Is This Exchange Truly Safe And Legit In 2026?

Bitstamp was one of the very first cryptocurrency exchanges (launched in 2011), and it has built a strong reputation over many years. It’s often called a safe and reliable platform. It is officially regulated in Europe and the US, and trusted by millions. Bitstamp offers advanced order types, APIs for bot trading, institutional trading (OTC), staking services, and instant fiat-to-crypto conversion.

In this Bitstamp review, we will cover what it is, supported cryptocurrencies, the trading fees it charges, and whether it is a safe and legitimate crypto exchange for beginners.

Bitstamp Review: What is This Exchange?

Bitstamp is a global cryptocurrency exchange that lets you buy and sell digital assets using fiat money (USD, EUR, GBP) or other cryptocurrencies. 

It was founded in 2011 by Nejc Kodrič and Damijan Merlak in Slovenia, but after a few years, it moved its headquarters to Luxembourg (2016) and then opened offices in London and New York. Now, moving forward, in 2022, Robinhood Markets acquired Bitstamp, giving it strong financial backing, though Bitstamp still runs under its own brand.

It is one of the oldest crypto exchanges and supports all the standard order types (market, limit, etc.) and offers real-time price charts. Bitstamp is among the top 20 crypto exchanges in the world, according to CMC data. Right now, the exchange supports over 115 digital assets, and it only lists well-established coins. It also offers a user-friendly mobile app for both Android and iOS devices. 

What Country is Bitstamp From?

Bitstamp was founded in Slovenia in 2011 before moving its headquarters to Luxembourg and then establishing a major presence in London. Today, they have offices in several places, including London, Luxembourg, New York, Singapore, and Ljubljana.

Basically, Bitstamp’s official home is in Luxembourg. Its primary company, Bitstamp International SA, is based there. Bitstamp also runs Bitstamp Ltd in the UK (authorized by the FCA) and Bitstamp USA LLC in New York (licensed by NYDFS). Hence, because of this, Bitstamp follows EU, UK, and US crypto rules. So, you can say, in short, Bitstamp is European at its core (Luxembourg/Slovenia roots), but truly operates worldwide.

Who Should Use Bitstamp Exchange?

You should use Bitstamp exchange if you:

• Wants security: Bitstamp is best for you if you want a platform with a long track record (since 2011) and strict regulation. It’s a place where you can feel confident that your funds and info are protected. 
• Prefers popular coins: Mainly, if you want to trade Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other big cryptocurrencies only, Bitstamp has them all. It’s great for investing in the top names. But again, if you want hundreds of random altcoins or memecoins, Bitstamp might not have them, because it sticks to major coins only.
• Beginners: New traders can use Bitstamp’s Basic mode for simple buy/sell orders. The interface is very clean and guides you, and it offers educational guides. There’s no large minimum to open an account (you can start with as little as $10). Bitstamp also has 24/7 phone and chat support.
• Intermediate/Advanced traders: Bitstamp also has a Pro mode with more charts and order types. Hence, if you trade actively and want lower fees as volume grows, Pro mode is there. Plus, serious traders can easily use advanced order types and APIs.
• Institutional clients: Bitstamp provides special services for large players. It has an OTC desk for huge trades, advanced APIs for algorithmic trading, and even “Bitstamp as a Service” so fintech companies can use its platform.
• Requires fiat support: Bitstamp supports multiple fiat currencies like USD, EUR, or GBP. It lets you easily deposit and withdraw those currencies.

Which Countries and Regions Does Bitstamp Support?

Bitstamp supports customers in more than 150 countries and holds over 50 different licenses to operate legally across the globe. They have a very strong presence in the Eurozone because of their Luxembourg license. 

• Europe (EU/EEA): All EU countries are supported, and you can easily deposit euros with SEPA transfers and trade EUR pairs freely.
• United Kingdom: UK customers are served (it has an FCA registration).
• United States: Yes, US citizens can use Bitstamp (more on that below). Bitstamp USA LLC is registered with FinCEN and has a New York BitLicense.
• Asia: Bitstamp covers places like Japan and Singapore (with local regulation). Bitstamp Japan is licensed by Japan’s FSA, and Bitstamp Singapore is approved by MAS. It’s also available in South Korea, Hong Kong, and other countries. But yes, it does not operate in crypto-banned countries like mainland China or Russia.

Can US Citizens Use Bitstamp?

Yes, US citizens can legally trade on Bitstamp through its registered entity, Bitstamp USA Inc. It complies with all federal and state-level financial laws. They are registered as a Money Services Business with FinCEN and hold licenses in almost every state. They even have that New York BitLicense as we mentioned earlier.

