Bitfinex Fee Calculator 2025
See how much you could save on trading fees with Bitfinex. Based on your monthly trading volume and whether you hold the LEO token.
Your Estimated Fees
Without LEO:
With LEO:
Based on Bitfinex standard fees: 0.2% taker, 0.1% maker
Is Bitfinex Still Worth It in 2025?
If you’ve been trading crypto for a few years, you’ve probably heard of Bitfinex. It’s not the flashiest exchange out there-no slick app design, no TikTok ads, no influencer endorsements. But if you’re serious about trading, especially with leverage or derivatives, Bitfinex still holds its ground. In 2025, it’s not for everyone. It’s for a very specific kind of trader: someone who cares more about execution speed than customer service, and more about order depth than a simple interface.
Let’s cut through the noise. Bitfinex isn’t trying to be Binance or Coinbase. It doesn’t want your grandma. It wants traders who know what a limit order is, who track funding rates, and who don’t panic when the market drops 8% in five minutes. If that’s you, keep reading. If you just bought your first Bitcoin last month and still think ‘LTC’ stands for ‘Lightning Coin,’ you’re better off elsewhere.
What Bitfinex Actually Offers
Bitfinex launched in 2012, back when Bitcoin was under $100 and most exchanges were barely holding together. It was built by traders, for traders. Today, it supports around 170 cryptocurrencies, including major ones like BTC, ETH, SOL, and XRP, plus dozens of lesser-known altcoins and stablecoins. It’s not the largest selection-Binance offers over 350-but it’s well-curated. You won’t find random memecoins here unless they’ve proven liquidity and demand.
The real power lies in what’s underneath: spot trading, margin trading up to 10x, perpetual futures, options, and even peer-to-peer lending. You can lend your crypto and earn interest, or borrow to go short. The funding markets are deep. On BTC/USD or ETH/USD, you can move $5 million without noticeable slippage. That’s not something most retail exchanges can claim.
And then there’s the LEO token. It’s Bitfinex’s native utility token. Hold it, and you get reduced trading fees. At 10,000 LEO, taker fees drop from 0.2% to 0.13%. Maker fees go from 0.1% to 0.1%. It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme-it’s a fee discount system built for high-volume traders. If you’re moving $100k+ a month, LEO saves you real money.
Fees: Competitive, But Not Cheap
Bitfinex’s fee structure is straightforward:
- Taker fee: 0.2% (standard), down to 0.13% with LEO or high volume
- Maker fee: 0.1% (standard), down to 0.1% with LEO or high volume
Compared to Binance’s 0.1% taker fee, Bitfinex is slightly higher-unless you’re holding LEO. But here’s the catch: fiat deposits cost extra. If you’re depositing USD via wire transfer, expect a $15 fee. SEPA transfers are cheaper at €1, but still not free. Credit card deposits? Not even offered. You need to buy crypto elsewhere first, then send it over.
That’s a big downside for new users. Most exchanges now let you buy crypto directly with a card. Bitfinex doesn’t. You need to use bank transfers, P2P, or crypto deposits. That adds steps. It adds friction. And if you’re not used to managing wallets and addresses, it’s a headache.
Security: Proven, But Not Perfect
Bitfinex was hacked in 2016. About 120,000 BTC vanished-worth $72 million at the time. Most exchanges would’ve collapsed. Bitfinex didn’t. They covered every loss. Full compensation. No partial payouts. No delays. That’s rare. It’s still talked about in crypto circles today.
Since then, they’ve hardened their security. Most funds are in cold storage. Multi-signature wallets are standard. They run a bug bounty program that’s paid out over $2 million since 2018. On CertiK and CoinGecko, their security score is strong.
But here’s the gap: no insurance. Not on crypto. Not on fiat. If something goes wrong, you’re not protected by a third-party insurer. You’re relying on Bitfinex’s balance sheet. And while they’ve been reliable so far, that’s not the same as insurance. Cer.Live, a platform that audits exchange solvency, gives Bitfinex a low rating because they don’t publish Proof of Reserves. That’s a red flag for institutional users who need compliance.
The Interface: Built for Experts, Not Beginners
Open Bitfinex. Look at the dashboard. It’s not ugly-it’s just dense. There are charts, order books, trade history, open positions, funding rates, lending rates-all on one screen. It’s overwhelming if you’ve never seen it before.
Advanced traders love it. You can set OCO (One Cancels the Other) orders. You can use trailing stops. You can customize your workspace. Execution speed is under 100ms. That matters when you’re scalping or hedging large positions.
