Bitstamp was one of many very first cryptocurrency exchanges (launched in 2011), and it has constructed a powerful popularity over a few years. It’s usually known as a protected and dependable platform. It’s formally regulated in Europe and the US, and trusted by thousands and thousands. Bitstamp presents superior order varieties, APIs for bot buying and selling, institutional buying and selling (OTC), staking companies, and immediate fiat-to-crypto conversion.
On this Bitstamp evaluate, we are going to cowl what it’s, supported cryptocurrencies, the buying and selling charges it costs, and whether or not it’s a protected and bonafide crypto alternate for rookies.
Bitstamp Overview: What’s This Change?
Bitstamp is a world cryptocurrency alternate that permits you to purchase and promote digital belongings utilizing fiat cash (USD, EUR, GBP) or different cryptocurrencies.
It was based in 2011 by Nejc Kodrič and Damijan Merlak in Slovenia, however after a couple of years, it moved its headquarters to Luxembourg (2016) after which opened workplaces in London and New York. Now, transferring ahead, in 2022, Robinhood Markets acquired Bitstamp, giving it sturdy monetary backing, although Bitstamp nonetheless runs underneath its personal model.
It is without doubt one of the oldest crypto exchanges and helps all the usual order varieties (market, restrict, and so forth.) and presents real-time worth charts. Bitstamp is among the many prime 20 crypto exchanges on the planet, in response to CMC knowledge. Proper now, the alternate helps over 115 digital belongings, and it solely lists well-established cash. It additionally presents a user-friendly cell app for each Android and iOS gadgets.
What Nation is Bitstamp From?
Bitstamp was based in Slovenia in 2011 earlier than transferring its headquarters to Luxembourg after which establishing a serious presence in London. At this time, they’ve workplaces in a number of locations, together with London, Luxembourg, New York, Singapore, and Ljubljana.
Principally, Bitstamp’s official house is in Luxembourg. Its main firm, Bitstamp Worldwide SA, is predicated there. Bitstamp additionally runs Bitstamp Ltd within the UK (licensed by the FCA) and Bitstamp USA LLC in New York (licensed by NYDFS). Therefore, due to this, Bitstamp follows EU, UK, and US crypto guidelines. So, you may say, briefly, Bitstamp is European at its core (Luxembourg/Slovenia roots), however really operates worldwide.
Who Ought to Use Bitstamp Change?
It is best to use Bitstamp alternate if you happen to:
Needs safety: Bitstamp is finest for you if you would like a platform with an extended monitor file (since 2011) and strict regulation. It’s a spot the place you may really feel assured that your funds and data are protected. Prefers standard cash: Primarily, if you wish to commerce Bitcoin, Ethereum, and different large cryptocurrencies solely, Bitstamp has all of them. It’s nice for investing within the prime names. However once more, if you would like lots of of random altcoins or memecoins, Bitstamp may not have them, as a result of it sticks to main cash solely.Newbies: New merchants can use Bitstamp’s Primary mode for easy purchase/promote orders. The interface may be very clear and guides you, and it presents instructional guides. There’s no massive minimal to open an account (you can begin with as little as $10). Bitstamp additionally has 24/7 telephone and chat help.Intermediate/Superior merchants: Bitstamp additionally has a Professional mode with extra charts and order varieties. Therefore, if you happen to commerce actively and wish decrease charges as quantity grows, Professional mode is there. Plus, critical merchants can simply use superior order varieties and APIs.Institutional shoppers: Bitstamp supplies particular companies for big gamers. It has an OTC desk for enormous trades, superior APIs for algorithmic buying and selling, and even “Bitstamp as a Service” so fintech firms can use its platform.Requires fiat help: Bitstamp helps a number of fiat currencies like USD, EUR, or GBP. It enables you to simply deposit and withdraw these currencies.
Which International locations and Areas Does Bitstamp Assist?
Bitstamp helps prospects in additional than 150 nations and holds over 50 completely different licenses to function legally throughout the globe. They’ve a really sturdy presence within the Eurozone due to their Luxembourg license.
