Comparison of Coinbase vs Bitstamp [ 2025 ]

The crypto exchanges compared by their commissions, cryptos, security and much more. Here is the Coinbase vs Bitstamp comparison!

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

Coinbase

Investing risks losing your money

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

Bitstamp

Investing risks losing your money

Main points

Fees

0,40%/0,60%

Earns

Yes

Customer service

4/5

≤0,30%

Fees

Yes

Earns

4/5

Customer service

Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold

Yes

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold

Comparison of fees

Rating

3.5 – Higher fees but strong security and ease of use.

4.1 – Reasonable fees with discounts for high-volume trading.

Level

0,40%/0,60%

≤0,30%

Brief explanation

Coinbase is known for its relatively higher fee structure, which can be a significant consideration for its users. The exchange charges a flat fee for smaller transactions and a percentage of the transaction amount for larger ones. Fees vary depending on the payment method used, such as credit/debit cards or bank transfers, and the country of the user. Additionally, Coinbase applies a spread of about 0.50% for cryptocurrency purchases and sales. While the fees may be higher compared to some other platforms, they are often justified by the high level of security, user-friendly services, and the robust infrastructure that Coinbase offers to its customers. This makes it especially appealing to new entrants to the cryptocurrency market who seek ease of use and reliability.

Bitstamp structures its commission fees to accommodate both high-volume traders and casual users effectively. The platform utilizes a tiered pricing model based on the 30-day trading volume, making it highly competitive within the cryptocurrency exchange market. For lower volumes, the fees start at 0.50% per trade and can decrease to as low as 0.0% for substantial trading volumes, making it especially attractive to frequent traders. This fee structure not only enhances trading flexibility but also encourages more significant trading activity by reducing costs as users climb the tiers.

Coinbase

Year Founded: Established in 2012, Coinbase has a long-standing presence in the cryptocurrency market. This extensive history not only showcases its resilience and adaptability but also its ability to innovate and grow alongside the rapidly evolving crypto ecosystem.
Number of Users: With millions of users globally, Coinbase is one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges. This large user base not only demonstrates trust and satisfaction among a significant portion of the crypto community but also contributes to its robust trading volume and liquidity.
Security Methods: Coinbase employs state-of-the-art security measures including two-factor authentication, cold storage of 98% of customer funds, and insurance to protect against theft or breaches of the online storage. This comprehensive approach to security helps ensure user funds are protected at all times.
Possible Regulation: Coinbase is known for its strong regulatory compliance, operating in accordance with major regulatory bodies in the U.S. and other jurisdictions. This adherence to strict regulatory standards ensures operational transparency and security for its users.
Reputation and Reviews: Over the years, Coinbase has built a solid reputation within the cryptocurrency community. Positive reviews from users and its standing in the industry as a reliable, easy-to-use platform further affirm its credibility and reliability as a top choice for both new and experienced cryptocurrency users.

Read Coinbase review

Bitstamp

Year Founded: Bitstamp's establishment in 2011 makes it one of the oldest cryptocurrency exchanges in operation, demonstrating long-term industry resilience and reliability. This longevity supports trust as it indicates sustained compliance with regulatory changes and evolving market dynamics over more than a decade.
Security Methods: Bitstamp employs robust security measures including multi-sig technology, cold storage of assets, and comprehensive hot wallet insurance. These practices significantly reduce the risk of theft and fraud, ensuring a secure trading environment for users' funds.
Regulation: Bitstamp was one of the first cryptocurrency exchanges to be licensed in Europe, receiving approval as a fully regulated payment institution in Luxembourg. This regulatory oversight assures users of Bitstamp’s commitment to adhering to strict financial and legal standards, enhancing its trustworthiness.
Reputation and Reviews: Over the years, Bitstamp has maintained a strong reputation for reliability and integrity. Positive reviews often highlight its user-friendly platform and responsive customer service, bolstering confidence among both new and experienced traders in the cryptocurrency community.
Trading Volume and Liquidity: Bitstamp consistently ranks among the top exchanges in terms of trading volume and liquidity. This not only ensures that users can execute trades quickly and at desired prices but also indicates a healthy and active trading environment supported by a large user base.

