So you’re looking to start trading Bitcoin on one of Europe’s leading Bitcoin exchanges? Then it is a good idea to check our full Bitstamp exchange review. You have landed on our Bitstamp is one of the most established and respected exchanges on the market. But my research proved it might not be suitable for everyone. Bitstamp caters to a specific customer and if you are not this kind, you may end up paying much more than you should.

Read this honest review of Bitstamp.net before trading. You’re about to learn everything you need to know.

Bitstamp is a European Bitcoin exchange founded in 2011 and currently based in Luxembourg. Founded in Slovenia, it was the first fully-regulated virtual currency exchange in the EU. It offers a simple buy/sell mechanism for purchasing BTC with credit cards and in-depth tools for trading.

It’s particularly popular with advanced volume traders from the European Union (we’ll cover this later).

Its growing share of the market, strong community sentiment, and tight security are proof that it has recovered from an alleged hack.

It is a powerhouse in the industry, especially now that it’s backed by blockchain venture capitalists. But it isn’t for everyone. Its cumbersome tools and bureaucratic red tape make it best for intermediate and advanced traders.

As a beginner myself, I’ve used the site and researched the web to bring you this honest review from my perspective.

“We believe bitcoin is here to stay. Our goal is to provide reliable, easy to use service for companies and individuals to exchange bitcoins.”

— Nejc Kodrič, CEO

Pros:

• Tight Security
• Easy to Buy/Sell
• Advanced Trading Tools
• Volume Discounts
• thumbs-upMobile App
• thumbs-upStrong Community Support
• thumbs-upGreat for European Traders

Cons:

• Not Beginner-Friendly
• Invasive Verification
• thumbs-downNot Worldwide
• thumbs-downLimited Currency Options
• thumbs-downHigh Credit Card Fee

Features

Bitstamp is partnered with major players and respected by major media outlets.

Security

Bitstamp is regulated by the CSSF, Luxembourg’s financial regulatory body. 98% of funds are stored offline and they produce a yearly audit for regulatory body scrutiny.

Privacy

Privacy is reduced for the sake of security. Bitstamp has high verification hurdles including personal details, identity document, and residency verification standards.

Ease of Use

Verification is difficult and the interface is a bit confusing. But buying/selling is easy and the dashboard is straightforward.

Trading

In-depth tools, a detailed interface, and lush markets make Bitstamp’s trading experience one of the best cryptocurrency exchanges in the business.

Support

Bitstamp’s support is highly respected by the community. They are generally very responsive and quick to resolve issues.

Overall

Bitstamp is a highly respected and active exchange, but it’s best left to advanced volume traders. Its volume fee system, heavy verification requirements, and base in the EU make it suitable for high-volume traders from the European Union, not beginners. It is not a good exchange to buy your first Bitcoin.

“Bitstamp – the backbone of the Bitcoin economy” – Forbes

Bitstamp’s heavy regulation, transparency, and best practices make it a favorite among volume traders.

If you want to learn how to buy your first Bitcoin, check out this great article about buying Bitcoin.

Bitstamp Exchange Review

Bitstamp was founded in Slovenia in 2011 by Damijan Merlak and Nejc Kodrič as a European-alternative to the Mt. Gox exchange in Japan. According to Kodrič, it was started with €1,000, 2 laptops, and 1 server.

Due to financial and regulatory difficulties in their native Slovenia, they moved operations to London. in 2016, it became the first fully-regulated EU Bitcoin exchange when the government of Luxembourg granted it a financial license. It is now headquartered in Luxembourg but maintains offices in Slovenia, the UK, and the USA.

The company trades in USD, but allows Single European Payments Area (SEPA) transfers.

In 2015, the company allegedly suffered a hack that resulted in the theft of ~19,000 BTC ($5 million at 2015 rates). However, the company has fully rehabilitated its image and doubled down on security efforts since then.

The site’s usability isn’t the most straightforward (except buying BTC) and verification is quite difficult due to regulation. Still, the exchange currently possess over 10% market share.

Traders love the security, stability, and high-liquidity of the site (20,000 BTC 24-hour volume as of 1-19-18). Detractors detest the lack of privacy and altcoins as well as the high credit card fees. Still, for purchasing Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, and Ripple*, and trading in high volumes, Bitstamp is a clear market leader.

