Bitstamp (founded 2011, private, Luxembourg-based) and Kraken (founded 2011, private, US-headquartered) are two of the oldest continuously operating cryptocurrency exchanges, both founded the same year and both holding confirmed EU MiCA CASP authorisation per our June 2026 research — Bitstamp via Luxembourg (CSSF) and Kraken via Ireland/Luxembourg. The clearest difference is headquarter jurisdiction: Bitstamp is EU-based (Luxembourg), while Kraken is US-headquartered. We publish no fees or ratings and this is information, not financial advice.
Crypto exchange comparison
Bitstamp vs Kraken: an honest, regulation-first comparison
By Exchange Atlas Editorial Team · Last updated 8 July 2026
Bitstamp vs Kraken: the verified facts
| Exchange | Licence & regulatory status | maker-taker-fee | supported-coins | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bitstamp Founded 2011 | EU MiCA CASP | — | — | |
| Kraken Founded 2011 | EU MiCA CASP | — | — |
Only fields we can verify (licence status, founding year) are shown. We publish no fees or ratings we have not confirmed.
How do they compare on the facts?
Both Bitstamp and Kraken were founded in 2011 — making them two of the longest-running exchanges in the cryptocurrency space — and both hold confirmed EU MiCA CASP authorisations per our research. The table shows only the fields we can confirm. We do not publish fee schedules, supported-coin counts or withdrawal limits we have not verified against each exchange's current pages.
The meaningful structural difference is base jurisdiction. Bitstamp is EU-headquartered in Luxembourg, directly under CSSF supervision, and is often described as one of the most established European exchanges. Kraken is US-headquartered with EU authorisation via Ireland/Luxembourg, and is noted for a broader trading product range including spot, margin and derivatives (where available), and a breach-light security record. Confirm each exchange's current terms with your own national regulator before depositing.
Who suits whom
If you weight direct EU-based domicile, a long European track record, and a spot-focused approach, Bitstamp's Luxembourg base and CSSF-direct supervision is the stronger case for EU users who want a native European exchange.
If you weight a broader product range including margin and derivatives (where permitted in your country), and a longer combined operating track record across multiple markets, Kraken's platform depth is a consideration. Both carry confirmed EU MiCA CASP authorisations and similar founding histories. Your country's rules, the products you need, and the live fees decide it. Verify before depositing. This is information, not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
Which is older, Bitstamp or Kraken?
Both Bitstamp and Kraken were founded in 2011, making them co-equals on founding date and among the oldest continuously operating cryptocurrency exchanges. Bitstamp is often cited as one of the oldest European exchanges; Kraken is one of the longest-running US-headquartered exchanges. Both hold confirmed EU MiCA CASP authorisation per our June 2026 research.
Is Bitstamp EU-regulated?
Per our June 2026 research, Bitstamp holds a confirmed EU MiCA CASP authorisation via Luxembourg (CSSF), checkable on the CSSF register. Bitstamp is EU-headquartered in Luxembourg, which means it is directly under EU supervisory jurisdiction. A CASP authorisation passports across the EU/EEA. Always confirm the live entry before depositing and check what the exchange permits in your specific country. This is information, not financial advice.
Which has lower fees, Bitstamp or Kraken?
We do not publish fee figures we have not verified — fee schedules change and the real cost depends on your volume tier, whether you use the spot or advanced interface, and withdrawal fees on each platform. Compare each exchange's current fee schedule on their own site for your trading pattern. This is information, not financial advice.
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