But again, there are certain restrictions. Bitstamp’s staking/lending (Earn) program is not available in the US (and also not in the UK, Canada, Japan, or Singapore). So Americans can’t earn interest through Bitstamp.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Bitstamp?

Pros of Bitstamp

• Regulated & Trustworthy: Bitstamp is one of the oldest exchanges (since 2011) and holds licenses in multiple regions. Hence, it follows really strict financial rules and undergoes audits.
• High Liquidity: Bitstamp has consistently high trading volumes on major pairs (BTC, ETH, etc.). Well, this means your trades usually execute quickly at fair market prices (you can say less slippage).
• Fiat Currency Support: Bitstamp lets you trade directly in USD, EUR, or GBP. You can deposit/withdraw via ACH (USD), SEPA (EUR), Faster Payments (GBP), or cards.
• User-Friendly Interface: The platform offers both Basic and Pro modes. Generally, Basic mode is simple and clean for beginners, whereas Pro mode has advanced charts and order types for experienced traders.
• Institutional Services: Bitstamp offers advanced tools for institutions (APIs, OTC desk, custody).

Cons of Bitstamp

• Limited Cryptocurrency Selection: Bitstamp offers ~115+ coins (global) or ~35 in the US. Well, that’s decent but not huge. Also, many newer or obscure tokens are not listed. Hence, Bitstamp might seem quite boring if you want hundreds of altcoins (like on MEXC or KuCoin).
• Not the Cheapest Fees for Small Traders: Base trading fees start around 0.30% (maker/taker), and this is higher than some competitors (for example, Binance starts at 0.10%). Well, if you make only a few small trades, you’ll pay those higher fees.
• No Margin Trading or Copy Trading: Bitstamp focuses on spot trading. You cannot trade on margin here (as of 2026). You’ll also need a different exchange for copy trading or automated bots.
• Staking/Lending Not in US (and some other countries): Bitstamp Earn (staking and crypto lending) is a nice feature, but it’s unavailable in the US, UK, Canada, Japan, Singapore, etc. Only some regions can use it.

What Cryptocurrencies are Supported on Bitstamp?

Bitstamp currently supports a curated selection of over 115 cryptocurrencies that have passed their strict internal security and legal reviews. If you live in the US, the list is even shorter: around 35+ coins (the major ones only).

They don’t just add every new coin that pops up on the internet, but instead, they wait to see which ones are legit and have real volume. You will find all the big ones like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), XRP, and Solana (SOL).

Actually, they were one of the first major exchanges to support XRP again after some of the legal troubles it had. They also have a good selection of stablecoins like USDC and USDT. Plus, they also list some DeFi tokens like Aave and Uniswap, but they are very picky.

Mainly, they want to make sure that whatever they list won’t get them in trouble with regulators. Also, this means you won’t see many “meme” coins here. Now, if you are still confused about which crypto to buy, you can also check out our list of the best long-term crypto to invest right now.

What Fees Are Available on Bitstamp Exchange?

Bitstamp’s fees are quite straightforward. They include trading fees, deposit fees, and withdrawal fees.

Bitstamp Crypto Trading Fees

Bitstamp uses a volume-based tiered fee structure that rewards active traders with lower costs per transaction. It uses a tiered system based on how much you trade over 30 days. Generally, you will see that their fees are competitive with other big platforms like Coinbase or Kraken, but high compared to global ones like Binance or KuCoin.

Well, it is important to know that they have different fees for “makers” and “takers.” A maker is someone who puts an order on the book and waits, while a taker is someone who buys or sells instantly at the current price. You see, takers always pay a bit more because they are taking liquidity away from the market.

Trading fees on Bitstamp start at 0.3% for maker orders and 0.4% for taker orders for users with a 30-day trading volume below $30,000. The more you trade, the less you pay per transaction (check screenshot below).

Note: These rates apply to the Pro trading interface. If you use Bitstamp’s Instant Buy (basic mode with card/PayPal), you pay a fixed fee of about 4% instead of the maker/taker fee. So for cheaper trades, use the Pro interface with bank transfers.

Bitstamp Deposit Fees

• Crypto Deposits: These are free. You only pay the normal blockchain fee when sending coins to Bitstamp.
• Bank Deposits: ACH (USD) and SEPA (EUR) transfers are typically free. The only cost is your own bank’s fee, if any. Bitstamp also supports UK Faster Payments (GBP) at low or no cost, and deposits usually arrive in 1-3 business days (ACH) or next day (SEPA).
• Card/Instant Buys: You can also buy crypto with a debit/credit card, PayPal, or Apple/Google Pay, which costs around a 4-5% fee. Well, this is a convenience fee for instant purchases.

