Bitstamp Exchange Review

Bitstamp Review: Europe's Longest-Running Crypto Exchange

Bitstamp is the world's longest-running Bitcoin exchange, founded in 2011 as a European alternative to the then-dominant Mt. Gox. Based in Luxembourg, Bitstamp is fully licensed and regulated, making it one of the most trusted exchanges globally for institutional and retail traders.

Background

Bitstamp was founded by Nejc Kodrič and Damijan Merlak in Slovenia in 2011, later redomiciling to Luxembourg. In 2018, Belgian investment firm NXMH acquired Bitstamp, bringing further institutional backing. Bitstamp holds licences in the EU (as a Virtual Asset Service Provider), the UK (FCA registered), US (Money Transmitter licences in multiple states), and Singapore.

Supported Assets

Bitstamp is deliberately focused — it offers approximately 80+ cryptocurrencies (not hundreds like Binance), prioritising liquidity and compliance over quantity:

• Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Stellar
• Major DeFi tokens, stablecoins (USDT, USDC)
• USD, EUR, GBP, CHF fiat pairs

Key Features

Bitstamp Pro: Advanced trading with depth charts, multiple order types, and TradingView integration.

Bitstamp Earn: Staking/lending rewards on eligible assets.

Instant Buy: Simplified purchase interface for beginners — buy with credit card, bank transfer, or SEPA.

API: Comprehensive REST and WebSocket API for algorithmic traders.

Institutional Services: Bitstamp is a popular choice for institutional clients, offering custody solutions, OTC trading, and dedicated account management.

Fees

Bitstamp uses a maker/taker fee model:

• Standard taker fee: 0.50% (decreasing with volume)
• Standard maker fee: 0.50% (decreasing with volume)
• High-volume traders: down to 0.03%
• Instant buy: higher spread (not recommended for regular trading)

Security

Founded after the Mt. Gox era, Bitstamp has built security as a core priority:

• 98% of assets in multi-signature cold storage
• SOC 2 Type II audited
• ISO 27001 certified
• Two-factor authentication (TOTP + email)
• Withdrawal address whitelisting

In 2015, Bitstamp suffered a hot wallet hack ($5M in Bitcoin lost). The company fully compensated affected users and significantly upgraded security afterward.

Verdict

Bitstamp is the exchange for users who prioritise regulatory compliance, security, and longevity over a large altcoin selection. It's ideal for Bitcoin and Ethereum trading with EUR and USD, and for institutional clients who need a regulated partner.

• Oldest operating exchange (since 2011)
• Fully licensed in EU, UK, US
• Strong security history post-2015
• Excellent EUR liquidity

• Limited altcoin selection
• Higher fees than some competitors
• Less suitable for altcoin traders