Comparison of Bitstamp vs Bitmex [ 2024 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

Bitstamp

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

Bitmex

Main points

Fees

≤0,30%

Earns

Yes

Customer service

4/5

≤0,10%

Fees

Yes

Earns

3/5

Customer service

Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold

Yes

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold

Comparison of fees

Rating

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

4.2 – Competitive fees with a focus on leveraged trading.

Level

≤0,30%

≤0,10%

Brief explanation

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.

BitMEX’s commission structure is geared towards facilitating a dynamic trading environment, particularly favorable for traders who engage in high-volume trading. The platform primarily charges a trading fee based on the maker-taker model, where makers, who add liquidity to the market by placing limit orders, generally pay a lower fee compared to takers, who remove liquidity by executing against existing orders. The fees on BitMEX vary depending on the product being traded but are typically in the range of 0.025% to 0.075% for makers, which can actually go negative, effectively rewarding makers for adding liquidity. Takers, on the other hand, face fees from 0.075% to 0.25%. This competitive fee structure is particularly advantageous for frequent traders who can benefit from lower costs as their trading volume increases. Moreover, BitMEX does not charge fees for deposits or withdrawals, though standard blockchain network fees apply when withdrawing cryptocurrency. This aspect of the fee structure makes it straightforward and cost-effective for users to manage their funds, aligning with BitMEX’s user-centric approach to crypto trading.

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.

Bitmex

Security Methods: BitMEX employs robust security measures, including multi-factor authentication and manual checks for withdrawal processes. This comprehensive approach ensures that all transactions are secure and user funds are protected against unauthorized access.
Trading Volume and Liquidity: The platform is known for its high liquidity and substantial trading volume, which enables traders to execute large trades without significantly affecting the market price. This high volume and liquidity make it a preferred choice for serious traders looking for effective trade execution.
Reputation and Reviews: BitMEX has built a strong reputation in the cryptocurrency trading community, particularly among experienced traders who require advanced trading tools. Despite facing regulatory challenges, it maintains positive reviews for its technical capabilities and innovative financial products.
Year Founded: Established in 2014, BitMEX is one of the more seasoned platforms in the rapidly evolving crypto exchange landscape. Its longevity in the market speaks to its resilience and ability to adapt to the changing regulatory and technological environments.
Customer Service: BitMEX provides dedicated customer service that assists users with any inquiries or issues. The availability of responsive support helps in building trust and ensures that users can rely on prompt assistance whenever needed.

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Account Minimum

Get started with just $100.

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Direct link to the website

Product selection

Native token

Earns

Yes

NFT marketplace

Cripto/debit card

Full name

Bitstamp Ltd.

HDR Global Trading Limited

Regulation

Regulated in Luxemburgo

Not regulated, enfrentó acciones legales en los EE. UU.

