Bitstamp Review and Comparison 2025

Bitstamp, founded in 2011, is one of the longest-running cryptocurrency exchanges in the industry. It is known for its strong regulatory compliance and security measures. It holds over 50 global licenses and registrations, including a Payment Institution License in the EU, a BitLicense in New York, and approval as a Multilateral Trading Facility (MTF) under MiFID II.

The platform ensures 100% backing of customer funds, meaning all assets are held 1:1 in custody with licensed custodians and are available for withdrawal at any time. To safeguard assets, 95% of crypto is stored offline in bank-grade vaults, with the remaining 5% kept only for liquidity.

However, this is just the surface. In this Bitstamp review, we’ll look deeper at its trading features, fee structure, supported cryptocurrencies, and earning options like staking and lending. We’ll also compare Bitstamp to competitors like Coinbase and Kraken, and evaluate Bitstamp’s reputation, complaints and security measures.

Bitstamp Overview

The Bitstamp company was founded in 2011 by Nejc Kodrič and Damijan Merlak in Slovenia. It was one of the first exchanges originally created to trade Bitcoin as a competitor to the then-popular Mt.Gox. Later, the exchange moved to the UK (2013) and Luxembourg (2016). In October 2016, Bitstamp was acquired by NXM, a Belgium-based company. Today, Bitstamp has offices in Luxembourg, Singapore, Slovenia, the UK and the USA.

Bitstamp claims to be committed to making cryptocurrency accessible to everyone with a priority on security, transparency, and compliance. It ensures that 100% of customer funds are backed and available for withdrawal at any time while keeping assets in separate accounts from corporate funds, ensuring neither user crypto nor fiat is lent or staked without consent.

Since 2016, this platform has been undergoing regular annual audits by a Big Four accounting firm, with internal and external reviews, ensuring continued improvement of its financial controls. On top of that, it holds over 50 licenses and registrations globally, with nearly 29% of its workforce dedicated to compliance, legal, risk management, and security functions. All this ensures adherence to regulatory standards and builds trust with users worldwide. In 2016, the Bitstamp trading platform became the first to receive a Payment Institution license in the EU, while in 2019, it obtained a BitLicense. In 2023, the FCA registered it as a crypto asset business adhering to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing requirements. Finally, last year, it received a MiFID license to operate a Multilateral Trading Facility that allows Bitstamp to offer crypto derivatives products.

Bitstamp Services and Products

In this section, we’ll explore the products and services offered by Bitstamp, including its user-friendly trading platforms, tools like BItsmap Pro and Tradeview, and mobile app for on-the-go trading. We’ll also cover its earning options like staking and lending, fiat-to-crypto support, and institutional services such as OTC trading.

Bitstamp Pro

Bitstamp Pro is a dedicated platform for experienced traders and crypto experts, offering advanced tools and real-time data to enhance decision-making. The platform features a comprehensive dashboard called Tradeview with four order types (market, limit, stop market, and stop limit), real-time charts, and customizable market views, enabling users to track trends, manage portfolios, and conduct trades. Users can also set up price alerts for all of their favorite assets.

With over 80 cryptocurrencies, Bitstamp Pro provides easy-to-use portfolio management tools that allow traders to monitor performance, rebalance assets, and identify opportunities. Although the number of assets available to trade is smaller than many other major platforms, this appears to be because Bitstamp chooses quality over quantity.

Earn Stake

Bitstamp Earn allows user to stake their crypto and earn rewards by supporting Proof-of-Stake (PoS) networks. Users, on the other hand, retain full ownership of their assets while staking, and Bitstamp does not impose any additional lock-up periods beyond those required by the PoS network. A 15% commission is charged on all staking rewards, which is factored into the estimated reward rate.

Earn Lend

Another great feature of Bitstamp is the Bistamp Earn Lending service, which allows people to lend their digital assets and earn interest. By participating, you can earn up to 4.40% APY, with interest distributed daily. It allows users to lend some of the most popular coins, like BTC, ETH, USDC, USDT, XRP, APE, etc.

