Comparison of Bitfinex vs Bitvavo [ 2024 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

Bitfinex

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

Bitvavo

Main points

Fees

0,10% /0,20%

Earns

Customer service

3/5

0,15%/0,25%

Fees

Yes

Earns

4/5

Customer service

Recommended for

Beginners

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Buy and hold

Yes

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold

Comparison of fees

Rating

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

4.1 – Low fees with additional discounts for high-volume traders.

Level

0,10% /0,20%

0,15%/0,25%

Brief explanation

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.

Bitvavo’s commission structure is designed to be highly competitive, particularly appealing to both new entrants and experienced traders in the cryptocurrency market. The platform operates on a tiered fee system where the trading fees decrease as the user’s 30-day trading volume increases. Starting from 0.25% for takers and 0.15% for makers, these fees can go as low as 0.03% for takers and 0.00% for makers, depending on the trading volume. This encourages active trading and is beneficial for high-volume traders seeking to minimize costs while maximizing their trading strategies.

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.

Bitvavo

Year Founded: Established in 2018, Bitvavo has swiftly risen to prominence within the European market, demonstrating robust growth and stability in a relatively short period. This rapid development signifies strong management and a solid business model, instilling confidence in its longevity and reliability.
Security Methods: Bitvavo places a high priority on security with comprehensive measures to protect user assets. These include cold storage for a majority of funds, two-factor authentication, and advanced encryption technology, ensuring that users' data and funds are safeguarded against unauthorized access and cyber threats.
Possible Regulation: Operating from Amsterdam, Bitvavo adheres to European financial regulations, which are known for their strict standards. Compliance with these regulations not only confirms the legitimacy of the exchange but also ensures it operates under stringent oversight, enhancing user trust.
Reputation and Reviews: Bitvavo has cultivated a positive reputation among its users and in the broader crypto community, reflected in numerous favorable reviews. Users frequently cite the platform's user-friendly interface, low fees, and excellent customer service as major advantages, which speaks to its reliability and the quality of services offered.
Customer Service: Commitment to providing excellent customer support is a cornerstone of Bitvavo's operational philosophy. The exchange offers responsive support through multiple channels, ensuring that users' queries and issues are addressed promptly and effectively, which is crucial for building and maintaining trust, especially in the dynamic environment of cryptocurrency trading.

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Account Minimum

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Direct link to the website

Product selection

Native token

Token LEO

Earns

Yes

NFT marketplace

Cripto/debit card

Full name

iFinex Inc.

Bitvavo B.V.

Regulation

Not regulated

Regulated in the Países Bajos

Year founded

2012

2017

Founder

Jean

Unknown

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes

Mastercard

Yes

Wire transfer

Yes

Card

Yes

Comparative table

Bitfinex	FEATURES	Bitvavo
Bitfinex allows trading with a relatively low minimum, catering to both small and large investors.	Minimum Trade	Bitvavo allows users to start trading with small amounts, making it accessible for beginners.
Fees are competitive, but high withdrawal fees may deter frequent traders.	Trading and Transaction Fees	Bitvavo offers some of the lowest fees in Europe, which are transparent and competitive.
Offers a wide range of cryptocurrencies, providing extensive trading options.	Number of Cryptocurrencies	Supports a wide variety of over 50 cryptocurrencies, catering to diverse trading preferences.
Extensive crypto-to-crypto pairings offer flexible trading strategies.	Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs	Offers a robust selection of trading pairs, allowing for versatile crypto-to-crypto transactions.
Generally transparent with operational and security practices but could improve in fee structures.	Website Transparency	The website provides clear information about fees, policies, and trading options.
Bitfinex does not provide an exchange card for customers to use for in-store purchases.	Credit/Debit Card	While Bitvavo excels in providing a secure and user-friendly trading platform, the lack of an exchange card limits the flexibility for users to spend and gain direct benefits from their cryptocurrency holdings in everyday transactions.
Provides secure storage options including cold storage, though it’s complex for beginners.	Storage Offering	Provides secure storage solutions with cold storage options for the majority of assets.
Offers competitive staking options and rewards, enhancing user investment potential.	Staking and Rewards	Offers staking services with rewards but has room for expansion in terms of options and higher returns.
Both platforms are robust and user-friendly, but the mobile app lacks some advanced features.	Mobile App and Desktop	Both the mobile app and desktop platforms are highly user-friendly and well-designed.
Customer service is available but response times can be slow during peak times.	Customer Service	Exceptional customer service with multiple channels for support and quick response times.
Efficient deposit methods; however, withdrawal policies can be restrictive and costly.	Deposit and Withdraw	Efficient deposit and withdrawal processes, although improvements can be made in variety.

Key features

Analysis tools

Advanced charting tools, multiple technical indicators, and APIs

Basic charting tools

Mobile APP

Security

High 4,9/5

Additional features

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

Staking, Bitvavo Earn program, API access, fiat on/off ramps

Anonymity

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

150+

User-friendliness

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.

Bitvavo features an intuitive and user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, making it suitable for beginners. The platform focuses on providing a smooth and seamless trading experience.

Value for money

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

Delivers good value for money with low trading fees and a user-friendly interface, making it an affordable choice for European traders.

Countries of operation

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

Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain, Italy

Best for

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

Great for European traders looking for a user-friendly platform with low trading fees and a diverse selection of cryptocurrencies.

Base currencies available

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

EUR, BTC

Account

Trading

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.

Bitvavo is a European exchange known for its low fees and wide range of cryptocurrencies. It offers a user-friendly interface but lacks some advanced trading features.

Deposit and withdrawal

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.

Bitvavo supports various deposit methods, including bank transfers and crypto. Withdrawals are processed within a day, with minimal fees, making it user-friendly.

Account opening process

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.

Bitvavo provides an easy and quick account opening process. Users need to fill out personal details and verify their identity. The process is fully digital and typically takes less than a day to complete.

KYC required?

Yes

Customer Service

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.

Bitvavo provides support via email and live chat. The support team is responsive and helpful, but the lack of 24/7 support can be a limitation for some users.

Security

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 .

Bitvavo employs comprehensive security measures, including 2FA and cold storage. It is regulated by Dutch authorities, ensuring high security for investors.

Which of these exchanges is for you?

Alejandro Borja

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.

Xavier Tarrasó

As an expert on our website, I highly recommend Bitvavo for those looking to engage in cryptocurrency trading, especially within Europe. The exchange combines low fees, a user-friendly interface, and robust security measures, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned traders. With its wide range of cryptocurrencies and effective customer support, Bitvavo stands out as a reliable platform to efficiently manage your digital assets.

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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.