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Product selection

Native token

Earns

Yes

NFT marketplace

Yes

Cripto/debit card

Yes

Full name

Coinbase Global, Inc.

Bitstamp Ltd.

Regulation

Regulated in the EE. UU. y varios otros países

Regulated in Luxemburgo

Year founded

2012

2011

Founder

Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam

Nejc Kodrič, Damijan Merlak

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes

Mastercard

Yes

Wire transfer

Yes

Card

Yes

Comparative table

Coinbase	FEATURES	Bitstamp
Coinbase allows relatively low minimum trade amounts, making it accessible for beginners.	Minimum Trade	Bitstamp allows users to start trading with a relatively low minimum, accommodating small-scale traders effectively.
Fees are higher than average but justified by high security and user-friendly services.	Trading and Transaction Fees	Bitstamp’s fee structure is competitive but not the lowest in the market, balancing fairness with service quality.
Offers a wide range of cryptocurrencies, catering to both popular and niche market interests.	Number of Cryptocurrencies	Bitstamp supports a robust selection of popular cryptocurrencies, catering well to both mainstream and niche market participants.
Provides a robust selection of trading pairs, allowing diverse trading strategies.	Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs	The platform offers a solid range of crypto-to-crypto trading pairs, providing good options for diverse trading strategies.
Highly transparent about security measures, fees, and operational procedures.	Website Transparency	Bitstamp is known for its clear, user-friendly website that provides extensive information on fees, policies, and trading options.
The card is widely accepted, allows users to earn cryptocurrency rewards on purchases, and integrates seamlessly with Coinbase accounts, enhancing the user experience for everyday transactions.	Credit/Debit Card	Bitstamp lacks a branded exchange card, which limits its versatility for users seeking integrated payment solutions for everyday purchases.
Offers secure wallet services with a majority of assets stored in cold storage.	Storage Offering	Bitstamp offers secure storage options including cold storage, ensuring high security for user funds against potential cyber threats.
Provides competitive staking rewards and incentives for various cryptocurrencies.	Staking and Rewards	Currently, Bitstamp does not offer staking services or rewards, which limits opportunities for earning through investment holding.
Both platforms are user-friendly and highly functional, providing excellent trading experiences.	Mobile App and Desktop	Both Bitstamp’s mobile app and desktop platform are highly intuitive and reliable, though some users desire additional features.
Offers adequate support, though response times can vary during peak periods.	Customer Service	Bitstamp provides dependable customer service, but response times can vary, especially during high demand periods.
Efficient deposit and withdrawal processes, with some limits and fees that vary by region.	Deposit and Withdraw	Deposits and withdrawals are handled efficiently on Bitstamp with support for multiple payment methods, though some fees may apply.

Key features

Analysis tools

User-friendly charts, basic tools

Basic charting tools, technical indicators

Mobile APP

Yes

Security

High 4,9/5

Additional features

Staking, Coinbase Earn educational rewards, recurring buys, Coinbase Pro exchange

Institutional services, staking, Bitstamp Earn program, fiat on/off ramps

Anonymity

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

100+

30+

User-friendliness

Coinbase is known for its highly user-friendly interface, making it one of the best choices for beginners. The platform is simple to navigate, and buying and selling cryptocurrencies is straightforward and hassle-free.

Bitstamp features a clean and intuitive interface that is easy for beginners to use. The platform is designed to provide a seamless trading experience, making it easy to buy and sell cryptocurrencies.

Value for money

Provides reasonable value for money with higher fees but strong security features and a user-friendly interface, making it suitable for beginners.

Offers good value for money with competitive fees and a reliable trading platform, suitable for both retail and institutional traders.

Countries of operation

United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia

Global, including United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany

Best for

Great for beginners who prioritize security and ease of use, despite higher fees compared to other exchanges.

Ideal for both retail and institutional traders seeking a reliable exchange with competitive fees and a strong reputation.

Base currencies available

USD, EUR, GBP, BTC

Account

Trading

Coinbase is one of the most popular exchanges, especially for beginners. It offers a user-friendly platform, high security, and a good range of cryptocurrencies. However, its fees are higher compared to some other exchanges.

