Bitstamp
CSSF
Kraken
FinCEN
Bitstamp vs Kraken
Head-to-Head Comparison 2026
Our Verdict
Kraken has a higher rating of 4.4/5 compared to Bitstamp (4.1/5). Bitstamp offers 4 instrument types, while Kraken offers 3. The minimum deposit is lower at Bitstamp with 0 €.
Comparison Table
| Criteria | Bitstamp | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.1/5 (1500 reviews) | 4.4/5 (2200 reviews)✓ |
| Regulation | CSSF | FinCEN |
| Fees | 0.30% Maker / 0.40% Taker (base), discounts from $10,000 volume | 0.00% – 0.26% maker/taker |
| Min. Deposit | 0 € | 10 $ |
| Instruments | Bitcoin, Ethereum, Altcoins, Staking | Crypto, Staking, Futures |
| Platforms | Bitstamp Web, Bitstamp App, Bitstamp Pro | Kraken Web, Kraken Pro, Kraken App |
| Options Trading | No | No |
| Founded | 2011 | 2011 |
| Headquarters | Luxembourg | San Francisco |
Detailed Comparison
Fee Comparison
Bitstamp: 0.30% Maker / 0.40% Taker (base), discounts from $10,000 volume. Minimum deposit: 0 €.
Kraken: 0.00% – 0.26% maker/taker. Minimum deposit: 10 $.
Product Range
Bitstamp (4 categories)
Kraken (3 categories)
Trading Platforms
Bitstamp
- Bitstamp Web
- Bitstamp App
- Bitstamp Pro
Kraken
- Kraken Web
- Kraken Pro
- Kraken App
Regulation & Security
Bitstamp is regulated by CSSF (HQ: Luxembourg).
Kraken is regulated by FinCEN (HQ: San Francisco).
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
Kraken
Established crypto exchange with strong security and margin trading
✓ Over 200 cryptocurrencies
✓ Strong focus on security
✓ Margin and futures trading
✗ User interface less intuitive
✗ Fiat deposit fees depending on method
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bitstamp or Kraken cheaper?
Which broker offers more products: Bitstamp or Kraken?
Which broker is better regulated?
Is Bitstamp or Kraken better for beginners?
Bitstamp vs Kraken: Which broker is better overall?
Bitstamp
One of the oldest crypto exchanges in Europe with EU regulation
Open Account →From 0 € min. deposit
Kraken
Established crypto exchange with strong security and margin trading
Open Account →From 10 $ min. deposit