Bitstamp
CSSF
CEX.IO
FCA
Bitstamp vs CEX.IO
Head-to-Head Comparison 2026
Our Verdict
Bitstamp has a higher rating of 4.1/5 compared to CEX.IO (3.7/5). The minimum deposit is lower at Bitstamp with 0 €. Bitstamp has been in the market since 2011, making it the more experienced provider. On spreads, Bitstamp offers Trading fee 0.00% maker / 0.30% taker (up to $1,000/30 days), volume-tiered discounts, while CEX.IO offers Trading fee 0.16% maker / 0.25% taker (spot, Pro Trading); approx. 1.5% spread on instant buy.
Comparison Table
| Criteria | Bitstamp | CEX.IO |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.1/5 (1500 reviews)✓ | 3.7/5 (850 reviews) |
| Regulation | CSSF | FCA |
| Fees | 0.30% Maker / 0.40% Taker (base), discounts from $10,000 volume | 0.15% Maker / 0.25% Taker, credit card purchase 2.99% |
| Min. Deposit | 0 € | 20 $ |
| Instruments | Bitcoin, Ethereum, Altcoins, Staking | Bitcoin, Ethereum, Altcoins, Staking |
| Platforms | Bitstamp Web, Bitstamp App, Bitstamp Pro | CEX.IO Web, CEX.IO App |
| Options Trading | No | No |
| Spread (typical) | Trading fee 0.00% maker / 0.30% taker (up to $1,000/30 days), volume-tiered discounts | Trading fee 0.16% maker / 0.25% taker (spot, Pro Trading); approx. 1.5% spread on instant buy |
| Founded | 2011 | 2013 |
| Headquarters | Luxembourg | London |
Detailed Comparison
Fee Comparison
Bitstamp: 0.30% Maker / 0.40% Taker (base), discounts from $10,000 volume. Minimum deposit: 0 €. Spread: Trading fee 0.00% maker / 0.30% taker (up to $1,000/30 days), volume-tiered discounts.
CEX.IO: 0.15% Maker / 0.25% Taker, credit card purchase 2.99%. Minimum deposit: 20 $. Spread: Trading fee 0.16% maker / 0.25% taker (spot, Pro Trading); approx. 1.5% spread on instant buy.
Product Range
Bitstamp (4 categories)
CEX.IO (4 categories)
Trading Platforms
Bitstamp
- Bitstamp Web
- Bitstamp App
- Bitstamp Pro
CEX.IO
- CEX.IO Web
- CEX.IO App
Regulation & Security
Bitstamp is regulated by CSSF (HQ: Luxembourg).
CEX.IO is regulated by FCA (HQ: London).
Who Is It For?
Bitstamp
One of the oldest crypto exchanges in Europe with EU regulation
✓ Over 13 years of experience and EU-regulated (CSSF)
✓ High liquidity on major trading pairs
✓ SEPA deposits free of charge
✗ Fewer coin selections than larger exchanges
✗ Fees higher than Binance or Kraken
CEX.IO
FCA-regulated crypto exchange with credit card purchase and staking
✓ FCA-regulated with long operating history since 2013
✓ Easy crypto purchase via credit card
✓ Staking offerings for passive earnings
✗ High fees for credit card purchases (2.99%)
✗ Fewer coin selections than larger exchanges
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bitstamp or CEX.IO cheaper?
Which broker offers more products: Bitstamp or CEX.IO?
Which broker is better regulated?
Is Bitstamp or CEX.IO better for beginners?
Bitstamp vs CEX.IO: Which broker is better overall?
How do spreads compare between Bitstamp and CEX.IO?
Bitstamp
One of the oldest crypto exchanges in Europe with EU regulation
Open Account →From 0 € min. deposit
CEX.IO
FCA-regulated crypto exchange with credit card purchase and staking
Open Account →From 20 $ min. deposit