Bitstamp Review 2021

Pros Explained

  • Easy-to-use platform: Bitstamp offers a simple, user-friendly platform that makes it easy to buy and sell cryptocurrency.
  • Competitive fees on main platform: Fees start at 0.50% and go down with higher trading volumes, and you don’t have to use an advanced trading platform for the platform’s lowest fees.
  • Long history supporting cryptocurrency users: Bitstamp is one of the oldest exchanges, with a full decade of cryptocurrency exchange history.

Cons Explained

  • Limited list of supported currencies: Bitstamp only supports 45 currencies, fewer than other major exchanges.
  • Limited options for staking: Only two currencies are available for staking, with a top rate of less than 6% APR. Other exchanges offer more options and higher APRs for staking.
  • No margin trading or lending features: Unlike some competitors, Bitstamp does not offer margin trading or lending features. 

Introduction

Founded in 2011, Bitstamp is one of the oldest cryptocurrency exchanges in operation. Today, it supports traders looking to buy and sell a list of 45 cryptocurrencies with competitive trading fees. Users can choose to trade crypto with Bitstamp’s simple online trading platform, active trading platform, or mobile apps.

While cryptocurrency trading is risky and volatile, Bitstamp does an excellent job keeping customer accounts secure while providing a user-friendly cryptocurrency trading and investing experience.

As with any cryptocurrency exchange, Bitstamp may expose you to assets that are volatile and high risk. Invest with caution.


Company Overview

Bitstamp was launched in Slovenia in 2011. The exchange expanded to the United Kingdom in 2013, Luxembourg in 2016, and now operates multiple global offices. Bitstamp USA is based in New York. The exchange now has over 4 million customers worldwide.

Through the Bitstamp platform, you can buy and sell 45 of the most popular cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Uniswap, Litecoin, Stellar Lumens, and others. Bitstamp features both basic and active trading platforms, though its relatively short list of currencies likely makes it better for beginners and casual traders.


Cryptocurrencies Available on Bitstamp

Bitstamp currently supports a growing list of cryptocurrencies for spot trading. You can also deposit and hold U.S. dollars and euros. Here’s a partial list of currencies available on the Bitstamp platform:

  • Bitcoin
  • Ether
  • Uniswap
  • Stellar Lumens
  • Tether
  • USD Coin
  • Litecoin
  • Chainlink
  • Bitcoin Cash
  • Gemini Dollar
  • Ripple (Not available in the U.S.)

Trading Experience

Traders can use Bitstamp through three different platforms: Bitstamp.net, Bitstamp Tradeview, and Bitstamp Mobile. Trading fees are the same on all platforms, which isn’t the case for some competitors like Coinbase.

Trading fees are the same on Bitstamp and Tradeview, so you can use whichever platform you are most comfortable with and don’t have to worry about paying extra.

Bitstamp.net

Trading page for Stellar Lumens at Bitstamp.

You can buy and sell on Bitstamp’s basic trading platform with instant, market, limit, and stop orders. You’re able to make a purchase from your Bitstamp balance or a connected card for an added fee. The central platform includes a basic chart, current buy and sell offers outstanding, and a simple purchase form.

Tradeview

More advanced traders will likely want to navigate to Tradeview, Bitstamp’s active trading platform with more advanced charting features, a live updated order book, depth chart, and quick trading forms. You get the same available order types on both the basic and Tradeview platforms.

Tradeview offers advanced charting tools and other features.

Bitstamp Mobile

Bitstamp features mobile apps for Android and iOS devices available in the Google Play Store and App Store. Its apps include all of the features you get with the primary Bitstamp web-based trading experience for a pocket-sized trading experience.

In addition to buying and selling anywhere you have a secure internet connection, you can use the Bitstamp app to send and receive crypto to store in a Bitstamp account.


Fees

Trading fees at Bitstamp start at 0.50% for regular trades for all pairs. This straightforward pricing is on-par with top competitors’ pro platforms. Fees aren’t the cheapest around but are certainly not the most expensive.

Fees decrease if you trade more than $10,000 in volume over the prior 30 day period. High-volume traders can see fees drop to as low as 0% on volumes of $20 million per month or more. 

If you use Bitstamp for staking, it takes 15% of your earnings but doesn’t charge any other fees. In addition to trading fees, you may run into these costs when funding and managing your account:

Payment Method Bitstamp Fee 
USD Wallet No added charge
Debit/Credit card  5% 
ACH Transfer  No charge 
Wire Transfer  0.05% deposit fee, 0.1% withdrawal fee
Crypto Conversion  0.50% or less 
Purchases  0.50% or less 
Trades  0.50% or less 
Any other fees mentioned  Fees apply when withdrawing cryptocurrency to an external wallet

Security

Cryptocurrency transactions are one-way, so if your account is hacked or breached, your losses may not be recoverable. When using Bitstamp or any other cryptocurrency exchange, it’s important to use vigorous security practices, including a unique password and multi-factor authentication, ideally using a third-party authenticator app.

