Bitstamp vs Kraken
How Bitstamp and Kraken compare on fees, safety, tools, mobile and regional availability — scored independently of any commercial relationship.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you open an account or sign up through links on this page. This does not cost you extra. Our rankings are based on our published methodology, not on commission amount.
Crypto disclosure: WeTheTraders is an educational comparison site only. We do not provide exchange, custody, wallet, brokerage, money transmission, or investment advisory services. Crypto and trading involve risk. We may earn commissions from links, but commissions do not change our ratings.
| Overall score | 3.9/5 | 3.9/5 Better |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Reliability-focused users, EU crypto traders | Security-conscious users, Lower-fee Pro trading |
| Regulation & trust | 82/100 | 84/100 Better |
| Fees & hidden costs | 76/100 Better | 74/100 |
| Ease of use | 80/100 Better | 76/100 |
| Tools & features | 70/100 | 78/100 Better |
| Mobile app quality | 78/100 | 80/100 Better |
| Assets | Crypto, Stablecoins, Staking | Crypto, Stablecoins, Staking, Futures (regional) |
| Minimum deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Paper trading | No | No |
| Mobile app | Yes | Yes |
| Availability | United StatesUnited KingdomEuropean Union | United StatesUnited KingdomEuropean Union |
| Fees summary | Reasonable maker/taker fees that fall with volume; simple-buy convenience fees may apply. | Competitive maker/taker fees on Kraken Pro; higher on the simple Instant Buy flow. |
| Protection | Crypto is not covered by SIPC or FSCS. Review Bitstamp's own custody/security disclosures. | Crypto is not covered by SIPC or FSCS. Review Kraken's own security and proof-of-reserves disclosures. |
| Affiliate offer | Official link only | Official link only |
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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- Best for
- Reliability-focused users, EU crypto traders
- Regulation & trust
- 82/100
- Fees & hidden costs
- 76/100Better
- Ease of use
- 80/100Better
- Tools & features
- 70/100
- Mobile app quality
- 78/100
- Assets
- Crypto, Stablecoins, Staking
- Minimum deposit
- $0
- Paper trading
- No
- Mobile app
- Yes
- Availability
- United StatesUnited KingdomEuropean Union
- Fees summary
- Reasonable maker/taker fees that fall with volume; simple-buy convenience fees may apply.
- Protection
- Crypto is not covered by SIPC or FSCS. Review Bitstamp's own custody/security disclosures.
- Affiliate offer
- Official link only
- Pros
- Very long track record
- Compliance-first reputation
- Reasonable, transparent fees
- Cons
- Fewer coins than mega-exchanges
- Fewer app extras
- Regional availability limits
- Best for
- Security-conscious users, Lower-fee Pro trading
- Regulation & trust
- 84/100Better
- Fees & hidden costs
- 74/100
- Ease of use
- 76/100
- Tools & features
- 78/100Better
- Mobile app quality
- 80/100Better
- Assets
- Crypto, Stablecoins, Staking, Futures (regional)
- Minimum deposit
- $0
- Paper trading
- No
- Mobile app
- Yes
- Availability
- United StatesUnited KingdomEuropean Union
- Fees summary
- Competitive maker/taker fees on Kraken Pro; higher on the simple Instant Buy flow.
- Protection
- Crypto is not covered by SIPC or FSCS. Review Kraken's own security and proof-of-reserves disclosures.
- Affiliate offer
- Official link only
- Pros
- Strong security reputation
- Lower Pro fees
- Deep liquidity
- Cons
- Instant-buy fees are high
- Some products restricted by region
- UI less beginner-slick than rivals
Our verdict
On our commission-independent scoring, Kraken edges ahead overall (3.9/5 vs 3.9/5). But the right choice depends on your priorities: consider Bitstamp for reliability-focused users, and Kraken for security-conscious users. Rankings are never affected by commissions.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you click some links on our site. This does not cost you extra. Our comparisons are educational and transparent, and our rankings are not affected by commissions.
Risk warning: Trading stocks, options, futures, forex, crypto, CFDs and funded accounts involves risk. You can lose money. This website is educational only and does not provide financial, investment, tax or legal advice.
Leverage, volatility, fees, spreads, liquidity and platform rules can increase losses.