Europe (EU/EEA): All EU nations are supported, and you may simply deposit euros with SEPA transfers and commerce EUR pairs freely.United Kingdom: UK prospects are served (it has an FCA registration).United States: Sure, US residents can use Bitstamp (extra on that beneath). Bitstamp USA LLC is registered with FinCEN and has a New York BitLicense.Asia: Bitstamp covers locations like Japan and Singapore (with native regulation). Bitstamp Japan is licensed by Japan’s FSA, and Bitstamp Singapore is accredited by MAS. It’s additionally out there in South Korea, Hong Kong, and different nations. However sure, it doesn’t function in crypto-banned nations like mainland China or Russia.
Can US Residents Use Bitstamp?
Sure, US residents can legally commerce on Bitstamp by its registered entity, Bitstamp USA Inc. It complies with all federal and state-level monetary legal guidelines. They’re registered as a Cash Companies Enterprise with FinCEN and maintain licenses in virtually each state. They even have that New York BitLicense as we talked about earlier.
However once more, there are specific restrictions. Bitstamp’s staking/lending (Earn) program isn’t out there within the US (and likewise not within the UK, Canada, Japan, or Singapore). So Individuals can’t earn curiosity by Bitstamp.
What Are the Professionals and Cons of Bitstamp?
Professionals of Bitstamp
Regulated & Reliable: Bitstamp is without doubt one of the oldest exchanges (since 2011) and holds licenses in a number of areas. Therefore, it follows actually strict monetary guidelines and undergoes audits.Excessive Liquidity: Bitstamp has persistently excessive buying and selling volumes on main pairs (BTC, ETH, and so forth.). Nicely, this implies your trades often execute shortly at truthful market costs (you may say much less slippage).Fiat Foreign money Assist: Bitstamp enables you to commerce immediately in USD, EUR, or GBP. You’ll be able to deposit/withdraw through ACH (USD), SEPA (EUR), Quicker Funds (GBP), or playing cards.Consumer-Pleasant Interface: The platform presents each Primary and Professional modes. Typically, Primary mode is straightforward and clear for rookies, whereas Professional mode has superior charts and order varieties for knowledgeable merchants.Institutional Companies: Bitstamp presents superior instruments for establishments (APIs, OTC desk, custody).
Cons of Bitstamp
Restricted Cryptocurrency Choice: Bitstamp presents ~115+ cash (world) or ~35 within the US. Nicely, that’s first rate however not enormous. Additionally, many more recent or obscure tokens aren’t listed. Therefore, Bitstamp may appear fairly boring if you would like lots of of altcoins (like on MEXC or KuCoin).Not the Least expensive Charges for Small Merchants: Base buying and selling charges begin round 0.30% (maker/taker), and that is larger than some opponents (for instance, Binance begins at 0.10%). Nicely, if you happen to make just a few small trades, you’ll pay these larger charges.No Margin Buying and selling or Copy Buying and selling: Bitstamp focuses on spot buying and selling. You can’t commerce on margin right here (as of 2026). You’ll additionally want a distinct alternate for copy buying and selling or automated bots.Staking/Lending Not in US (and another nations): Bitstamp Earn (staking and crypto lending) is a pleasant characteristic, but it surely’s unavailable within the US, UK, Canada, Japan, Singapore, and so forth. Just some areas can use it.
What Cryptocurrencies are Supported on Bitstamp?
Bitstamp at the moment helps a curated number of over 115 cryptocurrencies which have handed their strict inside safety and authorized evaluations. Should you stay within the US, the record is even shorter: round 35+ cash (the most important ones solely).
They don’t simply add each new coin that pops up on the web, however as a substitute, they wait to see which of them are legit and have actual quantity. You will see all the large ones like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), XRP, and Solana (SOL).
Really, they had been one of many first main exchanges to help XRP once more after a few of the authorized troubles it had. Additionally they have a wide selection of stablecoins like USDC and USDT. Plus, in addition they record some DeFi tokens like Aave and Uniswap, however they’re very choosy.
Primarily, they wish to ensure that no matter they record received’t get them in bother with regulators. Additionally, this implies you received’t see many “meme” cash right here. Now, if you’re nonetheless confused about which crypto to purchase, you too can take a look at our record of the finest long-term crypto to take a position proper now.
What Charges Are Obtainable on Bitstamp Change?
Bitstamp’s charges are fairly simple. They embrace buying and selling charges, deposit charges, and withdrawal charges.