But for beginners? It’s a wall. No guided onboarding. No educational videos. No simple ‘Buy Bitcoin’ button. The help docs are technical. The support team doesn’t do live chat. You email them. And if you’re locked out of your account-which some users report happening-you could wait days for a reply.
One user on Trustpilot wrote: “My account was frozen for 12 days. No explanation. No timeline. I lost a trading opportunity worth over $20k.” That’s not a glitch. That’s a systemic issue. Customer service is slow. Responses are templated. There’s no escalation path.
Who Should Use Bitfinex?
Let’s be clear: Bitfinex isn’t a beginner exchange. It’s not a savings app. It’s not a place to HODL your Bitcoin and forget about it.
Use Bitfinex if:
- You’ve traded crypto for at least two years
- You use margin or futures regularly
- You care about low latency and deep order books
- You’re comfortable with complex interfaces
- You’re okay with slow support and no live chat
- You already hold LEO or plan to trade high volume
Avoid Bitfinex if:
- You’re new to crypto
- You want to buy crypto with a credit card
- You need fast customer service
- You expect insurance on your funds
- You prefer a simple, mobile-first app
Most retail traders in 2025 are better off starting with Coinbase, Kraken, or even Bybit. They’re easier. They’re faster. They have better support. Bitfinex is the tool you graduate to-not the one you start with.
Market Position and Future Outlook
Bitfinex holds about 2.3% of the global crypto exchange market. That’s small compared to Binance’s 50%+. But in institutional derivatives, they’re in the top five-with nearly 9% market share. That’s where they thrive.
They’ve seen retail users drop 7.2% year-over-year. But institutional usage is up 3.1%. That tells you everything. Bitfinex isn’t trying to grow its user base. It’s trying to keep its best traders.
They’ve added more stablecoin pairs and expanded lending. No major redesigns. No new features. Just refinement. That’s a strategy. They’re not chasing trends. They’re doubling down on what works: deep liquidity, low latency, and advanced tools.
But the risks are real. No regulatory approvals in the U.S., EU, or UK. No Proof of Reserves. Slow support. These aren’t minor issues. They’re structural. If a major regulator cracks down, Bitfinex could lose access to key markets. That’s why experts are divided. Some say it’s a legacy platform holding on. Others say it’s the last true trader’s exchange.
Final Verdict: Niche, But Powerful
Bitfinex isn’t broken. It’s just not for you-if you’re not already experienced.
If you’re an intermediate to advanced trader who needs deep markets, fast execution, and advanced order types, Bitfinex still delivers. The fees are fair if you use LEO. The security track record is solid. The platform is stable, even during volatility.
But if you’re looking for ease, speed, or support-you’ll be frustrated. The verification process takes 3-5 business days. Withdrawals can be delayed by security checks. Support is email-only. There’s no safety net.
Bitfinex is like a high-end race car. It’s fast. It’s precise. It’s built for experts. But if you’ve never driven one, you’ll crash before you even leave the garage.
For the right person, it’s still one of the best. For everyone else? Look elsewhere.
Is Bitfinex safe to use in 2025?
Bitfinex has strong security practices-cold storage, multi-sig wallets, and a long-running bug bounty program. After its 2016 hack, they fully reimbursed all users, which is rare. However, they don’t offer insurance on deposits, and they don’t publish Proof of Reserves. That means your funds rely entirely on their internal solvency. For experienced traders who understand the risks, it’s acceptable. For beginners or those wanting insurance-backed protection, it’s not ideal.
Can I buy crypto on Bitfinex with a credit card?
No, Bitfinex does not support credit or debit card purchases. You can only deposit via bank transfer (ACH, SEPA, SWIFT), crypto transfers, or P2P. This means you’ll need to buy crypto on another exchange first, then send it to Bitfinex. This adds complexity, especially for new users.
What are the trading fees on Bitfinex?
Standard taker fees are 0.2%, and maker fees are 0.1%. These drop to 0.13% and 0.1% respectively if you hold the LEO token or trade high volumes. Compared to Binance, fees are slightly higher unless you’re using LEO. Fiat deposits also come with fees-$15 for wire transfers, €1 for SEPA. There are no free deposits.
Is Bitfinex good for beginners?
No. Bitfinex’s interface is complex, with no guided onboarding or beginner tutorials. The platform assumes you know what an OCO order is, how funding rates work, and how to manage margin positions. Customer support is slow, and account verification takes 3-5 days. Beginners should start with Coinbase, Kraken, or Binance instead.
How long does withdrawal take on Bitfinex?
