Kraken vs Bitstamp

We evaluate how openly a provider communicates its costs. We check: Is there a dedicated fee page with clear information? Are costs visible before purchase during the buying process? Is the spread listed separately? The more of these criteria are met, the higher the rating.

Some crypto exchanges offer their own cryptocurrencies (tokens), known as “exchange tokens.” These typically provide benefits within the platform’s ecosystem. Token holders often enjoy advantages such as reduced trading fees or exclusive access to new features.

Most exchanges or brokers offer the purchase and sale of 'real' cryptocurrencies where you own the underlying asset and can transfer it to your wallet. However, some providers only offer derivatives (CFDs) or exchange-traded products (ETPs) that merely track the price. In these cases, you don't own the underlying asset and cannot withdraw it to external wallets.

Self-custody of cryptocurrencies is important for many users who want to manage their cryptocurrencies and thus their private keys themselves. Most exchanges offer the option to transfer purchased cryptocurrencies directly from the platform to any personal wallet.

Automatic purchase of cryptocurrencies at set intervals (e.g., monthly) for a predetermined amount. The savings plan feature is well known from traditional finance apps and is often used for regular purchases of stocks or ETFs to achieve a cost averaging effect.

Staking means locking up cryptocurrency in a network for a set period to help validate transactions. In return, participants earn staking rewards, typically expressed as an annual percentage yield (APY). Staking is a feature of blockchains that use a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism.

Some exchanges offer trading of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and provide their own marketplace or integrate external providers for this purpose.

Offering specialized tools and features for professional traders.

What types of trading, financial products, or special features are available for cryptocurrency trading?

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an additional security measure to enhance the protection of user accounts: besides the password, a second security component must be entered during login, such as a PIN code.

The overall rating is calculated as the average of our individual scores. Our ratings do not constitute investment advice but merely reflect our personal opinion. You are welcome to use them as rough indicators and additional perspectives. In the dynamic and rapidly evolving crypto space, parameters can change frequently from one day to the next; therefore, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the rating data. Please never use our ratings as the sole basis for decision-making or as a substitute for your own research.

Some exchanges and brokers are regulated by financial supervisory authorities in specific countries or states. This often entails strict financial regulatory requirements and compliance obligations that the company must adhere to. Regulatory clarity can lead to greater transparency and, consequently, higher trustworthiness.