Bitstamp vs Kraken - HodlCue
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Provider comparison

Bitstamp vs Kraken

Bitstamp vs Kraken: compare maker / taker fee, supported coins, fees, regulation, and custody in one head-to-head table.

Bitstamp

Bitstamp

Bitstamp is a custodial exchange available in the US. It does not offer proof of reserves. This review covers…

VS
Kraken

Kraken

Kraken is a well-established crypto exchange known for its strong security and proof of reserves. It is avail…

Head-to-head comparison

Maker / taker fee

Bitstamp

Maker 0.30%/taker 0.40%, lower by 30-day volume

Kraken

Pro maker 0.25% to 0.00%, taker 0.40% to 0.10% by volume

Supported coins

Bitstamp

~85

Kraken

~350+

Fiat on-ramps

Bitstamp

SEPA, wire, card, ACH

Kraken

Bank transfer, wire, card, Apple/Google Pay

KYC level

Bitstamp

required

Kraken

required

US allowed

Bitstamp

Kraken

Proof of Reserves

Bitstamp

n (audited; Robinhood-owned public parent)

Kraken

y - cryptographically user-verifiable, updated periodically (kraken.com/proof-of-reserves)

Order-book depth

Bitstamp

High on majors

Kraken

High on majors and many alts

Instruments

Bitstamp

spot, staking (limited), institutional

Kraken

spot, futures, margin, staking, xStocks

Pros & cons

Bitstamp

Bitstamp

Pros

  • Long-established exchange since 2011
  • Regulated in multiple jurisdictions
  • User-friendly interface for beginners
  • Available in the United States
  • Supports major cryptocurrencies and fiat

Cons

  • Custodial means you don't control private keys
  • No proof of reserves provided
  • Limited advanced trading features compared to some competitors
Kraken

Kraken

Pros

  • Strong security and track record
  • Proof of reserves for transparency
  • Wide range of cryptocurrencies
  • Available in the US
  • Advanced trading features

Cons

  • Custodial exchange, not self-custody
  • Complex fee structure
  • Verification required
Bitstamp

Bitstamp

Bitstamp is a custodial exchange available in the US. It does not offer proof of reserves. This review covers its features, target audience, and key considerations.

Kraken

Kraken

Kraken is a well-established crypto exchange known for its strong security and proof of reserves. It is available in the US and offers a wide range of features for traders.

Risk warning: Cryptocurrency is a volatile, high-risk asset class. Prices can fall as well as rise, and you could lose some or all of the money you put in. Custodial providers carry counterparty risk; self-custody puts key security entirely on you. This page is general information, not financial advice.

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