Bitstamp vs Luno: Fees, Security, Features & Which to Choose (2025)

Trying to choose between Bitstamp and Luno This side-by-side comparison reveals total cost (fees + spreads), security & licenses, coins/derivatives, deposits/withdrawals, and app quality. In 2 minutes you’ll see who wins for beginners, active traders, and long-term holders. Clear pros/cons, a quick verdict, and safe links to get started.

Last updated on August 16, 2025

Bitstamp

Luno

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Available Countries

United States

Yes

Europe

Yes

Latin America

Yes

India

Yes

China

Canada

Yes

United Kingdom

Yes

United States

Yes

Europe

Latin America

India

China

Canada

Yes

United Kingdom

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Bitstamp is ideal if:

Institution-ready platform – Streamlined KYC, global licensing, and institutional-grade protocols make Bitstamp a solid match if you're seeking a dependable and scalable exchange experience.
Strong fiat infrastructure – Supports core currencies like USD, EUR, and GBP with smooth bank transfer options, ideal if you prefer converting between crypto and traditional money effortlessly.
Focused and straightforward interface – Delivers a clean, no-frills trading environment with essential tools, making it a great option if you value simplicity over flashy extras.

Luno is ideal if:

Excellent for beginners – Luno’s interface and mobile app are clean, intuitive, and built with simplicity in mind, making crypto entry easy and user-friendly.
Strong security and compliance – With features like deep-freeze storage and a regulation-first approach, Luno prioritizes the safety and trustworthiness of user investments.
Designed for local currency users in emerging markets – Ideal if you want to trade using your local fiat or participate in markets underserved by bigger exchanges.

Bitstamp isn’t ideal if:

Limited crypto variety – With a modest selection of cryptocurrencies, it might not satisfy those looking for niche or emerging altcoins.
No advanced or leveraged trading – The platform is spot-only and lacks support for features like margin, derivatives, or leverage strategies.
Slower support and processes – Some users report that identity verification, wire transfers, or customer support can feel slow or cumbersome.

Luno isn’t ideal if:

Limited asset variety – If you seek a broad selection of cryptocurrencies or niche altcoins, Luno’s offering may feel too narrow for you.
Few advanced trading features – Traders who need margin, derivatives, social or P2P trading tools may find Luno’s functionality too basic.
Restricted geography – If you’re located outside its supported regions—or in underserved markets—Luno may not serve you fully or at all.

Fees & Total Costs

Spot Maker/Take

Bitstamp uses a tiered maker/taker model where both fees decrease as your 30-day trading volume rises—from modest percentages at low volumes down to nearly zero for very high volumes.

Maker and taker fees adjust based on your rolling 30-day trading volume—makers generally pay no fees while takers see reduced fees at higher tiers, with no discount tied to any native token.

Futures/Derivatives

Bitstamp’s perpetual futures follow a maker/taker structure along with periodic funding payments every 8 hours, where long or short trade

Luno currently does not support futures or derivatives trading, so there are no maker/taker or funding fees to consider.

Average Spreads on Liquid Pairs

Spreads for highly liquid pairs like BTC/USDT and ETH/USDT remain tight and competitive, ensuring cost-effective trading for standard market participants.

Luno maintains competitive, tight spreads on major crypto-fiat pairs thanks to strong liquidity, but exact spread values vary and are shown in real time during your transaction.

Fiat Deposits & Withdrawals

Fiat can be deposited via bank transfers or cards and withdrawn with standard methods; timing varies from instant to a few days, depending on the channel.

You can deposit or withdraw fiat through local bank transfers, cards, and other methods specific to your jurisdiction; most deposits are free, withdrawals involve your bank’s processing time and possible nominal charges, and timing depends on your region.

On-chain Withdrawals

Withdrawals in crypto are charged based on actual network fees per coin—typically variable and reflecting blockchain congestion—without additional hidden markup.

Withdrawals in crypto (e.g. BTC, ETH, TRX) use dynamic fees based on current blockchain congestion plus minimal operational cost—there’s no flat fee.

Hidden Costs

There are no surprise fees such as inactivity charges or forced express KYC costs; however, currency conversion may incur a minor spread if needed.

Luno is clear about fees, but you may face currency conversion costs if depositing or withdrawing in a diff

Real-World Cost Example: “€500 BTC

If you buy €500 worth of BTC, you’d incur a small trading fee, experience a narrow market spread, and pay a standard crypto network withdrawal fee—all adding up to a small, predictable total cost.

If you plan to buy €500 worth of BTC, the total cost would include a small taker fee (unless using a maker order), a modest spread embedded in the quoted price, and a dynamic blockchain fee when withdrawing—all of which are clearly shown before you confirm the transaction.

Crypto Offering & Trading Features

Number of Coins & Pairs

Bitstamp lists around 85–90 cryptocurrencies, covering all major top 20 volume pairs and delivering a curated, dependable selection focused on the most traded digital assets.