Bitstamp Withdrawal Fees

• Crypto Withdrawals: You pay the blockchain network fee (for example, ~0.00003 BTC for Bitcoin, ~0.0015 ETH for Ethereum, etc.). Also, Bitstamp does not mark these up; you pay the miners’ fee to send funds out.
• Fiat Withdrawals: Generally, SEPA euro withdrawals cost about €3, and US wire transfers cost around $25 + 0.1%. Plus, ACH (USD) withdrawals are usually free if you meet a minimum.

Can I Withdraw Money From Bitstamp?

Yes, you can withdraw funds from Bitstamp using bank transfers or by sending your cryptocurrency to an external private wallet. Basically, once your account is verified, your money is yours to move. 

Well, I guess some people worry about exchanges “trapping” their funds, but Bitstamp has a long history of letting people out. The only catch is that your bank account name must match your Bitstamp account name. Obviously, you can’t withdraw money to your friend’s bank account.

Also, withdrawals are usually processed within 24 hours on business days, and if you are doing a SEPA transfer, it might even show up the same day. Now, for crypto, it just depends on the blockchain speed.

Does Bitstamp Have Hidden Fees?

No. Bitstamp’s fee schedule is transparent, and it publishes all fees on its site and shows you the exact fees before any transaction. The only “extra” cost you’ll see is the normal network fee on crypto withdrawals, which Bitstamp passes on at cost. There are no surprise subscriptions or maintenance fees.

However, there is something called a “spread” that you should know about. This isn’t exactly a fee, but it is a difference in price. Actually, if you use the “Instant Buy” feature, you might pay a slightly higher price than if you used the pro trading interface.

What are the Best Features of Bitstamp Fiat-Crypto Exchange?

The top features of Bitstamp crypto exchange are institutional trading support, staking, advanced trading tools by Bitstamp Pro, B2B services, and a user-friendly mobile app.

Bitstamp Institutional Trading

Bitstamp also serves institutional clients and businesses. It provides an OTC (over-the-counter) desk for very large trades, advanced APIs (FIX, Websocket) for algorithmic trading, and high-touch support.

Actually, It is a major liquidity provider for hedge funds, banks, and corporate treasuries that require professional-grade trading infrastructure. They also have dedicated account managers. Basically, if you are a company wanting to put Bitcoin on your balance sheet, Bitstamp is one of the first places you call.

Bitstamp’s matching engine (built on Nasdaq technology) can handle high-volume orders smoothly, and it even offers custody and settlement solutions for businesses.

Bitstamp Earn: Staking and Lending

The Bitstamp Earn program allows you to collect rewards on your idle crypto assets through a fully regulated and transparent process. You can “stake” certain coins like Ethereum or Cardano and earn rewards just for holding them. Well, the rates change depending on the crypto market, but it is a very simple way to grow your stack. For Ethereum, you can often get around 3%-4% per year. Also, Bitstamp pays you the reward minus a 15% commission.

Note: Bitstamp Earn is not available in the US, Japan, or Singapore due to regulations.

They also have a lending program in some regions where you can lend your crypto to other traders for interest. You can earn up to 4.4% interest on certain coins. You can lend coins like BTC, ETH, XRP, USDC, and USDT.

Bitstamp Pro by Robinhood

Bitstamp Pro is the advanced trading interface (now branded as “Bitstamp by Robinhood”). It has real-time charts, full order books, and multiple order types (market, limit, stop, OCO, etc.). 

Bitstamp Pro uses the same fee schedule (maker/taker) discussed above, meaning active traders get the lowest fees there. It also supports API access for trading bots.

Bitstamp as a Service

This is a B2B solution for the crypto business. Basically, other companies can license Bitstamp’s entire backend (exchange engine, custody, compliance) and build their own crypto service on it. So, for example, a fintech or bank could integrate crypto trading into its app by using Bitstamp’s infrastructure via API.

Bitstamp handles all the complicated stuff like custody and licensing, so the other company doesn’t have to. Well, it is a huge part of their business model now.

Bitstamp Mobile App

Bitstamp has a mobile app (iOS and Android) with a solid reputation, and it supports both Basic and Pro modes on your phone. You can deposit/withdraw, trade, and view real-time charts on the app. The app is also rated around 4.7/5 by users. It supports quick logins (fingerprint/Face ID) and push notifications for price alerts.

Actually, the app is okay, and it focuses more on being functional rather than flashy. I guess if you just want to check the price or make a quick trade, it works perfectly fine. Also, some users say it can be a bit slow to load sometimes, but it is very secure with biometric login features.

How to Open a Bitstamp Account and Start Trading?

