For order-based trading
At the starting ordinary tier, Bitstamp charges 0.30% maker and 0.40% taker; Kraken Pro charges 0.40% and 0.80%. Volume bases and special pairs have their own rules. Compare the same asset, currency and order type using your account’s tier.
Frequent traders may weigh this difference alongside liquidity and slippage. A limit order does not guarantee maker treatment: immediate execution against a resting order may be taker.
Bitstamp’s reference is its standard order book, not Robinhood-app access, which has separate pricing. Check your account’s mode.
For a quoted purchase
Kraken publishes 1% for instant buying and 1.5% for custom orders, alongside spread. Bitstamp Basic adds a fixed 1.8% spread for ordinary crypto or 0.5% for stablecoins, plus a 0%–0.5% volatility component. Compare the final amount received rather than applying book percentages to these modes.
Cards involve other charges: Kraken lists 3.75% plus €0.25 for EEA card funding; Bitstamp lists 4% for instant purchases by card or certain payment wallets. The charging base and product differ.
For frequent euro transfers
Both tables list free SEPA deposits. Kraken lists €1 withdrawal providers and a €0.90 instant option with conditions; Bitstamp charges €3 per SEPA cash-out. For small amounts, calculate the number of withdrawals and each provider’s minimum.
Different execution models
Bitstamp Europe is authorised to operate its venue. Kraken uses PESL for client services and its execution policy describes routing to PGSL. This is an organisational difference, not evidence that Kraken’s brokerage lacks authorisation.
What to compare first
For an order book with published starting pricing, compare order charges alongside execution price. For simple buying, start with equivalent quotes. For small funding and cash-out amounts, include SEPA costs before deciding. Both profiles explain custody and crypto-withdrawal conditions.