Bitstamp Crypto Buying and selling Charges
Bitstamp makes use of a volume-based tiered payment construction that rewards energetic merchants with decrease prices per transaction. It makes use of a tiered system primarily based on how a lot you commerce over 30 days. Generally, you will note that their charges are aggressive with different large platforms like Coinbase or Kraken, however excessive in comparison with world ones like Binance or KuCoin.
Nicely, it is very important know that they’ve completely different charges for “makers” and “takers.” A maker is somebody who places an order on the guide and waits, whereas a taker is somebody who buys or sells immediately on the present worth. You see, takers at all times pay a bit extra as a result of they’re taking liquidity away from the market.
Buying and selling charges on Bitstamp begin at 0.3% for maker orders and 0.4% for taker orders for customers with a 30-day buying and selling quantity beneath $30,000. The extra you commerce, the much less you pay per transaction (verify screenshot beneath).
Be aware: These charges apply to the Professional buying and selling interface. Should you use Bitstamp’s Instantaneous Purchase (fundamental mode with card/PayPal), you pay a hard and fast payment of about 4% as a substitute of the maker/taker payment. So for cheaper trades, use the Professional interface with financial institution transfers.
Bitstamp Deposit Charges
Crypto Deposits: These are free. You solely pay the conventional blockchain payment when sending cash to Bitstamp.Financial institution Deposits: ACH (USD) and SEPA (EUR) transfers are sometimes free. The one value is your individual financial institution’s payment, if any. Bitstamp additionally helps UK Quicker Funds (GBP) at low or no value, and deposits often arrive in 1-3 enterprise days (ACH) or subsequent day (SEPA).Card/Instantaneous Buys: You too can purchase crypto with a debit/bank card, PayPal, or Apple/Google Pay, which prices round a 4-5% payment. Nicely, it is a comfort payment for fast purchases.
Bitstamp Withdrawal Charges
Crypto Withdrawals: You pay the blockchain community payment (for instance, ~0.00003 BTC for Bitcoin, ~0.0015 ETH for Ethereum, and so forth.). Additionally, Bitstamp doesn’t mark these up; you pay the miners’ payment to ship funds out.Fiat Withdrawals: Typically, SEPA euro withdrawals value about €3, and US wire transfers value round $25 + 0.1%. Plus, ACH (USD) withdrawals are often free if you happen to meet a minimal.
Can I Withdraw Cash From Bitstamp?
Sure, you may withdraw funds from Bitstamp utilizing financial institution transfers or by sending your cryptocurrency to an exterior personal pockets. Principally, as soon as your account is verified, your cash is yours to maneuver.
Nicely, I assume some folks fear about exchanges “trapping” their funds, however Bitstamp has an extended historical past of letting folks out. The one catch is that your checking account title should match your Bitstamp account title. Clearly, you may’t withdraw cash to your good friend’s checking account.
Additionally, withdrawals are often processed inside 24 hours on enterprise days, and if you’re doing a SEPA switch, it’d even present up the identical day. Now, for crypto, it simply will depend on the blockchain pace.
Does Bitstamp Have Hidden Charges?
No. Bitstamp’s payment schedule is clear, and it publishes all charges on its website and reveals you the precise charges earlier than any transaction. The one “additional” value you’ll see is the conventional community payment on crypto withdrawals, which Bitstamp passes on at value. There aren’t any shock subscriptions or upkeep charges.
Nonetheless, there’s something known as a “unfold” that you must find out about. This isn’t precisely a payment, however it’s a distinction in worth. Really, if you happen to use the “Instantaneous Purchase” characteristic, you would possibly pay a barely larger worth than if you happen to used the professional buying and selling interface.
What are the Greatest Options of Bitstamp Fiat-Crypto Change?
The highest options of Bitstamp crypto alternate are institutional buying and selling help, staking, superior buying and selling instruments by Bitstamp Professional, B2B companies, and a user-friendly cell app.
Bitstamp Institutional Buying and selling
Bitstamp additionally serves institutional shoppers and companies. It supplies an OTC (over-the-counter) desk for very massive trades, superior APIs (FIX, Websocket) for algorithmic buying and selling, and high-touch help.
Really, It’s a main liquidity supplier for hedge funds, banks, and company treasuries that require professional-grade buying and selling infrastructure. Additionally they have devoted account managers. Principally, if you’re an organization wanting to place Bitcoin in your steadiness sheet, Bitstamp is without doubt one of the first locations you name.
