Comparison of Bithumb vs Valr [ 2024 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

bithumb

Bithumb

  • Threenvest valuation: 4,3/5
  • US legal: No
  • Security: High 4,9/5
  • Mobile App: Yes
Go exchange

Investing risks losing your money

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

VALR

Valr

  • Threenvest valuation: 3,8/5
  • US legal: No
  • Security: High 4,6/5
  • Mobile App: No
Go exchange

Investing risks losing your money

Main points

Fees

0,10%/0,15%

Earns

Yes

Customer service

4/5
-0,01%/0,10%

Fees

No

Earns

4/5

Customer service


Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold

Yes
Yes

Beginners

Yes

Trading

No

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold


Comparison of fees

Rating

3.9 – Competitive fees but variable depending on the trading volume.
4.0 – Competitive fees with strong local support in South Africa.

Level

0,10%/0,15%
-0,01%/0,10%

Brief explanation

Bithumb structures its trading fees to accommodate both high-volume traders and casual users, making it an attractive platform for a broad range of investors. The fee system is tiered, based on the user’s 30-day trading volume, which incentivizes frequent trading and higher volumes. Fees start relatively low compared to industry averages, with maker fees often being lower than taker fees, which benefits those who add liquidity to the market. This structure not only supports active traders but also ensures that the exchange remains competitive and accessible to newcomers. The clarity and competitiveness of these fees contribute significantly to Bithumb’s appeal in the global crypto trading landscape.
VALR’s commission structure is designed to be competitive and attractive to both novice and experienced traders. The exchange employs a tiered fee system where the trading fees decrease as the user’s monthly trading volume increases. This incentivizes higher trading volumes while maintaining affordability for smaller traders. Fees for typical trades start relatively low, with further reductions possible depending on the trade volume and currency pairs being traded. Additionally, VALR occasionally runs promotions that temporarily reduce fees or offer rebates, enhancing the trading experience.

Bithumb

bithumb
Read bithumb review
  • Year Founded: Established in 2014, Bithumb has a long-standing presence in the cryptocurrency market. This longevity signifies stability and experience in handling a dynamic and sometimes volatile market, providing a solid foundation of trust among its users.
  • Security Methods: Bithumb has implemented robust security measures, including multi-layered security systems and regular updates to safeguard against new types of cyber threats. These rigorous security practices help ensure the safety of user funds and personal information.
  • Volume Managed and Trading Volume and Liquidity: Bithumb consistently ranks among the top exchanges globally 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 reliability of the platform in the eyes of a large user base.
  • Reputation and Reviews: The exchange has built a solid reputation over the years, backed by positive reviews from many of its users. This reputation is supported by Bithumb's responsiveness to past challenges and its ongoing commitment to improve user experience and security.
  • Customer Service: Bithumb offers extensive customer support with 24/7 access, including real-time assistance for resolving issues. Effective customer service enhances user trust by ensuring that assistance is readily available whenever needed, which is crucial in the fast-paced environment of cryptocurrency trading.
  • Pros
  • High trading volume ensures liquidity.
  • User-friendly interface for beginners.
  • Robust security measures in place.
  • Cons
  • Past security breaches raise concerns.
  • Limited global accessibility.

Read bithumb review

Valr

VALR
Read bithumb review
  • Strong Security Measures: VALR employs robust security protocols including cold storage of assets, two-factor authentication, and secure encryption technologies to ensure user funds are protected against unauthorized access.
  • Compliance with Local Regulations: As a South African exchange, VALR adheres to local financial regulations and guidelines, which bolsters its credibility and reliability as a trustworthy platform in the eyes of both users and regulators.
  • High Trading Volume and Liquidity: VALR supports a high trading volume and offers substantial liquidity, making it easier for users to enter and exit positions, which is especially beneficial for traders looking to execute large volume trades.
  • Reputation and Reviews: Since its launch, VALR has built a solid reputation within the cryptocurrency community. Positive user reviews often highlight its user-friendly interface, range of supported cryptocurrencies, and responsive customer support.
  • Year Founded: Established in 2018, VALR has rapidly grown to become one of the leading exchanges in South Africa, demonstrating strong market resilience and continuous adaptation to user needs and technological advancements.
  • Pros
  • Wide range of cryptocurrencies
  • Competitive trading fees
  • Strong security measures
  • Cons
  • Limited global fiat options
  • Slow customer support response

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Product selection

Native token

No
No

Earns

Yes
No

NFT marketplace

Yes
No

Cripto/debit card

Yes
No

Company information

Full name

Bithumb Korea Co., Ltd.
VALR Pty Ltd.