Year founded

2011

2014

Founder

Nejc Kodrič, Damijan Merlak

Arthur Hayes, Ben Delo, Samuel Reed

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes

Mastercard

Yes

Wire transfer

Yes

Card

Yes

Comparative table

Bitstamp	FEATURES	Bitmex
Bitstamp allows users to start trading with a relatively low minimum, accommodating small-scale traders effectively.	Minimum Trade	BitMEX allows for relatively small minimum trade sizes, making it accessible for traders who prefer to start with smaller amounts.
Bitstamp’s fee structure is competitive but not the lowest in the market, balancing fairness with service quality.	Trading and Transaction Fees	BitMEX offers competitive fees, especially for high-volume traders, but can be slightly on the higher side for low-volume or casual traders.
Bitstamp supports a robust selection of popular cryptocurrencies, catering well to both mainstream and niche market participants.	Number of Cryptocurrencies	While BitMEX supports major cryptocurrencies, its focus is more on derivatives and futures rather than providing a wide array of crypto assets.
The platform offers a solid range of crypto-to-crypto trading pairs, providing good options for diverse trading strategies.	Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs	BitMEX provides a solid selection of trading pairs for major cryptocurrencies, especially in derivatives markets.
Bitstamp is known for its clear, user-friendly website that provides extensive information on fees, policies, and trading options.	Website Transparency	The platform is quite transparent about its terms, fees, and trading options, though some users may find the information overwhelming.
Bitstamp lacks a branded exchange card, which limits its versatility for users seeking integrated payment solutions for everyday purchases.	Credit/Debit Card	BitMEX lacks a debit or credit card feature for spending or earning rewards, limiting its utility for everyday transactions compared to other exchanges that offer such cards.
Bitstamp offers secure storage options including cold storage, ensuring high security for user funds against potential cyber threats.	Storage Offering	BitMEX provides secure storage options, but as a derivatives exchange, it does not emphasize wallet services like other exchanges.
Currently, Bitstamp does not offer staking services or rewards, which limits opportunities for earning through investment holding.	Staking and Rewards	Limited options for staking or earning rewards, as BitMEX is primarily a trading platform for derivatives.
Both Bitstamp’s mobile app and desktop platform are highly intuitive and reliable, though some users desire additional features.	Mobile App and Desktop	Both mobile and desktop platforms are robust and well-designed, offering high functionality for trading on the go or at a workstation.
Bitstamp provides dependable customer service, but response times can vary, especially during high demand periods.	Customer Service	Customer service is adequate, with support channels available, but response times and resolution effectiveness can vary.
Deposits and withdrawals are handled efficiently on Bitstamp with support for multiple payment methods, though some fees may apply.	Deposit and Withdraw	BitMEX supports efficient mechanisms for deposit and withdrawal, though primarily limited to cryptocurrency movements.

Key features

Analysis tools

Basic charting tools, technical indicators

High-level technical analysis tools, derivatives trading features

Mobile APP

Security

High 4,9/5

Additional features

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

High leverage trading, futures contracts, perpetual contracts, BitMEX Academy

Anonymity

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

30+

Primarily derivatives, few direct cryptocurrencies

User-friendliness

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.

BitMEX, while offering advanced trading features, has a relatively user-friendly interface. However, it may be more suited to those with some experience in trading due to its focus on leveraged trading.

Value for money

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

Delivers reasonable value for money with competitive fees and advanced trading features, though its focus on leveraged trading may not suit all users.

Countries of operation

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

Best for

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

Ideal for experienced traders interested in leveraged trading and advanced trading features.

Base currencies available

USD, EUR, GBP, BTC

BTC, USDT (for derivative products)

Account

Trading

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.

BitMEX is renowned for its derivatives trading and leverage options, making it ideal for experienced traders. However, it is not suitable for beginners due to its complexity and high-risk trading environment.

Deposit and withdrawal

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.

BitMEX focuses on cryptocurrency deposits and withdrawals, with no support for fiat currencies. Withdrawals are processed daily, and fees are minimal, but users must manage the timing of their requests.

Account opening process

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.

BitMEX has a straightforward account registration process, requiring personal information and identity verification. The process is quick and fully digital, making it easy for users to start trading within a short period.

KYC required?

Yes

Customer Service

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.

BitMEX offers customer support through email and live chat. The support team is knowledgeable and responsive, but the absence of phone support and limited availability can be a disadvantage.

Security

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 .

BitMEX ensures security with 2FA, encryption, and cold storage. It is not regulated by top-tier financial authorities, which might be a concern for some users regarding the safety of their funds.

Which of these exchanges is for you?

Alejandro Borja

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.

Xavier Tarrasó

As an expert reviewing cryptocurrency exchanges, I find BitMEX to be a compelling option for experienced traders who are looking for high leverage and sophisticated trading options. However, due to its complexity and the high risk associated with its leverage capabilities, I recommend it primarily for seasoned traders. New users should approach with caution and consider starting with smaller trades until they become more familiar with the platform’s functionalities.

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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.