* Ripple (XRP) – Ripple and the associated cryptocurrency (XRP) is a global settlements network. This means Ripple is a common currency underlying all international transfers. The transfers are instant and the fees are low. For more on this exciting payment method, read this step-by-step guide.

How Does Bitstamp Work?

Bitstamp is a cryptocurrency exchange. An exchange is a platform that facilitates the trading of fiat currency for Bitcoin (or other currencies) or vice versa. It matches a buyer with a seller and takes a fee for its troubles.

You can also purchase BTC directly from Bitstamp via credit card. This is in contrast to a peer-to-peer network like LocalBitcoins (which is like Craigslist) or a Bitcoin broker like Coinbase (like the currency exchange at an airport).

Bitstamp Features

• checkFounded: Slovenia, 2011.
• checkCEO: Nejc Kodrič.
• checkCurrencies: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, Bitcoin Cash,  USD, EUR.
• checkPayment Options: Credit Card, SEPA, International Wire, Crypto.
• checkVerification: Heavy.
• checkSpeed: Crypto: Instant | SEPA: 1-3 Days | Bank Wire 2-5 Days.
• checkApp: Android and Apple.
• checkTrading Tools: Crosshairs, Fibonacci, Annotation, etc.
• checkHQ: Luxembourg.
• checkFees: Volume-Tiered Fees Starting at .25% on All Trades | Credit Card Fee = 5%

Is Bitstamp Safe?

In my research, I found that potential users were worried about security at Bitstamp. This is mainly due to the hack that it suffered in 2015. I can say with confidence that Bitstamp is now one of the most secure and heavily regulated exchanges in existence. In fact, it is so heavily regulated that many traders don’t like to trade there.

Bitstamp has always been on the cutting edge of security. It was one of the first companies to institute fully-insured cold storage.

The company is fully-regulated within the European Union, is regularly audited, and is serious about its internal self-regulating procedures.

Is Bitstamp safe? Yes. Here’s why:

• checkRegulation: Bitstamp is regulated by Luxembourg’s financial regulatory body, the CSSF. This body licenses it as a financial exchange in the EU.
• checkAuditing: Bitstamp is audited yearly by one of the Big Four.
• checkInternal Practices: The company is dedicated to internal security practices and claims to be heavily self-regulated.
• checkCold Storage: 98% of its BTC reserves are stored offline and are fully insured.
• check2FA: Bitstamp has standard two-factor authentication to protect your account.
• checkUploaded Document Security: Sensitive identity documents are protected by Pretty Good Privacy encryption.
• checkAnti-Money Laundering: Heavy verification is required in compliance with anti-money laundering procedures. This is to ensure stability and mitigate risk.

What Are Bitstamp Fees for US/EU Users?

Bitstamp accepts a wide range of deposit options and works on a volume-tiered fee schedule. The more you trade, the less you pay. In general, fees are low, but they are a bit higher than competitors. Community sentiment agrees that Bitstamp is good for EU and high-volume traders, but a bit expensive for others.

The fees are as follows:

SEPA

• checkDeposit: FREE
• checkWithdrawal: .90 EUR

Extremely cheap fiat deposits within the EU make Bitstamp advantageous for EU traders.

Credit Card

• check5 %

Bitstamp International Wire

• checkDeposit: .005% (Min: 7.5 USD/EUR | Max: 300 USD/EUR)
• checkWithdrawal: .09 (Min: 15 USD/EUR)

Cryptocurrency

• checkDepositing and withdrawing BTC, LTC, ETH, and XRP is free.

Debit Card

• checkBitstamp offers simple and relatively fast debit card withdrawals, another reason its customers love it—$10 minimum up to $1,000 and 2% for anything over $1,000.

Bitstamp Trading Fees

Bitstamp works on a volume-tiered trading fee schedule. For 30-day volumes under $20,000, the fee is slightly high (.25%). If you’re trading over $20,000,000 (who isn’t these days?), it’s pretty low (.1%). Here’s the full chart:

For a full explanation of Bitstamp’s fees, see their fee page.

