Bitstamp Exchange Platform Review

Launched over a decade ago in 2011, Bitstamp is the world’s longest-running cryptocurrency exchange and one of the oldest in the world, currently reaching over 4 million customers from more than 100 countries. The platform manages assets worth approximately $6.6 billion, recording a daily spot trading volume of around $397 million at publication. Since its acquisition by Robinhood in 2024, Bitstamp has further expanded its reach and services, consolidating its position in the industry.

It services UK customers under a London-based division, Bitstamp UK Limited, regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, with VASP registration number 978690, upholding high levels of consumer protection and regulatory compliance. The exchange enables buying, selling, and swapping around 135 digital assets, from popular options like Bitcoin to emerging tokens like Sui.

Its product suite includes spot trading, staking services, and custody solutions, available through both web and mobile platforms. Customers can purchase digital coins and tokens using instant deposit options like credit and debit cards. The exchange enables clients to cash out directly to their bank accounts via standard bank transfers.

Highlights of Trading with Bitstamp

• As one of the world’s oldest cryptocurrency exchanges (launched in 2011), Bitstamp has built a reputation for trust and reliability.
• Bitstamp offers several interfaces, including a simple Basic interface for beginners and a Pro interface with advanced tools for experienced traders.
• The exchange safeguards customer funds by holding 95% of their assets in offline cold storage and using multi-signature technology for its hot wallets.
• Beyond spot trading, customers have access to staking services and secure custody solutions all within one platform.
• The exchange has a clear policy of not charging inactivity fees on dormant accounts, which benefits infrequent traders.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Bitstamp

Available Markets and Products at Bitstamp

Bitstamp offers a decent selection of cryptocurrency products and services, focusing primarily on spot trading with a varied range of digital assets. The platform provides access to over 135 cryptocurrencies and stablecoins, enabling users to trade popular and emerging digital assets seamlessly. Over 200 pairs are available for trading.

Additionally, Bitstamp has introduced a staking service allowing UK customers to earn passive income with an annual percentage yield of up to 3.1% for holding select altcoins. However, crypto lending via Bitstamp Earn remains unavailable to UK users, as well as to traders in Japan, the US, Singapore, and Canada.

Cryptocurrencies and Altcoins

Bitstamp supports spot trading with over 135 digital assets, including major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Cardano, alongside numerous altcoins such as Solana, Ripple, Stellar, and Avalanche. The platform prioritises security by storing approximately 95% of customer crypto assets offline in cold wallets, which significantly reduces the risks of fraud and cyber threats. The remaining 5% are held in secure hot wallets protected with the multi-signature (MultiSig) technology to maintain adequate liquidity.

The platform offers a transparent trading environment with competitive fees and ensures all tradable assets are compliant with FCA regulations. Trading is accessible via web and mobile apps and features real-time market data and secure custody. Crypto derivatives or margin trading are unavailable to UK retail investors at the moment for regulatory reasons.

• Over 135 tradable digital assets
• Includes established coins like BTC, ETH, ADA and fast-growing altcoins
• FCA-regulated custody for UK users
• Spot trading only, no derivatives or margin
• Accessible on web and mobile platforms

Stablecoins

Stablecoins such as USD Coin, Tether, and PayPal USD are also supported by Bitstamp. These assets enable efficient currency swaps and provide less volatile exposure to the crypto markets. Trading stablecoins is fully integrated into Bitstamp’s wallet and systems, enabling fiat-to-crypto and crypto-to-crypto transactions. Stablecoins are widely used for depositing and withdrawing GBP, EUR, and USD on the platform.

• Supports 11 major stablecoins, including USDC, USDT, and PYUSD
• Facilitates fiat-to-crypto and crypto-to-crypto trading pairs
• Useful for hedging against market volatility
• Not covered by FSCS and therefore ineligible for investor compensation
• Available for GBP, EUR, USD onramp and offramp transactions

Staking at Bitstamp

The Bitstamp Earn programme allows users to earn passive income by staking Ethereum and Cardano. Ethereum staking offers up to 3.1% APY, while Cardano provides lower rewards rates of 1%. Rewards are paid weekly or monthly, depending on the asset. UK users retain full ownership of their staked assets, which are delegated to Bitstamp’s validator nodes. There are no additional lock-up periods beyond the underlying Proof-of-Stake protocols, and network-based commission fees may apply.