Crypto withdrawals usually process within minutes. But if your account triggers a security review-common after large withdrawals or unusual activity-it can take up to several hours or even a day. Fiat withdrawals via wire transfer take 1-5 business days. There’s no live chat to speed things up, so delays can be frustrating.
Does Bitfinex have a mobile app?
Yes, Bitfinex has a mobile app for iOS and Android. But it’s basic. It lacks many advanced features available on the desktop version, like advanced order types, detailed charting, and full margin controls. Most active traders use the web platform. The app is fine for checking balances or making quick trades, but not for serious trading.
What’s the KYC process like on Bitfinex?
KYC is mandatory and takes 3-5 business days to complete. You need to submit government-issued ID, a selfie, and proof of address. The process is strict and manual-no instant verification. Once approved, you unlock all deposit and withdrawal options. Many users report delays and unclear status updates during this phase.
Can I stake crypto on Bitfinex?
Yes, Bitfinex offers staking for select proof-of-stake coins like ETH, SOL, and ADA. Rewards are paid in the same asset you stake. Rates vary by coin and market conditions. Staking is simple to set up, but liquidity is locked during the staking period. You can’t trade or withdraw staked assets until unstaked.
Next Steps: What to Do Now
If you’re still considering Bitfinex, start small. Deposit $100 in Bitcoin. Test the interface. Try a simple limit order. See how fast it executes. Then try a withdrawal. Watch how long it takes. Check their support response time. Don’t jump in with your life savings.
If you’re already trading there and running into issues-like frozen withdrawals or slow replies-document everything. Save screenshots. Keep emails. Reach out to crypto forums like Reddit’s r/Bitfinex. Other traders have been through the same things. You’re not alone.
And if you’re just starting out? Save Bitfinex for later. Build your skills first. Learn how to read order books. Understand funding rates. Master stop-losses. Then come back. Bitfinex won’t disappear. But your patience will run out if you start here too soon.
Finance
Shane Budge
December 7, 2025 AT 02:11Bitfinex is the last real exchange. Everything else is a toy store with fake liquidity.
Brooke Schmalbach
December 8, 2025 AT 02:59Let’s be real - if you need a credit card to buy crypto, you shouldn’t be trading. Bitfinex filters out the noise by design. The interface isn’t broken, it’s a filter. Most people can’t handle the truth.
The 2016 hack? They paid everyone back. Try finding another exchange that did that. Now they’re being punished for having integrity while everyone else runs off with user funds and calls it ‘decentralized finance.’
LEO isn’t a meme coin - it’s a fee discount for people who understand volume. If you’re not trading $100k/month, you’re not the audience. Stop complaining about the onboarding.
The lack of insurance? Good. Insurance is for people who don’t want to be responsible for their own security. You want a safety net? Open a savings account. This isn’t a bank.
Support is slow because they don’t have the budget to babysit beginners. They serve professionals. If you need live chat, you’re not ready. Period.
And yes, the app is basic. You think a race car comes with a touchscreen dashboard that sings you lullabies? No. It has a tachometer and a gear shift. That’s all you need.
People calling this ‘outdated’ are just mad they can’t swipe right to buy Dogecoin. Bitfinex doesn’t care. It’s still the most liquid derivatives platform outside of Binance - and Binance is a regulatory ticking time bomb.
Don’t confuse complexity with poor design. This is a professional tool. Like a scalpel. You don’t blame the surgeon if you don’t know how to hold it.
Tara Marshall
December 9, 2025 AT 14:44Withdrawals take longer if you trigger a security review. That’s normal. If you’re moving large amounts, expect scrutiny. No one wants another Mt. Gox.
Joe West
December 10, 2025 AT 17:56Been using Bitfinex since 2018. Never had an issue with deposits or trades. Support took 72 hours once when I forgot my 2FA code - but they got me back in. No drama, no BS.
LEO holders get real savings. I save about $200/month just by holding 15k LEO. That’s free money if you trade even moderately.
And yeah, no card deposits - but that’s a feature, not a bug. It stops people from gambling with money they don’t have.
Richard T
December 12, 2025 AT 03:24Interesting how people treat Bitfinex like it’s trying to be something it’s not. It’s not a retail app. It’s a professional-grade platform that’s survived multiple crypto winters. That’s rare.
The lack of insurance isn’t negligence - it’s a philosophical stance. They believe users should be responsible for their own security. That’s not evil. It’s libertarian.
And the interface? It’s like a cockpit. You don’t need a guided tour to fly a plane - you need training. Bitfinex assumes you’ve done your homework.
ronald dayrit
December 13, 2025 AT 14:30There’s a deeper truth here that no one’s naming: Bitfinex represents the last vestige of crypto’s original ethos - trustless, permissionless, and unapologetically technical. The entire industry has been co-opted by VC-funded UI/UX consultants who think crypto is about aesthetics, not architecture.
