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Bitstamp Review
One of the longest-running crypto exchanges, EU-headquartered, known for reliability, reasonable fees and a compliance-first reputation.
1K reviews · checked Jul 2026
Trustpilot skews negative for large platforms that don't invite reviews.
Best for
- Reliability-focused users
- EU crypto traders
- Major-coin investors
Not best for
- You want a huge altcoin selection
- You want lots of app extras
Our verdict & scoring
Bitstamp is among the oldest crypto exchanges still operating, headquartered in the EU and respected for stability and a compliance-first approach. It offers a focused set of major coins with reasonable maker/taker fees, appealing to users who prioritise reliability over the widest altcoin selection. In June 2025 it was acquired by Robinhood (~$200M) and now trades as 'Bitstamp by Robinhood'. It holds a MiCA CASP licence from Luxembourg's CSSF — the first MiCA-licensed exchange in Luxembourg — passportable across the EEA.
Scores are based on our review methodology. Affiliate relationships do not buy higher ratings.
Who should actually use Bitstamp
Bitstamp is for people who rank reliability above novelty: one of the oldest exchanges still operating, EU-headquartered with a compliance-first reputation, and the first MiCA-licensed exchange in Luxembourg (CSSF licence, passportable across the EEA). The focused major-coin selection and reasonable maker/taker fees suit long-term crypto investors — especially in the EU. Altcoin hunters and users who want a feature-packed super-app should look elsewhere.
What we'd change
The coin list is deliberately smaller than the mega-exchanges and the app is light on extras. Watch the convenience fees on simple buys — the maker/taker order book is the cheaper route — plus withdrawal/network fees. Regional availability varies, so verify your country. And as everywhere in crypto: no SIPC or FSCS protection applies.
How it compares to Kraken
Both are veteran, security-conscious exchanges serving the US, UK and EU. Kraken brings deeper liquidity, a broader coin selection, staking and regional futures, with very competitive Kraken Pro fees; Bitstamp counters with its EU regulatory anchor (MiCA CASP licence via Luxembourg's CSSF) and a simpler, compliance-first offering now owned by Robinhood. Active traders lean Kraken; EU-based, reliability-first investors lean Bitstamp.
Pros
- Very long track record
- Compliance-first reputation
- Reasonable, transparent fees
Cons
- Fewer coins than mega-exchanges
- Fewer app extras
- Regional availability limits
Fees & hidden costs explained
Reasonable maker/taker fees that fall with volume; simple-buy convenience fees may apply.
Safety, regulation & availability
EU: MiCA CASP licence from Luxembourg's CSSF (2025), passportable across the EEA. UK: subject to FCA financial-promotion rules for cryptoassets. Owned by Robinhood since June 2025. Availability varies by region — verify.
Account protection: Crypto is not covered by SIPC or FSCS. Review Bitstamp's own custody/security disclosures.
Available to retail traders in:
Verify this platform yourself:
Frequently asked questions
Is Bitstamp regulated?
Bitstamp holds a MiCA CASP licence from Luxembourg's CSSF (2025), passportable across the EEA — the first MiCA-licensed exchange in Luxembourg. In the UK it's subject to FCA financial-promotion rules for cryptoassets.
Who owns Bitstamp?
Robinhood, which acquired Bitstamp for about $200M in June 2025. It now trades as 'Bitstamp by Robinhood'.
Is my crypto insured on Bitstamp?
No — crypto is not covered by SIPC or FSCS anywhere. Review Bitstamp's own custody and security disclosures.
How are Bitstamp's fees?
Reasonable maker/taker fees that fall with volume on the exchange; simple-buy flows can carry convenience fees, and withdrawal/network fees apply.
Does Bitstamp support staking?
Yes — staking is offered alongside crypto and stablecoins, subject to regional availability.
Official sources
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Leverage, volatility, fees, spreads, liquidity and platform rules can increase losses.
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