Bitstampvs
IC MarketsCrypto Exchange Comparison
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.
Who should choose Bitstamp vs IC Markets?
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.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
Best for security
Recommended
Bitstamp vs IC Markets: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  Bitstamp |  IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| 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% |
Bitstamp vs IC Markets Crypto Exchange Pros & Cons
Pros
- World's longest-running major exchange (est. 2011)
- CSSF-regulated (Luxembourg) + MiCA compliant
- FCA-registered in UK, FinCEN-registered in US
- Institutional-grade OTC desk and API access
- Conservative listing standards - high-liquidity assets only
- Client funds held in segregated accounts
Bitstamp vs IC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
1
Bitstamp
criteria win
4
IC Markets
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| 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 |
Bitstamp vs IC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
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.
