Comparison of Bitfinex vs Bitstamp [ 2024 ]

The crypto exchanges compared by their commissions, cryptos, security and much more. Here is the Bitfinex vs Bitstamp comparison!

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

Bitfinex

Investing risks losing your money

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

Bitstamp

Investing risks losing your money

Main points

Fees

0,10% /0,20%

Earns

Customer service

3/5

≤0,30%

Fees

Yes

Earns

4/5

Customer service

Recommended for

Beginners

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Buy and hold

Yes

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold

Comparison of fees

Rating

4.2 – Low fees for high-volume traders but higher for smaller trades.

4.1 – Reasonable fees with discounts for high-volume trading.

Level

0,10% /0,20%

≤0,30%

Brief explanation

Bitfinex’s fee structure is designed to cater to both high-volume and occasional traders. The exchange employs a maker-taker fee model, where makers, who add liquidity to the market by placing limit orders, typically pay lower fees than takers, who remove liquidity by matching orders already on the book. Fees for takers start at 0.20%, and for makers, they begin at 0.10%. These fees decrease significantly with increased trading volume, making Bitfinex an attractive option for active traders. Additionally, there are no fees for depositing cryptocurrencies, though withdrawal fees do apply and vary depending on the currency. Overall, Bitfinex’s fees are competitive within the industry, providing a fair balance between cost and the comprehensive features offered.

Bitstamp structures its commission fees to accommodate both high-volume traders and casual users effectively. The platform utilizes a tiered pricing model based on the 30-day trading volume, making it highly competitive within the cryptocurrency exchange market. For lower volumes, the fees start at 0.50% per trade and can decrease to as low as 0.0% for substantial trading volumes, making it especially attractive to frequent traders. This fee structure not only enhances trading flexibility but also encourages more significant trading activity by reducing costs as users climb the tiers.

Bitfinex

Year Founded: Bitfinex has been operational since 2012, establishing itself as one of the oldest and most stable players in the volatile cryptocurrency market. Its longevity speaks to its ability to adapt and improve in a rapidly evolving industry
Security Methods: Post-2016 hack, Bitfinex significantly ramped up its security measures, implementing state-of-the-art security protocols including cold storage of funds, two-factor authentication, and advanced encryption technology to protect user data and assets.
Trading Volume and Liquidity: Bitfinex consistently ranks among the top exchanges in terms of trading volume. High liquidity not only makes it easier for users to execute trades at desired prices but also reflects the trust and scale of operation that Bitfinex maintains.
Reputation and Reviews: Despite past challenges, Bitfinex has maintained a strong reputation within the crypto community. It is frequently praised for its advanced trading features and deep liquidity, with many users advocating for its platform in various reviews and crypto forums.
Transparency: Bitfinex has taken steps to enhance its transparency, particularly in how it manages user funds and its operational status. The exchange regularly updates users about new features, security enhancements, and operational changes, helping build trust through openness.

Read bitfinex review

Bitstamp

Year Founded: Bitstamp's establishment in 2011 makes it one of the oldest cryptocurrency exchanges in operation, demonstrating long-term industry resilience and reliability. This longevity supports trust as it indicates sustained compliance with regulatory changes and evolving market dynamics over more than a decade.
Security Methods: Bitstamp employs robust security measures including multi-sig technology, cold storage of assets, and comprehensive hot wallet insurance. These practices significantly reduce the risk of theft and fraud, ensuring a secure trading environment for users' funds.
Regulation: Bitstamp was one of the first cryptocurrency exchanges to be licensed in Europe, receiving approval as a fully regulated payment institution in Luxembourg. This regulatory oversight assures users of Bitstamp’s commitment to adhering to strict financial and legal standards, enhancing its trustworthiness.
Reputation and Reviews: Over the years, Bitstamp has maintained a strong reputation for reliability and integrity. Positive reviews often highlight its user-friendly platform and responsive customer service, bolstering confidence among both new and experienced traders in the cryptocurrency community.
Trading Volume and Liquidity: Bitstamp consistently ranks among the top exchanges in terms of trading volume and liquidity. This not only ensures that users can execute trades quickly and at desired prices but also indicates a healthy and active trading environment supported by a large user base.

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Product selection

Native token

Token LEO

Earns

Yes

NFT marketplace

Cripto/debit card

Full name

iFinex Inc.

Bitstamp Ltd.

Regulation

Not regulated

Regulated in Luxemburgo

Year founded

2012

2011

Founder

Jean

Nejc Kodrič, Damijan Merlak

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes

Mastercard

Yes

Wire transfer

Yes

Card

Yes

Comparative table

Bitfinex	FEATURES	Bitstamp
Bitfinex allows trading with a relatively low minimum, catering to both small and large investors.	Minimum Trade	Bitstamp allows users to start trading with a relatively low minimum, accommodating small-scale traders effectively.
Fees are competitive, but high withdrawal fees may deter frequent traders.	Trading and Transaction Fees	Bitstamp’s fee structure is competitive but not the lowest in the market, balancing fairness with service quality.
Offers a wide range of cryptocurrencies, providing extensive trading options.	Number of Cryptocurrencies	Bitstamp supports a robust selection of popular cryptocurrencies, catering well to both mainstream and niche market participants.
Extensive crypto-to-crypto pairings offer flexible trading strategies.	Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs	The platform offers a solid range of crypto-to-crypto trading pairs, providing good options for diverse trading strategies.
Generally transparent with operational and security practices but could improve in fee structures.	Website Transparency	Bitstamp is known for its clear, user-friendly website that provides extensive information on fees, policies, and trading options.
Bitfinex does not provide an exchange card for customers to use for in-store purchases.	Credit/Debit Card	Bitstamp lacks a branded exchange card, which limits its versatility for users seeking integrated payment solutions for everyday purchases.
Provides secure storage options including cold storage, though it’s complex for beginners.	Storage Offering	Bitstamp offers secure storage options including cold storage, ensuring high security for user funds against potential cyber threats.
Offers competitive staking options and rewards, enhancing user investment potential.	Staking and Rewards	Currently, Bitstamp does not offer staking services or rewards, which limits opportunities for earning through investment holding.
Both platforms are robust and user-friendly, but the mobile app lacks some advanced features.	Mobile App and Desktop	Both Bitstamp’s mobile app and desktop platform are highly intuitive and reliable, though some users desire additional features.
Customer service is available but response times can be slow during peak times.	Customer Service	Bitstamp provides dependable customer service, but response times can vary, especially during high demand periods.
Efficient deposit methods; however, withdrawal policies can be restrictive and costly.	Deposit and Withdraw	Deposits and withdrawals are handled efficiently on Bitstamp with support for multiple payment methods, though some fees may apply.

