In this guide
Exchanges
Kraken account after a death
Kraken's procedure for a deceased client's account: why no beneficiary designation exists, what the estate must provide, and how the claim process works.
Kraken handles accounts of clients who have passed away through an official claims process on its support site. It is a documentation procedure run by Kraken itself, no intermediary is needed, and nothing about it requires technical wallet skills.
How it works
- Establish that the account exists. Account emails, bank transfers to Kraken, or the app on a device are typical evidence, the full search method is in how to find someone’s crypto after they passed away.
- Start from Kraken’s official support article (the link above, typed by you) and open a request through its support channels only.
- Provide the documentation Kraken asks for. Claims typically require proof of death, proof of the lawful representative’s authority (probate, letters of administration or the local equivalent), and identification. Exact requirements are confirmed case-by-case and vary by jurisdiction.
- Follow the review timeline. Kraken verifies slowly and deliberately; a longer wait is normal, not a problem with your request.
What heirs should know
- No beneficiary designation exists on Kraken accounts. Succession runs through the estate process.
- Do not log into the account without lawful authority. It can halt the claim and carries legal risk.
- Never share your login, funds password or withdrawal codes with anyone, including people who claim to “help” with the claim. Kraken never needs your password for an estate claim.
- Verify every contact. Use only the official support URL, typed by you. Impersonation of exchange support is common around estates.
What this page is not
This page does not bypass Kraken’s process. The official claims procedure is the route, and it runs without intermediaries. If authority over the estate is not yet confirmed, start there first: legal authority vs technical access. For the general exchange picture, see exchange accounts after a death.
Sources and useful links
- Kraken, deceased client account claimsChecked 2026-08-08