Bitstamp Fee to Compared to Competitors

Bitstamp’s fees are generally considered a bit on the high side. It’s the price you pay for security and stability. Here’s how it stacks up against competition.

• checkBitstamp: .25% Trading Fee | 5% Credit Card Fee
• checkBittrex: .25% Trading Fee.
• checkCoinbase: Standard Buy/Sell 1.49% | 3.99% Credit Card Fee.
• checkLocalBitcoins: No “fees” | 1% Commission on Sales | Higher Coin Prices
• checkCEX.IO: Maker Fee – .16% | Taker Fee – .25% | Credit Card Deposit – 3.5% + $.25 (€.24) | Credit Card Withdrawal – $3.80 (€3.50)

What Are Bitstamp’s Trading, Deposit, and Withdrawal Limits for Verified Users?

Bitstamp is rare in that it does not impose any hard limits on its verified users. Once your account is verified (find out how to do this next!), you won’t be subject to monthly limits. However, support will regularly request information and ask you for details, especially when limits begin to surpass $10,000.

You may begin to experience delays or have to answer certain questions. For example, one user claimed the exchange asked where he got his Bitcoins from, if he was affiliated with any other exchanges, and if he was using any of his coins for gambling.

Unverified users are not allowed to use the platform.

There are reports across social media and forums of verification, withdrawals, and deposits might sometimes take much longer than expected.

A few people reported long waiting period to get verified

The company warns of possible delays via a banner on the website.

The top green banner warns of verification issues due to overload.

How to Purchase Bitcoins from the EU/USA With Bitstamp

Bitstamp represents one of the most convenient ways for American or EU customers to get their hands on some cold hard BTC. For EU and US customers, there are two main options: Bank Account or Credit Card. Credit card is available to all EU, UK, and USA customers. For EU customers, SEPA transfers are fast and cheap. For American customers, there’s international bank wire. Deposit times might sometimes be unreliable.

Buying is pretty easy, but you’ll need to get verified first. If that isn’t something you’re willing to deal with, consider a different exchange.

Step 1) Register and Get Your Username and Password

Go to Bitstamp.net and click Register in the top right.

Enter a few details and you’re set to get to the next step.

You will now receive an email with a randomly generated username and password.

Now go back to Bitstamp and log in with your credentials. You will be prompted to change your password immediately. Be sure to set a VERY strong password.

OK great.That was easy. Now let the fun begin.

Step 2) Verify Your Account

Bitstamp Verification Requirements

Bitstamp is heavily regulated and compliant with Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) procedures. To keep up with these high financial industry standards, the company wants to know it’s really you hiding behind that account.

In order to get verified, you need to click on Personal Account Verification to start the process.

Enter your personal details.

Verify your ID document. Pay special attention to the requirements. Your document WILL NOT PASS VERIFICATION IF YOU DON’T FOLLOW THESE RULES. This Reddit thread spells out the issues plainly. User Domerocked7 (where do people come up with these names?) says:

“Waited 8 days to be verified, they finally responded saying they didn’t like the color scanned photo of my ID that I submitted. Now I’m assuming I have to wait another 7-8 days?!”.

Follow the rules below to get verified.

You need to provide both sides of your ID.

Lastly, verify your residence details. Again, pay special attention to the requirements.

In these exciting times for Bitcoin, Bitstamp (like competitors) is suffering major overload. Trading volume at Bitstamp increased a mind-boggling 1,384% in 2017! Bitstamp is facing delays across the board. Here is their official statement. Don’t be surprised to see delays of a few weeks or more.

Step 3) Deposit Funds

Click Deposit on the top menu.

Step 4) Choose Your Deposit Method

If only I had invested when this was the price of Bitcoin, he said.

Step 5) Buy Bitcoins

Buying Bitcoins is actually the easiest part of the entire process. Go to the trading section and select instant buy. This will automatically buy Bitcoin for the lowest price on the market. You should set a limit order. This will set a limit on the price at which you are willing to buy Bitcoin.

The instant order page is as straightforward as it gets.

Bitstamp Reviews: Is Bitstamp Safe? Is it a Scam? Is It the Best and Cheapest Exchange?

Despite a hack in 2015, Bitstamp has maintained a solid reputation in the community. It is one of the most respected exchanges on the market. Community sentiment and trust is strong; however, customers are growing restless with delays. That doesn’t change the fact that, unlike many competitors, Bitstamp is almost universally liked.

