Our Verdict

Founded in 2011, Bitstamp has grown to serve over 5 million users across 100+ countries. With EU and U.S. licenses, it offers strong security measures like two-factor authentication and cold storage.

Bitstamp provides both light and pro modes to suit different trader needs and supports spot and leveraged trading, API trading, and advanced charting tools. Although P2P, copy, and social trading are not available, I found the light mode suitable for beginners.

Maker-taker fees are moderate, ranging up to 0.4% based on trading volume. While the selection of 80 cryptocurrencies isn’t the largest, it’s sufficient for everyday trading. Bitstamp also offers a decent customer support service, with an active email and phone line.

Bitstamp Pros and Cons

Is Bitstamp Right for You?

Not all traders are the same. Some seek easy apps for trading on the go, while others look for advanced features like leverage or social trading. When reviewing exchanges, we cater to all types of traders, from beginners to advanced. We divided all traders into seven main target groups.

Our thorough yet straightforward method ensures a clear understanding of trading strategies and their requirements. By assessing, ranking, and recording key factors, we determine how well the exchange meets the needs of each target group. We use three types of rankings: perfect match, acceptable choice, and not recommended. Here’s our verdict:

Casual Traders: Acceptable Choice

Bitstamp is an acceptable choice for casual traders. Although it doesn’t disclose data about its Proof of Reserves, it offers reliable security features like SMS verification, Google, and email authentication, along with multi-biometric options using fingerprint or face ID.

In my experience, Bitstamp’s quick buy and sell options are intuitive and useful for small, infrequent trades. I’ve personally utilized market orders for their simplicity and limit orders to set specific entry points, which worked smoothly. The staking feature is also convenient, though the returns aren’t as competitive as other platforms like Binance.

However, the high fees are a significant drawback, especially when compared to Binance and Bitget.

Day Traders: Acceptable Choice

Bitstamp is an acceptable choice for day traders who want to open and close multiple positions of crypto assets in a day. It offers over 100 trading indicators, TradingView integration, and an in-depth order book. Bitstamp also supports OTC trading, allowing users to buy and sell cryptocurrencies at a pre-agreed price.

My experience with Bitstamp showed that they have a quick trade execution time, with some trades completing in seconds. It also has diverse deposit options, including bank transfers, SEPA, Faster Payments, credit/debit cards, e-wallets, and international wire transfers.

Bitstamp offers a limited selection, with only 80 cryptocurrencies and 215 trading pairs available. Its trading fees were higher than those on top exchanges like Binance, Bitget, and Gate.io.

Hodlers & Position Traders: Not Recommended

Bitstamp is not recommended for hodlers and position traders. While it offers several security features like 2FA, address whitelisting, and multi-biometric authentication, it only supports 80 coins, limiting its appeal to hodlers.

Additionally, despite providing lending and staking services for passive income, the platform falls short compared to competitors such as Binance, Bybit, KuCoin, Bitget, and Gate.io, which attract and retain users with strategic rewards and bonuses.

Leverage and Derivative Traders: Not Recommended

Bitstamp is not recommended for leverage and derivative trading, as it doesn’t offer this service. This is a drawback, considering even lower-ranked exchanges like Gemini offer this trading option.

Auto, Social & Copy Trading: Not Recommended

Bitstamp is not recommended for auto, social, or copy trading. For these features, eToro leads in social/copy trading, while Bybit and Bitget excel in auto trading. OKX and KuCoin offer a mix of social and automated tools for diverse trading needs.

Algorithmic Traders: Perfect Match

Bitstamp is the perfect match for traders looking to engage in algorithmic trading. The platform offers access to API integrations, including HTTP API, Websocket API v2, FIX v2, and Open Banking API (PSD2). In my testing, the API integrations were easily accessible.

With a high liquidity score, Bitstamp API can support high-frequency trading strategies. It performs many functions, including offering Third Party Providers (TPPs) secure access to financial data, real-time data streaming, and access to core Bitstamp trading infrastructure.

