Two regulated models, one native exchange and one CFD broker. The tension centers on ownership, asset breadth, and platform capabilities.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose if…
Choose Bitstamp if you want an own native exchange.
Choose if…
Choose Bitstamp if you value transparent pricing. Choose ThinkMarkets if you want 24/5 live chat and phone support. Choose ThinkMarkets if you want crypto CFDs via MT4/MT5 and ThinkTrader.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.2/ 5 | 3.8/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads From | N/A | 0.4 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 | ThinkMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| 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 ThinkMarkets rates 3.8/5. 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.
ThinkMarkets lists a spread from 0.4. 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 ThinkMarkets requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
ThinkMarkets holds top-tier regulation (ASIC, JFSA, FCA), 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, ThinkMarkets 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.
ThinkMarkets 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 ThinkMarkets'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 ThinkMarkets supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5. Bitstamp has exclusive access to Bitstamp. ThinkMarkets has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile and TradingView and MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5.
ThinkMarkets 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.
ThinkMarkets wins with FSCS protection and a formal compensation scheme for client funds.
Bitstamp lists about 80 coins, more than ThinkMarkets' 20.
Equally matched for beginners; both require no minimum deposit and offer mobile trading apps.
Equally matched; neither offers DeFi access or on-chain features.
| N/A |
| 1.1 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 cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | CryptoBank transferWire transferSEPACredit card | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Network fee for crypto; free SEPA | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | FinCEN FCA MiCA | ASIC JFSA FCA 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 edges ThinkMarkets on overall editorial score due to its longer track record and regulatory breadth.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.8 / 5
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