Comparison of Bitpanda vs Ascendex [ 2024 ]

The crypto exchanges compared by their commissions, cryptos, security and much more. Here is the Bitpanda vs Ascendex comparison!

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

Bitpanda

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

Ascendex

Main points

Fees

0,10%/1,49%

Earns

Customer service

4/5

0,10% /0,20%

Fees

Yes

Earns

4/5

Customer service

Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Passive income

Buy and hold

Yes

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold

Comparison of fees

Rating

3.8 – Reasonable fees with some additional costs for non-crypto trading.

4.1 – Low trading fees with discounts for token holders.

Level

0,10%/1,49%

0,10% /0,20%

Brief explanation

Bitpanda’s fee structure is designed to be transparent and straightforward, which benefits users by making it easy to understand the costs associated with trading and transactions. The platform charges a variety of fees, including trading fees, withdrawal fees, and deposit fees, although deposits in some methods like bank transfers may be free. Trading fees vary depending on the asset and can be slightly higher compared to some competitors, typically around 1.49% for buying and selling cryptocurrencies. This is offset somewhat by the convenience and range of services Bitpanda offers, including the ability to trade precious metals alongside digital assets. Overall, while the fees are not the lowest in the market, the high level of service and security provided by Bitpanda may justify the costs for many users.

Altcoin Trader’s commission structure is designed with simplicity in mind, aligning with its overall user-friendly approach to cryptocurrency trading. The platform charges a flat fee of 0.25% on all trades, whether you are buying or selling. This rate is quite competitive within the industry, particularly for an exchange that prioritizes ease of use for beginners. The straightforward fee model eliminates any confusion about variable rates that can affect the cost of transactions, making it easier for new traders to understand exactly how much they will be paying per trade. This transparency in fees is part of what makes Altcoin Trader a preferred choice for those new to the crypto markets.

Bitpanda

Year Founded: Established in 2014, Bitpanda has been operational for nearly a decade, providing it ample time to build a robust platform and gain extensive industry experience. Its longevity is a testament to its reliability and the trust it has cultivated among its users.
Number of Users: Bitpanda serves over a million users, demonstrating widespread acceptance and trust within the cryptocurrency community. A large user base not only reflects customer satisfaction but also adds to the platform's liquidity and overall market stability.
Security Methods: Bitpanda employs state-of-the-art security measures including SSL encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), and cold storage of funds. These practices ensure that user assets are protected against unauthorized access and potential cyber threats.
Possible Regulation: Adhering strictly to European regulations, Bitpanda is compliant with the stringent legal standards required within the EU. This compliance ensures that the platform operates with transparency and accountability, further establishing its credibility.
Reputation and Reviews: Bitpanda boasts positive reviews and a strong reputation within the financial technology community. It has been recognized for its user-friendly interface, comprehensive educational resources, and responsive customer service, all of which contribute to its high customer satisfaction ratings.

Ascendex

Year Founded: Established in 2015, Altcoin Trader has been in operation for several years, allowing it to develop a deep understanding of the market dynamics and user needs. This longevity in the volatile crypto market underscores its resilience and adaptability.
Security Methods: Altcoin Trader employs robust security measures, including cold storage for the majority of the assets, which significantly reduces the risk of hacks and unauthorized access. This focus on securing user funds is a critical factor in building trust.
Reputation and Reviews: The platform has built a strong reputation within the South African cryptocurrency community. User reviews often highlight the reliability of the service, the responsiveness of customer support, and the ease of use of the platform.
Transparency: Altcoin Trader is known for its transparent operational practices, including clear communication about fees and any changes to the trading environment. This transparency helps build trust and ensures users feel secure in their trading decisions.
Customer Service: The exchange has a dedicated customer service team that is accessible and responsive. This service ensures that users can receive quick and helpful responses to their inquiries or issues, which is crucial for both new and experienced traders.

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Direct link to the website

Product selection

Native token

Token ASD

Earns

Yes

NFT marketplace

Yes

Cripto/debit card

Yes

Full name

Bitpanda GmbH

AscendEX (formerly BitMax)

Regulation

Regulated in Austria

Not regulated

Year founded

2014

2018

Founder

Eric Demuth, Paul Klanschek, Christian Trummer

George Cao and Ariel Ling

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes

Mastercard

Yes

Wire transfer

Yes

Card

Yes

Comparative table

Bitpanda	FEATURES	Ascendex
Bitpanda allows small minimum trades, making it accessible for beginners to start with little capital.	Minimum Trade	The minimum trade amount is reasonable, accommodating both small and larger investors.
Fees are competitive, though crypto deposit fees could be improved.	Trading and Transaction Fees	Fees are competitive but could be improved to match or undercut major competitors.
Bitpanda supports a solid range of over 350 cryptocurrencies, suitable for most traders.	Number of Cryptocurrencies	Offers a decent variety of cryptocurrencies, though not as extensive as larger global exchanges.
Offers a decent selection of trading pairs, but more could be added, especially on Bitpanda Pro.	Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs	Limited to more common pairs, lacking the extensive options found on larger platforms.
High level of transparency regarding fees, security measures, and company information.	Website Transparency	The website provides clear and straightforward information on fees, policies, and trading options.
The Bitpanda Card offers seamless integration with the platform, providing flexibility and convenience for everyday spending and access to various benefits like cashback and easy conversion between different asset types.	Credit/Debit Card	Altcoin Trader lacks a branded exchange card, limiting the versatility of funds access and usage beyond the digital platform.
Provides secure storage solutions, including cold storage, although it lacks a dedicated user-controlled wallet.	Storage Offering	Provides secure cold storage options, ensuring a high level of security for stored assets.
Offers staking options and rewards through the Bitpanda Ecosystem Token (BEST), adding value for users.	Staking and Rewards	Limited options for staking and rewards, not as competitive as other exchanges offering these services.
Both mobile and desktop platforms are highly user-friendly and well-designed, offering a seamless experience.	Mobile App and Desktop	Offers functional mobile and desktop platforms, though they lack some advanced features.
Customer service is generally praised for its responsiveness and helpfulness, though availability could improve.	Customer Service	Responsive and helpful customer service, providing support through multiple channels.
Bitpanda supports multiple deposit and withdrawal methods, but could improve by removing deposit fees.	Deposit and Withdraw	Efficient processes for deposits and withdrawals, though mainly catering to local (South African) users.

