Bitstamp vs Revolut

Bitstamp vs Revolut

Choosing between Bitstamp and Revolut is less obvious than it looks. What matters is how much of your money arrives once both the visible fee and the hidden margin are added up. That is the gap we measure here.

In our comparison, Bitstamp falls into the crypto exchange category and handles Currencies, Cryptocurrencies, while Revolut belongs to broker with support for Currencies, Cryptocurrencies, Precious metals. This already says something about where they overlap and where they do not.

Under the calculator and the scenario table you can read our method, where each provider tends to do well and how to combine the two. Because the rates are live, today’s result is not set in stone.

Two kinds of service, partly overlapping

These two come from different corners of the market: crypto exchange and broker. There is some overlap, but not much. We can only compare the conversions both of them offer.

A money service is built for sending and spending currencies, often to bank accounts abroad. An exchange is first of all a place to trade crypto, with euros or dollars mainly used to get in and out. So the cheaper side in the table is only part of the picture.

If you only want to change currency or send money abroad, the money service is usually the more natural choice. If you want to buy or sell crypto, an exchange offers more choice in assets and order types.

How we calculate the cost

Every provider earns money in two ways: a fee and an exchange-rate margin. As a benchmark we use the live mid-market rate, the rate banks and large traders use among themselves. That gap is the margin, which we add to the fee to get the total cost.

We test a range of sample amounts, small, medium and large, since a fixed fee hurts more on small sums. Rates refresh every 30 minutes and fees come from the providers’ published fee schedules. Special offers or paid plans can change the price you actually pay.

This comparison is independent. Affiliate links help pay for the site, but the ranking is based on cost alone. If a provider we earn nothing from is cheaper, it still comes out on top.

Fees vs exchange-rate margin

Plenty of services advertise a zero fee. If the exchange rate you get is worse than the mid-market rate, you pay through the rate instead. A margin of a fraction of a percent sounds small, but it grows with every amount you convert.

That is why we always look at the total: fee plus margin. One provider may charge a clear fee with a tight rate, another may skip the fee and widen the rate. What counts is what lands in the account at the end.

Other costs can matter too: withdrawal and network fees, card costs and fees at intermediary banks. We include what is published, but it pays to double-check before a large transaction.

Why not use both?

Many people do not use one provider for everything. Plenty of users keep an account with both and choose per transfer. Expect to verify your identity with each provider separately.

Before every larger transfer, compare live quotes here first, since rates move and the cheaper side can flip. That small habit can save more than any loyalty bonus.

When you move away from one provider, make sure no balance or scheduled transfer is left behind and download your statements for your records.

The right choice depends on what you do

When you travel, look at card fees, cash withdrawal limits and weekend surcharges, not just the transfer price. A multi-currency account with a card is usually the most practical tool.

If you send money abroad regularly, compare the received amount for your usual sum. For large amounts, such as a house deposit or tuition, even a small margin difference adds up, and limits and verification matter as well.

If you want to buy crypto, you need a platform that actually supports crypto, and you should compare spreads and withdrawal costs. Business users often need other features, such as multiple users and bulk payments. This page compares cost, not suitability as an investment.

Our verdict

Across 4 of the 4 conversions that Bitstamp and Revolut both support, Bitstamp left you with more money at live rates. On price alone, that makes Bitstamp the default pick.

This does not rule out Revolut. Scroll back to the table to find which conversions Revolut still wins. If your currency pair and amount are among them, that single row counts more than the total score.

Price is also not the only factor. You may already have a verified account with Revolut, which saves a sign-up. For small sums, those practical points can outweigh the price difference.

Safety checks before you sign up

Before you look at cost, check who is looking after your money. Regulated financial services are licensed or registered with a supervisor in the countries where they operate. You can usually find the licence details in the footer or legal section of the provider’s website.

For money services, the key word is safeguarding: your balance should be ring-fenced from the business’s own accounts. Safeguarding is not the same as a deposit guarantee, so a transfer app is no replacement for a savings account.

Crypto exchanges deserve extra scrutiny: ask about registration, custody and withdrawal options. In all cases, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) from day one.

Delivery time and ease of use

Fastest delivery: Instant at Bitstamp and Instant at Revolut. Treat these as the best case rather than a promise. Bank holidays, verification checks and the receiving bank can all add time.

The payment method matters as much as the provider. Faster funding options can come with a higher fee, so check the total in the calculator. Only pay for speed when you actually need it.

Then there is everyday use: how easy the app is, whether you can track a transfer and how fast support responds. Try the app before you move a large amount.

Small amounts vs large amounts

Who comes out ahead can flip as the amount grows. A fixed fee weighs heavily on a small transfer but barely registers on a large one. Our scenario table reflects this by testing several amounts.

Some providers lower their percentage above certain thresholds, which is not always visible in our sample amounts. Before a big transfer with Bitstamp or Revolut, read the current pricing on their site.