Bitstamp and IG face off on security structures, asset reach, and platform capabilities. The comparison highlights how native exchange security measures contrast with regulated CFD tooling.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose if…
Choose Bitstamp if you prioritise a native exchange and cold storage for asset security.
Choose if…
Choose IG if you value top-tier regulation and advanced charting across MT4 and TradingView.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.2/ 5 | 4.2/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads From | N/A | 0.6 pips |
| Taker Fee | 0.40% | N/A |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Bitstamp | IG |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| 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 | Fail |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
Bitstamp and IG share the same editorial score of 4.2/5. One concrete differentiator: IG holds top-tier regulatory status.
IG lists a spread from 0.6. Current spread data is not available for Bitstamp. Check both exchanges' full fee schedules, including maker/taker rates, for up-to-date pricing.
Neither Bitstamp nor IG requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
IG holds top-tier regulation (DFSA, Finansinspektionen, KNF), 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, IG provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each exchange's site before deciding.
IG 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 on commission-based accounts. Commission details for IG are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. 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 IG supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, ProRealTime, MetaTrader 4. Bitstamp has exclusive access to Bitstamp. IG has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile and TradingView and ProRealTime and MetaTrader 4.
Bitstamp wins for security due to cold storage and segregated funds.
Bitstamp leads coin selection with 80 assets versus IG's 70.
IG is better for beginners due to top-tier regulation and investor protections.
Equally matched for DeFi and Web3 capabilities since neither offers DeFi access.
| N/A |
| N/A |
| Inactivity Fee | $10/month (after 12 months)▼ lower | £12/month (after 24 months) |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free (crypto/SEPA/bank); card up to 5% | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | CryptoBank transferWire transferSEPACredit cardDebit card | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPal |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | CryptoBank transferWire transferSEPACredit card | Bank transferDebit cardPayPal |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Network fee for crypto; free SEPA | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | FinCEN FCA MiCA | DFSA Finansinspektionen KNF CMVM CBI BaFin FCA ASIC Finanstilsynet NFA FMA Finanstilsynet |
|---|
| 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 IG are closely matched overall. IG holds top-tier regulatory status that Bitstamp lacks.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4.2 / 5
Score 4.2 / 5
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