Bitstamp has a Sandbox and Production environments where traders can test their trading strategies and API functionalities. This exchange has more liquidity for algorithmic trading than Gate.io, BingX, KuCoin, and Bitget. However, other exchanges like Binance and Bybit have better liquidity.

DCA Investors: Perfect Match

Bitstamp is an acceptable choice for traders using DCA strategies. It offers a native and fully automated DCA tool called the reoccurring buy-and-sell feature.

While using this tool, I discovered that a trader has to select the cryptocurrency, set a recurring buy schedule, and confirm. Bitstamp then automates the DCA strategy, purchasing the chosen crypto at specified intervals (daily, weekly, or monthly).

Supported Countries and Regions

Bitstamp supports around 157 countries, including the United States. Compared to competitors, Bitstamp is on the same pedestal as Binance, Bybit, and Coinbase regarding countries supported.

Although Bitstamp is available in the US, it can be limited in certain states like Hawaii due to differing state-level regulations.

The Bitstamp app is unavailable in Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Bermuda, Bolivia, Cambodia, Cameroon, Chad, Cuba, Egypt, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Iran, Liberia, Libya, Mauritius, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Nicaragua, North Korea, Panama, Paraguay, Qatar, Rwanda, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Trinidad & Tobago, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, China, and specific U.S. states like Hawaii, Nevada, and New York.

I discovered some regional perks associated with Bitstamp. For instance, users who reside in Europe can benefit from SEPA transfers, which allow fast and low-fee deposits and withdrawals in euros. Those in the United Kingdom can benefit from the Faster Payments System (FPS) for quick GBP deposits and withdrawals.

Bitstamp Bonuses and Special Offers

Bitstamp lacks welcome bonuses and special offers for new users, unlike exchanges like Bybit and KuCoin.

Join Bitstamp using our affiliate link to get additional trading perks.

Bitstamp Background

Founded in 2011 by Nejc Kodrič and Damijan Merlak in Slovenia, Bitstamp was established as an alternative to the then-dominant exchange Mt. Gox.

Nejc Kodrič played a key role as the CEO of Bitstamp, leading the company to become the first fully licensed cryptocurrency exchange in the EU. He studied Organization and Management of Information Systems and Economics. Kodrič stepped down as CEO in 2020.

Damijan Merlak transitioned from Bitstamp to invest in other ventures, including agricultural and real estate projects. Merlak sold his stake in Bitstamp in 2018.

The company moved to the UK in 2013 and then to Luxembourg in 2016. In 2018, a Belgian investment firm acquired Bitstamp. Ripple acquired a stake in 2022, and Robinhood purchased Bitstamp for $200 million in 2024. For basic users, this could mean potential improvements in usability by integrating with Robinhood’s ecosystem, possibly offering more streamlined access to crypto trading.

Security and Transparency

Proof of Reserves

Bitstamp holds customer funds 1:1 in custody. Furthermore, it has been financially audited by a Big Four global accounting firm since 2016. However, the exchange does not offer a Proof of Reserves (PoR).

Deposit Insurance and Cybersecurity Measures

Bitstamp does not have deposit insurance but provides a crime insurance policy to protect users’ funds against theft or hacks. The exchange secures 95% of crypto offline in bank-grade Class III vaults.

Bitstamp also holds key security certifications, including ISO/IEC 27001 and SOC2 Type 2. Its cybersecurity measures meet industry standards, with 2FA and multi-biometric authentication. Bitstamp offers a bug bounty program with rewards of $10,000–$12,000, which is more than what many competitors provide.

Proof of Organization and Corporate Communication Structure

Bitstamp was founded in Luxembourg but has since moved its headquarters to London. The exchange maintains offices across the US, UK, Slovenia, Luxembourg, and Singapore. Its fee structure and team profiles are easily accessible on the website. Bitstamp also keeps active social media accounts on Twitter (X), Telegram, and LinkedIn, with regular postings and updates.