Key features

Analysis tools

Basic charting tools

Technical analysis tools, charting

Mobile APP

Yes

Security

High 4,9/5

High 4,6/5

Additional features

Stocks and ETFs trading, metals trading, savings plans, Bitpanda Pro exchange

Margin trading, futures contracts, staking, AscendEX Earn program

Anonymity

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

50+

150+

User-friendliness

Bitpanda is known for its clean and intuitive interface, making it an excellent choice for beginners. The platform is easy to navigate, and the process of buying and selling cryptocurrencies is straightforward.

AscendEX offers a well-designed and user-friendly platform that caters to both novice and experienced traders. The interface is intuitive, and the platform provides helpful resources to guide users through the trading process.

Value for money

Offers good value for money with competitive fees and a wide range of financial products, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced traders.

Provides good value for money, offering low trading fees and access to a variety of trading tools and features.

Countries of operation

Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France, Spain

United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Singapore

Best for

Great for European investors looking for a user-friendly platform with a wide range of financial products and competitive fees.

Great for both novice and experienced traders who want access to a variety of trading tools, low trading fees, and advanced features.

Base currencies available

EUR, CHF, GBP, USD, TRY

USD, BTC, USDT

Account

Trading

Bitpanda is user-friendly and supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies. It is particularly good for European users, offering easy fiat integration and competitive fees. However, it lacks some advanced trading tools.

Ascendex, formerly known as BitMax, offers comprehensive trading options including spot, margin, and futures trading. Its advanced trading tools are beneficial for seasoned traders. However, new users might find the platform’s complexity challenging initially.

Deposit and withdrawal

Bitpanda offers a variety of deposit options, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets. Withdrawals are processed within a day, with competitive fees .

Ascendex offers diverse deposit and withdrawal methods including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and crypto deposits. Withdrawals are processed quickly, typically within 24 hours. Fees are competitive.

Account opening process

Bitpanda offers a seamless and user-friendly account opening process. Users need to provide personal information, verify their identity, and typically, the account is approved within a day.

Ascendex’s account opening is fully digital and quick. Users need to provide personal information and verify their identity. The process is streamlined and user-friendly, allowing for account approval typically within a day.

KYC required?

Yes

Customer Service

Bitpanda provides extensive support through email, live chat, and a help center. The response time is quick, and support is available 24/7, making it reliable for users globally.

Ascendex offers customer support through email, live chat, and a comprehensive FAQ section. The response time is quick, and support is available 24/7, ensuring users can get help whenever needed.

Security

Bitpanda offers comprehensive security measures, including 2FA, encryption, and cold storage. It is regulated by Austrian authorities, ensuring high security for investors.

Ascendex ensures security through 2FA, encryption, and cold storage. While the platform is secure, it is not regulated by top-tier authorities, which might be a concern for some users.

Which of these exchanges is for you?

Alejandro Borja

As an expert at Threenvest, I highly recommend Bitpanda for investors seeking a versatile and user-friendly platform, especially those based in Europe. Bitpanda’s broad range of assets from cryptocurrencies to precious metals, combined with its intuitive interface, makes it an excellent choice for both newcomers and seasoned traders. However, do consider the platform’s regional availability and fee structure to ensure it aligns with your investment strategies and geographic location.

Xavier Tarrasó

As an expert on our website, I recommend Altcoin Trader for South African users new to the cryptocurrency market, given its user-friendly interface and robust security measures. While it offers a decent variety of cryptocurrencies and straightforward deposit and withdrawal processes, potential users should be aware of its limited crypto-to-crypto trading pairs and the absence of credit/debit card support. For those starting out or primarily trading in major cryptocurrencies, Altcoin Trader provides a solid platform to begin your investment journey securely.

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How do we review crypto exchanges?

At Threenvest, we conduct a thorough review process to evaluate and rank the world’s leading crypto exchanges. Our goal is to offer an unbiased assessment, providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions on which ones best suit your needs. We strictly adhere to the guidelines of our editorial policy.

We collect data directly from exchanges through detailed questionnaires and conduct first-hand testing and observations during crypto exchange demonstrations. Questionnaire responses, combined with demonstrations and hands-on research from our experts, feed into our proprietary evaluation process that scores each provider’s performance on more than 15 factors. The end result produces star ratings ranging from poor (one star) to excellent (five stars).

For more details on the categories considered when rating brokers and our process, read our full methodology.

Risk Disclaimer

Investing in cryptocurrencies is very risky, you should only invest the money you are willing to lose. Also you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong.

Neither Threenvest, nor the author, are recommending you to invest with this article.