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Bitstamp vs KuCoin

Bitstamp logo

Bitstamp

Software

The original crypto exchange since 2011

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
KuCoin logo

KuCoin

Software

The people's exchange for crypto

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Bitstamp trading fees are higher than some competitors; KuCoin unavailable for U.S. traders until at least 2027 following regulatory issues; U.S. users have only withdrawal access
  • They diverge on capability: Bitstamp covers Instant Orders, KuCoin covers Futures Trading.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Bitstamp and KuCoin actually diverge.

Attributes where Bitstamp and KuCoin differ
AttributeBitstampKuCoin
Pricing modelfreemiumUnknown
PlatformsWeb, Mobile iOS, Mobile AndroidWeb, iOS, Android
Founded20112017

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

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
  • SWIFT
  • Credit Card

Only in KuCoin

  • Futures Trading
  • Trading Bots
  • Lending
  • KCS Token
  • KuCoin Wallet

Both cover

  • Spot Trading
  • Staking
  • 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 KuCoin

KuCoin

  • Exchanges
  • Trading
  • Altcoinsnot 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

KuCoin

  • Unavailable for U.S. traders until at least 2027 following regulatory issues; U.S. users have only withdrawal access
  • Customer support quality is variable with reported delays during high-volume trading periods
  • Thin liquidity on lesser-known and altcoin trading pairs
  • Limited educational materials and no insurance coverage for user assets

Pricing, plan by plan

Bitstamp

Free
  • StandardFree
    • Spot trading
    • Staking
    • Instant orders

KuCoin

Free
  • Basic AccountFree
    • Spot trading at 0.10%/0.10% base fees
    • Futures trading
    • Staking and earning

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 KuCoin if

  • You need futures trading.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android.
  • You also want trading bots.
KuCoin review

Questions people ask

Is Bitstamp or KuCoin better?
Neither clearly leads. Bitstamp starts at Free and KuCoin at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Bitstamp or KuCoin?
Bitstamp starts at Free and KuCoin at Free.
Does Bitstamp or KuCoin run on more platforms?
Bitstamp runs on Web, Mobile iOS, Mobile Android. KuCoin 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 KuCoin is typically brought in for.
What can Bitstamp do that KuCoin cannot?
Bitstamp covers Instant Orders, API Trading, SEPA, SWIFT. KuCoin covers Futures Trading, Trading Bots, Lending, KCS Token. Both handle Spot Trading, Staking, Web support, Ios 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
KuCoin: Is KuCoin available in the United States?

KuCoin is unavailable for trading in the U.S. until at least 2027 following a January 2025 guilty plea. U.S. users have withdrawal-only access.

Source
Bitstamp: Where is Bitstamp registered?

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

Source
KuCoin: What is KuCoin's trading fee structure?

Spot trading fees are 0.10%/0.10% base (0.08%/0.08% with KCS discount). Futures fees are 0.02% maker/0.06% taker. Withdrawal fees are network-dependent and dynamic.

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
KuCoin: How many cryptocurrencies and trading pairs does KuCoin support?

KuCoin supports 1,115+ cryptocurrencies and 1,312+ trading pairs.

Source
Bitstamp: Who owns Bitstamp?

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

Source
KuCoin: What trading features does KuCoin offer?

KuCoin offers spot trading, futures/derivatives, copy-trading with leaderboards, P2P marketplace, staking, token launchpad (Spotlight), NFT/Web3 wallet, and automated trading bots including DCA, grid, and martingale strategies.

Source
Bitstamp: How many customers does Bitstamp have?

Bitstamp is trusted by more than 5 million customers worldwide.

Source
KuCoin: What platforms does KuCoin support?

KuCoin is available as a web-based interface and native iOS and Android mobile apps with TradingView chart integration.

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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