Bitstamp vs Kraken pits two 2011 veterans against each other. Kraken is the stronger exchange today, with 640+ coins, margin, futures and a record free of customer-fund hacks. Bitstamp is simpler and now sits under Robinhood, a listed US company. Their entry fees are almost identical, so the decision rests on products and trust. Below, we compare costs, coins, features, security and European access.
Quick verdict: Kraken wins for most users, thanks to range and tools. Bitstamp still fits buyers who want a plain, no-frills place for majors.
Bitstamp vs Kraken at a Glance
| Bitstamp | Kraken | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2011 | 2011 |
| Ownership | Robinhood (public) | Private, IPO filed |
| EU license | MiCA | MiCA |
| Coins | Roughly 100 to 130 | 640+ |
| Entry pro fees | 0.30% maker, 0.40% taker | 0.25% maker, 0.40% taker |
| Instant buy cost | About 4% by card | About 1.5% plus spread |
| Margin and futures | Limited | Up to 5x margin, futures in many regions |
| Customer funds hacked | Once, in 2015 | Never |
Fees: Nearly a Draw
Fee hunters will find little to separate these two. Bitstamp starts at 0.30% maker and 0.40% taker. Kraken Pro starts at 0.25% maker and 0.40% taker.
For a $1,000 trade, the numbers look like this:
- Bitstamp: $4 as taker, $3 as maker
- Kraken Pro: $4 as taker, $2.50 as maker
So limit-order users save a little on Kraken, and market-order users pay the same. Neither exchange is cheap next to offshore rivals, however.
Instant purchases tell a different story. Bitstamp charges about 4% on card buys. Kraken’s standard app costs roughly 1.5% plus a spread. Both numbers are poor value. Therefore, fund by SEPA and trade on the pro interface at either exchange.
Coins and Features
Here the gap opens wide. Kraken supports 640+ assets, while Bitstamp lists roughly 100 to 130. Altcoin buyers will therefore feel boxed in on Bitstamp.
Features follow the same direction. Kraken offers margin up to 5x, and 10x on select pairs. Futures run in many regions, with CME-listed contracts for US clients. In addition, US users can trade thousands of stocks and ETFs commission-free.
Bitstamp’s menu is much shorter. Spot trading is the core, with a small derivatives offering in some regions. Staking covers a few assets, such as ETH and ADA, at a 15% commission. Kraken, in contrast, stakes many networks and adds Auto-Earn for idle balances.
Our Bitstamp review and Kraken review break down each platform in detail.
Security: Two Strong Records
Both rank among the most trusted names in crypto, yet their histories differ.
Kraken has never lost customer funds since launching. It also pioneered proof-of-reserves audits and keeps most assets in cold storage. That record is rare in this industry.
Bitstamp’s history includes one breach. In January 2015, attackers took about 19,000 BTC from a hot wallet. Bitstamp covered every customer loss and rebuilt its security afterwards. Nothing similar has happened since.
On transparency, Bitstamp gained an edge in 2025. Its parent, Robinhood, files audited financials every quarter. Kraken remains private, although it has filed confidentially for an IPO.
Europe and Beyond
Both hold MiCA licenses, so EEA users get regulated access and SEPA banking either way. Bitstamp was born in Europe and built its name on euro pairs. Kraken has served the region for over a decade as well.
Outside Europe, both operate in the US and the UK. Bitstamp is even licensed in New York, where Kraken does not operate. For a wider view of regulated options, see our ranking of MiCA-licensed exchanges.
What Bitstamp Meant to My Business
I have real history with one of these two. Before 2017, I ran a fiat gateway, and Bitstamp sat at the center of it. Whenever a customer bought Bitcoin, an automated tool rebought it on Bitstamp. For the full background, I told that story in an older post.
For years, it was my default exchange as a European. Its euro banking and API never let the business down. That reliability still counts in its favor today.
Who Should Choose Which?
Kraken is the better fit when:
- Altcoins beyond the large caps are on your list
- Margin, futures or broad staking matter
- A spotless custody record is your top criterion
- Stocks and crypto in one account sound useful
Bitstamp is the better fit when:
- Simple euro buys of Bitcoin and Ethereum cover your needs
- A publicly listed parent company reassures you
- New York is home
- API uptime matters more than features
Want a newer style of exchange in the mix? See our previous comparison, Bitstamp vs Bybit.
Keep This Content Free
Only Kraken has a referral program with us, and the fee tables above would read the same without it. If Kraken is your choice, our link below supports this site at no extra cost.
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More comparisons are waiting in our exchange reviews section.
Final Words
Bitstamp vs Kraken is closer on price than most people expect. The difference lies in everything around the price. Kraken offers far more coins, more tools and a cleaner security history. Bitstamp offers simplicity and the backing of a listed parent.
For most traders, Kraken is the stronger all-round exchange. For a steady, uncomplicated euro on-ramp, Bitstamp still does the job it has done since 2011.
FAQ
Is Kraken cheaper than Bitstamp?
Slightly. Both charge 0.40% taker at entry level. Kraken’s maker fee is 0.25%, against 0.30% on Bitstamp.
Which is safer, Bitstamp or Kraken?
Both are trusted. Kraken has never lost customer funds, while Bitstamp suffered one hack in 2015 and covered all losses.
Are Bitstamp and Kraken MiCA licensed?
Yes. Both hold MiCA authorization and can serve users across the EEA.
Which has more coins, Bitstamp or Kraken?
Kraken, by far. It supports 640+ assets, compared with roughly 100 to 130 on Bitstamp.
Who owns Bitstamp and Kraken?
Robinhood has owned Bitstamp since June 2025. Kraken is an independent private company that has filed for an IPO.
Which is better for beginners?
Both are safe starting points. Beginners should deposit by bank transfer and avoid the instant-buy fees on either one.
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