They also ensure complete transparency by offering a monthly performance report detailing their operations. Apart from trying to be 100% transparent, they also strive to be secure. In collaboration with Tesseract, borrowers must provide at least 100% collateral for all stablecoin loans. This requirement helps reduce risk and ensure a safer lending environment. 

However, it is also important to note that Bitstamp Earn Lending is unavailable in the UK, US, Singapore, Japan, and Canada.

Fiat to Crypto Exchange

Bitstamp offers a fiat-to-crypto exchange, allowing users to buy Bitcoin and other digital currencies using EUR, GBP, and USD. On the web platform, users can click the Buy/Sell button in the top menu for quick transactions or go to the “Trade” section to access the buy form. Selling crypto follows the same process, with Bitstamp fiat withdrawals available in supported currencies. 

However, we have to point out that if you’re looking for platforms offering direct P2P trading, Bitstamp may not meet those specific needs.

Bitstamp Mobile App

The Bitstamp app is available on iOS and Android devices and comes with two different modes, the Basic and Pro. 

The Basic mode offers a simple and user-friendly experience for beginners, featuring a quick buy/sell functionality for all supported cryptocurrencies. Users can easily purchase crypto using debit/credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or bank transfers. The platform’s interface ensures a smooth trading experience, while the Learn Center provides straightforward crypto education on all things crypto and blockchain to help users get started. On top of this, the Earn feature allows users to grow their holdings by earning interest through staking and lending.

The Pro version, as the name suggests, is suitable for pro traders and crypto experts. It brings the full functionality of the exchange to your fingerprints, allowing you to trade on the go. There are four Bitstamp order types, real-time charts, an order book, and advanced analytical tools. You can also use Bitstamp Earn to grow your crypto holdings through staking and lending.

This is why many of the Bitstamp app reviews praise the app and how it fits both newer investors and more experienced ones, and it is available in several countries.

Note that Bitstamp is not a wallet provider but a platform that allows users to trade cryptocurrencies with each other in a safe environment.

APY and Institutional Services

Bitstamp also offers tools and advanced features for developers, professional traders, and institutional clients. Here’s a breakdown of those:

Bitstamp API

• HTTP API – allows investors to interact with Bitstamp’s platform programmatically. It supports features such as placing orders, checking balances, and accessing market data. It’s ideal for building custom trading tools, bots, or integrative Bitstamp’s services into third-party applications.
• WebSocket API v2 – provides real-time market data and trading insights. It’s designed for high-frequency trading and applications requiring instant data, such as price changes, order book updates, etc.
• FIX API v2 – is tailored for institutional clients and professional traders. Based on the Financial Information eXchange (FIX) protocol, it offers a standardized way to execute high-volume trades, access market data, and manage orders.
• Open Banking API – complies with the Payment Services Directive 2 (PSD2) regulations, enabling secure and seamless fiat transactions. It lets users connect their bank accounts directly to Bitstamp for deposits and withdrawals.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Trading

Bitstamp offers OTC trading for large transactions with zero slippage, deep liquidity, and competitive pricing. Users can choose between:

• OTC RFQ (Request for Quote): A fully automated service for trades between $100k and $2M, with instant price quotes and private execution. Available via the OTC portal or API (not available in the US and UK)
• OCT Facilitator: A customized trading service for institutions, providing tailored pricing and dedicated account managers (not available in the US, EU, or UK).

Supported Currencies and Payment Methods

As one of the oldest crypto exchanges, Bitstamp offers trading of up to 80 cryptocurrencies, including (but not limited to) BTC, ETH, LTC, XRP, ADA, AVAX, SHIB, UNI, LINK, and many newer crypto coins as well. You can, of course, deposit any of the cryptocurrencies mentioned above into the exchange as part of being a gateway to the Ripple network. Bitstamp also accepts BTCUSD IOUs.

