Summary: Founded in 2011, Bitstamp is the oldest cryptocurrency exchange in the world with over 10 million registered users. It has been registered as a digital asset exchange in the UK since 2013 and holds licenses in 50 different jurisdictions. The platform is based in Luxembourg but offers services to over 180 other countries with a focus on Europe and Asia. Bistamp supports multiple markets including spot and futures trading, plus staking options and crypto loans.

Table of Contents

What is Bitstamp?

Bitstamp is widely recognized as one of the pioneering cryptocurrency exchanges, established to offer a secure and transparent platform for trading various digital currencies. With a strong focus on reliability and customer security, Bitstamp has provided users with an intuitive trading experience, supporting a range of cryptocurrencies. Its commitment to compliance and regulatory adherence positions Bitstamp as a trusted venue for both novice and experienced traders. 

The platform's user-friendly interface, combined with its provision of real-time market data and advanced trading features, underscores its dedication to meeting the diverse needs of its global user base. Bitpanda contributes to the broader acceptance and integration of digital currencies in the financial ecosystem. Aside from trading, it also provides staging, lending and borrowing services.

Bitstamp: Home Page.
Bitstamp: Home Page.

Bitstamp Features

Bitstamp has emerged as a reputable force in the digital currency world, attributed to its comprehensive suite of features tailored to enhance the trading journey of its users. Catering to a broad range of investors, from novices to seasoned traders, Bitstamp solidifies its standing as a cornerstone in the fluid cryptocurrency market landscape.

Delving into Bitstamp's multifaceted offerings that accentuate its appeal:

  1. Spot Trading: Bitstamp's platform excels in spot trading, facilitating direct trades across a diverse cryptocurrency spectrum, ensuring liquidity and competitive market rates.
  2. Security Measures: Prioritizing user security, Bitstamp implements rigorous security protocols, including two-factor authentication and cold storage of assets, to safeguard user funds against unauthorized access.
  3. User Interface: Bitstamp boasts a user-friendly interface that simplifies navigation and trading, making it accessible for users of varying expertise levels.
  4. International Reach: Supporting multiple fiat currencies, Bitstamp offers versatile funding and withdrawal options, accommodating a global user base.
  5. Regulatory Compliance: Bitstamp is distinguished by its adherence to regulatory standards, ensuring a trustworthy trading environment by complying with international financial regulations.
  6. API Support: For advanced users, Bitstamp provides robust API support, enabling automated trading and access to real-time market data for informed decision-making.
  7. Educational Resources: Bitstamp dedicates resources to educate its users, offering guides and articles to enrich their understanding of cryptocurrency trading.
  8. Customer Support: Bitstamp's commitment to user satisfaction is evident in its responsive customer support, available to assist users with their queries and concerns.
  9. Mobile Trading: Understanding the need for on-the-go trading, Bitstamp offers a comprehensive mobile application, compatible with iOS and Android devices, mirroring the full functionality of its web platform for seamless trading experiences.
Bitstamp: Advanced Tools.
Bitstamp: Advanced Tools.

Is Bitstamp Regulated?

Yes, the platform is regulated by the Luxembourg financial regulator, the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier. Unfortunately, Bitstamp was the subject of a hacking incident in 2015 that led to the loss of $5M. Since then, there have been better security measures put in place to prevent such attacks in the future. It now uses multi-signature wallets, cold storage, 2FA, and email confirmation for withdrawals to prevent unauthorized access. 

Supported Countries

‍Bitstamp boasts a significant international footprint, accommodating clients from numerous countries across the globe. Its operational span includes key regions such as Europe, North America, and parts of Asia, demonstrating its capability to serve a varied client base. Bitstamp is particularly recognized for its robust presence in markets with a keen interest in digital currency exchange, tailoring its offerings to align with local regulations and user preferences. 

Fee Schedule

Yes, Bitstamp’s fees are in the mid-high range and considered higher than most investing platforms. For trading, it charges a flat 0.5% fee for new users, but the figure can vary based on your 30-day trading volume. Users with less than $10,000 trading volume would be charged 0.5%. Deposits and withdrawals are a little more complex. Refer to the list below for a breakdown of the costs on Bitstamp.

  1. Crypto Deposit - Free.
  2. Fiat Deposit - SEPA, ACH, FPS and bank transfers are free, there’s a 5% fee on credit and debit cards, and international wire transfers are 0.05%.
  3. Crypto Withdrawals - Subject to gas (network transaction) fees.
  4. Fiat Withdrawals - SEPA are 3 EUR, FPS is 2 GBP, international wires are 0.1%, and ACH is free.
Bitstamp Fee Schedule.
Bitstamp Fee Schedule.

Customer Support

Right off the bat, Bitstamp is one of the only exchanges in the world to offer 24/7 email and phone support. This has significantly improved user experience, and the website also provides a detailed FAQ section that answers most of the questions new users may have. 

If you would like to join one of its online communities, Bitstamp is available on the following social media platforms - Twitter, Telegram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Mobile App

Yes, the Bitstamp mobile app provides unlimited access to trading opportunities as it allows you to execute and manage trades on the go. The app is available for download on Google and Apple stores and has several features to enable seamless trading on your mobile phone. The Bitstamp app is rated 4 stars from 11K reviews on the Google Play store and 4.6 stars from 100 reviews on the App Store.

Bitstamp Mobile App: iPhone Screenshot.
Bitstamp Mobile App: iPhone Screenshot.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Bitstamp is a cryptocurrency exchange that prioritizes security and regulatory compliance, catering primarily to institutional clients. With hundreds of cryptocurrencies and a user-friendly platform, Bitstamp offers reliable trading opportunities along with staking for ETH2 and ALGO. Although its fees are on the higher side compared to other platforms, Bitstamp ensures a secure trading experience with robust security measures and 24/7 customer support.