Two providers contrast in asset ownership and platform reach. Bitstamp runs a native exchange with on-chain access; IC Markets delivers crypto CFDs across MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose if…
Choose Bitstamp if you want a native exchange with real crypto ownership and regulatory oversight.
Choose if…
Choose IC Markets if you want crypto CFDs across MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView with 24/7 support.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.2/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $200 |
| Spreads From | N/A | 0 pips |
| Taker Fee | 0.40%▼ lower | 7.00% |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Bitstamp | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Pass | Fail |
| Proof of reserves published | Fail | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.) | Fail | Pass |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Fail | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Staking available | Fail | Fail |
| DeFi integration | Fail | Fail |
| NFT trading | Fail | Fail |
| 500+ coins listed | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
The scores are close: Bitstamp rates 4.2/5 and IC Markets rates 4.1/5. Bitstamp has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
IC Markets lists a spread from 0. Current spread data is not available for Bitstamp. Check both exchanges' full fee schedules, including maker/taker rates, for up-to-date pricing.
Bitstamp has no minimum deposit, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes Bitstamp more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
IC Markets holds top-tier regulation (ASIC, CySEC, FSCA), providing stronger investor protections. Bitstamp may be regulated but does not hold top-tier status in our data. Verify regulatory status on each regulator's public register before depositing funds.
For beginners, two factors stand out: Bitstamp has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and IC Markets provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
IC Markets supports margin or futures trading with up to 2:1 leverage. Bitstamp appears to be spot-only based on our data; confirm current product availability on each exchange's website.
Bitstamp charges $0.4 per trade, lower than IC Markets's $7 per trade. Lower commissions benefit active traders who execute many trades per day. Crypto fees are typically quoted as maker/taker rates rather than fixed per-trade commissions; check each exchange's fee schedule for volume-based discounts.
Bitstamp supports Bitstamp, while IC Markets supports TradingView, cTrader, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5. Bitstamp has exclusive access to Bitstamp. IC Markets has exclusive access to TradingView and cTrader and MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5.
IC Markets scores better on fee criteria (no deposit fee, no inactivity fee). Always check both exchanges' current fee schedules, as maker/taker rates and withdrawal fees vary and are subject to change.
IC Markets wins for security due to ASIC/CySEC regulation, segregated client funds, and negative balance protection.
IC Markets benefits from tighter crypto CFD spreads and ECN-adjacent execution.
Bitstamp is best for beginners thanks to no deposit fees, mobile app, and multilingual support.
Equally matched, neither offers DeFi or NFT trading.
| N/A |
| 0.7 pips |
| Inactivity Fee | $10/month (after 12 months) | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free (crypto/SEPA/bank); card up to 5% | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | CryptoBank transferWire transferSEPACredit cardDebit card | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerPayPal |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | CryptoBank transferWire transferSEPACredit card | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Network fee for crypto; free SEPA | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | FinCEN FCA MiCA | ASIC CySEC FSCA |
|---|
| Cold Storage | Yes | No |
|---|
| Proof of Reserves | No | No |
|---|
| Staking | No | No |
|---|
| DeFi Integration | No | No |
|---|
| NFT Trading | No | No |
|---|
| 500+ Coins | No | No |
|---|
| P2P Trading | No | No |
|---|
| Crypto Earn / Savings | No | No |
|---|
| Token Launchpad | No | No |
|---|
| Active bonuses | 2 offers | None |
|---|
Bitstamp and IC Markets are closely matched, but Bitstamp offers a native exchange with real ownership while IC Markets trades crypto CFDs only.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4.1 / 5
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