Payments:

There are also a variety of Bistamp deposit and withdrawal options that can be used to facilite payments, as well as a large variety of payment options. Deposit Methods:

• Bank Transfer: Bitstamp bank deposits are possible, where users can deposit funds via international wire transfers.
• Credit or Debit Card: Instant cryptocurrency purchases are available using Visa, Mastercard, or Maestro cards.
• ACH Transfer: U.S. customers can use Bitstamp to deposit funds through ACH transfers, typically processed within 1-2 business days.
• Instant SEPA: For users within the SEPA zone, instant EUR deposits are supported, allowing for quick account funding.

Withdrawal Methods:

• International Wire Payments: Users can withdraw funds to their personal accounts via international wire transfers.
• Domestic USD Payments: U.S. customers can withdraw funds through domestic USD transfers.
• FPS Payments: For users in the UK, Bitstamp withdrawals can be processed through the Faster Payments Service (FPS), ensuring quick and efficient transactions.

Bitstamp Fee Structure

Bitstamp applies fees across various services, including trading, deposits, withdrawals, and transfers. Bistamp’s exchange fees follow a tiered model. Bitstamp deposit fees depend on the funding method, with bank transfers, PayPal, and credit/debit card transactions carrying different costs. 

Bitstamp transfer fees apply to both crypto and fiat withdrawals, with crypto transactions incurring network fees, while bank withdrawals may vary by region.

Additional Bistamp costs include staking and lending fees, deducted from rewards earned through Bistamp Earn. Reviewing Bistamp charges helps tradest choose the most cost-effective methods for managing their funds.

Bistamp Availability

Bitstamp Security Measures

Bitstamp promises institutional-grade security to protect user accounts and assets. For that reason, it keeps 95% of customer assets in offline cold storage, minimizing exposure to cyber threats.

It also requires 2FA for all logins and crypto withdrawals, adding an extra layer of security beyond passwords. To prevent unauthorized transactions, Bitstamp also allows users to whitelist specific withdrawal addresses. This means funds can only be sent to pre-approved addresses. On top of that, every withdrawal requires email confirmation, preventing unauthorized fund transfers. 

Bitstamp encourages users to create complex passwords and change them regularly. To further enhance Bitstamp’s security, the platform advises users to verify they are on the official website before logging in. It also flags suspicious loging attempts and recommends 3D Secure credit cards for crypto purchases.

Customer Support and Reviews

As far as Bitstamp reviews are concerned, the platform has received mixed user reviews, with a 2.0 out of a 5-star rating for Bitstamp on Trustpilot. While some traders appreciate Bitstamp’s long-standing reputation and presence, many users have detailed frustrations with the platform’s customer support, withdrawal delays, and KYC verification process.

Bitstamp’s withdrawal time is a recurring complaint with some users reporting long wait times that have caused significant frustration. On top of that, Bitstamp’s KYC and account verification process has also been criticized for being slow and requiring repeated submissions of documents, even from long-time users. Some reviews on Bitstamp have expressed concerns about being unable to access their funds for extended periods.

Although Bitstamp rating might be low on Trustpilot, the crypto exchange still maintains strong relationships with reputable financial institutions. It is regulated in multiple jurisdictions and operates under strict compliance standards.

User Experience and Customer Service

Bitstamp offers a user-friendly experience with a stable and responsive trading platform, making it accessible to both beginners and advanced traders. The interface updates in real-time, ensuring smooth trade. The registration process involves multiple steps, including identity verification and anti-money laundering (AML) checks, which can take a few hours to a few days. While this process ensures security and regulatory compliance, it may feel lengthy for some users.

Regarding Bitstamp’s customer service, the platform offers multiple contact options, including phone and email support. The website claims that both services are open 24/7, which means you can get help at any time. However, Bitstamp doesn’t offer live chat support, which may be a drawback for those who prefer instant messaging.

