Comparison of Kraken vs Bitstamp [ 2025 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

kraken

Kraken

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

bitstamp

Bitstamp

Main points

Fees

0,16%/0,26%

Earns

no

Customer service

5/5
≤0,30%

Fees

Yes

Earns

4/5

Customer service


Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

no

Buy and hold

Yes
Yes

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold


Comparison of fees

Rating

4.5 – Low fees with additional benefits for high-volume traders.
4.1 – Reasonable fees with discounts for high-volume trading.

Level

0,16%/0,26%
≤0,30%

Brief explanation

Kraken’s commission structure is designed to be competitive and favorable for both low and high-volume traders. The exchange employs a tiered fee schedule that rewards users with lower trading fees as their trading volume increases over a 30-day period. Fees vary depending on whether you are a maker (creating a new order on the book) or a taker (filling an existing order), with maker fees generally being lower than taker fees to encourage liquidity. While the fees are relatively low for high-volume traders, those trading smaller amounts may find the fees slightly higher compared to other platforms. Additionally, Kraken charges flat fees for fiat deposits and withdrawals, though these can vary based on the method and currency used. Overall, Kraken’s fee structure is transparent, with details readily available on its website, helping users to anticipate and calculate potential trading costs effectively.
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.

Kraken

Bitstamp

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Product selection

Native token

No
No

Earns

no
Yes

NFT marketplace

No
No

Cripto/debit card

No
No

Company information

Full name

Payward, Inc.
Bitstamp Ltd.

Regulation

Regulated in the EE. UU.
Regulated in Luxemburgo

Year founded

2011
2011

Founder

Jesse Powell
Nejc Kodrič, Damijan Merlak

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes
Yes

Mastercard

Yes
Yes

Wire transfer

Yes
Yes

Card

Yes
Yes

Comparative table

Kraken FEATURES Bitstamp
Kraken allows relatively low minimum trade volumes, making it accessible for beginners.
Minimum Trade
Bitstamp allows users to start trading with a relatively low minimum, accommodating small-scale traders effectively.
Competitive fees, though slightly higher for low volume traders; discounts for high volume.
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 selection of cryptocurrencies, catering to diverse trading preferences.
Number of Cryptocurrencies
Bitstamp supports a robust selection of popular cryptocurrencies, catering well to both mainstream and niche market participants.
Extensive range of trading pairs, though some less popular pairs have lower liquidity.
Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs
The platform offers a solid range of crypto-to-crypto trading pairs, providing good options for diverse trading strategies.
High transparency about fees, security measures, and operational status updates.
Website Transparency
Bitstamp is known for its clear, user-friendly website that provides extensive information on fees, policies, and trading options.
Kraken does not offer an exchange card for customers to use for in-store purchases and receive benefits.
Credit/Debit Card
Bitstamp lacks a branded exchange card, which limits its versatility for users seeking integrated payment solutions for everyday purchases.
Excellent security with a majority of funds held in cold storage; provides peace of mind.
Storage Offering
Bitstamp offers secure storage options including cold storage, ensuring high security for user funds against potential cyber threats.
Offers staking options with competitive rewards, although not available for all assets.
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 fully-featured, though the interface can be complex for new users.
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 reliable but can experience delays during high demand periods.
Customer Service
Bitstamp provides dependable customer service, but response times can vary, especially during high demand periods.
Efficient deposit and withdrawal processes, though options may vary by region.
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, technical analysis
Basic charting tools, technical indicators

Mobile APP

No
No

Security

High 4,9/5
High 4,9/5

Additional features

Margin trading, futures trading, staking, Kraken Pro exchange
Institutional services, staking, Bitstamp Earn program, fiat on/off ramps

Anonymity

No
No

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

100+
30+

User-friendliness

Kraken 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.
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 excellent value for money with low trading fees, strong security features, and a wide range of supported cryptocurrencies.
Offers good value for money with competitive fees and a reliable trading platform, suitable for both retail and institutional traders.

Countries of operation

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

Best for

Suitable for all types of investors, from beginners to advanced traders, due to its low fees, strong security features, and wide range of supported cryptocurrencies.
Ideal for both retail and institutional traders seeking a reliable exchange with competitive fees and a strong reputation.

Base currencies available

USD, EUR, CAD, GBP, JPY, BTC
USD, EUR, GBP, BTC

Account

Trading

Kraken is known for its high security and wide range of cryptocurrencies. It offers advanced trading tools and competitive fees but can be complex for beginners.
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

Kraken supports a wide range of deposit and withdrawal methods, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and cryptocurrencies. Withdrawals are processed quickly, with competitive fees .
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

Kraken offers a straightforward and secure account registration process. Users need to submit personal details, verify their identity, and address. The process is fully digital and typically takes 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
Yes

Customer Service

Kraken offers comprehensive customer support through email, live chat, and a help center. Support is available 24/7, and the response times are quick, 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

Kraken offers extensive security features, including 2FA, encryption, and cold storage. It is regulated by multiple financial authorities, making it a highly 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?

In concluding our comprehensive review of Kraken through Threenvest’s lens, it’s clear that Kraken stands as a formidable player in the cryptocurrency exchange landscape. Known for its robust security measures, wide range of cryptocurrencies, and advanced trading features, Kraken appeals especially to traders who prioritize safety and a diverse portfolio. These strengths are complemented by its deep liquidity and competitive fee structure, making it a preferred choice for serious traders. However, its complex interface and sometimes slow customer service response times during peak periods could pose challenges, particularly for newcomers to cryptocurrency trading. Compared to other exchanges, Kraken’s commitment to regulatory compliance and security is notably strong, positioning it as one of the safer trading environments in an industry fraught with security concerns. On the flip side, its user interface and learning curve may not be as appealing to beginners as some other platforms that focus more heavily on user-friendliness and simple navigation. For users of Threenvest looking to engage in sophisticated trading strategies or those who value a highly secure trading platform, Kraken is undoubtedly a top contender. However, those new to the market might consider starting with platforms that offer more guidance and a more intuitive trading experience.
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.

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.

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