Bitstamp Review
By Itai Varochik | Last updated February 1, 2026
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Our Verdict
Bitstamp is the gold standard for regulated, secure crypto trading in Europe. While it lacks the features and coin selection of Binance or Kraken, its 13+ year track record and regulatory compliance make it ideal for conservative investors.
Rating: 4/5 (512 reviews)
Pros
- Fully EU and US regulated
- Excellent security record since 2011
- Institutional-grade custody
- EUR and USD fiat support (SEPA, wire)
- No major hacks since 2015
- Trusted for large trades
Cons
- Higher fees (0.5% base) than competitors
- Limited coin selection (85 only)
- Basic, dated interface
- No advanced trading features
- Slow to add new assets
What is Bitstamp?
Bitstamp, founded in 2011 in Slovenia, is one of the most established cryptocurrency exchanges in the world. Fully regulated in both the EU (Luxembourg) and US, it offers institutional-grade security with a curated selection of 85 cryptocurrencies - prioritizing quality and compliance over quantity. Bitstamp has an excellent security track record and has been audited by major accounting firms. The platform supports EUR and USD deposits via SEPA and wire transfer, making it accessible for European and American investors. Trading fees start at 0.5% but decrease with volume. The exchange is particularly popular among institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals who prioritize regulatory compliance and security over cutting-edge features. While the interface is basic and the coin selection limited, Bitstamp's 13+ year track record and regulatory credentials make it a trusted choice for conservative crypto investors.
Bitstamp Features
| Feature | Available | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Spot Trading | Yes | 85 curated cryptocurrencies |
| Fiat Deposits | Yes | EUR (SEPA) and USD (wire) deposits |
| Institutional Custody | Yes | Enterprise-grade asset protection |
| Mobile App | Yes | iOS and Android trading apps |
| API Trading | Yes | REST and WebSocket APIs |
| Staking | Yes | Earn yield on select assets |
Bitstamp Pricing
0.5% trading fee
Best For
- Conservative investors prioritizing security
- European traders wanting EU-regulated exchange
- Institutional investors
- Large-volume OTC traders
Not Ideal For
- Altcoin hunters wanting variety
- Fee-sensitive active traders
- Beginners wanting modern UI
- DeFi enthusiasts
Final Verdict
Bitstamp is the gold standard for regulated, secure crypto trading in Europe. While it lacks the features and coin selection of Binance or Kraken, its 13+ year track record and regulatory compliance make it ideal for conservative investors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bitstamp safe?
Bitstamp is one of the safest exchanges, fully regulated in the EU and US with institutional-grade custody. Its only major security incident was in 2015, after which it significantly upgraded its security infrastructure.
Why does Bitstamp have so few coins?
Bitstamp deliberately limits its selection to approximately 85 well-vetted cryptocurrencies. Each listing goes through extensive due diligence and regulatory review, prioritizing quality over quantity.
What are Bitstamp fees?
Base trading fee is 0.5% but decreases with volume: 0.25% above $10K monthly, 0.1% above $100K, and as low as 0.0% for very high volumes.