Verified Trusted Scores

Bitstamp rankings on platforms like CoinMarketCap, CoinGecko, CryptoCompare, and CER are determined by factors such as liquidity, trading volume, and security measures. Each platform has its own methodology. CryptoCompare emphasizes asset diversity, CER specializes in cybersecurity, and CoinMarketCap and CoinGecko focuses on trust

The third-party rankings of this crypto exchange are quite decent. Bitstamp scored lower than Binance, Coinbase, and many other exchanges because it lacks verifiable proof of reserves and no penetration tests.

Know Your Customer (KYC)

KYC is compulsory on Bitstamp.

To open an account, you need high-quality photos of your current and valid ID (international passport, national identity card, or driver’s license) and proof of residency (utility bills, bank account statements, or government-issued documents).

I submitted the necessary documents, and it took around 5 minutes to get approval. My KYC type fell under the Simplified Due Diligence (SDD), requiring basic information like address and documents like international passports. Bitstamp KYC is divided into 3 levels.

For the USA users, there 2 different levels of KYC, which include:

Is Bitstamp Safe to Trade With?

In summary, my findings indicate that Bitstamp can be regarded as having a moderate level of trust and stability due to the following factors:

• Bitstamp offers cybersecurity measures such as 2FA and MBA (fingerprinting and facial identification).
• The website states that 95% of customer deposits are kept safe in highly secured vaults.
• Bitstamp also has a crime insurance policy that protects customers in case of theft or hacks.

However, Bitstamp does not have deposit insurance and a publicly verifiable record of their proof of reserves.

Trading Experience

Trading Test

For our trading test, we thoroughly evaluated the Bitstamp platform. Our process included signing up, completing the KYC (Know Your Customer) verification, logging in, depositing funds, and making withdrawals. We also tested the trading functionalities by exploring different trading pairs and conversions and assessed the associated fees for transfers and withdrawals. This comprehensive test allows us to provide an informed and reliable review of the exchange’s usability, features, and actual costs. Here’s our detailed analysis:

Step 1: Setting Up and Funding Your Account

I created an account with Bitstamp and provided the necessary personal details. Then, I completed a KYC verification to start trading. The verification process took 5 minutes, and everything was fast and seamless.

 

I sent $100 worth of LTC from my Binance account to Bitstamp. Bitstamp requires 6 network confirmations for LTC deposits, and there were no wallet creation fees.

On Bitstamp, I wasn’t charged any fees, but it took 21 minutes for the funds to arrive in my account. This is slightly longer than some exchanges I’ve used before, like Binance and Bybit, where LTC deposits typically take 10-15 minutes.

Step 2: Trading

I selected LTC/USDT as my trading pair.

Then, I converted LTC to USDT at market price. It was 1.5099 LTC, which was worth $100.03 at that time. This was in the trade section, and it was quite user-friendly. A user could tell where the necessary buttons were located.

The estimated fee from Bitstamp was $0.41. It was at a maker/taker rate of 0.3%/0.4%, which is slightly higher than competitors like Bitget. The order was executed and finished within seconds.

Step 3: Withdrawal and Review

I traded USDT back to LTC, using a tight stop loss. After the trade, I had $99.18 remaining in my wallet.

I withdrew the remaining LTC to my Binance account with a 0.001 LTC fee. It required 7 confirmations, but it arrived within 11 minutes. At Bitstamp, there were user-friendly features like QR codes for sending cryptocurrencies. There were alerts in case of wrong address input. Moreover, the presence of address whitelisting provided added security. I found that address whitelisting could be complicated for beginners.

Desktop Version

Bitstamp’s desktop platform stands out for its simplicity and functionality, offering two modes: Basic and Pro.

