Bitstamp Review (2026): The Oldest Exchange Still Running
OUR VERDICT
LONGEST TRACK RECORD
★★★★☆4.2/5
Bitstamp has operated since 2011 without a major security breach — a rare distinction among exchanges that predate the modern regulatory era. Fees are competitive on volume, licensing spans the US and EU, and the interface, while dated, is reliable rather than flashy.
WHAT WE LIKED
+15 years running, no major breach — the longest clean record in the industry
+Maker/taker fees drop meaningfully with monthly volume
+Licensed in the US (state money transmitter) and EU (MiCA)
WHAT WE DIDN'T
−Interface feels dated next to Coinbase or Kraken
−Instant buy fee is high — use the trading view for real orders
What you'll actually pay
Verified July 2026 — re-verify before publishing.
A rare thing: no breach, no bailout
Founded in 2011, Bitstamp predates nearly every exchange still operating today and has avoided the hacks and insolvencies that took down several early competitors. That track record is worth something specific — custody risk is exactly what history has repeatedly shown to be the biggest danger on any exchange.
Skip the instant buy button
Bitstamp's instant buy carries a real markup (~2%) versus the trading view's 0.30–0.40% maker/taker fees. The extra step to place a limit order in the trading interface is worth it for any purchase over a small amount.
Use it if…
Track record matters most to you and you're comfortable placing orders via a trading interface.
Skip it if…
You want a modern, beginner-friendly app — Coinbase fits better.
Common questions
Has Bitstamp ever been hacked?
Not at a scale affecting customer funds — its record since 2011 is one of the cleanest in the industry.
Is Bitstamp available in the US and EU?
Yes — it holds US state money transmitter licenses and a MiCA license in the EU.