Comparison of Bitfinex vs Changenow [ 2024 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

Bitfinex

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

Changenow

Main points

Fees

0,10% /0,20%

Earns

Customer service

3/5

hidden

Fees

Yes

Earns

3/5

Customer service

Recommended for

Beginners

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Buy and hold

Yes

Beginners

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.

4.0 – Competitive fees with a focus on instant crypto swaps.

Level

0,10% /0,20%

hidden

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.

ChangeNOW simplifies the process of trading cryptocurrencies by imposing a straightforward fee structure that varies depending on the transaction and the currency pair used. Typically, ChangeNOW integrates a service fee directly into the exchange rate, which means the rates you see already include the fee, ensuring transparency and avoiding unexpected charges. The platform does not charge a separate service fee, but network fees, which are payments to miners, still apply and are necessary for the transaction to be processed on the blockchain. This fee structure makes it easy for beginners to understand the total cost of each transaction without having to navigate complex fee schedules.

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.

Changenow

Security Methods: ChangeNOW employs robust security protocols, including non-custodial transactions that ensure users retain control over their private keys, enhancing overall security.
Customer Service: Despite some feedback about needing improvements, ChangeNOW is committed to enhancing its customer support services, with initiatives aimed at providing quicker and more effective responses.
Reputation and Reviews: The platform has received positive reviews for its user-friendly interface and quick swap features, establishing a solid reputation in the cryptocurrency community.
Trading Volume and Liquidity: With support for over 200 cryptocurrencies, ChangeNOW offers high liquidity, ensuring that transactions are executed swiftly and at competitive rates.
Transparency: ChangeNOW is transparent about its fees and processes, providing users with all necessary information upfront, which helps in building trust.

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Account Minimum

Get started with just $100.

And 1% fee on all cryptocurrency trades.

Direct link to the website

Product selection

Native token

Token LEO

Earns

Yes

NFT marketplace

Cripto/debit card

Full name

iFinex Inc.

ChangeNOW International Ltd.

Regulation

Not regulated

Year founded

2012

2017

Founder

Jean

Unknown

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes

Mastercard

Wire transfer

Yes

Card

Comparative table

Bitfinex	FEATURES	Changenow
Bitfinex allows trading with a relatively low minimum, catering to both small and large investors.	Minimum Trade	ChangeNOW allows users to trade small amounts of cryptocurrencies, accommodating users who prefer to trade minimal quantities.
Fees are competitive, but high withdrawal fees may deter frequent traders.	Trading and Transaction Fees	While fees are competitive, they can vary and be higher for certain routes or less popular coins.
Offers a wide range of cryptocurrencies, providing extensive trading options.	Number of Cryptocurrencies	Supports over 200 cryptocurrencies, providing a wide selection for trading.
Extensive crypto-to-crypto pairings offer flexible trading strategies.	Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs	Offers a vast array of trading pairs, allowing direct swaps between a diverse range of cryptocurrencies.
Generally transparent with operational and security practices but could improve in fee structures.	Website Transparency	Generally transparent about fees and trading processes, but could improve accessibility of detailed information on the backend processes.
Bitfinex does not provide an exchange card for customers to use for in-store purchases.	Credit/Debit Card	Does not provide its own exchange card for in-store purchases or benefits.
Provides secure storage options including cold storage, though it’s complex for beginners.	Storage Offering	Provides a secure, non-custodial service that doesn’t store user funds but could enhance security features or options.
Offers competitive staking options and rewards, enhancing user investment potential.	Staking and Rewards	Limited options for staking and rewards compared to other platforms that offer comprehensive staking services.
Both platforms are robust and user-friendly, but the mobile app lacks some advanced features.	Mobile App and Desktop	Both mobile and desktop interfaces are user-friendly, facilitating easy and efficient trading on any device.
Customer service is available but response times can be slow during peak times.	Customer Service	Customer service is available but has room for improvement in terms of response times and support quality.
Efficient deposit methods; however, withdrawal policies can be restrictive and costly.	Deposit and Withdraw	Facilitates easy and fast deposits and withdrawals but could expand the variety of accepted payment methods.

Key features

Analysis tools

Advanced charting tools, multiple technical indicators, and APIs

No significant tools, mainly a swap service

Mobile APP

Security

High 4,9/5

High 4/5

Additional features

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

Instant crypto swaps, NOW token rewards, fiat on/off ramps, ChangeNOW API

Anonymity

Yes

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

150+

200+

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.

ChangeNOW offers a straightforward and easy-to-use platform that is ideal for beginners. The interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy to navigate and execute trades.

Value for money

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

Offers good value for money with competitive fees and a straightforward swapping service, making it an easy option for quick trades.

Countries of operation

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

Best for

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

Ideal for traders looking for a straightforward and quick cryptocurrency swapping service with competitive fees.

Base currencies available

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

BTC, ETH, USDT (varies by transaction)

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.

ChangeNOW is a non-custodial exchange known for its fast and anonymous transactions. It offers a wide range of cryptocurrencies but lacks advanced trading features and tools.

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.

ChangeNOW is a non-custodial exchange known for its fast transactions. It supports various deposit methods, and withdrawals are processed quickly with low fees.

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.

ChangeNOW provides a simple and quick account registration process. Users need to submit personal details and verify their identity. The process is fully digital and usually 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.

ChangeNOW offers support through email and live chat. The response time is quick, but the support team is not available 24/7, which may be a drawback 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 .

ChangeNOW provides strong security with 2FA and encryption. However, it lacks regulation from major financial authorities, which might be a concern for some 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 a cryptocurrency analyst at our website, I’ve spent considerable time exploring and using various exchanges, and ChangeNOW stands out for its remarkable simplicity and efficiency. From my personal experience, this platform is especially well-suited for those who are new to the cryptocurrency world or those who prefer straightforward, quick crypto exchanges without the hassle of lengthy registrations. ChangeNOW’s focus on user privacy and security, without requiring personal information, provides peace of mind, making it a top recommendation for users valuing anonymity alongside ease of use. Whether you’re looking to swap small amounts or engage in more significant trades, ChangeNOW facilitates it all with commendable ease and speed.

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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.