Luno currently offers around 18 cryptocurrencies, with roughly 114 trading pairs available; the top 20 by volume typically include major ones like BTC, ETH, XRP, SOL, ADA, USDT, USDC, LTC, DOT, AVAX, and LINK.

Product Range

Bitstamp offers straightforward spot trading, with additional services including crypto-backed lending and staking (where available), but it does not extend into advanced features like futures, options, margin, ETFs, copy-trading, grid bots, or automated DCA strategies.

Only spot trading is available—there’s no margin, futures/perpetuals, options, crypto ETFs, copy trading, or grid bots; Luno does offer straightforward staking and has a recurring buy (DCA) feature, but lending or advanced products aren’t supported.

Liquidity

For liquid markets such as BTC and ETH, Bitstamp maintains robust 24-hour trading volume and solid order book depth that supports efficient execution at competitive spreads for most routine trades.

While exact numbers aren’t public, Luno maintains solid liquidity on top pairs, contributing to tight spreads; 24-hour trading volumes usually fall in the tens of millions USD range, indicating healthy order book depth for basics like BTC and ETH.

Tools

The platform supports functional essentials—limit and stop orders—alongside API and WebSocket for automated access; while it may offer real-time charts, advanced options such as OCO, alert triggers, or integrated TradingView remain limited.

Luno supports standard spot order types like limit and stop-limit, enables price alerts, includes basic charting (with TradingView embedded), and offers API and WebSocket access for automated or programmatic trading.

Geographic Restrictions by Product

Though spot trading is broadly available, specialized offerings like staking or institutional lending may be withheld in certain jurisdictions due to regulatory constraints, meaning product access can vary by country.

Derivatives and advanced trading tools are not offered anywhere, as Luno is strictly spot-only; availability of certain trading pairs and features also depends on the user’s country or regulatory region.

Innovation

Bitstamp maintains a conservative innovation path—it does not run launchpads or launchpools, and while traditional staking or earn functions may exist, differentiated flexible versus locked yield options are not a core part of its product suite.

Luno includes simple staking for a select set of assets like SOL, ADA, and ETH, with flexible unstaking and weekly payouts; they don’t offer complex launchpad programs or a variety of flexible-vs-locked “earn” products.

Security, Regulation & Custody

Operating Entity & Jurisdiction

Bitstamp is operated by Bitstamp Ltd., founded in 2011, and headquartered in Luxembourg; it also maintains European registration as an EU payment institution and a UK-registered entity for broader reach.

Luno is operated by Luno Group Holdings Limited, founded in 2013, with its main legal headquarters in London, UK, and maintains regional corporate entities across jurisdictions like Malaysia, South Africa, Nigeria, Australia, Indonesia, Uganda, and the UK.

Licenses/Registration

The exchange holds a Luxembourg-based CASP license under EU MiCA, enabling compliant crypto services across Europe, and also operates under formal BitLicense regulation in New York, reinforcing its regulatory credibility.

The platform holds official registrations with local regulators—such as the Securities Commission of Malaysia, AUSTRAC in Australia, BAPPEBTI in Indonesia, Nigeria’s Financial Intelligence Unit, South Africa’s FIC, and the UK’s Financial Intelligence Unit—demonstrating robust compliance across its operating markets.

Custody

Bitstamp retains full control of its custodial infrastructure, with annual major-audit transparency by a Big Four firm since 2016—including proof of liabilities—and holds customer assets 1:1 securely, with a large portion maintained in cold storage.

Luno uses a hybrid custody model involving both in-house controlled addresses and third-party custodial partners. It publishes independently audited proof-of-reserves using a Merkle tree methodology, showing assets fully covering all customer liabilities, often above 100% coverage.

Insurance & Protection Funds

While Bitstamp emphasizes full asset backing and strong security measures, it does not currently highlight an insurance fund or formal compensation scheme for user losses, instead relying on robust audits and governance practices.

While Luno does not publicly list an insurance policy for user funds, its operational model focuses on strong custody practices and regulatory oversight rather than explicit insurance coverage.

Incident History

The platform experienced a DDoS attack in 2014 and a hack in early 2015, which led to service interruptions and loss of funds, but it has since rebuilt its infrastructure and security frameworks to solid industry standards.

Luno has maintained a clean safety record, with no major hacks or regulatory penalties reported. Its platform continuity has been uninterrupted, and user wallet freezing or account issues are not prevalent.

Risk Controls

Bitstamp enforces comprehensive risk safeguards, including mandatory two-factor authentication, anti-phishing measures, API permissions, and (in select cases) whitelisting of address withdrawals for enhanced account protection.

Luno enforces industry-standard security measures including two-factor authentication (2FA), address whitelisting, anti-phishing code support, and granular API permissions; it also integrates advanced geolocation risk detection to prevent spoofing and unauthorized access.

Transparency

The exchange maintains strong operational openness, including routine global audits, public proof-of-reserves exercises, a high security governance score, and a compliance-first culture, even though it does not publish live wallet addresses or formal SLAs.

