Bitstamp vs Strike — Head-to-Head Custody Comparison

An independent, data-driven comparison of Bitstamp and Strike across security, insurance, fees, regulatory compliance, and more.

Verdict

Quick Verdict

Bitstamp scores 7.5 vs Strike's 5.7. Bitstamp leads in 7 of 8 categories.

Bitstamp is better suited for European investors, Institutional traders, Long-term exchange users. Strike is better suited for Lightning Network users, Fee-conscious buyers, International remittance users.

7.5

GoodCustody Score

Bitstamp

5.7

Below AverageCustody Score

Strike

Scores

Score Comparison

Weighted scores across all 8 custody criteria.

Criterion	Weight	Bitstamp	Strike	Winner
Security	20%	7.5	6.5	Bitstamp
Insurance	15%	6.5	3.0	Bitstamp
Regulatory	15%	8.5	6.5	Bitstamp
Fee Transparency	10%	8.0	7.0	Bitstamp
Track Record	15%	8.0	6.0	Bitstamp
Withdrawal Flexibility	10%	8.0	9.0	Strike
Reporting & Audit	10%	7.5	4.0	Bitstamp
Counterparty Diversification	5%	3.0	2.0	Bitstamp
Overall Score	100%	7.5	5.7	Bitstamp

Visual

Score Radar

Visual overlay of Bitstamp and Strike across all categories.

BitstampStrike

Deep Dive

Category-by-Category Analysis

A deeper look at how each provider performs in every scoring criterion.

Security (7.5 vs 6.5)

Bitstamp uses BitGo custody partnership key management with 95%+ in cold storage and regular penetration testing. Compliance: SOC 2 Type 2. Incident history: 2015 hot wallet breach (19,000 BTC). Fully repaid users..

Strike uses Exchange-managed custody key management with Not disclosed in cold storage and regular penetration testing. Compliance: N/A. Incident history: No incidents.

Insurance (6.5 vs 3.0)

Bitstamp offers BitGo custody insurance for cold storage via Via BitGo. Cold storage through BitGo with insurance coverage.

Strike offers Not publicly disclosed via N/A. Regulated US money transmitter. Custodial for Bitcoin held on platform.

Regulatory (8.5 vs 6.5)

Bitstamp holds Luxembourg payment institution license, FCA registered (UK), Multiple EU licenses and is not a qualified custodian operating in Luxembourg / EU / Global. Luxembourg-licensed. One of the most established exchanges globally.

Strike holds FinCEN MSB, State money transmitter licenses and is not a qualified custodian operating in United States. US-regulated. Focus on payments and Lightning Network.

Fee Transparency (8.0 vs 7.0)

Bitstamp charges None in annual custody fees with 0.0-0.4% tiered per transaction. Competitive tiered fee structure. One of Europe's most established exchanges.

Strike charges None in annual custody fees with ~0.0-0.99% (variable spread) per transaction. Among lowest Bitcoin buying fees. Free Lightning withdrawals.

Track Record (8.0 vs 6.0)

Bitstamp was founded in 2011 and is headquartered in Luxembourg. AUM: $5B+ trading volume. Incident history: 2015 hot wallet breach (19,000 BTC). Fully repaid users..

Strike was founded in 2020 and is headquartered in Chicago, IL. AUM: Not publicly disclosed. Incident history: No incidents.

Withdrawal Flexibility (8.0 vs 9.0)

Bitstamp withdrawal fees: Network fees. Minimum account: $10 minimum. Supported assets: Bitcoin, Ethereum, 80+ cryptocurrencies.

Strike withdrawal fees: Free via Lightning / Network fees on-chain. Minimum account: No minimum. Supported assets: Bitcoin only.

Reporting & Audit (7.5 vs 4.0)

Bitstamp: SOC compliance is SOC 2 Type 2. Not classified as a qualified custodian.

Strike: SOC compliance is N/A. Not classified as a qualified custodian.

Counterparty Diversification (3.0 vs 2.0)

Bitstamp is a exchange custody provider. Key management: Exchange-managed custody with BitGo partnership for cold storage..

Strike is a exchange custody provider. Key management: Bitcoin purchase and Lightning Network payment app..

Fees

Fee Comparison

Side-by-side fee breakdown for Bitstamp and Strike.

Fee Type	Bitstamp	Strike
Setup Fee	Free	Free
Annual Custody	None	None
Transaction	0.0-0.4% tiered	~0.0-0.99% (variable spread)
Withdrawal	Network fees	Free via Lightning / Network fees on-chain

Bitstamp: Competitive tiered fee structure. One of Europe's most established exchanges.

Strike: Among lowest Bitcoin buying fees. Free Lightning withdrawals.

Features

Feature Comparison

Checklist of features across both providers.

Feature	Bitstamp	Strike
13+ year track record	✓	✗
BitGo custody partnership	✓	✗
Bitcoin payment rails	✗	✓
Clean mobile app	✗	✓
Instant Bitcoin purchases	✗	✓
Institutional API	✓	✗
International transfers	✗	✓
Lightning Network native	✗	✓
Low trading fees	✓	✗
Luxembourg banking license	✓	✗
Near-zero buying fees	✗	✓
SEPA/SWIFT support	✓	✗

Recommendation

Who Should Choose Which?

Bitstamp is better if you…

✓Are a european investors
✓Are a institutional traders
✓Are a long-term exchange users
✓Are a fiat gateway seekers
✓Want: 13+ year track record — among oldest exchanges
✓Want: Luxembourg banking license
✓Want: Competitive fee structure

Strike is better if you…

✓Are a lightning network users
✓Are a fee-conscious buyers
✓Are a international remittance users
✓Are a bitcoin payment users
✓Want: Lowest Bitcoin buying fees
✓Want: Lightning Network integration
✓Want: Instant purchases

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bitstamp or Strike better for Bitcoin custody?

Bitstamp scores 7.5 vs 5.7 in our weighted Custody Score. Bitstamp leads in 7 of 8 scoring categories. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs: Bitstamp is best for European investors and Institutional traders, while Strike suits Lightning Network users and Fee-conscious buyers.

What is the difference between Bitstamp and Strike?

Bitstamp is a exchange custody provider, while Strike is a exchange custody provider. Bitstamp excels in Regulatory, whereas Strike is strongest in Withdrawal Flexibility.

How do Bitstamp and Strike fees compare?

Bitstamp charges None annual custody fees with 0.0-0.4% tiered transaction fees. Strike charges None annual custody fees with ~0.0-0.99% (variable spread) transaction fees.

Which is more secure, Bitstamp or Strike?

Bitstamp scores 7.5/10 for security while Strike scores 6.5/10. Bitstamp uses BitGo custody partnership key management, and Strike uses Exchange-managed custody.