What Is Bitstamp?
Founded in 2011, Bitstamp is one of the oldest and most regulated centralized crypto exchanges (CEXs), serving over 4 million customers across 100+ countries. The platform emphasizes security, transparency, and compliance, holding 50 global licenses—including the EU’s first Payment Institution License for a crypto exchange.
Key Features:
- Supports 80+ digital assets like BTC, ETH, and USDC.
- Zero trading fees on the first $1,000 in monthly volume.
- Multiple payment options: debit/credit cards, ACH transfers, Apple Pay, and PayPal.
- AA-rated in CryptoCompare’s Exchange Benchmark for top-tier security.
👉 Explore secure crypto trading
Bitstamp’s Founders and Leadership
Founders:
- Damian Merlak (CTO until 2015): Computer science graduate from the University of Ljubljana.
- Nejc Kodrič: Economics and IT background; co-founded a hardware/IT firm before Bitstamp.
Current Ownership:
In 2018, Brussels-based NXMH acquired an 80% stake, fueling global expansion. Today, Bitstamp is led by a team of 7 finance and compliance experts.
Bitstamp’s Global Presence
Launch Year: 2011
Headquarters: Luxembourg, with offices in Singapore, Slovenia, the UK, and the US.
Restricted Countries: Services available in 100+ nations, with limitations in some regions.
Supported Cryptocurrencies
Bitstamp offers 80+ vetted coins, including:
- Major cryptos: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC).
- Stablecoins: Tether (USDT), USD Coin (USDC).
- Others: XRP, Solana (SOL), and more.
Fee Structure
Trading Fees:
- Maker-Taker Model: Ranges from 0.3%–0.4% for volumes under $10,000 (decreases with higher volume).
- No Fees: First $1,000 in monthly trades.
Staking Fees:
- 15% commission on rewards.
👉 Compare crypto exchange fees
Trading Limitations
No Leverage/Margin Trading: Bitstamp focuses on spot trading only.
FAQs
Q: Is Bitstamp safe?
A: Yes, with offline cold storage (95% funds), 1:1 custody, and Big Four audits.
Q: How do I buy crypto on Bitstamp?
A: Use debit cards, bank transfers, or mobile payments—zero fees for first $1,000.
Q: What countries are restricted?
A: Check Bitstamp’s website for updated regional limitations.