Comparison of Pdax vs Ascendex [ 2024 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

pdax

Pdax

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

Investing risks losing your money

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

altcoin trader

Ascendex

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

Investing risks losing your money

Main points

Fees

0,40%/0,50%

Earns

No

Customer service

3/5
0,10% /0,20%

Fees

Yes

Earns

4/5

Customer service


Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

No

Passive income

No

Buy and hold

Yes
No

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold


Comparison of fees

Rating

3.9 – Competitive fees with strong local support in the Philippines.
4.1 – Low trading fees with discounts for token holders.

Level

0,40%/0,50%
0,10% /0,20%

Brief explanation

PDAX implements a straightforward fee structure which focuses primarily on trading fees and some transactional costs. Trading fees on PDAX range between 0.40% and 0.50%, depending on the specific market order type—whether it’s a maker or taker order. This fee is slightly above the global average for cryptocurrency exchanges but is justified within the context of a regulated exchange operating under the auspices of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). Additionally, while crypto deposits are free, PDAX charges variable fees for fiat deposits and withdrawals which are dependent on the chosen payment method, enhancing flexibility for users. This structure ensures that while users enjoy a secure trading environment, they are also aware of the costs associated upfront.
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.

Pdax

pdax
Read PDAX review
  • Regulatory Compliance: PDAX is licensed and supervised by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), ensuring that it adheres to strict financial regulations and provides a secure trading environment for its users.
  • Security Measures: PDAX prioritizes user security with robust protection mechanisms, including multi-factor authentication and cold storage for the majority of user funds, ensuring safety against potential cyber threats.
  • Customer Service: PDAX offers comprehensive customer support with multiple channels, including a detailed FAQ section, email support, and social media engagement, ensuring users receive timely assistance and guidance.
  • Trading Volume and Liquidity: As one of the leading exchanges in the Philippines, PDAX maintains a healthy trading volume and liquidity, which facilitates efficient trading and provides users with better price discovery and trade execution.
  • Transparency: PDAX operates with high transparency, regularly updating users about changes in service, fee structures, and other essential operational aspects, fostering trust through clear communication.
  • Pros
  • Regulated by Philippine central bank.
  • Supports direct PHP transactions.
  • Low entry cost for investors.
  • Cons
  • Limited international market access.
  • Fewer advanced trading features.

Read PDAX review

Ascendex

altcoin trader
Read PDAX review
  • 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.
  • Pros
  • Supports direct ZAR deposits.
  • User-friendly interface for beginners.
  • Offers a wide range of altcoins.
  • Cons
  • imited advanced trading features.
  • Lower trading volume than competitors

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Product selection

Native token

No
Token ASD

Earns

No
Yes

NFT marketplace

No
Yes

Cripto/debit card

No
Yes

Company information

Full name

Philippine Digital Asset Exchange
AscendEX (formerly BitMax)

Regulation

Regulated in Filipinas
Not regulated

Year founded

2018
2018

Founder

Nichel Gaba
George Cao and Ariel Ling

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes
Yes

Mastercard

Yes
Yes

Wire transfer

Yes
Yes

Card

Yes
Yes

Comparative table

Pdax FEATURES Ascendex
PDAX allows users to start trading with as little as PHP 50 per single trade, making it accessible for beginners and those with limited capital.
Minimum Trade
The minimum trade amount is reasonable, accommodating both small and larger investors.
The trading fees range between 0.40% to 0.50%, which is moderately competitive within the region but higher compared to global averages.
Trading and Transaction Fees
Fees are competitive but could be improved to match or undercut major competitors.
Supports over 37 cryptocurrencies, which is decent for a regional exchange but less compared to larger international platforms.
Number of Cryptocurrencies
Offers a decent variety of cryptocurrencies, though not as extensive as larger global exchanges.
PDAX primarily focuses on PHP-to-crypto pairs, limiting options for those looking to trade directly between cryptocurrencies.
Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs
Limited to more common pairs, lacking the extensive options found on larger platforms.
The website provides clear information about trading fees, minimum trade amounts, and other essential policies, although some users may find certain operational details lacking.
Website Transparency
The website provides clear and straightforward information on fees, policies, and trading options.
This lack of a dedicated card offering means that PDAX users cannot directly utilize their crypto holdings for everyday transactions outside the platform.
Credit/Debit Card
Altcoin Trader lacks a branded exchange card, limiting the versatility of funds access and usage beyond the digital platform.
Provides secure wallet services regulated under Philippine law, ensuring safety for digital assets, though it lacks some of the advanced features found in dedicated crypto wallets.
Storage Offering
Provides secure cold storage options, ensuring a high level of security for stored assets.
Currently, PDAX does not offer staking services or rewards, which is a significant drawback for users looking to earn through these mechanisms.
Staking and Rewards
Limited options for staking and rewards, not as competitive as other exchanges offering these services.
The mobile app is user-friendly and provides a robust trading experience on the go, although the desktop version could be enhanced with additional trading tools.
Mobile App and Desktop
Offers functional mobile and desktop platforms, though they lack some advanced features.
Offers multiple channels for support including email and social media, but there are reports of delays and the lack of immediate response options like phone support or live chat.
Customer Service
Responsive and helpful customer service, providing support through multiple channels.
PDAX supports various local payment methods, which is convenient for Filipino users. International users, however, might find options limited.
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

No
Yes

Security

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

Additional features

Staking, fiat on/off ramps, PDAX Prime, institutional services
Margin trading, futures contracts, staking, AscendEX Earn program

Anonymity

No
No

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

20+
150+

User-friendliness

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

Delivers good value for money with competitive fees and strong local support in the Philippines, making it a good choice for regional users.
Provides good value for money, offering low trading fees and access to a variety of trading tools and features.

Countries of operation

Philippines
United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Singapore

Best for

Best for Filipino investors seeking a reliable platform with competitive fees and strong local support.
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

PHP, BTC
USD, BTC, USDT

Account

Trading

PDAX is a popular exchange in the Philippines, offering easy fiat integration and a user-friendly platform. It supports a decent range of cryptocurrencies but has higher fees.
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

PDAX is popular in the Philippines, offering easy fiat and cryptocurrency deposit methods. Withdrawals are processed efficiently, 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

PDAX provides an easy and quick account registration process. Users need to provide personal details and verify their identity. The process is fully digital and typically takes less than a day to complete.
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
Yes

Customer Service

PDAX 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.
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

PDAX offers strong security with 2FA and encryption. Despite its robust security measures, the platform is not regulated by top-tier financial authorities, which could be a concern for some 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-analista-de-brokers.webp

Alejandro Borja

As one of the experts reviewing cryptocurrency exchanges on our website, I’ve taken a close look at PDAX. It stands out as a commendable choice for Filipino investors looking to enter the crypto space. The exchange offers a secure, regulated platform where you can trade directly with the Philippine Peso, making it exceptionally convenient. With a user-friendly interface and the support of local bank transfers, PDAX simplifies the process of buying and selling digital assets. Whether you’re new to cryptocurrencies or seeking a reliable home-market platform, PDAX provides a solid foundation to manage your digital investments.
Xavier-tarraso-mascarell.jpg

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.

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