The Basic mode is tailored for beginners, with a clear layout featuring buttons for essential actions like Markets, Deposit, Withdrawal, Earn, and Settings, ensuring ease of navigation.

The Pro mode caters to advanced traders with powerful charting tools, including customizable indicators and TradingView integration, making it ideal for spot trading strategies. Although it lacks the extensive features of competitors like Binance and KuCoin, such as derivatives, NFT marketplaces, or token launchpads, Bitstamp compensates with an intuitive interface that prioritizes user experience.

In my opinion, it is a solid choice for traders seeking a straightforward and reliable platform.

Basic Version

• Offers a simplified layout designed for beginner traders.
• Limited to spot trading and instant buying/selling, with basic conditional orders such as limit orders and market orders.
• No Search Functionality.
• Account Security includes basic 2FA and crypto withdrawal whitelisting options.
• Focuses on spot trading, there’s no access to advanced derivatives or margin trading.

Pro Version

• Advanced Charting and Tools: The Pro version includes all the features of the Basic version, with additional tools like an advanced order book, 105 indicators (including Zig Zag and Vortex indicators), TradingView integration, and more detailed depth charting features.

• API Access: Pro users have access to API for algorithmic trading, which is beneficial for advanced traders.
• Additional Conditional Orders: Pro users can access more sophisticated conditional order types, like GTC, FOK, and IOC orders.
• No Search for Features: Similar to the basic version, the pro version only allows users to search for crypto assets, and does not provide a way to search for other platform features or services.

Overall, while both versions provide user-friendly and secure environments for trading, the pro version gives advanced traders additional tools for more complex strategies. In my opinion, it still doesn’t compete with larger exchanges that offer broader asset classes and more diverse services. Also, Bitstamp does not support third-party sign-ins, meaning users can sign in with their Google or Apple accounts. The exchange sent reminders to change my account passwords within a month of account creation, deeming them old.

Staking and Lending

Staking and lending are both available on the Basic and Pro version. For staking, Ethereum, Algorand, and Cardano are the three major options at Bitstamp. For Cardano, users can stake weekly and earn an APY of 2 20%. There’s also a monthly staking option in Ethereum with an APY of 3.10%. Algorand offers a quarterly staking option with a 1.60% APY.

Lending is another passive earning method at Bitstamp, offering up to 4.40% APY for lending cryptocurrencies. The staking options are Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, USDC, Tether, and Apecoin.

Mobile App

Bitstamp combines trading and wallet functionalities within a single app, offering an intuitive interface that simplifies access to key features such as deposits, withdrawals, and trades.

The mobile app supports robust security features, including two-factor authentication (2FA), multi-biometric authentication (MBA), and a withdrawal whitelist. Users can benefit from fast trade execution, diverse spot trading chart tools, a personalized watch list, and a clear portfolio overview.

There are distinctions between the basic and pro versions of the app, and they include:

Basic version

Home Interface:

• Displays the total value of your assets.
• Provides a dedicated section for favorite assets for quick access.
• Has a learning section.

Search Button:

• Enables to explore newly listed tokens and view popular assets, top gainers, and losers in the market.

Functionality:

• The basic version does not allow advanced trading.
• Users can perform instant buy and sell transactions, deposit or withdraw funds, and earn crypto through staking or lending options.

Pro version

The Pro version of Bitstamp’s mobile app provides enhanced functionality for advanced traders, offering tools and integrations beyond the basic version.

Spot Trading Tools:

• Access to various spot trading strategies for a more versatile trading experience.
• Around 15 technical indicators are available directly within the app.
• TradingView integration for professional charting and analysis.
• A comprehensive order book to track market depth and trade flows effectively.

It lacks a token launchpad or an NFT marketplace, features commonly found on platforms like Bybit, Binance, and Gate.io.

My Key Takeaways After Testing Bitstamp

After my testing at Bitstamp, there are some things to keep in mind for new users.

