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Crypto · head to head

Bitstamp vs Kraken

Bitstamp logo

Bitstamp

Crypto

The original crypto exchange since 2011

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Kraken logo

Kraken

Personal Finance

Secure cryptocurrency exchange for serious traders

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Bitstamp trading fees are higher than some competitors; Kraken restricted in 16 jurisdictions due to compliance requirements
  • They diverge on capability: Bitstamp covers Instant Orders, Kraken covers Futures Trading.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Bitstamp and Kraken actually diverge.

Attributes where Bitstamp and Kraken differ
AttributeBitstampKraken
PlatformsWeb, Mobile iOS, Mobile AndroidWeb, Ios, Android
CategoryCryptoPersonal Finance

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (freemium), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), founded (2011).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Bitstamp

  • Instant Orders
  • API Trading
  • SEPA
  • Credit Card

Only in Kraken

  • Futures Trading
  • Margin Trading
  • OTC Desk
  • Bank transfers
  • Plaid

Both cover

  • Spot Trading
  • Staking
  • SWIFT
  • Web support
  • Ios support
  • Android support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Bitstamp

  • Exchanges
  • Trading
  • Compliancenot Kraken

Kraken

  • Exchanges
  • Trading
  • Stakingnot Bitstamp

Both are used for exchanges, trading, on those jobs the choice comes down to price and fit rather than capability.

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Bitstamp

  • Trading fees are higher than some competitors
  • Limited selection of newer or smaller altcoins compared to larger exchanges
  • Customer service response times can be slow during high-volume periods

Kraken

  • Restricted in 16 jurisdictions due to compliance requirements
  • Withdrawal processing delays due to KYC verification, blockchain confirmations, and compliance checks
  • Account restrictions triggered by scam prevention can only be lifted after 90 days
  • Margin trading limited to 5x leverage on most assets; 10x available only to eligible users

Pricing, plan by plan

Bitstamp

Free
  • StandardFree
    • Spot trading
    • Staking
    • Instant orders

Kraken

Free
  • StarterFree
    • Basic trading
    • Staking
    • Instant buy
  • ProFree
    • Advanced trading
    • Margin trading
    • Futures

Which should you pick?

Choose Bitstamp if

  • You need instant orders.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Mobile iOS, Mobile Android.
  • You also want api trading.
Bitstamp review

Choose Kraken if

  • You need futures trading.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android.
  • You also want margin trading.
Kraken review

Questions people ask

Is Bitstamp or Kraken better?
Neither clearly leads. Bitstamp starts at Free and Kraken at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Bitstamp or Kraken?
Bitstamp starts at Free and Kraken at Free.
Does Bitstamp or Kraken run on more platforms?
Bitstamp runs on Web, Mobile iOS, Mobile Android. Kraken runs on Web, Ios, Android.
Can I use Bitstamp for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Bitstamp best used for?
Bitstamp is most often used for exchanges, trading, compliance. Of those, compliance is not what Kraken is typically brought in for.
What can Bitstamp do that Kraken cannot?
Bitstamp covers Instant Orders, API Trading, SEPA, Credit Card. Kraken covers Futures Trading, Margin Trading, OTC Desk, Bank transfers. Both handle Spot Trading, Staking, SWIFT, Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Bitstamp: When was Bitstamp founded?

Bitstamp was founded in August 2011 in Slovenia by Nejc Kodrič and Damjan Merlak.

Source
Kraken: How much does Kraken charge in fees?

Kraken Pro spot trading fees start at 0.25 percent maker and 0.40 percent taker for entry-level volume, decreasing to 0.00 percent maker and 0.08-0.10 percent taker at USD 10M+ monthly volume. The Kraken standard platform charges 1 percent on instant trades and 1.5 percent on custom orders. Kraken+ membership costs 4.99 USD/month or 49.99 USD/year for up to USD 10k/month in fee-free volume.

Source
Bitstamp: Where is Bitstamp registered?

Bitstamp is registered in Luxembourg and was recognized by Luxembourg as a virtual currency exchange in 2016.

Source
Kraken: In how many countries can I use Kraken?

Kraken supports 190+ countries and 9 major fiat currencies (USD, EUR, GBP). However, services are restricted in 16 jurisdictions including Russia, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and Afghanistan due to regulatory compliance requirements.

Source
Bitstamp: How many cryptocurrencies does Bitstamp list?

Bitstamp lists approximately 107 cryptocurrencies with close to 230 spot trading pairs including USD, EUR, GBP, and stablecoin base currencies.

Source
Kraken: Is Kraken custody secure?

Kraken holds ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification and passed SOC 2 Type 1 examination. The exchange uses cold storage with crypto infrastructure in secure cages under 24/7 armed surveillance. Kraken Custody uses multiparty computation (MPC) and hardware security module (HSM) technology. As a Wyoming SPDI-chartered institution, Kraken Financial operates on full-reserve basis, holding 100 percent of client deposits in unencumbered liquid assets.

Source
Bitstamp: Who owns Bitstamp?

Bitstamp is owned by Robinhood, which acquired the exchange to expand its cryptocurrency trading capabilities.

Source
Kraken: What cryptocurrencies can I trade?

Kraken supports 500+ cryptocurrencies across 600+ crypto trading pairs. The platform also offers tokenized equities (xStocks) for direct trading of stock exposure, and supports staking rewards on eligible digital assets.

Source
Bitstamp: How many customers does Bitstamp have?

Bitstamp is trusted by more than 5 million customers worldwide.

Source
Bitstamp: How does Bitstamp store customer cryptocurrencies?

Bitstamp keeps most client crypto in cold storage for security and offers additional security features including 2FA and withdrawal-address whitelisting.

Source
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