Support certainly has its issues, but they are quite active on Reddit. You can open a ticket and most issues get resolved quickly.

“Bitstamp is a Big Four digital asset exchange that has earned the trust of the global blockchain community”

– Finder.com

Positive reviews focused on good customer support, fast deposits, a simple interface, and ease of buying. Negative reviews, interestingly enough, focused on bad customer support, slow deposits, and difficulties trading. It seems like the experience you have is highly dependent on if customer support reaches you. Check out this thread from a review website:

Both users have the exact opposite experience.

Good Reviews Say:

• checkGreat support
• checkEasy to buy
• checkGreat trading
• checkFast SEPA deposits
• checkCredit card buying
• checkHigh trust

Bad Reviews Say:

• checkTerrible Support
• checkDeposits don’t show up
• checkVerification headaches

Verdict: Bitstamp is a reputable and secure exchange with high community trust. Overall, the experience is good and support attends to you. If you are waiting, open a ticket and go to Reddit for help. One forum user aptly sums up Bitstamp in this comment:

“Bitstamp is perfectly fine. So many bad reviews here are just complaints about how they can’t get an account now that the entire world is trying to trade crypto. I’ve been with bitstamp for almost 4 years and I’ve had zero problems. If you’re not an idiot and able to fill out forms correctly, bitstamp works perfectly well.”

Top 3 Bitstamp Alternatives for US Customers

Bitstamp is a great exchange, but there’s no doubt it’s geared toward EU customers. Fast SEPA transfers make it the exchange of choice for Europeans. Also, verification is a major headache. If you’re an American customer seeking better deposit options or more privacy, here are the top 3 Bitstamp alternatives.

1) LocalBitcoins

LocalBitcoins is what’s known as a peer-to-peer (P2P) exchange. Some call it the eBay of Bitcoins. It’s far less secure than Bitstamp, but it offers unmatched privacy. Everything is 100% anonymous and setting up an account takes no time at all. Sign up, choose your seller, and pay with a myriad of options anonymously!

2) Coinbase

Coinbase is the web’s leading Bitcoin exchange. Over $20 billion dollars worth of crypto has been traded here. For the first-time buyer wanting to buy with a credit card, it is by far the best option. The credit card fee is lower than Bitstamp (3.99%), and it’s much easier to navigate the website. Check out this in-depth review of Coinbase before buying from them.

3) Bittrex

Bittrex is one of the web’s leading exchanges. It offers a bevy of currencies to choose from and a wide range of deposit options. The best thing about Bittrex is the range of altcoins available for trading. It’s just as heavily regulated at Bitstamp though, so expect verification hurdles as well.

Bitcoin Exchange Comparison: Coinbase Vs. Bitstamp – Which is Better?

Coinbase and Bitstamp are two of the most trusted names on the market. When it comes to buying Bitcoin with a credit card, these two names inevitably butt heads. Both are heavily regulated, secure, and fast; however, they serve two completely different purposes.

Let’s look at the difference between the two.

Coinbase Vitals

• checkCurrencies: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash.
• checkPayment: Credit Card, Wire Transfer, Bank Account.
• checkVerification: Yes.
• checkSpeed: Instant for credit cards | 1-5 days for bank or wire.
• checkApp: Yes.
• checkGDAX: Coinbase is unique as a broker because it is tied to a leading exchange. GDAX is a Bitcoin exchange affiliated with Coinbase where you can trade with other cryptocurrency users. You can easily move money between the two.
• checkReferral Program: Their referral program is a neat bonus. You earn $10 in FREE Bitcoin for everyone you refer who buys $100 or more with of BTC.

Here are some of the advantages of using Coinbase:

• checkCommunity Trust: High.
• checkBeginner-Friendly: Yes.
• checkCredit Card Fee: 3.99%.
• checkSecurity: Very High.

Verdict: Coinbase for beginners and US customers. Bitstamp for EU customers. Note: this is for buying Bitcoin, not trading.

