Bitstamp, a Luxembourg-based cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2011, emerged as a secure alternative following the Mt.Gox hack. As one of the longest-standing global exchanges, it offers trading for Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, Bitcoin Cash, and select Ethereum tokens against USD, EUR, and GBP.
Key Features:
- User-friendly interface
- Quick sign-up process
- Credit card purchases (5% fee)
- Free EUR deposits via SEPA (for EU users)
- $7.50 minimum fee for USD international transfers
Best For: European users seeking a reputable exchange with robust security. Users elsewhere may find cheaper fiat on-ramps.
How to Sign Up for Bitstamp
- Register: Visit Bitstamp’s homepage and click "Register."
- Account Type: Select "Personal Account."
- Details: Enter your name, email, and agree to terms. Verify via email (check spam).
- Verification: Provide ID (government-issued) and proof of residence (utility bill/bank statement).
- Financial Info: Disclose income, employment status, and trading volume.
Security Tip: Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) via Google Authenticator (Account > Security > Enable). This adds a 6-digit PIN requirement at login.
Depositing Fiat on Bitstamp
Options:
- SEPA Transfer: Free for EUR (EU users).
- International Wire: $7.50 minimum fee for USD.
- Credit Card: 5% fee (instant but costly).
Steps:
- Navigate to Account > Deposit.
- Select currency and method.
- Enter amount and include Bitstamp’s transfer reference.
👉 Learn about low-fee deposit alternatives
Buying Cryptocurrency on Bitstamp
Instant Order (0.5% Fee):
- Choose a crypto (e.g., ETH/EUR).
- Enter fiat amount; see crypto equivalent.
- Confirm purchase.
Advanced Orders:
- Limit Order: Set a target buy price.
- Stop Order: Trigger buys at specific market conditions.
Bitstamp Fee Structure
Trading Fees:
- 0.5% starting fee (reduces with volume).
Deposit/Withdrawal Fees:
| Method | Deposit Fee | Withdrawal Fee |
|-----------------|-------------|----------------|
| SEPA (EUR) | Free | €3 |
| Faster Payments (GBP)| Free | £2 |
| ACH (USD) | Free | Free |
| Credit Card | 5% | N/A |
| International Wire | $7.50+ | $25+ |
Crypto Withdrawal Fees:
- Bitcoin: 0.0005 BTC (~$25)
- Ethereum: 0.03 ETH (~$60)
👉 Compare fees across exchanges
Ethereum Staking on Bitstamp
Earn ~8% APY by staking ETH. Bitstamp handles validator operations for a 15% fee.
Example: Stake 10 ETH → 10.8 ETH after 1 year → Bitstamp takes 0.12 ETH.
Alternative: Explore cheaper staking platforms.
Supported Assets
Bitstamp offers 20+ cryptocurrencies, including:
- DeFi Tokens: AAVE, MKR, UMA
- Stablecoins: USDC, DAI, PAX
- Major Coins: BTC, ETH, XRP, LTC
FAQ
Q: How long do withdrawals take?
A: UK: Near-instant (Faster Payments). EU: 1–3 days. International: 2–5 days.
Q: Is Bitstamp secure?
A: Yes, with Tier-1 reputation, 2FA, and regulatory compliance.
Q: What’s the cheapest deposit method?
A: SEPA (EUR) or ACH (USD) for zero fees.
Final Verdict: Bitstamp excels in security and ease-of-use for Europeans but has higher fees for non-EU users. Ideal for beginners and those prioritizing reliability over cost.
Need lower fees? Compare top exchanges here.