Bitstamp Crypto Exchange Review: Ripple Gateway, Fees, and Real User Experiences

Bitstamp Crypto Exchange Review: Ripple Gateway, Fees, and Real User Experiences Nov, 15 2025

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Pro Tip: Bank transfers have no fees on Bitstamp, while card deposits carry a 3.5% fee. For amounts over $250, bank transfers save you $8.75 in fees compared to card deposits.

Bitstamp: A Legacy Exchange Built for XRP and European Markets

If you're looking to buy XRP with euros or dollars and want a platform that’s been around since Bitcoin was still young, Bitstamp is one of the few exchanges that still fits that bill. Founded in 2011, it was one of the first exchanges to integrate with Ripple’s payment system - becoming the original Ripple Gateway. That history matters. Today, Bitstamp isn’t the biggest or flashiest exchange, but it still holds a quiet edge for users focused on stable fiat-to-crypto trades, especially in Europe.

It’s not for everyone. You won’t find hundreds of altcoins here. You won’t get instant verification. And if you’re in the U.S., you can’t even sign up anymore. But if you care about regulation, clean order books for XRP, and reliable bank transfers, Bitstamp still has something to offer.

What Makes Bitstamp Different? The Ripple Legacy

Most crypto exchanges treat XRP like just another coin. Bitstamp treats it like a core asset. Why? Because it was the first exchange to officially partner with Ripple back in 2013. That early relationship gave Bitstamp priority access to Ripple’s infrastructure, which meant faster settlement times and deeper liquidity for XRP pairs - especially XRP/EUR and XRP/USD.

As of Q1 2025, XRP trading made up about 12% of Bitstamp’s total volume. That’s not huge compared to Binance or Kraken, but on Bitstamp, XRP order books are 35% deeper than average for mid-tier exchanges. That means less slippage when you’re buying or selling larger amounts. If you’re holding XRP long-term or doing regular trades, this matters. You’re not guessing how much price will move when you hit buy.

Bitstamp also added recurring buys for XRP in March 2025. You can set up automatic purchases of $25 or more every week or month. It’s not as advanced as Coinbase’s recurring buys, but it’s there - and it’s one of the few places where you can do this reliably with euros.

Fees and Deposit Options: Simple, But Not Cheap

Bitstamp’s fee structure is straightforward: 0.3% for takers, 0.2% for makers. No discounts for holding a native token. No tiered pricing based on volume. That’s it. Compare that to Binance, where you can slash fees to 0.02% with BNB, or Kraken, which offers volume-based discounts. Bitstamp doesn’t play that game.

Deposits are flexible. You can use bank transfer (SEPA, ACH, wire), Apple Pay, Google Pay, credit/debit cards, or even crypto. Minimum deposit is $25. Withdrawals follow the same paths, but crypto withdrawals are the only way to get funds out fast. Bank withdrawals can take 1-5 business days, depending on your country.

Here’s the catch: even though you can deposit with a card, the fee is 3.5% - way higher than bank transfers. If you’re depositing $1,000, that’s $35 just to get in. Most users stick to SEPA or ACH for low-cost entry.

Floating digital wallet showing XRP balance and slow verification status, with fading U.S. access stamp in background.

Security: Regulated, But Missing Key Proofs

Bitstamp is one of the most regulated exchanges out there. It’s registered with FinCEN in the U.S. (even though it doesn’t serve U.S. customers anymore), FINTRAC in Canada, and holds licenses across the EU. That’s rare. Most exchanges skip this level of paperwork. Bitstamp didn’t.

They store 95% of customer funds in cold wallets. Two-factor authentication is required. They use TLS 1.3 encryption and HMAC authentication - all industry-standard stuff.

But here’s where they fall short: no public proof of reserves. No third-party audit reports. No penetration test results published. That’s a red flag for institutional users. Kraken and Coinbase both publish monthly attestations. Bitstamp doesn’t. If you’re worried about whether your XRP is really backed, you’re left trusting their word.