Step 1: Create a New Bitstamp Account

You need to go to the official Bitstamp website and enter your basic personal details to create a new profile. You just need a valid email address and a very strong password. You should also enter your date of birth (DoB). Alright, once you confirm the email, you can log in to the dashboard for the first time.

Step 2: Complete KYC

Every new user must complete the mandatory Know Your Customer process by uploading high-quality photos of their legal documents and a live selfie. You will need to have your passport or a valid driver’s license ready for the camera. Actually, you also have to show a utility bill or a bank statement from the last three months to prove exactly where you live. 

Plus, looking at the camera for the liveness check is usually the last part of this phase. Generally, the team reviews your documents within 24 hours, but sometimes it takes a bit longer.

Step 3: Deposit Funds

Now, to deposit funds, you can choose between several bank transfer methods, like ACH for US users or SEPA for Europeans. You should probably avoid using a credit card for this because the fees are around 4%, which is way too high for most people. 

Well, an ACH transfer or a SEPA deposit is usually free, and it is the smartest way to get your dollars or euros onto the platform. You just have to copy the bank details from your Bitstamp dashboard and paste them into your own banking app.

Step 4: Start Trading Crypto

You should go to the Buy/Sell page (Basic mode) or Trade (Pro mode), and then select a market (e.g. BTC/USD), choose an order type (Market to buy instantly, or Limit to set a price), and enter the amount. You can then review fees and confirm the trade. The exchange matches your order with a seller instantly and the coins appear in your wallet a few seconds later.

Does Bitstamp Require KYC?

Yes, Bitstamp has a mandatory Know Your Customer (KYC) policy for every account holder to comply with international anti-money laundering regulations and financial safety standards. You must provide a valid government-issued ID, such as a passport or a national ID card, and proof of address before you can trade or withdraw a single dollar. 

Well, this process is mandatory regardless of whether you are a small retail investor or a large corporation. Bitstamp uses this data to prevent fraud and ensure that every user on the platform is exactly who they say they are. You see, while some people find this invasive, it is the primary reason Bitstamp maintains its banking licenses in the US and Europe.

Is Bitstamp Worth It for Beginners?

Yes, Bitstamp is an excellent choice for beginners who prioritize safety and simplicity over a high-speed trading experience that can often lead to costly mistakes. You will find that the interface is clean and doesn’t overwhelm you with too many technical indicators right away. 

Also, most new users appreciate the ability to deposit money directly from a bank account for zero fees via SEPA or ACH. While the coin selection is smaller than some competitors, with only about 115 assets, it prevents beginners from accidentally buying a “scam” coin that has no real value. Bitstamp also offers high-quality educational materials and a responsive customer support team that can be reached by phone.

What are the Bitstamp Alternatives?

The top alternatives to Bitstamp crypto exchange are Coinbase, Kraken, Gemini, and Binance.

Now, if you are looking for sign-up bonuses on some new crypto exchanges, you can also check out our MEXC referral code and Binance referral code.

Bitstamp or Coinbase Exchange: Which is Better?

Bitstamp and Coinbase both offer top-tier security and regulatory compliance, but they differ significantly in their fee structures and user support options for retail customers.

• Founded/Regulation: Bitstamp (2011) is EU-based with licenses in Europe and the US. Coinbase (2012) is US-based and heavily regulated (it’s even publicly traded). Both follow strict rules.
• User Interface: Coinbase is often seen as more polished for beginners (friendly mobile app), while Bitstamp is clean and straightforward. Both have advanced trading modes for pros.
• Coin Selection: Coinbase lists around 240 coins (and often adds new ones quickly). Bitstamp’s list (~115) is smaller and more curated.
• Fees: Bitstamp’s base fee starts at 0.3% maker, whereas Coinbase charges 0.4% maker fees. Coinbase is also known for having some of the highest fees in the industry.
• Features: Coinbase offers extra features (NFTs, staking for some assets, a Visa card, partnerships) that Bitstamp doesn’t.

Well, if you want to open a new Coinbase account, you can use our Coinbase referral code during registration to get a free welcome bonus.

Conclusion: Is Bitstamp Truly Safe, Legit, and Profitable?

To sum up our Bitstamp review, it remains one of the safest and most legitimate cryptocurrency exchanges in the world thanks to its long history of compliance. They have the licenses, the history, and the security tech to prove it. So, is it legit? Well, no way is it a scam; they are a multi-billion dollar company regulated by major governments (the 3US, UK, and Europe).

Now again, “profitable” is a different story. No exchange can guarantee you will make money. Crypto is very risky, and you can lose everything if the market crashes. Bitstamp just provides the tools; you have to provide the strategy. So, Bitstamp’s long track record and regulatory compliance make it a safe, legit platform. It’s a solid choice if you want a reliable place to trade major cryptocurrencies.