Bitfinex doesn’t care if your grandma can use it. It cares if your algorithm can execute a delta-neutral hedge with 87ms latency across 12 markets simultaneously. That’s the metric. Everything else is noise.
The 2016 hack didn’t destroy them - it purified them. The users who left were the ones who didn’t understand that decentralization means accepting risk. The ones who stayed? They’re the ones who still believe in the code.
Proof of Reserves is a regulatory checkbox, not a security feature. Real security is in cold multisig, audit trails, and operational discipline - not third-party attestations that can be faked.
And LEO? It’s not a token. It’s a loyalty program built on economic alignment. You hold it because you trade. You trade because you trust the system. It’s a feedback loop of competence.
When the next regulator crackdown comes, Bitfinex won’t be the one begging for a license. They’ll be the one quietly migrating to a jurisdiction that still respects financial sovereignty.
Most people want convenience. The few who want capability? They’ll find Bitfinex. And they’ll thank their past selves for not taking the easy path.
rita linda
December 15, 2025 AT 03:31Why do Americans keep acting like Bitfinex is some rogue operation? It’s been around longer than most of you have been trading. The fact that it’s still standing while every ‘innovative’ exchange from 2021 is now a shell company says everything.
You want a credit card? Go to Coinbase. You want insurance? Go to Kraken. You want support that answers in under 24 hours? Go to Binance. But don’t come crying here when you realize you’re not ready for real trading.
The interface isn’t ‘overwhelming’ - it’s comprehensive. If you can’t read an order book, maybe you shouldn’t be holding a position. This isn’t a game.
And stop pretending ‘no Proof of Reserves’ is a scandal. Every exchange hides their reserves. They just do it better. Bitfinex doesn’t need to prove it to you - they’ve already proven it by surviving.
Mariam Almatrook
December 15, 2025 AT 16:38It is absolutely unfathomable to me that anyone would consider using a platform that does not offer insurance on deposits. This is not merely a risk - it is a moral failure. The fact that this is even being discussed as if it were a neutral feature reveals the profound ethical decay within this so-called ‘crypto community.’
Bitfinex is not a ‘tool for experts.’ It is a relic of an era where negligence was celebrated as ‘decentralization.’ The 2016 hack was not a redemption story - it was a cover-up. The compensation came from user funds, not company reserves. That is not integrity - it is financial sleight of hand.
And to call LEO a ‘fee discount’ is to lie to yourself. It is a centralization vector disguised as utility. You are being manipulated into holding a proprietary token that benefits only the platform’s insiders.
This is not a marketplace. It is a casino with a terminal. And those who defend it are either complicit or tragically naive.
Stanley Wong
December 16, 2025 AT 03:13I get why people hate Bitfinex’s interface - I did too at first. But after using it for three years, I realized the chaos is actually order. Everything’s where it needs to be if you know what you’re looking for. It’s like a library with no labels - you just have to learn the system.
And yeah, support is slow. But I’ve never had a withdrawal fail. Never had funds stolen. Never had a fake order executed. That’s more than I can say for half the exchanges I’ve tried.
People keep saying ‘it’s not beginner-friendly’ like that’s a bad thing. Should every restaurant have a kids’ menu? No. Some places are for adults. This is one of them.
And LEO? I bought mine when it was $0.30. Now it’s $1.10. I didn’t buy it to save on fees. I bought it because I believed in the platform. And it paid off. That’s not manipulation - that’s conviction.
Bitfinex doesn’t need to be popular. It just needs to work for the people who matter. And it does.
sonia sifflet
December 16, 2025 AT 12:17Stop pretending Bitfinex is some elite club. The truth? They’re just too lazy to update their UI. The app hasn’t changed since 2019. The website looks like a 2013 WordPress theme. They’re not sophisticated - they’re stuck.
And don’t act like ‘no credit card’ is some deep philosophical stance. It’s because they don’t want to deal with chargebacks. They’re scared of banks, not proud of being ‘anti-retail.’
LEO token? More like LEO scam. You’re forced to hold it to get decent fees. That’s not a discount - that’s extortion.
They’re not the last trader’s exchange. They’re the last desperate exchange clinging to relevance while everyone else moves on.
Thomas Downey
December 18, 2025 AT 11:58One cannot help but observe the alarming decline in intellectual rigor among those who defend Bitfinex’s archaic design philosophy. To equate a lack of user-friendliness with ‘expertise’ is not only logically unsound - it is a betrayal of the very principles of accessibility that underpin technological progress.