Bitstamp’s matching engine (constructed on Nasdaq know-how) can deal with high-volume orders easily, and it even presents custody and settlement options for companies.
Bitstamp Earn: Staking and Lending
The Bitstamp Earn program means that you can acquire rewards in your idle crypto belongings by a completely regulated and clear course of. You’ll be able to “stake” sure cash like Ethereum or Cardano and earn rewards only for holding them. Nicely, the charges change relying on the crypto market, however it’s a quite simple technique to develop your stack. For Ethereum, you may usually get round 3%-4% per 12 months. Additionally, Bitstamp pays you the reward minus a 15% fee.
Be aware: Bitstamp Earn isn’t out there within the US, Japan, or Singapore resulting from laws.
Additionally they have a lending program in some areas the place you may lend your crypto to different merchants for curiosity. You’ll be able to earn as much as 4.4% curiosity on sure cash. You’ll be able to lend cash like BTC, ETH, XRP, USDC, and USDT.
Bitstamp Professional by Robinhood
Bitstamp Professional is the superior buying and selling interface (now branded as “Bitstamp by Robinhood”). It has real-time charts, full order books, and a number of order varieties (market, restrict, cease, OCO, and so forth.).
Bitstamp Professional makes use of the identical payment schedule (maker/taker) mentioned above, that means energetic merchants get the bottom charges there. It additionally helps API entry for buying and selling bots.
Bitstamp as a Service
This can be a B2B answer for the crypto enterprise. Principally, different firms can license Bitstamp’s whole backend (alternate engine, custody, compliance) and construct their very own crypto service on it. So, for instance, a fintech or financial institution might combine crypto buying and selling into its app through the use of Bitstamp’s infrastructure through API.
Bitstamp handles all of the sophisticated stuff like custody and licensing, so the opposite firm doesn’t must. Nicely, it’s a enormous a part of their enterprise mannequin now.
Bitstamp Cell App
Bitstamp has a cell app (iOS and Android) with a strong popularity, and it helps each Primary and Professional modes in your telephone. You’ll be able to deposit/withdraw, commerce, and consider real-time charts on the app. The app can be rated round 4.7/5 by customers. It helps fast logins (fingerprint/Face ID) and push notifications for worth alerts.
Really, the app is okay, and it focuses extra on being useful relatively than flashy. I assume if you happen to simply wish to verify the value or make a fast commerce, it really works completely effective. Additionally, some customers say it may be a bit sluggish to load generally, however it is rather safe with biometric login options.
Easy methods to Open a Bitstamp Account and Begin Buying and selling?
Step 1: Create a New Bitstamp Account
It is advisable go to the official Bitstamp web site and enter your fundamental private particulars to create a brand new profile. You simply want a legitimate e mail handle and a really sturdy password. You also needs to enter your date of beginning (DoB). Alright, when you affirm the e-mail, you may log in to the dashboard for the primary time.
Step 2: Full KYC
Each new consumer should full the obligatory Know Your Buyer course of by importing high-quality pictures of their authorized paperwork and a stay selfie. You’ll need to have your passport or a legitimate driver’s license prepared for the digicam. Really, you even have to indicate a utility invoice or a financial institution assertion from the final three months to show precisely the place you reside.
Plus, trying on the digicam for the liveness verify is often the final a part of this part. Typically, the group evaluations your paperwork inside 24 hours, however generally it takes a bit longer.
Step 3: Deposit Funds
Now, to deposit funds, you may select between a number of financial institution switch strategies, like ACH for US customers or SEPA for Europeans. It is best to most likely keep away from utilizing a bank card for this as a result of the charges are round 4%, which is method too excessive for most individuals.
Nicely, an ACH switch or a SEPA deposit is often free, and it’s the smartest technique to get your {dollars} or euros onto the platform. You simply have to repeat the financial institution particulars out of your Bitstamp dashboard and paste them into your individual banking app.
Step 4: Begin Buying and selling Crypto
It is best to go to the Purchase/Promote web page (Primary mode) or Commerce (Professional mode), after which choose a market (e.g. BTC/USD), select an order kind (Market to purchase immediately, or Restrict to set a worth), and enter the quantity. You’ll be able to then evaluate charges and ensure the commerce. The alternate matches your order with a vendor immediately and the cash seem in your pockets a couple of seconds later.
