Comparison of Cex.Io vs Bitfinex [ 2024 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

Cex.Io

Investing risks losing your money

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

Bitfinex

Investing risks losing your money

Main points

Fees

0,15%/0,25%

Earns

Yes

Customer service

4/5

0,10% /0,20%

Fees

Earns

3/5

Customer service

Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold

Yes

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold

Comparison of fees

Rating

3.8 – Reasonable fees but slightly higher for fiat transactions.

4.2 – Low fees for high-volume traders but higher for smaller trades.

Level

0,15%/0,25%

0,10% /0,20%

Brief explanation

CEX.IO operates with a transparent fee structure primarily revolving around trading and transaction fees. For traders, the fees are tiered based on the 30-day trade volume, starting from 0.25% for takers and 0.16% for makers at the lowest tier, and decreasing with higher volume. This competitive pricing makes it appealing for both high-volume traders and newcomers. The platform also charges fees for deposits and withdrawals, which vary depending on the currency and method of payment. For example, credit card deposits incur a fee, whereas some methods like bank transfers might offer free deposits depending on the user’s location.

Bitfinex’s fee structure is designed to cater to both high-volume and occasional traders. The exchange employs a maker-taker fee model, where makers, who add liquidity to the market by placing limit orders, typically pay lower fees than takers, who remove liquidity by matching orders already on the book. Fees for takers start at 0.20%, and for makers, they begin at 0.10%. These fees decrease significantly with increased trading volume, making Bitfinex an attractive option for active traders. Additionally, there are no fees for depositing cryptocurrencies, though withdrawal fees do apply and vary depending on the currency. Overall, Bitfinex’s fees are competitive within the industry, providing a fair balance between cost and the comprehensive features offered.

Cex.Io

Security Methods: CEX.IO employs a comprehensive security framework which includes two-factor authentication, encryption technology, and cold storage of digital assets, ensuring a high level of user fund safety.
Reputation and Reviews: Since its inception in 2013, CEX.IO has maintained a strong reputation within the cryptocurrency community for reliability and trustworthiness, reflected in positive user reviews across various platforms.
Regulation Compliance: CEX.IO is registered with FinCEN in the USA and complies with international financial regulations, providing a secure trading environment and adhering to legal standards for financial operations.
Customer Service: The exchange offers dedicated customer support with a commitment to resolving user issues promptly, enhancing user trust through effective communication and support.
Trading Volume and Liquidity: CEX.IO consistently shows strong trading volumes, ensuring liquidity and enabling users to execute transactions swiftly and at desired prices, making it a reliable platform for trading major cryptocurrencies.

Read cex.io review

Bitfinex

Year Founded: Bitfinex has been operational since 2012, establishing itself as one of the oldest and most stable players in the volatile cryptocurrency market. Its longevity speaks to its ability to adapt and improve in a rapidly evolving industry
Security Methods: Post-2016 hack, Bitfinex significantly ramped up its security measures, implementing state-of-the-art security protocols including cold storage of funds, two-factor authentication, and advanced encryption technology to protect user data and assets.
Trading Volume and Liquidity: Bitfinex consistently ranks among the top exchanges in terms of trading volume. High liquidity not only makes it easier for users to execute trades at desired prices but also reflects the trust and scale of operation that Bitfinex maintains.
Reputation and Reviews: Despite past challenges, Bitfinex has maintained a strong reputation within the crypto community. It is frequently praised for its advanced trading features and deep liquidity, with many users advocating for its platform in various reviews and crypto forums.
Transparency: Bitfinex has taken steps to enhance its transparency, particularly in how it manages user funds and its operational status. The exchange regularly updates users about new features, security enhancements, and operational changes, helping build trust through openness.

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Product selection

Native token

Token LEO

Earns

Yes

NFT marketplace

Cripto/debit card

Full name

CEX.IO Ltd

iFinex Inc.