The notion that a platform’s refusal to offer insurance constitutes ‘philosophical integrity’ is not only absurd - it is dangerously irresponsible. Financial institutions exist to mitigate risk, not to glorify it.
Furthermore, the claim that Bitfinex’s interface is ‘comprehensive’ rather than ‘obscure’ reveals a profound epistemological failure - one that conflates complexity with competence. A well-designed system does not require a manual to function.
It is not elitism to demand clarity. It is dignity.
miriam gionfriddo
December 19, 2025 AT 23:20BITFINEX IS A TERRIBLE PLATFORM AND I HATE IT BUT I STILL USE IT BECAUSE THERE IS NO OTHER OPTION FOR MY STRATEGY
THEY DONT DO LIVE CHAT AND MY ACCOUNT GOT FROZEN FOR 17 DAYS BECAUSE I WITHDREW 20K IN ETH AND THEY THOUGHT IT WAS A HACK
THEY NEVER APOLOGIZED. NEVER EXPLAINED. JUST SAID ‘SECURITY REVIEW IN PROGRESS’
I LOST $45K IN OPPORTUNITIES
AND YET… I STILL TRADE THERE BECAUSE THE LIQUIDITY IS UNMATCHED
THEY’RE THE ONLY PLACE WHERE I CAN TRADE 100M IN BTC/USD WITHOUT SLIPPAGE
THEY’RE A TOXIC BEAUTY
I HATE THEM BUT I NEED THEM
Sandra Lee Beagan
December 21, 2025 AT 02:02As someone who grew up in a culture where patience and long-term trust matter more than instant gratification, I see Bitfinex differently. It’s not broken - it’s enduring.
When I first started trading, I wanted everything to be easy. Now I realize: ease is often a trap. Bitfinex doesn’t give you shortcuts - it gives you depth.
The interface? It’s like a traditional Japanese garden. It looks chaotic to outsiders, but every stone, every path, every angle is intentional.
I don’t need live chat. I need clarity. I don’t need a card deposit. I need control. I don’t need insurance. I need responsibility.
And LEO? I hold it not because I’m forced to - but because I believe in the community. It’s not a token. It’s a commitment.
Maybe this isn’t for everyone. But for those who understand the weight of their choices? It’s perfect.
jonathan dunlow
December 22, 2025 AT 18:16Let me tell you something - if you think Bitfinex is ‘outdated,’ you haven’t traded in a real bear market. When the whole crypto world crashed in 2022, Bitfinex didn’t freeze withdrawals. It didn’t shut down. It didn’t blame ‘market conditions.’ It kept running.
I watched other exchanges collapse. I watched others delay withdrawals for weeks. I watched others lie about reserves.
Bitfinex? They kept trading. They kept matching orders. They kept the lights on.
Yeah, the interface is dense. Yeah, support is slow. Yeah, no card deposits. So what? That’s the price of reliability.
People say ‘why not use Binance?’ Because Binance got banned in 7 countries. Because Binance paid $4B in fines. Because Binance is a political pawn.
Bitfinex? They don’t care about politics. They care about execution. And that’s worth more than any flashy app or live chat.
Don’t judge them by what they don’t have. Judge them by what they’ve survived.
Chris Jenny
December 22, 2025 AT 21:30BITFINEX IS A GOVERNMENT BACKED SHILL PLATFORM TO TRACK YOUR TRANSACTIONS AND STEAL YOUR CRYPTO UNDER THE GUISE OF 'SECURITY'!!!
THEY DON'T HAVE INSURANCE BECAUSE THEY'RE WORKING WITH THE FED TO MONITOR EVERY WITHDRAWAL!!!
LEO TOKEN IS A BLOCKCHAIN BACKED SURVEILLANCE TOOL TO IDENTIFY 'HIGH VALUE USERS'!!!
THEY'RE USING YOUR TRADING DATA TO PREDICT MARKET MOVEMENTS FOR THE CIA AND THEN FRONT-RUN YOU!!!
THEY HAVE A BACKDOOR IN THE ORDER BOOK THAT ALLOWS THEM TO CANCEL YOUR ORDERS IF YOU'RE TOO PROFITABLE!!!
EVERYONE WHO USES BITFINEX IS BEING USED!!!
THEY'RE NOT A TRADERS EXCHANGE - THEY'RE A CRYPTO FEDERAL RESERVE!!!
Brooke Schmalbach
December 23, 2025 AT 15:19And yet here you are, still trading on it. Hypocrisy is the new loyalty.