Side by side
Coinbase vs Kraken vs Bitstamp
Choose up to four firms. We compare what matters when things go wrong: licences, compensation, legal protections, track record, then platforms and products.
| Firm | Coinbase | Kraken | Bitstamp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protection Score | 74 | 66 | 66 |
| Licence status | EU/EEA licence | EU/EEA licence | EU/EEA licence |
| European licences | CSSF FCA | Central Bank of Ireland FCA | CSSF FCA |
| Other licences | |||
| Compensation via EU/UK/CH entity | CSSF: Up to €20,000 per investor FCA: Up to £85,000 per person per firm for investments | Central Bank of Ireland: 90% of the loss, up to €20,000 per investor FCA: Up to £85,000 per person per firm for investments | CSSF: Up to €20,000 per investor FCA: Up to £85,000 per person per firm for investments |
| Negative balance protection (retail) | Yes, by law via EU/UK entity | Yes, by law via EU/UK entity | Yes, by law via EU/UK entity |
| Headquarters |  United States | United States |  Luxembourg |
| Founded | 2012 | 2011 | 2011 |
| Type | Crypto platforms (MiCA) | Crypto platforms (MiCA) | Crypto platforms (MiCA) |
| Listed / bank | Listed group | — | — |
| Platforms | Own platform | Own platform | Own platform |
| Products | Crypto | Crypto, Futures | Crypto |
| Features | MiCA-licensed crypto | MiCA-licensed crypto | MiCA-licensed crypto |
| Full profile | Full profile | Full profile |
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