Does Bitstamp Require KYC?
Sure, Bitstamp has a compulsory Know Your Buyer (KYC) coverage for each account holder to adjust to worldwide anti-money laundering laws and monetary security requirements. You need to present a legitimate government-issued ID, resembling a passport or a nationwide ID card, and proof of handle earlier than you may commerce or withdraw a single greenback.
Nicely, this course of is obligatory no matter whether or not you’re a small retail investor or a big company. Bitstamp makes use of this knowledge to stop fraud and be sure that each consumer on the platform is strictly who they are saying they’re. You see, whereas some folks discover this invasive, it’s the main cause Bitstamp maintains its banking licenses within the US and Europe.
Is Bitstamp Price It for Newbies?
Sure, Bitstamp is a superb alternative for rookies who prioritize security and ease over a high-speed buying and selling expertise that may usually result in pricey errors. You will see that the interface is clear and doesn’t overwhelm you with too many technical indicators immediately.
Additionally, most new customers admire the flexibility to deposit cash immediately from a checking account for zero charges through SEPA or ACH. Whereas the coin choice is smaller than some opponents, with solely about 115 belongings, it prevents rookies from by chance shopping for a “rip-off” coin that has no actual worth. Bitstamp additionally presents high-quality instructional materialss and a responsive buyer help group that may be reached by telephone.
What are the Bitstamp Alternate options?
The highest alternate options to Bitstamp crypto alternate are Coinbase, Kraken, Gemini, and Binance.
ExchangeFoundedRegulatedUS AvailabilitySupported CoinsBase Buying and selling FeeFutures TradingBitstamp2011Sure (EU/US)49 States15+0.3% – 0.40%Sure (EU-regulated)Coinbase2012Sure (International)50 States240+0.40% – 0.60%No (Retail)Kraken2011Sure (International)48 States200+0.25% – 0.40%Sure (Non-US)Gemini2014Sure (US/NY)50 States70+~0.40%NoBinance2017PartialRestricted (Binance.US)350+0.10%Sure (International)
Now, if you’re searching for sign-up bonuses on some new crypto exchanges, you too can take a look at our MEXC referral code and Binance referral code.
Bitstamp or Coinbase Change: Which is Higher?
Bitstamp and Coinbase each provide top-tier safety and regulatory compliance, however they differ considerably of their payment buildings and consumer help choices for retail prospects.
Based/Regulation: Bitstamp (2011) is EU-based with licenses in Europe and the US. Coinbase (2012) is US-based and closely regulated (it’s even publicly traded). Each comply with strict guidelines.Consumer Interface: Coinbase is usually seen as extra polished for rookies (pleasant cell app), whereas Bitstamp is clear and simple. Each have superior buying and selling modes for professionals.Coin Choice: Coinbase lists round 240 cash (and infrequently provides new ones shortly). Bitstamp’s record (~115) is smaller and extra curated.Charges: Bitstamp’s base payment begins at 0.3% maker, whereas Coinbase costs 0.4% maker charges. Coinbase can be recognized for having a few of the highest charges within the business.Options: Coinbase presents additional options (NFTs, staking for some belongings, a Visa card, partnerships) that Bitstamp doesn’t.
Nicely, if you wish to open a brand new Coinbase account, you need to use our Coinbase referral code throughout registration to get a free welcome bonus.
Conclusion: Is Bitstamp Actually Secure, Legit, and Worthwhile?
To sum up our Bitstamp evaluate, it stays one of many most secure and most official cryptocurrency exchanges on the planet because of its lengthy historical past of compliance. They’ve the licenses, the historical past, and the safety tech to show it. So, is it legit? Nicely, no method is it a rip-off; they’re a multi-billion greenback firm regulated by main governments (the 3US, UK, and Europe).
Now once more, “worthwhile” is a distinct story. No alternate can assure you’ll earn cash. Crypto may be very dangerous, and you may lose every thing if the market crashes. Bitstamp simply supplies the instruments; you need to present the technique. So, Bitstamp’s lengthy monitor file and regulatory compliance make it a protected, legit platform. It’s a strong alternative if you would like a dependable place to commerce main cryptocurrencies.