They also don’t offer biometric login (Face ID or fingerprint). That’s standard on Coinbase and Crypto.com now. Bitstamp still relies on SMS or authenticator apps - which are fine, but dated.

User Experience: Slow, But Stable

The app and website are clean. No flashy charts. No margin trading. No NFT marketplace. It’s designed for people who want to buy crypto, hold it, and maybe sell it later. That’s it.

But getting started? That’s where the frustration starts. Account verification takes 3-7 business days on paper. Real users report 10-14 days, especially during high-volume periods. One Reddit user spent two months trying to recover funds after a failed verification. That’s not normal - but it’s not rare either.

Customer support is another weak spot. Email responses average 62 hours. Phone support only works Monday to Friday, 9 AM-5 PM GMT. If you have a problem on a weekend, you’re stuck. G2.com users gave it a 2.8/5 rating, mostly because of delays. Trustpilot is a little better at 3.2/5, with people praising the reliability of EUR/XRP trades.

For beginners, the learning curve is medium. There are only 17 beginner guides. Kraken has 89. Coinbase has 142. Bitstamp assumes you already know what a wallet is.

Ripple PayString gateway portal streaming XRP into digital euro interface above a European street at dusk.

Who Is Bitstamp Really For?

Bitstamp isn’t for crypto newbies. It’s not for traders who want 100+ coins or leveraged positions. It’s not for Americans.

It’s for three types of people:

  1. European users who trade XRP regularly. If you’re in Germany, France, or Spain, and you use euros, Bitstamp’s XRP/EUR pair has the tightest spreads and fastest execution in the region.
  2. Intermediate traders who value regulation over features. If you’d rather use an exchange that follows the rules than one that offers the most coins, Bitstamp is a safe bet.
  3. Institutional clients with EU bank accounts. Bitstamp is ranked #12 for institutional trading by CryptoCompare. They handle large orders cleanly, with low slippage on XRP and BTC.

If you’re a beginner, stick with Coinbase or Kraken. If you’re a U.S. resident, look elsewhere. But if you’re in Europe, hold XRP, and want a platform that’s been around since the early days - Bitstamp still delivers.

Future Plans: Digital Euro and PayString

Bitstamp isn’t standing still. In April 2025, they announced two major updates:

  • Integration with Ripple’s PayString protocol by Q4 2025 - this will let users send XRP using simple identifiers like emails or phone numbers instead of long wallet addresses.
  • Joining the European Central Bank’s digital euro sandbox in September 2025 - meaning they’ll test how a central bank digital currency (CBDC) might work alongside crypto.

These aren’t flashy features. But they’re strategic. Bitstamp is betting that the future of crypto in Europe lies in regulated, bank-friendly infrastructure. If the ECB rolls out a digital euro, Bitstamp wants to be the bridge between it and XRP.

That’s a smart move - but risky. If XRP’s legal status keeps changing (thanks to the SEC lawsuit), and if the digital euro rollout stalls, Bitstamp’s niche could shrink.

Final Verdict: A Niche Player With Deep Roots

Bitstamp is a relic - but a reliable one. It’s not trying to compete with Binance or Coinbase on features. It’s trying to be the most trustworthy place to trade XRP in Europe.

Pros:

  • Strongest regulatory compliance among mid-sized exchanges
  • Best-in-class XRP liquidity, especially for EUR pairs
  • Simple, no-nonsense interface
  • Recurring buys available for XRP and major coins

Cons:

  • No U.S. access since 2022
  • Slow verification (often 2+ weeks)
  • No proof of reserves or security audits
  • Limited educational content
  • Cheap card deposits but high fees

If you’re in Europe and hold XRP, Bitstamp is still one of the safest places to trade it. Just don’t expect speed or support. Expect stability - and patience.

Is Bitstamp still a Ripple Gateway?

Yes. Bitstamp was the first exchange to become a Ripple Gateway in 2013 and remains one of the most established platforms for XRP trading. It still offers deep liquidity for XRP/EUR and XRP/USD pairs and is planning to integrate Ripple’s PayString protocol by late 2025.