Key features

Analysis tools

Advanced charting tools, multiple technical indicators, and APIs

Basic charting tools, technical indicators

Mobile APP

Security

High 4,9/5

Additional features

Margin trading, lending services, staking, Bitfinex Pulse (social network)

Institutional services, staking, Bitstamp Earn program, fiat on/off ramps

Anonymity

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

150+

30+

User-friendliness

Bitfinex provides a powerful platform with a user-friendly interface that caters to both beginners and advanced traders. While it offers advanced trading features, the platform is designed to be accessible and easy to use.

Bitstamp features a clean and intuitive interface that is easy for beginners to use. The platform is designed to provide a seamless trading experience, making it easy to buy and sell cryptocurrencies.

Value for money

Offers good value for money with competitive fees and advanced trading features, suitable for both retail and institutional traders.

Offers good value for money with competitive fees and a reliable trading platform, suitable for both retail and institutional traders.

Countries of operation

Global, including United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany

Best for

Suitable for experienced traders and institutions looking for advanced trading features and a wide range of cryptocurrencies.

Ideal for both retail and institutional traders seeking a reliable exchange with competitive fees and a strong reputation.

Base currencies available

USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, BTC, ETH, USDT

USD, EUR, GBP, BTC

Account

Trading

Bitfinex is tailored for professional traders with its advanced trading features and high liquidity. It offers a wide range of cryptocurrencies but has had security breaches in the past, making some users cautious.

Bitstamp is one of the oldest and most reputable exchanges, offering high security and a straightforward trading platform. It supports a decent range of cryptocurrencies but has higher fees compared to some newer exchanges.

Deposit and withdrawal

Bitfinex supports a wide range of deposit options, including bank transfers and crypto. Withdrawals are processed quickly, usually within a few hours. Fees are competitive, though high-volume users may benefit more.

Bitstamp offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal options, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and crypto deposits. Withdrawals are processed quickly, with competitive fees.

Account opening process

Bitfinex provides a straightforward and fully digital account registration process. Users need to submit personal details, verify their identity, and address. The process is quick, usually taking less than a day to complete.

Bitstamp offers a seamless account opening process. Users need to submit personal information and verify their identity. The process is fully digital and usually completed within a day, making it efficient and user-friendly.

KYC required?

Yes

Customer Service

Bitfinex provides extensive support through email, live chat, and a help center. The response time is quick, and support is available 24/7, ensuring users get timely assistance.

Bitstamp offers extensive customer support through email, live chat, and a help center. Support is available 24/7, and the response times are quick, making it reliable for users globally.

Security

Bitfinex provides extensive security features, including 2FA, cold storage, and encryption. It is regulated by several financial authorities, making it a secure platform for investors .

Bitstamp offers robust security with 2FA, SSL encryption, and cold storage. It is regulated by multiple financial authorities, making it a highly secure platform for investors .

Which of these exchanges is for you?

Alejandro Borja

As an expert on our website, I recommend Bitfinex for traders seeking a diverse and dynamic trading environment. The platform’s extensive range of cryptocurrencies and crypto-to-crypto trading pairs is impressive, making it a great choice for those looking to explore different trading strategies. While the trading fees and customer service response times could see improvement, Bitfinex’s advanced trading features and robust security measures make it a reliable option for serious traders.

Xavier Tarrasó

As an expert on our website, I highly recommend Bitstamp for traders looking for a reliable and secure platform with a good range of cryptocurrencies. Its robust security measures and regulatory compliance make it a trustworthy choice. While its fees aren’t the lowest, the platform’s ease of use, strong customer service, and comprehensive trading options balance the scales, making Bitstamp a solid option for both newcomers and experienced traders in the cryptocurrency space.

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View all comparisons against Bitstamp

How do we review crypto exchanges?

At Threenvest, we conduct a thorough review process to evaluate and rank the world’s leading crypto exchanges. Our goal is to offer an unbiased assessment, providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions on which ones best suit your needs. We strictly adhere to the guidelines of our editorial policy.

We collect data directly from exchanges through detailed questionnaires and conduct first-hand testing and observations during crypto exchange demonstrations. Questionnaire responses, combined with demonstrations and hands-on research from our experts, feed into our proprietary evaluation process that scores each provider’s performance on more than 15 factors. The end result produces star ratings ranging from poor (one star) to excellent (five stars).

For more details on the categories considered when rating brokers and our process, read our full methodology.

Risk Disclaimer

Investing in cryptocurrencies is very risky, you should only invest the money you are willing to lose. Also you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong.

Neither Threenvest, nor the author, are recommending you to invest with this article.