Bitstampvs
KrakenCrypto Exchange Comparison
Bitstamp and Kraken clash over reliability versus breadth. The axis is regulation and asset depth, and the outcome remains to be seen.
Who should choose Bitstamp vs Kraken?
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose if…
Choose Bitstamp if you prioritise long-standing regulatory credibility and EU-oriented oversight. The platform operates under CSSF regulation in Luxembourg and is MiCA compliant, with client funds held in segregated accounts and a history dating back to 2011.
Choose if…
Choose Kraken if you want breadth, security, and proactive transparency. Kraken lists about 200 assets and delivers quarterly Proof of Reserves, with staking options and 24/5 live chat support, plus no inactivity fee for added flexibility.
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
Bitstamp vs Kraken: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  Bitstamp |  Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.2/ 5 | 4.6/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads From | N/A | N/A |
| Taker Fee | 0.40% | 0.26%▼ lower |
Bitstamp vs Kraken 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 Kraken: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
0
Bitstamp
criteria wins
4
Kraken
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | Bitstamp | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Pass | Pass |
| Proof of reserves published | Fail | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.) | Fail | Fail |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Fail | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Staking available | Fail | Pass |
| 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 | Fail |
Bitstamp vs Kraken: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: Bitstamp rates 4.2/5 and Kraken rates 4.6/5. Kraken 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.
Neither Bitstamp nor Kraken requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Bitstamp is regulated by FinCEN, FCA. Kraken is regulated by FinCEN, FCA. Confirm a exchange's current regulatory status on the relevant regulator's public register before opening an account.
Minimum deposit and negative balance protection data are not confirmed for this pair. Check the regulatory body for each exchange, as the licence tier is a reliable proxy for client fund safety. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each exchange's site.
Kraken supports margin or futures trading with up to 5:1 leverage. Bitstamp appears to be spot-only based on our data; confirm current product availability on each exchange's website.
Kraken charges $0.26 per trade, lower than Bitstamp's $0.4 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 Kraken supports Kraken Pro. Bitstamp has exclusive access to Bitstamp. Kraken has exclusive access to Kraken Pro.
Kraken scores higher on security criteria, with cold storage and proof of reserves and segregated client funds. For crypto, cold storage and proof of reserves are key indicators that client assets are protected against exchange failure or hacks.
Kraken 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.
Kraken offers staking while Bitstamp does not according to our data. Staking lets you earn passive yield on your crypto holdings directly through the exchange. Check Kraken's supported coins, lock-up terms, and estimated yields before committing.