• Monthly rewards for staking Ethereum
• Weekly rewards for staking Cardano
• Cardano is automatic unless opted out
• A 15% commission on Ethereum staking rewards
• No extra lock-up periods beyond PoS requirements

Trading Costs at Bitstamp

Bitstamp has a transparent and relatively competitive pricing structure, with tiered maker/taker fees and largely fixed spreads. Customers should also anticipate various non-trading-related expenses, such as commissions on staking rewards and fees for transacting with certain deposit and withdrawal methods. Ancillary charges for transaction recovery and IOU fees are also in place.

One clearly advantageous aspect is the absence of inactivity fees as the exchange does not penalise customers for prolonged periods of account dormancy. In 2022, Bitstamp attempted to introduce one such fee on inactive accounts with a balance under 200 currency units but eventually abandoned the idea after facing a significant backlash from customers.

Spreads

Bitstamp uses a spread-based pricing model for basic trading, where the displayed price already includes a spread added to the underlying spot market price on the exchange’s order book. This structure ensures guaranteed quotes but it can lead to higher overall costs compared to placing orders directly on the order book.

The spread applied in basic trading has two components, namely a fixed basic spread and a variable volatility spread. The volatility spread fluctuates, depending on current market volatility and the specific asset. It tends to increase during periods of high volatility and rapid price upswings to reflect greater market risks. Alternatively, the variable volatility spreads can drop to zero under stable market conditions.

• The spread is included in the displayed buy/sell price on the Bitstamp app
• Basic fixed spreads ranging from 0.5% to 1.8%, based on asset type
• Variable spreads range from 0.0% to 0.5% based on market volatility.
• Volatility spreads apply during increased volatility and price surges
• Higher transaction costs than order book trading on Pro platforms

Maker/Taker Fees

Bitstamp has adopted a tiered maker/taker fee model based on customers’ 30-day trading volume, as shown in the table below. Maker fees apply to orders providing liquidity, while taker fees apply to positions taking liquidity. Fees decrease progressively as trading volumes increase, starting at 0.30% for maker and 0.40% for taker for monthly volumes under $10,000. The fees decrease to 0.00% for maker and 0.03% for taker for volumes exceeding $1 billion. This tiered structure rewards high-volume traders with significantly lower fees.

• Maker fees range from 0.30% to 0.00%.
• Taker fees range from 0.40% to 0.03%.
• Fee tier depends on the 30-day trading volume across fiat/crypto and stablecoin pairs.
• Calculates fees based on the customers’ pricing tier at the time of order execution.
• Volume-based discounts incentivise active trading.

Non-Trading Costs

Bitstamp charges various non-trading fees that customers should be aware of. Deposit fees, when applicable, vary based on the payment method. SEPA transfers are free, while card deposits incur a 4% fee. Withdrawal fees also depend on the method and currency. SEPA withdrawals incur a €3 fee (around £2.60), while Faster Payments withdrawals will cost you £2. Crypto withdrawals incur network fees specific to each token.

Additional charges include a 15% commission on Ethereum staking rewards and occasional transaction recovery fees of 10% when retrieving lost cryptocurrencies. IOU XRP Ledger fees of 0.15% are also applicable when transferring IOUs between accounts. Notably, Bitstamp has cancelled any plans to impose inactivity fees, which benefits customers who trade infrequently.

• No inactivity fees are charged on dormant accounts.
• SEPA deposits are free but card deposits are charged 4%.
• Faster Payments withdrawals in the UK cost £4.
• Crypto withdrawals incur network fees unique to each token.
• Commissions of 15% and 25% on ETH and ADA staking rewards

Bitstamp Trading Platforms

Bitstamp provides a range of trading platforms designed to cater to a diverse user base, from beginners to seasoned professionals. The exchange offers both simplified and advanced interfaces, ensuring that customers can engage with the crypto market at a level that suits their experience. For those looking to integrate their own software, Bitstamp also provides a suite of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs).

Basic Interface

The basic interface, often referred to as the ‘Tradeview’, is designed for simplicity and ease of use. It is the ideal starting point for new users who want a straightforward way to buy, sell, and convert cryptocurrencies. This platform provides a clean, intuitive layout that presents the most essential information without the complexity of advanced tools. It offers a clear, spread-based pricing model, where the total cost is included in the price displayed, eliminating the need to calculate separate trading fees.

