staking on Kraken), you can earn up to 1% in BABY. FYI, the Babylon protocol helps secure PoS networks.

On top of that, you can trade Bitcoin with margin on the exchange in question and engage in Bitcoin futures trading.

Ethereum (ETH)

Ethereum is the second-largest cryptocurrency as of writing, and the network it’s built on is the foundation of the smart contract economy. It powers thousands of decentralized applications, from DeFi to NFTs. So, ETH is more of a growth asset than simply a store of value.

Table: Ethereum's availability on Kraken

While initially it was a PoW asset, after the Merge, which led to Ethereum’s shift to PoS, it became a staking asset. That said, you can easily stake Ethereum on Kraken, with the potential to earn up to 6.5% APR while securing the network (the rate is prone to change, so always check the current info on Kraken). Also, you can trade Ethereum futures or participate in ETH margin trading.

That mix of growth potential and passive income makes ETH appealing to long-term holders as well as people who like being more active in crypto. It’s also one of the most liquid assets on Kraken, so buying or selling, even in bigger amounts, will be hassle-free.

Stablecoins (USDT, USDC, etc.)

If you’re after practicality and stability, you should probably consider stablecoins. These are the closest you can get to traditional finance in crypto, as they are designed to stay pegged to the fiat currencies they represent (like the US dollar).

Stablecoins are often the main currency in spot trading pairs and futures contract settlement, which is why most activate traders have at least one stablecoin in their portfolios. USDT and USDC are the most popular examples in this category.

📚 Read More: Best Stablecoins

Tether (USDT)

As of writing, Tether is the largest stablecoin by market cap. Pegged to the US dollar, USDT is often used as the base currency for trading pairs on Kraken, making it easy to move in and out of positions without touching fiat.

Table: Tether's availability on Kraken

For many traders, USDT is considered one of the best crypto to buy on Kraken, not for growth, but for stability. If you want to quickly rotate between assets, hedge against price swings, or keep cash on the sidelines for the next opportunity, USDT is an essential asset.

So, while it doesn’t offer the upside potential of coins like Bitcoin or Ethereum, its stability makes it an integral part of many strategies, especially for active traders. Overall, think of stablecoins as a tool that’s just as essential for trading as a secure exchange.

📚 Related: How to Pay With USDT

USD Coin (USDC)

Due to its focus on transparency and compliance, USD Coin has grown into one of the most trusted stablecoins in the world. Like Tether, it’s pegged 1:1 to the US dollar, but it’s backed by audited reserves and is widely used in payments, transfers, and DeFi.

Table: USD Coin's availability on Kraken

Many traders prefer USDC for its strong reputation in regulated markets. So, it’s a popular choice for those who prioritize security and compliance in their portfolios.

On Kraken, it also serves as a gateway into other Kraken crypto coins, letting you switch into BTC, ETH, or even more speculative tokens with ease.

Meme Coins (DOGE, SHIB, etc.)

If you’ve been following the crypto market, you know that meme coins were one of the main narratives in 2025. These coins can be very volatile because their prices often swing wildly based on social media buzz, celebrity mentions, or trending memes.

That means meme coins are very risky, but they often end up being part of the conversation when discussing the best crypto to buy on Kraken if you accept that risk. Kraken meme coins are easy to buy, trade, and often have low entry amounts, so you don't need a huge budget to try them out.

📚 Related: Best Meme Coins to Buy

Dogecoin (DOGE)

Dogecoin is the original meme coin and still one of the most popular Kraken crypto coins in this category. It started as a joke in 2013 but has grown into a top-traded digital asset with one of the most passionate communities in crypto.

Table: Dogecoin's availability on Kraken

DOGE is based on Litecoin’s code, has low transaction fees, and is often used for tipping and microtransactions in online communities.

While it’s highly volatile, it has one of the largest market caps among altcoins and has been endorsed publicly by Elon Musk, who once joked that it could be "the people’s crypto".

This kind of high-profile attention regularly fuels sudden price surges and has helped DOGE stay relevant far longer than skeptics predicted.