Regulation

Regulated in the Reino Unido

Not regulated

Year founded

2013

2012

Founder

Oleksandr Lutskevych

Jean

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes

Mastercard

Yes

Wire transfer

Yes

Card

Yes

Comparative table

Cex.Io	FEATURES	Bitfinex
CEX.IO allows for small minimum trade amounts, making it accessible for beginners to start trading with a low barrier of entry.	Minimum Trade	Bitfinex allows trading with a relatively low minimum, catering to both small and large investors.
The fees are competitive but could be more transparent, particularly concerning the different tiers and specific services.	Trading and Transaction Fees	Fees are competitive, but high withdrawal fees may deter frequent traders.
CEX.IO supports a diverse range of cryptocurrencies, offering users a broad selection of popular and lesser-known coins.	Number of Cryptocurrencies	Offers a wide range of cryptocurrencies, providing extensive trading options.
The exchange provides a substantial number of trading pairs, facilitating versatile trading strategies.	Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs	Extensive crypto-to-crypto pairings offer flexible trading strategies.
The website offers clear information on trading conditions, security protocols, and company policies, making it easy for users to find essential details.	Website Transparency	Generally transparent with operational and security practices but could improve in fee structures.
The card is linked to your crypto account, providing convenience and benefits like crypto cashback on purchases.	Credit/Debit Card	Bitfinex does not provide an exchange card for customers to use for in-store purchases.
Provides secure storage options with a majority of funds held in cold storage, though details could be more accessible to users.	Storage Offering	Provides secure storage options including cold storage, though it’s complex for beginners.
Offers staking for several cryptocurrencies with competitive rewards; however, more coins could be added to enhance this feature.	Staking and Rewards	Offers competitive staking options and rewards, enhancing user investment potential.
Both platforms are user-friendly and fully-featured, making trading accessible on the go and from desktop devices.	Mobile App and Desktop	Both platforms are robust and user-friendly, but the mobile app lacks some advanced features.
Customer service is available and helpful but can be slow to respond during peak times. Improvements in response time could enhance user experience.	Customer Service	Customer service is available but response times can be slow during peak times.
Deposits are straightforward and usually quick, but withdrawal processes and associated fees need clearer explanations and potentially lower costs.	Deposit and Withdraw	Efficient deposit methods; however, withdrawal policies can be restrictive and costly.

Key features

Analysis tools

Basic charting tools, technical indicators

Advanced charting tools, multiple technical indicators, and APIs

Mobile APP

Security

High 4,9/5

Additional features

Margin trading, staking, CEX.io Loan service, fiat on/off ramps

Margin trading, lending services, staking, Bitfinex Pulse (social network)

Anonymity

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

80+

150+

User-friendliness

Features a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, making it suitable for beginners. The platform provides a seamless trading experience with essential features easily accessible.

Bitfinex provides a powerful platform with a user-friendly interface that caters to both beginners and advanced traders. While it offers advanced trading features, the platform is designed to be accessible and easy to use.

Value for money

Delivers decent value for money with competitive fees and strong security features, suitable for both beginners and experienced traders.

Offers good value for money with competitive fees and advanced trading features, suitable for both retail and institutional traders.

Countries of operation

Global, including United States, United Kingdom, Europe, Canada, Australia

Global, including United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany

Best for

Suitable for global traders looking for a reliable and secure platform with competitive fees and a wide range of supported cryptocurrencies.

Suitable for experienced traders and institutions looking for advanced trading features and a wide range of cryptocurrencies.

Base currencies available

USD, EUR, GBP, RUB, BTC

USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, BTC, ETH, USDT

Account

Trading

CEX.IO offers a secure and user-friendly platform with a good range of cryptocurrencies. It supports fiat integration and has competitive fees but lacks some advanced trading tools.

Bitfinex is tailored for professional traders with its advanced trading features and high liquidity. It offers a wide range of cryptocurrencies but has had security breaches in the past, making some users cautious.

Deposit and withdrawal

CEX.IO provides multiple deposit options, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and cryptocurrencies. Withdrawals are processed quickly, usually within a day, with competitive fees.

Bitfinex supports a wide range of deposit options, including bank transfers and crypto. Withdrawals are processed quickly, usually within a few hours. Fees are competitive, though high-volume users may benefit more.

Account opening process

CEX.IO offers a straightforward account opening process. Users need to provide personal information, verify their identity, and the process is typically completed within a day, making it efficient and user-friendly.

Bitfinex provides a straightforward and fully digital account registration process. Users need to submit personal details, verify their identity, and address. The process is quick, usually taking less than a day to complete.

KYC required?

Yes

Customer Service

CEX.IO provides customer support via email, live chat, and phone. The support team is responsive and available 24/7, ensuring users get timely assistance.

Bitfinex provides extensive support through email, live chat, and a help center. The response time is quick, and support is available 24/7, ensuring users get timely assistance.

Security

CEX.IO offers comprehensive security measures, including 2FA, encryption, and cold storage. It is regulated by several financial authorities, ensuring high security for investors.

Bitfinex provides extensive security features, including 2FA, cold storage, and encryption. It is regulated by several financial authorities, making it a secure platform for investors .

Which of these exchanges is for you?

Alejandro Borja

As one of the experts reviewing CEX.IO on our website, I’ve had a positive experience with their platform overall. It’s a great choice for both newcomers to cryptocurrency and seasoned traders. The user interface is straightforward, making navigation and trading uncomplicated. Additionally, their security measures give me confidence in recommending CEX.IO as a reliable place to trade and store digital assets. For anyone looking to dive into crypto trading or expand their portfolio, CEX.IO offers a solid, dependable foundation.

Xavier Tarrasó

As an expert on our website, I recommend Bitfinex for traders seeking a diverse and dynamic trading environment. The platform’s extensive range of cryptocurrencies and crypto-to-crypto trading pairs is impressive, making it a great choice for those looking to explore different trading strategies. While the trading fees and customer service response times could see improvement, Bitfinex’s advanced trading features and robust security measures make it a reliable option for serious traders.

View all comparisons against Cex.Io

View all comparisons against Bitfinex

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.