• Quick and instant buy, sell, and convert functionality
• Spread-based pricing model for transparent costs
• Simple, beginner-friendly user interface
• Primarily for spot trading and instant transactions, without advanced derivatives or margin trading
• Two-factor authentication (2FA) and an option to whitelist crypto withdrawal addresses

Pro Interface

The Pro interface is intended for experienced traders and offers a more comprehensive set of tools and features. Built on institutional-grade technology, it provides a high-performance trading environment with a wealth of market data. Bitstamp Pro operates on a tiered maker/taker fee model, which can be more cost-effective for frequent, high-volume traders. Users gain access to detailed order books, real-time charting, and a variety of advanced order types to execute more sophisticated trading strategies.

• Conditional order types like limit, good-til-cancelled (GTC), fill-or-kill (FOK), and immediate-or-cancel (IOC).
• A real-time order book, trades box, and advanced charts.
• Advanced charting and over 100 technical indicators like Zig Zag and Vortex.
• Various drawing tools for in-depth technical analysis.
• Fast, reliable execution via Nasdaq’s matching engine.

APIs

Bitstamp’s APIs are a key feature for developers and institutional clients who require programmatic access to the exchange. The platform offers a range of APIs, including a REST API for accessing public and private data, and a WebSocket API for real-time market data streaming. A dedicated FIX v2 API is also available for institutions. These tools enable users to build custom trading bots, create their own applications, or integrate Bitstamp’s services into their existing infrastructure.

• REST API for account management and trade execution
• WebSocket API for real-time data streaming
• FIX v2 API for institutional-grade connectivity
• Authentication via API keys for secure access
• Custom rate limits available for high-frequency trading

Asset Storage at Bitstamp

While Bitstamp is primarily a trading exchange and not a self-custody wallet provider, it offers a secure environment for users to store their crypto assets. The platform manages and safeguards user funds, offering a high level of security by default. Users can send and receive cryptocurrencies from external wallets, but the funds held within a Bitstamp account are managed by the exchange.

• Holds the vast majority of user funds in offline, multi-signature cold storage
• A small portion of assets is held in secure hot wallets for liquidity and efficient withdrawal processing
• Client assets are held separately from the company’s operational funds.
• Whitelisting feature that restricts withdrawals to a pre-approved list of external addresses

Mobile Trading at Bitstamp

Bitstamp has developed native mobile applications for both iOS and Android devices, offering users a comprehensive trading experience while on the move. These apps support trading in over 80 cryptocurrencies, including major coins and altcoins, allowing users to buy, sell, and manage their digital assets conveniently from their smartphones or tablets. The mobile interface is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, catering to both new and experienced traders with features such as real-time market data, market depth, advanced charting, and price alerts.

Security is a key focus of the Bitstamp mobile apps, which incorporate biometric authentication features like fingerprint and Face ID, alongside two-factor authentication, to safeguard user accounts. The apps also enable seamless fund management, supporting deposits and withdrawals through various methods, including debit and credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and bank transfers.

To use the Bitstamp mobile app on iOS, devices must run version 14.0 or later. The Android app requires version 9.0 or higher. Regular updates ensure the apps maintain optimal performance and incorporate new features, reflecting Bitstamp’s commitment to providing secure, efficient, and accessible trading on the go.

Account Types Available at Bitstamp

Bitstamp offers separate personal and corporate accounts to accommodate clients at all levels. Each account type is associated with distinctive features and verification requirements to ensure compliance with the regulatory standards in the UK. This structure allows Bitstamp to provide tailored services while maintaining a secure and regulated environment for all users. You can open both a personal and a corporate account, but they must be registered separately.

Personal Accounts

Personal accounts are intended for private, non-commercial use by individual traders and investors. The verification process is straightforward, requiring standard Know Your Customer (KYC) documentation such as a government-issued ID and proof of address. This account type is ideal for those who want to buy, sell, and manage their personal crypto assets on the platform. UK users can take advantage of free deposits and a flat fee of £2 for withdrawals via Faster Payments.

