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Bitfinex is a Hong Kong based cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2012 by Raphael Nicolle. The crypto exchange is one of the world’s largest and is favored for its host of accepted fiat currencies and advanced trading tools, which will be discussed later in this Bitfinex review. While popular around the globe, the exchange recently stopped providing services to U.S. customers.

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Bitfinex Overview

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Bitfinex

Funding Methods Crypto, Credit & Debit Card, Bank Wire, Express Bankwire
Cryptocurrencies 140+ (Bitcoin, Tether, Polkadot, Tron)
Headquarters Hong Kong

Pros

  • Many trading pairs

  • High liquidity

  • Advanced trading tools

  • Competitive Fees

Cons

  • Unavailable in U.S.

  • Not-Beginner Friendly

  • Security concerns

Bitfinex at a Glance

Notable Features

Spot trading, stake and earn, cryptoloans, and more

Fees

Maker fees: 0-0.1%, taker fees: 0.055%-0.2%

Cryptocurrencies

200 tokens with 400 trading pairs

Security Features

Cold storage, withdrawal whitelists, anti-phishing protection, and more

KYC Requirements

Official photo ID, selfie, phone number, and residence address

Maximum Daily Deposit Amount

No limit on crypto; fees dependent on payment provider

In-depth Details: What’s to Like and What You Should Know

Bitfinex Exchange caters to experienced traders with its advanced interface, various charting tools, and wide range of order types. Its tiered fee structure incentivizes individuals who trade in large volumes and those who hold the exchange’s UNUS SED LEO (LEO) native coin. LEO holders and active traders enjoy extremely low maker fees, with some as low as zero.

That said, they are not beginner-friendly due to extensive trading features catered to experienced traders. However, their paper trading platform is a great resource if you want to test new trading strategies and learn to use their numerous features. Fiat deposits via wire transfers have high minimums, which drives users to use the OpenPayd service, which gives you greater flexibility. Bitfinex is not available to users in the U.S.

History and Background

The Bitfinex exchange was founded in 2012 as a peer-to-peer bitcoin exchange by IT technician Raphael Nicolle. As one of the first platforms built exclusively for bitcoin trading, they gradually added support for more crypto assets.

Today, the platform allows users to trade more than 200 cryptocurrencies and over 400 trading pairs. From its inception, it positioned itself as the go-to exchange for advanced traders by offering leveraged margin training and margin funding.

Safety and Security

Following past security breaches, the platform has worked towards becoming one of the safest crypto exchanges, safekeeping customer funds with robust security frameworks. They have introduced several enhanced security measures, including AI-driven fraud monitoring, cutting-edge verification tools, withdrawal protection measures, and advanced API key permissions.

Here are some of the things that caught my eye:

  • 2FA:provides an extra layer of security when you log in and withdraw funds. It’s also a must when buying crypto currency with a credit card.
  • Universal 2nd factor (U2F):requires a physical security key.
  • OpenPGP Email encryption:encrypts email communication.
  • Cold storage:approximately 99.5% of funds stored in offline, multi-signature cold wallets.
  • Derivatives: allow for futures trading.
  • Spread ladder: provides greater control and indexability for trading.

My Overview: I love that the Bitfinex exchange provides numerous exceptional trading options, allowing me to make the most of my trades and implement my custom strategies. Its stake and earn features, along with the wide range of cryptocurrencies available for trade, make it the ideal trading platform.

Special features

Bitfinex’s uniqueness comes down to its robust features catered to professional and institutional traders. Its peer-to-peer margin funding platform allows you to trade up to 10x leverage on funds borrowed from other users who earn interest on loaned assets.

Bitfinex Borrow allows you to obtain loans and the terms against your digital assets, while its staking program means you can generate up to 7% APY. Holding the crypto exchanges’ UNES SED LEO (LEO) native coins guarantees reduced trading fees, lower funding costs, derivatives discounts, and many other benefits.

Usability

As an experienced trader, I appreciate the platform’s commitment to customization and providing a tailor-made solution for my needs. While it can be intimidating for complete crypto beginners, their tour function provides a great guide, with helpful explanations for its interface.

Customer support

In my opinion, their customer support makes it one of the best crypto trading exchanges around. Their support ticket system lets you to submit a query for assistance, allowing you to describe the issues, attach screenshots, and track the progress of your query.

Users can also communicate with the chatbot on the cryptocurrency exchange, which can respond to simple inquiries. If you can’t get what you need from the chatbot, the platform’s help center contains many articles, FAQs, and guides about the Bitfinex exchange.

Their “Tier One” customer support is available for professional traders and corporate entities, giving you access to top-performing customer support teams equipped to provide swift solutions to your challenges.

Bitfinex Mobile App

There is a mobile app for iOS and Android devices, which means you can execute instant crypto swaps and purchases directly from your phone. The app provides you with full access to your cryptocurrency portfolio and the trading features available on the platform.

Account deposits can be done via app using fiat, bank transfers, and crypto. A lite mode is also available for the app, which provides users with a simplified interface so they can easily trade, stake, and lend cryptocurrency.

Other useful features you should know about:

  • Cold storage: keeps the majority of funds offline, making them less likely to be stolen
  • Scale Orders: allows users to implement an algorithmic strategy instead of manually entering orders. Users can also set multiple limits across custom price ranges.
  • Limit Orders: users set the price at which they want to purchase crypto.
  • Margin Trading: allows users to borrow money and potentially earn larger profits.
  • Margin funding: allows you to lend crypto to margin traders and earn interest.
  • Whitelisting withdrawal addresses: only allows for funds to be paid into specified bank accounts or cryptocurrency wallets.