Coinbase is a broker that only sells BTC. However, you can use GDAX to trade crypto. Bitstamp’s interface is simple enough, but can be extremely intimidating for new users. Verification hurdles are a headache regardless of where you reside, so no way of escaping that. In general, Coinbase offers the fastest and most secure way to get Bitcoin for new users. However, the ease of SEPA transfers for EU residents is too hard to ignore. So, in my opinion, if you’re in the EU, just use Bitstamp. If you’re in the US, Coinbase.

Read the full review of Coinbase here!

Bitstamp FAQ

I’ve trolled the web for information. I’ve peered into the deepest, darkest reaches of the internet. I’ve even visited Bitstamp. The result is this awesome FAQ to answer your queries.

Don’t trade on Bitstamp until you’ve read these.

Q: Is Bitstamp Safe?

A: Yes. Bitstamp is one of the most highly regarded exchanges. It is fully licensed and regulated. Heavy verification requirements and consistent government auditing make it one of the safest places to trade hands down.

Q: Does Bitstamp Accept Credit Card?

A: Yes, you can buy Bitcoin with a Credit Card from Bitstamp. The fee is 5%.

Q: Is Bitstamp Also a Wallet?

A: Yes. You can store your BTC on the site. However, this is not recommend. Any time your private keys are held elsewhere, you put yourself at risk. Keep only what’s necessary for trading in your wallet. Move your BTC into a wallet that you control. Think of it like carrying cash—you wouldn’t keep your life’s savings in your back pocket, would you? Keep cash on hand for what you need, and keep the rest in your bank account.

Q: Does Bitstamp Work in the US?

A: Until May of 2017, Bitstamp did not allow American customers to use a credit card. Now, US customers are allowed to use a credit card to purchase coins.

Q: How Long Does a Deposit Take?

A: According to support, SEPA transfers should take up to 24 hours. Sometimes up to 3 days. International wire transfers could take up to 5 days.

Q: How Long Does Bitstamp Verification Take?

A: Support claims that verification usually take 3 business days;

If you are having any issues with Bitstamp, open a ticket with customer support.

What Cryptopositive Likes/Dislikes

Bitstamp has a lot to offer, but its flaws are hard to ignore. But I want to judge Bitstamp for everything it is rather than what it’s not.

It advertises itself as one of the most secure, reliable, and liquid ways to trade Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ripple, and Ethereum—it delivers. It is not one of the more comprehensive exchanges, though. Still, compared to many other exchanges, Bitstamp has some seriously attractive qualities.

Likes

• Security/Stability: Some exchanges could easily be running out of some kid’s basement and we’d be none the wiser. That’s not Bitstamp. Backed by an EU trading license and some serious government oversight, your money is safe here. 2FA is available for increased security. Check out this explainer video on two-factor authentication.
• Trading Interface: It isn’t beginner friendly, but for experienced traders the interface is killer. There are tons of amazing tools to help you recognize patterns and capitalize on market inefficiencies. It also brings back nostalgic memories of early 90’s video games.

• Simplified Buying: Buying with a credit card or SEPA/bank wire is so easy that even I could do it. And that is saying something.
• thumbs-upNo Limits: Bitstamp truly lets you reach for the digital currency stars. There are no hard limits for trading. Verification hurdles increase as you trade more, but there is no ceiling.

Dislikes

Hey, if everything were perfect, life would be boring!

• Heavy Verification and Intrusive Details
• Limited Currency Options
• thumbs-downHigh Credit Card Fees

Final Verdict of Our Bitstamp Exchange Review

Bitstamp is one of the market’s largest, most trusted, and most reputable exchanges. It’s high security, in-depth trading tools, simplified buying process, and stability make it one of the most secure trading platforms. But you pay for what you get.

If you want to use Bitstamp, you will have to provide some serious verification. On top of that, you’ll pay slightly higher fees. You also can only trade in Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, Ripple, and Bitcoin Cash as well as USD and EUR.

If you want fast, secure, and stable trading markets, Bitstamp is one of the best to start trading on. Just be warned that its verification hurdles and in-depth interface mean it is not user friendly.

Verdict: Bitstamp is great for serious traders, especially from the EU. In order for it to be worth the hassle, you need serious trading volume. If you want more privacy, try LocalBitcoins. If you want a wider range of coins, try Bittrex or Poloniex.