• Bitstamp is a buy-and-sell crypto exchange with advanced features: spot trading and API access functionality. It does not offer derivatives, options, copy/social, or P2P trading.
• Bitstamp offers incredible charting capabilities, 100+ trading indicators, and staking/lending services.

Overall, Bitstamp can do better. It should integrate more services and features, like top crypto exchanges, and it needs transparent proof of reserves.

Fees

Spot Maker/Taker Fees

In our review of spot fees, we examine spot fees across three distinct tiers, focusing on the fees for different trading volumes. We focus on the essentials and potential savings through native tokens and various discount schemes. Our unique methodology provides a clear view of fee structures and how they benefit traders of all levels.

The first tier typically represents casual traders, as they don’t usually trade more than $10,000 per month, while the higher tiers often relate to more advanced traders. Using this method, we’re categorizing users not only by their trading style but also by the amount of money they spend on the exchange.

Additionally, we also compare these fees with industry standards to give a thorough perspective on each exchange’s affordability.

The fee schedule structure was constructed using the trading volume model. Compared to competitors, Bitstamp’s fees are slightly higher. For example, Gate.io charges a base fee of 0.10%/0.10% for trading volume up to $10k.

Another thing to note about Bitstamp is its lack of discounts. At Bitstamp, trading fees reduce as trading volume increases.

Deposit Fees

In my testing, Bitstamp didn’t charge deposit fees when I transferred cryptocurrency. However, some fiat deposits are not free of charge.

I compared the fees I was charged with other exchanges and found that Bitstamp was slightly more expensive than them. For instance, Binance charges a 2% deposit fee for their credit/debit card method, while Bitstamp charges 4%. I also discovered that Gemini charges only 2.50% fees for PayPal/e-wallet deposits, while Bitstamp charges 4%. Deposit fees are one of Bitstamp’s downsides, considering their trading fees are also slightly higher.

Withdrawal Fees

Bitstamp also supports crypto and fiat withdrawals. The exchange doesn’t charge any fees for crypto withdrawals, but users will still need to pay network fees incurred. ACH withdrawals are also free.

In my testing, Bitstamp charged a 0.1% fee for their wire transfer and 2.00 GBP for any withdrawal made using Faster Payments (UK). There was also a 3.00 EUR fee for withdrawals using SEPA transfer. Compared to other exchanges, Coinbase offers free withdrawal for SEPA transfers, and Binance charges only 1 EUR.

I also discovered that Bitstamp’s available payment methods depend on location. For example, a person in the UK will see the Faster Payments (UK) option for withdrawal, unlike a user in the U.S.

Are Bitstamp Fees Competitive?

Bitstamp is not the best crypto exchange regarding trading and non-trading fees. Many of its trading fees are higher than those of top crypto exchanges like Coinbase, Binance, Bybit, OKX, Bitget, and KuCoin.

It only offers trading volume discounts for trading fees. Besides, a 4% fee on credit/debit card and e-wallet deposits creates a massive dent in their fee structure. The only strength attributed to this exchange is its free ACH and SEPA transfer. However, this is an industry standard for top crypto exchanges.

Please note that fees may vary, and it’s advisable to check Bitstamp’s official website for the latest information.

Cryptocurrencies Available at Bitstamp

Launchpad

While exploring the exchange, I discovered that Bitstamp is quite transparent with its criteria for listing new coins. The exchange mainly focuses on 6 things: foundational values, technology, legal and compliance, contributors, business and economics, and market value. However, there’s no launchpad.

Stablecoins and fiat-to-crypto trading

It is important to point out how solid Bitstamp’s stablecoins and fiat-to-crypto trading options are. Buying crypto using fiat currencies like USD, EUR, GBP, and some other currencies, makes the process very easy for users.

Deposit and Withdrawals

Bitstamp Deposit Options

Note that the minimum fiat deposit on Bitstamp is $10.