Can I use Bitstamp if I live in the United States?

No. Bitstamp suspended services for U.S. customers in July 2022 due to regulatory pressure. You cannot create an account or deposit funds if you’re located in the U.S. Even existing accounts are frozen. Consider Coinbase or Kraken instead.

What are the trading fees on Bitstamp?

Bitstamp charges 0.3% for taker trades and 0.2% for maker trades. There are no volume discounts or fee reductions for holding a native token. Card deposits carry a 3.5% fee, while bank transfers (SEPA, ACH) are free or low-cost.

How long does verification take on Bitstamp?

Bitstamp says verification takes 3-7 business days. In practice, users report delays of 10-14 days, especially during high-demand periods. Some have waited over two months due to document issues or backlogs. Be prepared for a slow process.

Is Bitstamp safe for storing XRP long-term?

Bitstamp is one of the most regulated exchanges and stores 95% of assets in cold wallets. However, it does not publish proof of reserves or third-party audit reports, which makes it riskier than exchanges like Kraken or Coinbase for long-term storage. For large holdings, consider moving XRP to a personal hardware wallet after trading.

Does Bitstamp offer a mobile app?

Yes. Bitstamp has official apps for iOS (version 4.2.1, updated March 2025) and Android (version 5.0.3, updated April 2025). The apps support trading, deposits, withdrawals, and two-factor authentication. However, they lack advanced charting tools and are designed for basic trading only.

What’s the minimum trade amount on Bitstamp?

The minimum trade amount is $10. You can buy fractions of a Bitcoin, Ethereum, or XRP starting at this level. For recurring buys, the minimum is $25 per transaction.

How does Bitstamp compare to Kraken for XRP trading?

Both are regulated and support XRP. Kraken offers lower fees with volume discounts, better customer support, and more educational resources. Bitstamp has slightly deeper XRP order books, especially for EUR pairs, and a simpler interface. Kraken is better overall, but Bitstamp is still a top choice for European XRP traders who prioritize liquidity over features.

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17 Comments

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    Peter Rossiter

    November 17, 2025 AT 01:56
    Bitstamp is a relic. XRP is a security. Stop pretending this is crypto. You're just paying for a bank with a website.
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    jesani amit

    November 18, 2025 AT 02:21
    I live in India and I still use Bitstamp for XRP because the EUR pair is just cleaner than anything else. Yeah the verification takes forever but once you're in, it's smooth. I've been buying $50 a week since 2023 and never had an issue with the trade execution. It's not flashy but it works. I'd rather have slow and safe than fast and sketchy.
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    Henry Lu

    November 19, 2025 AT 11:54
    lol who still uses bitstamp in 2025? this is like using a flip phone to stream 4k. no proof of reserves? no bnb discount? and you call this reliable? you're literally paying for nostalgia. get a real exchange or get out
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    Ella Davies

    November 21, 2025 AT 08:01
    I used to trade here back in 2018. The interface hasn't changed much and honestly I kind of like that. No gimmicks, no pump-and-dump coins, just XRP and BTC. I don't need 500 altcoins. I need my XRP to settle without drama. The slow verification? Yeah, that's the price of being regulated. If you want instant, go to a rug pull.
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    Teresa Duffy

    November 22, 2025 AT 10:10
    If you're in Europe and you hold XRP, this is still the best place to trade it. The liquidity on XRP/EUR is unmatched. I've tried Kraken, Binance, even Coinbase. Nothing compares when you're moving $10k+ in one go. Yeah the support sucks and the app is basic but the trades execute exactly as expected. That's worth more than a fancy UI.
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    Student Teacher

    November 23, 2025 AT 08:51
    I'm a student and I use Bitstamp for my recurring buys. $25 a week, every Monday. It's not perfect but it's the only place I can do it with EUR without paying 5% in fees. The app doesn't have charts but I don't need them. I'm not trading, I'm stacking. I appreciate that it doesn't try to turn me into a gambler.
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    nikhil .m445