Bitstamp uses strong security practices and stores the bulk of client funds offline in cold storage. When signing up for a new account, the platform requires you to set up and use multi-factor authentication for added security.

As with any other crypto exchange, it’s a good idea to use care when funding your Bitstamp account, withdrawing fiat currency or cryptocurrency, and handling any kind of account maintenance.


Opening a Bitstamp Account

Opening a Bitstamp account is a quick and easy process that takes about five to ten minutes.

To get started, you’ll enter and verify your email address and set an account password. Choose a unique password to keep your account as secure as possible. Next, you’ll be prompted to connect with a multi-factor authentication app like Google Authenticator.

To meet Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements, you’ll be prompted to upload an image of your photo ID along with a short video of yourself reading a three-digit code. Once you submit your pictures and personal contact information, including a Social Security number, your account goes into a queue for review, which takes around 5 to 15 minutes.

While cryptocurrency is known for being semi-anonymous, your activity on Bitstamp and other exchanges that require a Social Security number may be reported to the IRS.

Once you receive your activation email, you can log in and fund your account using a bank account. You can also buy crypto directly with a debit card for an added fee or deposit crypto from an outside wallet to get started.

Overall, the signup process is very similar to other cryptocurrency exchanges.


Customer Service

Bitstamp customer service is available by email 24/7. There’s also an extensive help section where you can read answers to common questions about opening and using a Bitstamp account.

While it would be nice to see a live help option from Bitstamp, like live chat or phone support, at least assistance is available via email around the clock if you need it.


Customer Satisfaction

Like most crypto companies, Bitstamp receives mixed feedback from current and past users. Complaints primarily focus on slow withdrawal times and poor customer service interactions.

As with most cryptocurrency exchanges, Bitstamp support is limited and you should expect to handle most account needs yourself. If you’re not comfortable managing your account and don’t have experience with online trading, such as with a brokerage account, you may struggle with the learning curve when starting with Bitstamp.


Account Management

You can manage your Bitstamp account through a simple online dashboard that shows your portfolio contents, transaction history, current trading fee tier, and other account balances.

The cryptocurrency withdrawal form at Bitstamp.

Through the dashboard, you can easily deposit funds via bank account, credit, or debit card, or make cryptocurrency transfers and withdrawals. Note that Tradeview doesn’t include any account management features beyond entering and tracking trades and orders.


How Bitstamp Compares to Other Cryptocurrency Companies

Bitstamp’s combination of low trading fees and an easy-to-use platform make it a good choice for a wide range of users. However, it offers a relatively small list of cryptocurrencies for trading and staking, which could be improved.

Bitstamp vs. Coinbase

Bitstamp and Coinbase both offer beginner-friendly platforms and a range of cryptocurrency services. Here’s a head-to-head comparison of several essential features:

  Bitstamp Coinbase 
Trade Fees 0.50% or less Transaction fee plus 0.50% spread on the main platform
Available Currencies to Trade  45  100+ 
Currencies Available for Staking 
Customer Service Options  Help page, email  Help page, email ticket, phone, chat bot 

Read our full review of Coinbase for more information.


Final Verdict

Bitstamp does a decent job of making it easy to buy and trade cryptocurrency while keeping fees reasonable. It would be great to see an expanded list of currencies and a more powerful active trading platform. Bitstamp’s lack of options and features could result in active traders looking elsewhere.

But for beginner to intermediate traders and those with a more casual approach to crypto trading, Bitstamp may be a good choice. If you’re looking for a secure option to buy cryptocurrency quickly and manage a basic crypto portfolio, Bitstamp is worth considering.


Methodology 

Investopedia is dedicated to helping those interested in cryptocurrency investing make informed and safe decisions. We are committed to providing our readers with unbiased reviews of the top cryptocurrency exchanges for investors of all levels.

Exchanges are only considered for review if they are safe, secure, liquid, and either regulated by a proper agency or entirely decentralized.


Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in our editorial policy .

  1. Bitstamp. “Fee Schedule.” Accessed Nov. 12, 2021. 

  2. Bitstamp. “Markets.” Accessed Nov. 12, 2021. 

  3. Bitstamp. “Is it Safe to Use Bitstamp?” Accessed Nov. 12, 2021. 

  4. Trustpilot. “Bitstamp.” Accessed Nov. 12, 2021. 



This news is republished from another source. You can check the original article here

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*