Bitstamp deposit offerings are more straightforward than exchanges like Gate.io. Bank, wire, and SEPA transfers are available, as are credit/debit cards and e-wallet options. Users don’t have to pay fees with the ACH and SEPA transfers. For international wire transfers, Bitstamp offers a fee of 0.05% and 4% each for card and e-wallet options.

In general, I think Bitstamp’s deposit methods are decent. However, there are other exchanges like Crypto.com with other deposit offerings like Skrill and Neteller.

Note that deposit options can vary significantly from region to region. Always check the exchange’s official site for the most accurate and region-specific deposit information.

Bitstamp Withdrawal Methods

Bitstamp supports both crypto and fiat withdrawal. Crypto withdrawal on this platform is challenging compared to other popular exchanges like Binance, Bybit, and Coinbase. You have to go through a white-listing process, where you have to get your government ID and the wallet address you want to send your crypto verified. This distorted the user experience but was a good security feature.

For fiat, Bitstamp supports bank, wire, and SEPA transfers. There’s no fee for bank transfer, but there’s a 0.1% fee for wire transfer and €3 fee for SEPA transfer. In comparison, Coinbase charges $25 for wire transfer fees. However, they’re better than Bitstamp in SEPA transfers, as withdrawal is free.

Bitstamp Daily Withdrawal Limits

The exchange allows crypto and fiat withdrawals. For crypto, it is limited to $50,000 per transaction. The same with their ACH transaction, capped at $50,000 per transaction. Their faster payment service has an upper limit of 250,000 GBP.

Bitstamp is not quite transparent with their daily withdrawal limits. I found crypto exchanges like Coinbase and Bybit more straightforward.

Customer Service

I also discovered that Bitstamp provides dedicated account managers and special support for high-volume traders and VIP accounts.

Bitstamp Customer Support Test

To evaluate the quality of customer services for diverse user needs, we created a unique trading test. We personally contact support using all available methods and present hypothetical problems that users might face. Our evaluation concentrates on how quickly they respond, the quality of the help provided, and whether we can talk to a real person rather than a bot. This method effectively measures the capability of customer support to assist both active traders and casual investors.

First, I emailed customer support. I received an automated reply within an hour, and a real representative followed up with answers to my questions within 24 hours. Their answers were clear and straight to the point.

Next, I tried calling them. The main drawback was that the call wasn’t toll-free, and I was charged during the phone calls. It took around 65 seconds to connect to a customer support representative. I asked about customer insurance available on their exchange. The customer support agent said a crime insurance policy was available.

FAQ

Can Bitstamp Be Trusted?

Based on our research, Bitstamp is considered a legitimate crypto exchange because it has cybersecurity measures like 2FA and MBA with a crime insurance policy.

Can US Citizens Use Bitstamp?

US citizens can use Bitstamp, although it might not be available in some states due to state-related regulations. Some features might not also be available in some states.

Has Bitstamp Ever Been Hacked?

Yes, Bitstamp was hacked in 2015. However, this was almost 10 years ago,, and the exchange has introduced several security measures, like address whitelisting and a crime insurance policy, to ensure the safety of users’ assets.

Is KYC Verification Required to Trade on This Exchange?

Know Your Customer is mandatory at Bitstamp, and you can’t trade or perform any action without verifying your KYC.

Can I Use Leverage or Margin Trading on This Exchange?

No. Bitstamp doesn’t offer leverage or margin trading.

Is My Money Safe on a Cryptocurrency Exchange?

Bitstamp has a crime insurance policy available, but no audited or publicly verifiable proof of reserves exists.

Is the Bitstamp Regulated?

Yes, Bitstamp has obtained regulatory licenses in many countries. Some licenses include Payment Institutions, Money Service Businesses, and Virtual Asset Service Providers.

Does Bitstamp Offer Any Bonuses, Welcome Offers, or Referral Rewards to Its Users?

Bitstamp offers its users only a fee reduction based on their trading volume as a bonus.