Bitstamp Review (2026)
Our verdict: 4.3 / 5
Bitstamp is the boring exchange — and we mean that as a compliment. Founded in 2011, it has run for well over a decade without a catastrophic custodial hack, holds licences across the EU, UK and US, and was acquired by Robinhood in 2025, which adds a large, regulated parent. It won't dazzle you with a thousand altcoins or flashy rewards, but for buying the major coins on a platform that takes compliance and security seriously, it's a genuinely safe pair of hands. The trade-offs: a smaller coin list than the giants, and simple-buy fees that are higher than the pro order book.
How it scores
👍 Pros
- One of the longest-running exchanges, with no major custodial breach in its history
- Licensed and registered across the EU, UK and US — strong regulatory footing
- Clean, uncluttered app that's easy for first-timers
- Lower maker/taker fees once you use the pro Tradeview interface
- Backed by Robinhood since 2025, adding a large regulated parent
👎 Cons
- Smaller coin selection than Binance or Kraken — fewer altcoins
- Instant-buy fees are noticeably higher than the pro order book
- Fewer extras (staking, lending, advanced products) than rivals
How it compares
| Feature | Bitstamp | Kraken | Coinbase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our score | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Founded | 2011 | 2011 | 2012 |
| Pro maker/taker fee | from ~0.30% / 0.40% | 0.25% / 0.40% | 0.40% / 0.60% |
| Coins listed | 80+ | 200+ | 240+ |
| Regulatory licences | EU, UK, US | Broad | Broad |
| Best for | Safety-first majors | Security-minded | First-timers |
How we tested
Our testing for an exchange like this means opening and verifying our own account, funding it by bank transfer, and placing real buys and sells on both the simple interface and the lower-fee Tradeview order book to compare what you actually pay. We'd withdraw to an external wallet, test two-factor security, and check its published licences and any proof-of-reserves or audit disclosures. Our scores weight security and regulation most heavily, then fees and usability. We fund accounts ourselves — Bitstamp does not influence our verdict.
FAQ
Is Bitstamp safe?
Bitstamp has one of the longest clean records in the industry — operating since 2011 without a major custodial breach — and holds licences across the EU, UK and US. Its 2025 acquisition by Robinhood adds a large, publicly listed parent. No exchange is risk-free, so enable two-factor authentication and move long-term holdings to self-custody. See how to store Bitcoin safely.
Bitstamp or Kraken?
Both are veteran, security-focused exchanges with strong reputations. Kraken lists more coins and has a slightly cheaper pro fee schedule; Bitstamp is arguably even simpler to use and has a similarly long clean record. If you only buy the major coins, either is a sound choice — see our Kraken review.
Why are Bitstamp's fees higher on the simple buy?
Like most exchanges, the one-tap instant buy bundles convenience into a higher fee. Switch to the Tradeview interface on the same account for lower maker/taker rates on identical trades.