    November 25, 2025 AT 02:12
    This exchange is outdated. Why you still use it? I am from India and I use Binance. Very fast. Very cheap. Bitstamp is for old people. No future. PayString? CBDC? These are not innovations. These are just trying to look smart. You are wasting your time.
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    Rick Mendoza

    November 25, 2025 AT 21:41
    The fact that they still use SMS 2FA in 2025 is insane. No biometrics no hardware wallet integration no anything. They're not trying to be secure they're just trying to be compliant. And that's not enough
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    Sean Pollock

    November 26, 2025 AT 01:31
    you think this is safe? lol. 95% cold storage? that's just marketing. they're probably holding your XRP in a basement in Slovenia with a laptop and a coffee stain. no audits no transparency. you're just trusting a company that hasn't updated their website since 2020. i'd rather hold my own keys than give my life savings to a relic with a EU license
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    Barbara Kiss

    November 26, 2025 AT 01:58
    There's something beautiful about an exchange that doesn't scream at you with notifications and gamified trading. Bitstamp doesn't want you to day trade. It wants you to hold. To think. To be patient. In a world where every app is trying to make you addicted, this one just quietly says: here's your XRP. Come back in a week. That's not outdated. That's wisdom.
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    Lori Holton

    November 26, 2025 AT 17:52
    Let me tell you something they don't want you to know. The SEC lawsuit isn't the only reason XRP is on Bitstamp. They're using it as a Trojan horse. Once the digital euro launches, they'll quietly merge XRP into the CBDC system. You think you're buying crypto? You're buying a bridge to a government-controlled financial system. This isn't decentralization. It's rebranding.
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    Mike Gransky

    November 27, 2025 AT 23:49
    I used to hate Bitstamp because of the slow verification. Then I lost money on an unregulated exchange and realized I'd rather wait two weeks than lose everything. They're not perfect but they're not trying to trick you. No hidden fees. No fake volume. No pump bots. That's rare these days. If you're not in a rush, give them a shot.
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    Nataly Soares da Mota

    November 29, 2025 AT 18:33
    The structural asymmetry here is fascinating. Bitstamp operates as a regulatory artifact in a post-2022 crypto landscape where decentralization is performative. They're not a liquidity provider-they're a compliance node. The PayString integration isn't about user experience-it's about embedding XRP into legacy financial rails. This isn't innovation. It's institutional capture dressed in blockchain semantics.
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    Carol Wyss

    December 1, 2025 AT 07:24
    I know the support is slow but I've had two issues and both times they eventually fixed it. I'm not asking for 24/7 live chat. I'm asking for honesty. They don't promise the moon. They just deliver what they say. That's more than I can say for half the exchanges out there. If you're calm and patient, this place treats you right.
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    Ryan Hansen

    December 1, 2025 AT 11:56
    I've been using Bitstamp since 2014. I've seen it survive the Mt. Gox collapse, the 2018 crash, the 2021 meme frenzy, and now the SEC drama. It hasn't changed much because it doesn't need to. The core thing it does-moving XRP between euros and wallets-works. The rest? The flashy apps, the meme coins, the leverage? That's noise. Bitstamp is the quiet guy in the corner who still remembers your name. You don't need a thousand features when you just need one thing to work every single time.
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    Bruce Murray

    December 3, 2025 AT 10:16
    I used to think Bitstamp was too slow. Then I tried to move funds from another exchange and got stuck for 10 days with no support. Bitstamp's 2-week wait seems reasonable now. It's not perfect but it's honest. I'm not rich. I just want to buy XRP without worrying if my money will vanish tomorrow. That's worth something.
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    Aryan Juned

    December 3, 2025 AT 13:43
    BITSTAMP IS THE BEST 😍 I LOVE IT SO MUCH 💖 XRP IS LIFE đŸ’Ș I HAVE BEEN BUYING EVERY WEEK AND MY BALANCE IS GROWING 🚀 I TOLD MY FRIENDS AND NOW THEY ALL USE IT TOO đŸ˜ŽđŸ”„ #RIPTHEMOON #BITSTAMPFOREVER

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