• Designed exclusively for individual retail traders
• Verification requires submitting identification documents and proof of address.
• Access to both the Basic and Pro trading interfaces
• Minimum order size of $10 (around £7.50)
• Enables staking ETH and ADA for eligible UK users

Corporate Accounts

Corporate accounts are specifically for legal entities and businesses, including institutions and partners, who need to trade with their company’s capital. The onboarding process is more rigorous and includes a detailed questionnaire to gather information about the company’s structure, business activity, and source of funds. This ensures that the account is compliant with UK anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing regulations. It also supports multiple users with their own credentials and permissions.

• Intended for businesses, legal entities, and institutional clients
• Verification requires comprehensive corporate documentation
• Supports multiple users with specific roles and access permissions
• Offers advanced services like an Over-The-Counter (OTC) RFQ service
• Dedicated API access for automated and algorithmic trading strategies

Customer Support at Bitstamp

Bitstamp provides timely and professional customer support to UK clients via several communication channels. The primary contact methods are email and telephone. We recommend giving them a ring if you are struggling with urgent issues requiring immediate assistance.

Alternatively, clients can fill in the contact form on the website to receive a response via email. The members of the customer support team are available 24/7. While Bitstamp does not offer a live chat feature, clients can easily access the available resources on the Bitstamp app by navigating to the Support option in the Profile menu.

An extensive FAQ section is available for self-help, covering common topics from account management and security to deposits and trading. Bitstamp also maintains a presence on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn, where they share official announcements and updates. While not for direct account support, they also have several Telegram channels for general discussions, announcements, and news.

Bitstamp Regulatory Background and Compliance

Founded in 2011 in Slovenia, Bitstamp is one of the world’s longest-running cryptocurrency exchanges. The company’s global head offices are located in Luxembourg, with other registered offices in London, Singapore, Slovenia, and the US. The London offices are located at 5 New Street Square, London, EC4A 3TW. Jean-Baptiste Graftieaux currently heads the exchange and serves as its global CEO.

Bitstamp UK Limited is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as a virtual asset service provider under the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017, with registration number 978690. This registration confirms its adherence to the UK anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing requirements. It allows the exchange to offer a range of services to both retail and institutional clients, including custody and crypto asset trading.

Additionally, Bitstamp holds over 50 licenses and registrations globally, including payment institution and MiCA licences from Luxembourg’s CSSF, a money service business licence from FINTRAC in Canada, and VASP authorisations from the regulators of Italy and Slovenia. The exchange has obtained licences in 40 or so US states, including New York, Michigan, Illinois, Louisiana, New Jersey, and Maryland.

Client Security at Bitstamp

As a registered VASP, Bitstamp focuses on building client trust by ensuring a secure trading environment, transparent pricing, and regulatory compliance. The company backs client assets and funds at a 1:1 ratio, meaning that for every crypto and fiat asset you hold on the platform, Bitstamp holds the same amount in the respective asset. Client funds are always available for withdrawal and are kept completely separate from the company’s operational funds. This segregation of assets ensures that your holdings are protected against creditors should Bitstamp file for insolvency.

Bitstamp uses a combination of offline and online storage to secure client assets. A significant portion of customers’ crypto, 95% of all holdings, is stored securely in bank-grade, offline cold storage vaults. This measure keeps the majority of funds isolated from online threats and cyber attacks, while the remaining 5% is held in hot wallets to provide the necessary liquidity for daily withdrawals and efficient transaction processing.

Furthermore, the exchange’s financial statements have been audited annually by a Big Four global accounting firm for the past 9 years. These regular audits verify the accuracy of the financial records and confirm that customer liabilities are fully matched by the assets Bitstamp holds, providing clients with peace of mind about the safety of their funds.

What UK Crypto Investors Say about Bitstamp?

Based on third-party reviews and summaries of consumer feedback on Trustpilot, Bitstamp receives a mixed but generally low rating, scoring 1.7 out of 5 stars on the popular platform, based on over 960 customer reviews. As many as 23% of all clients have rated the exchange with 5 stars. Positive feedback often highlights the exchange’s long history, robust security measures, and user-friendly interface, which is particularly beneficial for beginners. Many users also praise the 24/7 phone support.

However, common complaints revolve around the slow Know Your Customer (KYC) verification process and a limited selection of cryptocurrencies. There are also reports of customer service being fast but not always helpful. Bitstamp appears to respond to complaints, typically taking about one week to address negative reviews on Trustpilot.