Regulation

Regulated in Corea del Sur
Regulated in Sudáfrica

Year founded

2014
2019

Founder

Unknown
Farzam Ehsani

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes
Yes

Mastercard

No
Yes

Wire transfer

Yes
Yes

Card

No
Yes

Comparative table

Bithumb FEATURES Valr
Bithumb allows relatively low minimum trades, accessible for beginners.
Minimum Trade
VALR allows relatively low minimum trades, making it accessible for beginners to start trading without requiring large initial investments.
Fees are competitive but can be complex and vary by transaction type.
Trading and Transaction Fees
One of VALR’s strongest features is its competitive fee structure, which ranks among the lowest in the industry, benefiting all types of traders.
Offers a wide range of cryptocurrencies, catering to diverse trader needs.
Number of Cryptocurrencies
The exchange offers a wide selection of cryptocurrencies, providing ample opportunities for diversification.
Provides a substantial number of trading pairs, enhancing trading options.
Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs
VALR supports a broad range of trading pairs, allowing users to trade directly between various cryptocurrencies without needing to convert to fiat.
Generally transparent but could improve in detailing fee structures.
Website Transparency
While VALR generally provides clear information, some users might find details regarding certain policies and operational procedures could be better highlighted.
Bithumb does not provide an exchange card for in-store purchases or associated benefits, which limits its utility for everyday transactions compared to some other exchanges offering this feature.
Credit/Debit Card
The VALR card integrates seamlessly with the exchange, providing convenient access to funds and attractive rewards, enhancing the overall utility of the platform for everyday transactions.
Provides secure storage options with advanced security features.
Storage Offering
VALR offers secure storage options including cold storage, ensuring high security for stored digital assets.
Offers competitive staking options and rewards for users.
Staking and Rewards
The platform provides competitive staking options and rewards, making it attractive for users looking to earn passive income.
Excellent user interface on both mobile and desktop platforms.
Mobile App and Desktop
VALR offers both mobile and desktop platforms that are user-friendly and feature-rich, facilitating trading on-the-go as well as from a desktop setup.
Exceptional customer support with 24/7 availability and multiple languages.
Customer Service
While available, customer service response times can be slow, which might frustrate users, especially those needing urgent support.
Efficient processes, though some users report delays during high traffic.
Deposit and Withdraw
Deposits and withdrawals are facilitated smoothly, but improvements can be made in terms of speed and the variety of supported currencies and methods.

Key features

Analysis tools

Basic charting tools
Basic charting tools

Mobile APP

Yes
No

Security

High 4,9/5
High 4,6/5

Additional features

Margin trading, staking, Bithumb Cash rewards, institutional services
Staking, fiat on/off ramps, VALR Earn, institutional services

Anonymity

No
No

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

150+
50+

User-friendliness

Bithumb provides a straightforward and user-friendly interface, making it easy for beginners to start trading cryptocurrencies. The platform’s design is clean and intuitive, facilitating a smooth trading experience.
VALR offers a user-friendly platform that is easy to navigate, making it suitable for beginners. The interface is designed to facilitate a smooth trading experience with all necessary features easily accessible.

Value for money

Offers good value for money with competitive fees and a wide selection of cryptocurrencies, though it may face regulatory challenges in some regions.
Offers good value for money with competitive fees and strong local support in South Africa, making it a good choice for regional users.

Countries of operation

South Korea, United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom
South Africa

Best for

Best for South Korean traders looking for a platform with a wide selection of cryptocurrencies and competitive fees.
Suitable for South African investors looking for a reliable platform with competitive fees and strong local support.

Base currencies available

KRW, BTC
ZAR, BTC

Account

Trading

Bithumb is one of South Korea’s largest exchanges, offering high liquidity and a wide range of cryptocurrencies. However, it has faced security issues in the past, which could be a concern for users.
VALR is a popular exchange in South Africa, offering a user-friendly platform and easy fiat integration. It supports a good range of cryptocurrencies and competitive fees but lacks some advanced trading tools.

Deposit and withdrawal

Bithumb offers various deposit methods, including bank transfers and crypto. Withdrawals are processed quickly, usually within a few hours. Fees are competitive but can vary depending on the method used.
VALR is popular in South Africa, offering easy fiat and cryptocurrency deposit methods. Withdrawals are processed efficiently, with competitive fees.

Account opening process

Bithumb provides a straightforward account opening process. Users need to submit personal information and verify their identity. The process is efficient and typically completed within a day, ensuring quick access to trading.
VALR provides a seamless and fully digital account registration process. Users need to submit personal details and verify their identity. The process is quick and usually takes less than a day to complete.

KYC required?

Yes
Yes

Customer Service

Bithumb offers customer support through email, live chat, and a help center. The support team is responsive, but the lack of 24/7 availability may be a limitation for some users.
VALR provides customer support via email and live chat. The support team is responsive and helpful, but the lack of 24/7 support may be a limitation for some users.

Security

Bithumb offers robust security features, including 2FA, cold storage, and encryption. Despite its strong security measures, the platform is not regulated by top-tier financial authorities, which could be a concern for some users.
VALR employs robust security features, including 2FA and cold storage. However, it is not regulated by major financial authorities, which might be a concern for some investors.

Which of these exchanges is for you?

alejandro-borja-analista-de-brokers.webp

Alejandro Borja

As an expert on our website, I recommend Bithumb for traders looking for a robust platform with a wide selection of cryptocurrencies and high liquidity. Its user-friendly interface makes it accessible for beginners, while the depth of its market and security measures provides peace of mind. However, potential users should be aware of its complex fee structure and ensure they understand the costs associated with trading on this platform. Overall, Bithumb is a solid choice for those looking to dive into the dynamic world of cryptocurrency trading.
Xavier-tarraso-mascarell.jpg

Xavier Tarrasó

As an expert reviewer on our website, I highly recommend VALR for anyone entering the cryptocurrency market in South Africa. The platform’s wide array of cryptocurrencies paired with some of the most competitive fees in the market makes it a top choice. However, if you’re trading from outside of South Africa or require swift customer support, you might want to consider these aspects before deciding.

View all comparisons against Bithumb

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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.

More comparatives Bithumb and Valr