Cryptocurrency exchanges have evolved significantly since the early days of Bitcoin, and Bitstamp stands out as one of the most enduring platforms in the industry. Founded in 2011 and based in Luxembourg, Bitstamp emerged as a trusted alternative to Mt.Gox after its infamous collapse. Over a decade later, Bitstamp remains a top-tier exchange known for its strong security, regulatory compliance, and user-friendly experience.
Whether you're based in Europe or elsewhere, this comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about Bitstamp—from account registration and identity verification to depositing fiat, trading crypto, and understanding fees. We'll also cover staking options and supported assets to help you make an informed decision.
Why Choose Bitstamp?
Bitstamp is ideal for users who prioritize security, regulatory transparency, and ease of use. It’s particularly well-suited for European traders thanks to free SEPA deposits and fast EUR withdrawals. While it may not offer the lowest fees globally, its reliability and long-standing reputation make it a solid choice for both beginners and intermediate crypto investors.
👉 Discover a secure way to start your crypto journey today.
How to Sign Up for Bitstamp
Creating a Bitstamp account is straightforward:
- Visit the Bitstamp website and click “Register”.
- Select “Personal Account” when prompted.
- Enter your full name, email address, and create a strong password.
- Agree to the terms of service and complete email verification (check your spam folder if needed).
After signing up, you’ll need to verify your identity—a standard requirement for regulated exchanges. Navigate to the Verification section and upload:
- A government-issued ID (passport or national ID)
- Proof of residence (utility bill or bank statement less than three months old)
You’ll also be asked to provide financial details such as your employment status and annual income. This information supports anti-money laundering (AML) compliance.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Security is critical when managing digital assets. Bitstamp requires users to enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) using an authenticator app like Google Authenticator.
- Go to Account > Security > Enable 2FA
- Scan the QR code with your authenticator app
- Enter the generated 6-digit code to confirm
From now on, every login will require both your password and a time-sensitive code from your phone—dramatically reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
Depositing Fiat Currency on Bitstamp
Once verified, you can deposit fiat money to start trading. The available methods depend on your region:
SEPA (Eurozone)
- Deposit: Free
- Withdrawal: €3 fee
Ideal for European users, SEPA transfers are fast and cost-effective.
UK Faster Payments
- Deposit: Free
- Withdrawal: £2 fee
Funds typically arrive within minutes to hours.
US ACH Transfers
- Deposit & Withdrawal: Free
- Processing time: 1–3 business days
Available only to U.S. residents.
International Wire Transfers (Non-SEPA USD)
- Deposit: $7.50 minimum or 0.05% of amount
- Withdrawal: $25 minimum or 0.1% of amount
Not ideal for small deposits due to high fees.
Credit Card Deposits
- Fee: 5%
- Instant funding option, but expensive
Best used sparingly or for urgent small purchases.
💡 Always include the reference code provided by Bitstamp during bank transfers to ensure proper fund matching.
Buying Cryptocurrency on Bitstamp
With funds in your account, you’re ready to buy crypto.
Instant Buy Option
- Go to the Market Overview or Account Dashboard
- Select your desired trading pair (e.g., BTC/EUR)
- Choose “Instant Order”
- Enter the amount of fiat you want to spend
- Confirm the purchase
The platform applies a flat 0.5% trading fee for instant buys.
Advanced Order Types
For more control, use:
- Limit Orders: Set a target price; order executes when market reaches it
- Stop Orders: Trigger a market order when price hits a specified level
These are useful for executing strategies without constant monitoring.
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Bitstamp Fee Overview
Understanding fees is crucial for maximizing returns. Here’s a breakdown:
Trading Fees
- Starts at 0.5% per trade
- Decreases with higher monthly trading volume
- Competitive with Coinbase, higher than some global exchanges
Fiat Deposit & Withdrawal Fees
| Region | Deposit Fee | Withdrawal Fee |
|---|---|---|
| SEPA (EUR) | Free | €3 |
| UK (GBP) | Free | £2 |
| US (USD) | Free (ACH) | Free (ACH) |
| Intl Wire | $7.50 min | $25 min |
| Credit Card | 5% | Not applicable |
Crypto Withdrawal Fees (as of latest data)
- Bitcoin (BTC): 0.0005 BTC (~$25)
- Ethereum (ETH): 0.03 ETH (~$60)
- Stablecoins (USDC, DAI): Minimal network fees
For updated rates, always check Bitstamp’s official fee schedule.
How Long Does It Take to Withdraw Money?
Withdrawal speed varies by method:
- UK Faster Payments: Near-instant (under 1 hour)
- SEPA Transfers: 1–3 business days
- International Wires: 2–5 business days
- ACH (US): 1–3 business days
Processing times may extend during weekends or holidays.
Ethereum Staking on Bitstamp
Bitstamp now supports Ethereum staking, allowing users to earn passive income directly from their wallets.
- Estimated APY: ~8%
- Platform Fee: 15% of staking rewards
For example:
- Stake 10 ETH
- Earn ~0.8 ETH over a year
- Bitstamp takes 0.12 ETH as a service fee
- You receive 10.68 ETH upon withdrawal
While convenient, this fee is higher than some dedicated staking platforms. Consider alternatives if maximizing yield is your priority.
Supported Cryptocurrencies
Bitstamp has expanded beyond major coins to include key DeFi and utility tokens:
Core Assets:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Litecoin (LTC)
- Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
- Ripple (XRP)
Stablecoins:
- USDC
- DAI
- GUSD
- PAX
DeFi & Utility Tokens:
- AAVE
- MKR
- UNI
- ZRX
- OMG
- KNC
- BAT
- LINK
- UMA
This diverse selection makes Bitstamp suitable for investors interested in both mainstream and decentralized finance ecosystems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Bitstamp safe?
Yes. Bitstamp uses cold storage for most funds, offers mandatory 2FA, and complies with EU financial regulations. It has operated since 2011 without a major security breach.
Can I use Bitstamp outside Europe?
Yes, but fiat options are limited. Users outside Europe may face high wire fees or lack local payment methods, making other exchanges more cost-effective.
Does Bitstamp support margin trading?
No. Bitstamp does not currently offer margin or futures trading—only spot trading is available.
What is the minimum deposit?
There is no official minimum deposit, but banks may impose their own limits. For credit cards, the minimum is typically $10–$20.
Can I stake cryptocurrencies other than ETH?
Currently, only Ethereum (ETH) staking is supported.
Is customer support responsive?
Support is available via email and ticket system. Response times vary but generally fall within 24–48 hours.
Final Thoughts
Bitstamp remains a trusted name in the cryptocurrency world—especially for European users seeking a secure, compliant exchange with easy fiat on-ramps. While fees are not the lowest globally, its stability, transparency, and growing feature set (like ETH staking) justify its position among the top exchanges.
For those looking for lower-cost trading or broader financial products, exploring alternatives might be worthwhile—but Bitstamp excels as a beginner-friendly, reliable entry point into crypto investing.
👉 Start trading on a platform built for performance and security.