The True Cost of Trading on This Exchange

This cryptocurrency exchange charges different fees for transactions based on variables such as order type and trading volume. The platform incentivizes using its native coin, UNUS SED LEO (LEO). Holding the native coin gives users lower fees and discounts on transactions.

Bitfinex Maker/Taker Fee Schedule (Spot Trading)

30-Day Trading Volume (USD Equivalent)
Maker Fee
Taker Fee
Less than $500,000
0.100%
0.200%
$500,000 to < $7.5M
Decreases from 0.080%
Remains 0.200%
$7.5M to < $10M
0.000%
0.200%
$10M to < $30M
0.000%
Decreases from 0.180% to 0.100%
$30M to < $300M
0.000%
0.100%
$300M to < $1B
0.000%
0.090%
$1B to < $3B
0.000%
0.085%
$3B to < $10B
0.000%
0.075%
$10B to < $30B
0.000%
0.060%
$30 billion or more
0.000%
0.055%

Bitfinex Derivative Trading Fee Schedule

Bitfinex native coin holders receive additional discounts on fees for crypto-to-crypto, crypto-to-fiat transfers, and crypto-derivatives transfers.

30-Day Trading Volume (USD Equivalent)
Maker Fee
Taker Fee
Less than $2M
0.0200%
0.0650%
$2M to < $30M
Decreases from 0.0125%
Decreases from 0.0600%
$30M to < $300M
-0.0025% (Rebate)
0.0450%
$300M to < $1B
-0.0050% (Rebate)
0.0400%
$1B to < $3B
-0.0075% (Rebate)
0.0375%
$3 billion or more
-0.0100% (Rebate)
0.0350%

Does Bitfinex charge a monthly fee?

There are no monthly fees, however, fees are charged on transactions at varying rates depending on trade. They may charge users a $5 dollar fee if their account is inactive for an uninterrupted 12-month period. This fee may be charged with or without notice to you.

How to Set Up a Bitfinex Exchange Account

Learning how to set up a crypto exchange account may feel overwhelming, but it’s not too complicated. If you want to try out an account, here’s what to do:

  • Step 1: Go to the website at bitfinex.com and click the “Sign Up” button.
  • Step 2: Enter your username, email, country of residence, and a strong password, then click “Sign Up.”
  • Step 3: Check your inbox and click the verification link sent to confirm your email address.
  • Step 4: Log in to your new account and set up two-factor authentication (2FA) when prompted.
  • Step 5: Use an authenticator app to scan the QR code and activate 2FA.
  • Step 6: Save your 2FA backup key in a secure location.
  • Step 7: If you want to deposit or withdraw fiat currency, complete KYC verification by submitting a valid ID, proof of address, and a selfie.

Once you’ve submitted all the required documents, you’ll have to wait for them to verify your account. After your account has been validated, you can start trading cryptocurrencies.

What Can You Buy On Bitfinex

Who Is Bitfinex For? What Other Users Have to Say.

This platform is best for individuals with vast experience in trading. They offer advanced trading tools, which experts can use to maximise their crypto trading experience. It’s great for users with a stomach for risk, as its margin trading functions allow you to potentially earn major profits but could also result in losses.

Why You Should Trust CryptoVantage: How I Reviewed Bitfinex

The CryptoVantage methodology for rating the best crypto exchanges incorporates various aspects of digital asset trading. Some of the things we look at include:

  • Trade volumes and asset availability
  • Trading features and tools
  • Security
  • transparency, reputation, and support
  • Fees and added costs
  • Ease of use

Final Thoughts: Is Bitfinex Worth It?

This exchange is a great choice if you’re after an advanced trading platform with tools you can use to implement original trading strategies.

It has generally low trading fees that get lower with higher trading volumes. Its cutting-edge trading tools have been praised by experienced traders and specialists in cryptocurrency.

They also offer users opportunities to earn passive income through staking and lending options. Its 10x margin trading functionally can help you maximise your profits.

The Bitfinex demo paper trading account is ideal for beginner traders who want to familiarize themselves with the platform and test trading strategies without putting real money on the line.

Overall, Bitfinex is worth it if you know what you are doing and want to leverage advanced tools and functionalities to get the best out of your cryptocurrency trading journey.

FAQs


Yes, they are a legitimate cryptocurrency exchange that has been operating since 2012. They are also praised for catering to experienced traders.


They are a reliable cryptocurrency exchange, boasting several security features and even reimbursing users after the platform was hacked.


Bitfinex is not allowed to operate in the United States, so Americans cannot use this service.


They are secure and have greatly improved their security measures recently. The majority of funds are stored in cold storage, and the platform employs a comprehensive KYC and AML law. It also provides withdrawal protections, allows users to create advanced API key permissions, and employs 2FA.


Yes, you can withdraw both fiat currency and cryptocurrency.

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About the Author

Evan Jones

Evan Jones was introduced to cryptocurrency by fellow CryptoVantage contributor Keegan Francis in 2017 and was immediately intrigued by the use cases of many Ethereum-based cryptos. He bought his first hardware wallet shortly thereafter. He has a keen and vested interest in cryptos involving decentralized backend exchanges, payment processing, and power-sharing.

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