The platform emphasizes transparency through its regular proof-of-reserves audits, maintains risk and compliance reporting internally, yet does not publish public monthly wallet activity reports or formal SLAs—its transparency centers on audit-backed proof and internal governance.

Deposits, Withdrawals, KYC & Support

Fiat Deposit Methods

Bitstamp supports deposits via bank transfers (SEPA, SWIFT, ACH Express), credit/debit cards, and in some regions e-wallets; minimums begin around €/ $10 or more, and processing ranges from near-instant (cards or SEPA Instant) to several business days (standard bank transfers).

You can deposit fiat via bank transfers (including instant methods like PayID or FPX, where available), debit or credit cards in select regions, and even vouchers in some countries; minimums and maximums depend on your verification level, and funding can be instant or take up to a few business days depending on your bank and country.

Supported Fiat Currencies & Conversion

KYC (Verification Levels)

Bitstamp requires KYC with at least two tiers

Account verification progresses through three levels—Level 1 (basic details), Level 2 (ID and selfie), and Level 3 (proof of residence and source of funds)—with each unlock offering higher deposit, trading, and withdrawal limits, often culminating in virtually unlimited access once fully verified.

Withdrawals

Withdrawals are available via bank transfer, card reimbursement, or crypto transfers on networks like ERC-20 or others; limits and speeds vary by KYC level and method—crypto tends to be quickest, bank options may take 1–3 business days.

Fiat withdrawals must go to a bank account in your name, are subject to minimums and maximums per region tied to your KYC tier, and typically clear within standard banking times; crypto withdrawals are conducted over relevant networks (e.g., ERC20, TRC20) and use dynamic blockchain-based fees.

Customer Support

Support includes an email/helpdesk and a knowledge base; availability is broad (chat or phone support based on region), with response times ranging from a few hours to a day depending on the channel.

Luno offers 24/7 assistance via an in-app digital assistant (Toshi) or email, supplemented by a thorough FAQ and Help Centre; response times vary, but many users resolve routine queries quickly through the knowledge base before reaching out directly.

Languages & Localization

Bitstamp’s interface is available primarily in English, displays balances in €/USD/GBP, and adapts to local regulatory norms in supported jurisdictions.

The platform supports native English (and other regional languages) and displays fees and balances in your local fiat (EUR, USD, ZAR, etc.), ensuring clarity and compliance with local regulatory frameworks in supported jurisdictions.

App Quality & Stability

The Bitstamp mobile app for iOS and Android delivers a stable trading experience with regular updates and rare crashes, reflecting a mature, dependable app platform.

Luno’s mobile and web apps are known for stability and frequent updates. While specific crash-rate statistics are not disclosed, the apps maintain a smooth user experience with regular enhancements and minimal downtime reported.

Experience, Performance & Ecosystem

UX/UI

Bitstamp now offers two tailored interfaces—Bitstamp Go, designed with interactive flows and a friendly UX ideal for newcomers, and Bitstamp Pro, packed with advanced tools and metrics for experienced users, striking a smooth balance between ease and capability.

Luno offers a clean, intuitive interface ideal for beginners, alongside a slightly more detailed layout—not an explicit “Lite/Pro” toggle, but it achieves a simple-to-advanced feel within a single platform.

Performance

The platform delivers consistent performance with low order latency even during high-volume moments; falling-back issues or KYC bottlenecks during bull markets are rare, thanks to its robust tech infrastructure and scalable verification processes.

Execution is generally swift with minimal latency under normal conditions; while occasional slowdowns may occur during sharp market spikes or KYC surges in bull runs, Luno’s infrastructure handles typical volume reliably.

Education

While Bitstamp includes helpful in-app guidance and a well-organized knowledge base, it lacks a full demo or simulator environment, and Spanish-language educational materials are limited, focusing more on global core content.

Luno provides a robust Help Centre and educational articles for crypto basics, but it lacks a demo or simulator; Spanish-language support may be limited depending on your region, with most guidance in English.

Community

Bitstamp encourages community engagement through helpdesk support and knowledge articles, though it doesn’t maintain public forums, Discord, or Telegram channels—its platform leverages a referral system as the main peer-sharing feature.

The platform supports a referral program that rewards both parties in Bitcoin, and runs an ambassador program for content creators—though it doesn’t maintain dedicated forums or public Telegram/Discord communities.

Integrations

Bitstamp integrates natively with TradingView for seamless charting and order execution and supports connection with external bot platforms through its API—but it does not offer built-in tax tools or accounting integrations.

While Luno embeds TradingView for charting, it doesn’t support external bots; however, it integrates smoothly with top crypto tax tools like Koinly, Recap, CoinLedger, and other accounting platforms.

Who Each One Is Best For

Bitstamp is ideal for users seeking a clean, secure, and regulated exchange—Go mode for beginners looking for clarity, and Pro for more advanced individuals wanting control without noise—though those craving hands-on automation or rich educational tooling may look elsewhere.

Luno is best suited for casual or beginner crypto users who prioritize simplicity, regulatory clarity, and basic staking—not ideal for traders seeking advanced automation, simulators, or robust community interaction.