Comparison of Bitstamp vs Changenow [ 2024 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

Bitstamp

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

Changenow

Main points

Fees

≤0,30%

Earns

Yes

Customer service

4/5

hidden

Fees

Yes

Earns

3/5

Customer service

Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold

Yes

Beginners

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold

Comparison of fees

Rating

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

4.0 – Competitive fees with a focus on instant crypto swaps.

Level

≤0,30%

hidden

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.

ChangeNOW simplifies the process of trading cryptocurrencies by imposing a straightforward fee structure that varies depending on the transaction and the currency pair used. Typically, ChangeNOW integrates a service fee directly into the exchange rate, which means the rates you see already include the fee, ensuring transparency and avoiding unexpected charges. The platform does not charge a separate service fee, but network fees, which are payments to miners, still apply and are necessary for the transaction to be processed on the blockchain. This fee structure makes it easy for beginners to understand the total cost of each transaction without having to navigate complex fee schedules.

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.

Changenow

Security Methods: ChangeNOW employs robust security protocols, including non-custodial transactions that ensure users retain control over their private keys, enhancing overall security.
Customer Service: Despite some feedback about needing improvements, ChangeNOW is committed to enhancing its customer support services, with initiatives aimed at providing quicker and more effective responses.
Reputation and Reviews: The platform has received positive reviews for its user-friendly interface and quick swap features, establishing a solid reputation in the cryptocurrency community.
Trading Volume and Liquidity: With support for over 200 cryptocurrencies, ChangeNOW offers high liquidity, ensuring that transactions are executed swiftly and at competitive rates.
Transparency: ChangeNOW is transparent about its fees and processes, providing users with all necessary information upfront, which helps in building trust.

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Account Minimum

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Direct link to the website

Product selection

Native token

Earns

Yes

NFT marketplace

Cripto/debit card

Full name

Bitstamp Ltd.

ChangeNOW International Ltd.

Regulation

Regulated in Luxemburgo

Not regulated

Year founded

2011

2017

Founder

Nejc Kodrič, Damijan Merlak

Unknown

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes

Mastercard

Yes

Wire transfer

Yes

Card

Yes

Comparative table

Bitstamp	FEATURES	Changenow
Bitstamp allows users to start trading with a relatively low minimum, accommodating small-scale traders effectively.	Minimum Trade	ChangeNOW allows users to trade small amounts of cryptocurrencies, accommodating users who prefer to trade minimal quantities.
Bitstamp’s fee structure is competitive but not the lowest in the market, balancing fairness with service quality.	Trading and Transaction Fees	While fees are competitive, they can vary and be higher for certain routes or less popular coins.
Bitstamp supports a robust selection of popular cryptocurrencies, catering well to both mainstream and niche market participants.	Number of Cryptocurrencies	Supports over 200 cryptocurrencies, providing a wide selection for trading.
The platform offers a solid range of crypto-to-crypto trading pairs, providing good options for diverse trading strategies.	Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs	Offers a vast array of trading pairs, allowing direct swaps between a diverse range of cryptocurrencies.
Bitstamp is known for its clear, user-friendly website that provides extensive information on fees, policies, and trading options.	Website Transparency	Generally transparent about fees and trading processes, but could improve accessibility of detailed information on the backend processes.
Bitstamp lacks a branded exchange card, which limits its versatility for users seeking integrated payment solutions for everyday purchases.	Credit/Debit Card	Does not provide its own exchange card for in-store purchases or benefits.
Bitstamp offers secure storage options including cold storage, ensuring high security for user funds against potential cyber threats.	Storage Offering	Provides a secure, non-custodial service that doesn’t store user funds but could enhance security features or options.
Currently, Bitstamp does not offer staking services or rewards, which limits opportunities for earning through investment holding.	Staking and Rewards	Limited options for staking and rewards compared to other platforms that offer comprehensive staking services.
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 interfaces are user-friendly, facilitating easy and efficient trading on any device.
Bitstamp provides dependable customer service, but response times can vary, especially during high demand periods.	Customer Service	Customer service is available but has room for improvement in terms of response times and support quality.
Deposits and withdrawals are handled efficiently on Bitstamp with support for multiple payment methods, though some fees may apply.	Deposit and Withdraw	Facilitates easy and fast deposits and withdrawals but could expand the variety of accepted payment methods.

Key features

Analysis tools

Basic charting tools, technical indicators

No significant tools, mainly a swap service

Mobile APP

Security

High 4,9/5

High 4/5

Additional features

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

Instant crypto swaps, NOW token rewards, fiat on/off ramps, ChangeNOW API

Anonymity

Yes

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

30+

200+

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.

ChangeNOW offers a straightforward and easy-to-use platform that is ideal for beginners. The interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy to navigate and execute trades.

Value for money

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

Offers good value for money with competitive fees and a straightforward swapping service, making it an easy option for quick trades.

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 traders looking for a straightforward and quick cryptocurrency swapping service with competitive fees.

Base currencies available

USD, EUR, GBP, BTC

BTC, ETH, USDT (varies by transaction)

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.

ChangeNOW is a non-custodial exchange known for its fast and anonymous transactions. It offers a wide range of cryptocurrencies but lacks advanced trading features and tools.

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.

ChangeNOW is a non-custodial exchange known for its fast transactions. It supports various deposit methods, and withdrawals are processed quickly with low fees.

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.

ChangeNOW provides a simple and quick account registration process. Users need to submit personal details and verify their identity. The process is fully digital and usually takes less than a day to complete.

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.

ChangeNOW offers support through email and live chat. The response time is quick, but the support team is not available 24/7, which may be a drawback for some users.

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 .

ChangeNOW provides strong security with 2FA and encryption. However, it lacks regulation from major financial authorities, which might be a concern for some investors.

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 a cryptocurrency analyst at our website, I’ve spent considerable time exploring and using various exchanges, and ChangeNOW stands out for its remarkable simplicity and efficiency. From my personal experience, this platform is especially well-suited for those who are new to the cryptocurrency world or those who prefer straightforward, quick crypto exchanges without the hassle of lengthy registrations. ChangeNOW’s focus on user privacy and security, without requiring personal information, provides peace of mind, making it a top recommendation for users valuing anonymity alongside ease of use. Whether you’re looking to swap small amounts or engage in more significant trades, ChangeNOW facilitates it all with commendable ease and speed.

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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.