Shiba Inu (SHIB)

Shiba Inu, often called the "Dogecoin killer", is another star among Kraken meme coins. In late 2021, SHIB actually briefly surpassed Dogecoin in market cap, sparking one of the most heated "meme wars" in crypto history (though DOGE later reclaimed the crown).

Table: Shiba Inu's availability on Kraken

Launched in 2020, SHIB quickly gained traction because of its ultra-low price per token and massive total supply, which gave small investors the feeling of holding millions or billions of coins. Its strong online community, often referred to as the ShibArmy, is one of the most active in the crypto space.

Unlike many other meme coins, Shiba Inu’s efforts to expand beyond just being a meme coin make it unique. The project has launched initiatives like ShibaSwap (a decentralized exchange), SHIB: The Metaverse, and other ecosystem tools.

AI Coins (TAO, GRT, etc.)

AI coins on Kraken are tokens connected to artificial intelligence projects, automation, and smart infrastructure. They’ve gained traction recently as AI technology becomes one of the hottest trends in both tech and crypto.

While still a niche compared to Layer-1 assets, these tokens attract attention because they promise to connect blockchain with real-world use cases. This includes machine learning, data sharing, and decentralized automation.

However, they’re highly speculative!^[2] The success of AI tokens depends not just on crypto adoption but also on how fast AI integrates into everyday applications.

📚 Related: Best AI Crypto Coins

Bittensor (TAO)

TAO is one of the standout AI coins on Kraken. The Bittensor network itself was designed to create a decentralized marketplace for machine learning. It lets independent developers contribute models, compete, and get rewarded in TAO tokens for the value they provide.

Table: Bittensor's availability on Kraken

So, the TAO token powers the network by paying for access to AI services, rewarding contributors, and securing the system through staking.

Some AI coin enthusiasts view TAO as one of the best crypto to buy now on Kraken for thematic exposure to AI. While still highly speculative, it’s one of the few projects that directly links blockchain incentives with real AI innovation.

After buying TAO on Kraken, you can also stake it to secure the network and earn up to 7% APR weekly.

The Graph (GRT)

The Graph is sometimes called the "Google of blockchains" because it makes on-chain data easy to search and use. Instead of developers building their own indexing systems, they can tap into The Graph’s network to query blockchain data quickly and reliably.

Table: The Graph's availability on Kraken

The GRT token is what keeps this system running. Indexers stake GRT to process queries, curators signal which data is valuable, and delegators can stake their tokens to support the network and earn rewards. This design makes GRT a utility token with demand tied directly to usage of the protocol.

The Graph already supports data indexing for Ethereum, Arbitrum, Polygon, and many other chains, making it a cross-chain infrastructure project from day one.

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RWA Coins (LINK, XLM, etc.)

RWA coins connect blockchain technology to real-world assets and services, making them some of the best crypto to buy on Kraken if you’re looking for tokens with practical utility. Such projects usually aim to solve real problems in finance, payments, and data infrastructure.

They are often seen as lower risk compared to purely speculative cryptos, since their value comes from adoption and use in actual systems.

📚 Related: Top Real-World Asset Crypto Projects

Chainlink (LINK)

LINK is one of the most established Kraken crypto coins in the RWA category. Chainlink itself acts as an oracle network that delivers real-world data into smart contracts. The data in question can include asset prices, weather feeds, supply chain information, and other relevant things.

Table: Chainlink's availability on Kraken

The LINK token is the driving force of the said ecosystem. Node operators stake LINK and get paid in it for delivering accurate data. This incentivizes reliability and discourages bad behavior, since dishonest nodes risk losing their tokens.

For traders, that creates real utility demand – projects like Aave, Synthetix, and countless DeFi protocols rely on Chainlink for price feeds.

By the way, Chainlink isn’t limited to crypto. It has partnered with Google Cloud, SWIFT, and major banks, all of which are experimenting with using oracles to bring traditional finance data into blockchain.

Stellar (XLM)

Stellar is another popular RWA coin on Kraken, designed to facilitate faster and cheaper cross-border payments. It connects banks, payment providers, and individuals, enabling them to move money globally with minimal fees.

