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Bitstamp vs Bullish Europe
EU-focused legacy exchange with a CSSF MiCA license — BaFin-licensed MiCA exchange with an institutional trading focus
Updated: July 2026
Bitstamp has been operating since 2011 and is one of the most established platforms in the industry. Bullish Europe, founded in 2021, is 10 years younger and positions itself as "BaFin-licensed MiCA exchange with an institutional trading focus". Both exchanges cater to active crypto traders — but the differences in fees, coin selection, and regulation are significant.
When it comes to fees, Bullish Europe has the edge: 0.03% spot taker fee compared to 0.40% at Bitstamp. On a $10,000 trade, that's a saving of $37 per transaction. Additional perk at Bullish Europe: Bullish advertises no maker fees and 0-0.03% taker fees for individual accounts; market and tier dependent.
On the security front, Bitstamp offers MiCA-regulated as a CASP via Bitstamp Europe S.A. in Luxembourg (CSSF) with an insurance fund of Around 95% of crypto assets in cold storage; no quantified public insurance fund. Bullish Europe provides MiCA-regulated via Bullish Europe GmbH in Germany (BaFin) and backs it with Full-reserve and custody focus; no quantified public insurance fund. Both platforms feature industry-standard security measures including 2FA, cold storage, and regular audits.
Bitstamp stands out with Bitstamp Earn, Mobile App, Institutional API, while Bullish Europe differentiates itself through Institutional Liquidity, API, Automated Market Making.
Bitstamp wins the head-to-head comparison in 3 out of 11 categories (2x Bullish Europe, 6x tie).
Which Exchange Is Better for You?
Bitstamp offers the easier onboarding experience, a polished mobile app and Help Center/Email/Ticket.
Bullish Europe charges 0.03% spot taker fee plus Bullish advertises no maker fees and 0-0.03% taker fees for individual accounts; market and tier dependent.
Both exchanges offer strong security features with insurance funds and 2FA.
Bitstamp lists 100+ trading pairs — 100+ more than Bullish Europe.
Comparison Table
| Criteria | Bitstamp | Bullish Europe | 🏆 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spot Maker Fee | 0.30% | 0.00% | Bullish Europe |
| Spot Taker Fee | 0.40% | 0.03% | Bullish Europe |
| Futures Maker Fee | N/A | N/A | — |
| Futures Taker Fee | N/A | N/A | — |
| Max Leverage | N/A | N/A | — |
| Trading Pairs | 100+ | Selected markets | Bitstamp |
| Copy Trading | No | No | — |
| Grid Bots | No | No | — |
| Insurance Fund | Around 95% of crypto assets in cold storage; no quantified public insurance fund | Full-reserve and custody focus; no quantified public insurance fund | Bitstamp |
| KYC | Required | Required | — |
| Rating | 4.1/5 | 3.9/5 | Bitstamp |
Bonus via CryptoExchangePicks
Bitstamp via CryptoExchangePicks
No bonus available
Bullish Europe via CryptoExchangePicks
No bonus available
Fees in Detail
Bitstamp
Bullish Europe
Bitstamp or Bullish Europe — which exchange is better?
How much can I save at Bullish Europe compared to Bitstamp on fees?
Which exchange is safer — Bitstamp or Bullish Europe?
Bitstamp or Bullish Europe — which has more cryptocurrencies?
Which exchange is easier to use — Bitstamp or Bullish Europe?
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