For users who prefer self-service, it provides an FAQ section covering common “Bitstamp issues”, as well as a blog with educational resources on cryptocurrency, market insights, and trading strategies.

Bitstamp vs. Competitors

Since Bitstamp has plenty of competitors on the market, it’s important to draw a parallel between them. Here are some of the biggest differences between the four most popular exchanges on the market today.

Opening a Bitstamp Account

• Step 1. Visit the Bitstamp official website;
• Step 2. Tap on the Get Started button;
• Step 3. Enter your first and last name, email, and date of birth;
• Step 4. Tap on the Continue button;
• Step 5. Select your country and agree to the terms and conditions;
• Step 6. Tap Continue;
• Step 7. Check your email and tap on the link to set up your password. Create a strong password and click on the Continue button;

• Step 8. Tap on the Start your verification button. Enter your phone number and click on Continue;

• Step 9. You’ll receive a text message with a 4-digit code. Enter a 4-digit code and tap Continue;
• Step 10. Select your country, enter your home address, city, postal code, and nationality. Tap Continue;
• Step 11. Enter your country and town of birth, and tap Continue;
• Step 12. Upload a photo of your ID and click on the Agree and continue button;
• Step 13. Enter your annual income and net worth and tap Continue;
• Step 14. Fill out the basic financial information and tap Continue;
• Step 15. Tap the Secure my account button to enable 2FA;
• Step 16. Click on the Finish button to verify your account. The verification process will take between 5 and 15 minutes.

Regulation and Compliance

Regulation and compliance with global requirements are priorities for Bitstamp, as they ensure that it operates in accordance with the rules. Bitstamp has always complied with all anti-money laundering protocols and is known for conducting regular security audits. Overall, it holds over 50 registrations and licenses and has a dedicated Bitstamp Board Risk and Audit Committee. Bitstamp has made history several times, starting with 2016 when it was the first exchange to obtain an EU Payment Institution license. It then acquired a BitLicense from the NYDFS, and in 2024, it became a fully MiFID MTF-licensed platform. With this latest license, Bitstamp aims to introduce derivative trading in Europe in 2025.

Bitstamp Pros and Cons

Conclusion – Is Bitstamp Legit?

The short answer would be yes. Bitstamp, to this day, remains one of the longest-running and most regulated cryptocurrency exchanges, offering a user-friendly trading environment, fiat-to-crypto support, and institutional-grade security. However, as we’ve pointed out in this BItstamp review, their high fees, slow withdrawals, and lengthy KYC verification process are also worth considering.

While it may be a great choice for those prioritizing security and regulations, users seeking faster customer support may prefer other exchanges.

Bitstamp

9.1

Fees

9.0/10

Reputation

8.8/10

Security

9.0/10

Support

9.5/10

Pros

• Great long term reputation
• Low deposit and withdrawal fees
• Great customer support

Cons

• Less assets than other platforms
• Intense verification process

Visit Bitstamp

FAQs

Is Bitstamp safe?

Yes, Bitstamp is a regulated exchange that operates under strict regulatory oversight. All client funds are protected through cold storage, encrypted data, and mandatory security measures like two-factor authentication.

Can I use Bitstamp in the USA?

Although Bitstamp is available in the USA, there are certain features like staking and certain trading features, that may be restricted.

What is the fee for Bitstamp?

Bitstamp charges a 0.50% trading fee for transactions under $10,000, with lower fees for higher trading volumes.

Is Bitstamp trustworthy?

Based on all of our research, we can say that Bitstamp is trustworthy. It is one of the oldest regulated exchanges and complies with financial regulations in multiple jurisdictions.

How long do Bitstamp withdrawals take?

Withdrawal times vary from 2-5 business days for bank transfers to 1-2 business days for SEPA withdrawals. Crypto withdrawals are typically processed within minutes, although there have recently been a lot of complaints of longer waiting times.

How do I deposit USD to Bitstamp?

You can deposit USD via Bank wire transfer, ACH transfer, credit or debit card, and PayPal.

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