Table: Stellar's availability on Kraken

The XLM token, also called Lumens, acts as a bridge currency between different fiat assets and prevents spam transactions by requiring a small fee with every payment. So, unlike many other tokens, XLM wasn’t designed primarily as an investment asset. Its value actually comes from its utility in facilitating payments and keeping the network secure.

Stellar has worked with big players like IBM to power cross-border payment solutions. Plus, its non-profit arm, the Stellar Development Foundation, continues to push for partnerships that bring blockchain into mainstream finance.

How Kraken Decides Which Coins to List

By now, you probably get the idea that Kraken takes a very cautious approach when adding new assets. It is known to be one of the most (if not THE most) compliant and secure crypto exchanges. That’s why you will not find thousands of coins and every other meme coin that just made some waves on the market.

To be listed on Kraken, every token must pass strict reviews for security, compliance, and utility before it can be traded on the platform. The exchange looks at factors like tokenomics, community adoption, and technical soundness, and it makes clear that the process is merit-based – there are no listing fees.

For traders, this means that new coins on Kraken have already cleared a higher bar than tokens on less strict exchanges, which adds an extra layer of safety.

The best way to keep track of upcoming listings is to follow Kraken on X (@krakenfx), check Kraken’s official blog, or visit their listings page. Rumors and social media hype aren’t reliable; only official announcements confirm when a token is truly going live.

📚 Related: Is Kraken Safe?

How to Buy Crypto on Kraken

If you’ve picked your personal best crypto to buy on Kraken, you might be wondering how to do that. Well, there are two main ways: you can buy it with fiat via the "Buy Crypto" feature or via Kraken’s spot market (both with fiat and crypto). Let’s go over both.

Via "Buy Crypto"

Buying crypto with fiat on-ramp on Kraken is the easiest way for those who have never used the spot market. Besides, you can start with as little as $10.

When it comes to fiat currencies, Kraken supports USD, EUR, CAD, AUD, GBP, CHF, ARS, BRL, and MXN.

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Via the Spot Market

Spot trading is the most common way to buy crypto on CEXs with other crypto. For that, however, you already need to have that "other crypto", depending on the trading pair you choose. For example, if you go with the BTC/USDT trading pair, you already have to have BTC or USDT in your account to get the other currency in the pair.

Buying on the spot market usually means lower fees, tighter spreads, and more control over order types (limit, market, stop). Quick fiat on-ramps are faster and simpler, but they often charge higher fees and give less flexibility.

📚 Read More: Kraken Fees Explained

If you just want to go with the most basic one and buy at the current price, go with the market order.

For the most basic purchase, that’s all you have to do. However, there are many more tools for more customization, like take profit/stop loss triggers, the wide selection of order types, or trading with margin.

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Conclusions

With more than 520 cryptocurrencies available, Kraken has grown into a platform that offers something for everyone – from Layer-1 coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum to stablecoins, meme coins, AI coins, and RWA projects, among many other categories. Deciding on the best crypto to buy on Kraken comes down to your goals.

One thing’s for sure – Kraken has a strict listing process. Every token must pass compliance, security, and utility checks before being added, which means new coins on Kraken usually carry less risk than hype-driven assets elsewhere. Nonetheless, the keyword here is "less risk", not zero risk, so always be cautious and DYOR.

Not investment advice. Crypto trading involves risk of loss and is offered to US customers through Payward Interactive, Inc. View legal disclosures at kraken.com/legal/disclosures.

The content published on this website is not aimed to give any kind of financial, investment, trading, or any other form of advice. BitDegree.org does not endorse or suggest you to buy, sell or hold any kind of cryptocurrency. Before making financial investment decisions, do consult your financial advisor.

Scientific References

1. Panda S. K., Sathya A. R., Das S.: 'Bitcoin: Beginning of the Cryptocurrency Era';

2. Mafrur R.: 'AI-Based Crypto Tokens: The Illusion of Decentralized AI?'.