Bitstamp is one of the oldest and most reputable exchanges, offering high security and a straightforward trading platform. It supports a decent range of cryptocurrencies but has higher fees compared to some newer exchanges.

Deposit and withdrawal

Coinbase supports a wide range of deposit and withdrawal methods, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and cryptocurrencies. Withdrawals are processed efficiently, usually within a day, but fees can be higher compared to other exchanges .

Bitstamp offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal options, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and crypto deposits. Withdrawals are processed quickly, with competitive fees.

Account opening process

Coinbase offers a user-friendly and seamless account opening process. Users need to provide personal information, verify their identity, and typically get their account approved within a day. It’s secure and efficient .

Bitstamp offers a seamless account opening process. Users need to submit personal information and verify their identity. The process is fully digital and usually completed within a day, making it efficient and user-friendly.

KYC required?

Yes

Customer Service

Coinbase offers extensive customer support through email, live chat, and a detailed help center. Support is available 24/7, and the response times are quick, making it reliable for users globally .

Bitstamp offers extensive customer support through email, live chat, and a help center. Support is available 24/7, and the response times are quick, making it reliable for users globally.

Security

Coinbase employs extensive security measures, including 2FA, encryption, and cold storage. It is regulated by multiple financial authorities, making it a highly secure platform for investors .

Bitstamp offers robust security with 2FA, SSL encryption, and cold storage. It is regulated by multiple financial authorities, making it a highly secure platform for investors .

Which of these exchanges is for you?

Alejandro Borja

As Threenvest reviews Coinbase, it is evident that this platform stands out as a robust and user-friendly gateway into the world of cryptocurrency trading. Ideal for both novice and experienced traders, Coinbase provides an intuitive interface, extensive educational resources, and a suite of trading options that cater to a broad spectrum of investment strategies. The security measures employed by Coinbase are commendable, with best practices like cold storage of funds, insurance, and stringent compliance with regulatory standards, ensuring a secure environment for digital asset trading. However, despite its many strengths, Coinbase does exhibit some limitations when compared against the broader landscape of cryptocurrency exchanges. The fee structure, particularly for small transactions and casual traders, can be notably higher than some of its competitors, which might deter those seeking more cost-effective trading options. Additionally, while Coinbase offers a substantial range of cryptocurrencies, it may not match the sheer volume of trading pairs available on platforms like Binance or Kraken. Nevertheless, Threenvest believes that for users who prioritize a secure, straightforward, and well-regulated trading experience, Coinbase remains an excellent choice. Our comprehensive review finds that while no platform is without its flaws, Coinbase’s commitment to security, ease of use, and continuous improvement align well with the needs of most cryptocurrency enthusiasts and investors.

Xavier Tarrasó

As an expert on our website, I highly recommend Bitstamp for traders looking for a reliable and secure platform with a good range of cryptocurrencies. Its robust security measures and regulatory compliance make it a trustworthy choice. While its fees aren’t the lowest, the platform’s ease of use, strong customer service, and comprehensive trading options balance the scales, making Bitstamp a solid option for both newcomers and experienced traders in the cryptocurrency space.

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View all comparisons against Bitstamp

How do we review crypto exchanges?

At Threenvest, we conduct a thorough review process to evaluate and rank the world’s leading crypto exchanges. Our goal is to offer an unbiased assessment, providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions on which ones best suit your needs. We strictly adhere to the guidelines of our editorial policy.

We collect data directly from exchanges through detailed questionnaires and conduct first-hand testing and observations during crypto exchange demonstrations. Questionnaire responses, combined with demonstrations and hands-on research from our experts, feed into our proprietary evaluation process that scores each provider’s performance on more than 15 factors. The end result produces star ratings ranging from poor (one star) to excellent (five stars).

For more details on the categories considered when rating brokers and our process, read our full methodology.

Risk Disclaimer

Investing in cryptocurrencies is very risky, you should only invest the money you are willing to lose. Also you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong.

Neither Threenvest, nor the author, are recommending you to invest with this article.