Bitfinex or Uphold – which is better for UK traders 2025? Compare Bitfinex and Uphold in this detailed breakdown of their platforms, features and fees.
Founded in 2012, Bitfinex, headquartered in Hong Kong, is a significant force in the cryptocurrency market. It offers a robust proprietary platform with access to 180 cryptocurrencies and over 430 market pairs for spot and perpetual swaps trading. With recent additions such as new payment options, reduced entry barriers, and innovative products like crypto futures, Bitfinex is drawing an even broader spectrum of active traders.
Uphold is a financial platform enabling trading, staking, and rewards through payment cards, all with seamless multi-currency transactions. Since its inception in 2015, it has managed transactions totaling over $4 billion. Serving more than 180 countries, Uphold offers over 200 cryptocurrency and fiat currency options.
Terms Apply. Cryptoassets are highly volatile. Your capital is at risk.
Pros
While initially challenging, the Bitfinex platform excels for experienced traders. It offers an extensive charting suite with 12 timeframes, along with margin trading and a range of order types.
Bitfinex offers superb liquidity across its cryptocurrency trading pairs, minimising slippage and ensuring efficient order execution. This reliability makes it a trustworthy choice for traders, especially when handling large volumes.
Following an expansion of its offerings, Bitfinex now provides access to more than 180 cryptocurrencies. This includes major coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum, as well as volatile altcoins that might attract traders.
Bitfinex is ideal for algorithmic traders, offering automated trading via its Honey terminal and API. This setup allows traders to efficiently programme their strategies.
Fees are competitive according to assessments, with 26 platforms assisting in finding optimal prices.
Uphold consistently leads the industry by frequently being among the initial platforms to introduce new crypto tokens.
Crypto staking is accessible for over 30 tokens, offering competitive rates reaching up to 16%.
Uphold maintains full reserves, ensuring client funds are safeguarded.
More than 250 cryptocurrencies are available, featuring leading tokens such as Bitcoin and Ethereum.
The proprietary app is exceptionally user-friendly, featuring an elegant design and intuitive navigation.
UK users can obtain the Uphold card, offering up to 2% cashback in XRP.
Two-step authentication enhances user security.
Cons
Although Bitfinex has improved security by implementing two-factor authentication, it remains haunted by a persistent history of significant security breaches and regulatory penalties.
Bitfinex, similar to numerous crypto exchanges, functions within a regulatory grey area, potentially increasing risks for traders. This contrasts with more reputable trading platforms such as eToro.
Bitfinex no longer requires a $10,000 minimum deposit, thus becoming more accessible to new traders. However, its fee structure is complex. Fees depend on factors like trading volume and token holdings, which may cause confusion.
Testing indicates insufficient support, particularly for active traders. Email response times are sluggish, taking up to 12 hours. The user experience is also disappointing due to the lack of integrated live chat within the trading platform.
For traders and investors seeking a straightforward approach, platforms such as eToro, Gemini, and Kraken offer excellent choices.
The platform's chart analysis tools lag behind those of specialised exchanges.
Customer service is sluggish according to assessments, offering few communication channels.
A 2.49% charge applies for credit or debit card usage.
Uphold functions under minimal regulatory supervision.
Bitfinex provides a mobile application that mirrors the full functionality of its web platform, facilitating seamless crypto trading on the move. The app also includes a Lite Mode for a simplified trading experience, presenting a more user-friendly interface for trading, staking, and lending cryptos, requiring just a few taps. The app is downloadable from both Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store, though app store ratings demonstrate a superior user experience on iOS devices.
iOS App Rating
4
4.6
Android App Rating
3.5
4.4
Margin Trading
Yes
No
MetaTrader 4
No
No
MetaTrader 5
No
No
cTrader
No
No
AlgoTrader
No
No
OmniTrader
No
No
TradingView
No
No
Autochartist
No
No
eSignal
No
No
Trading Central
No
No
STP Account
No
No
ECN Account
No
No
DMA Account
No
No
MAM Account
No
No
PAMM Account
No
No
LAMM Account
No
No
Demat Account
No
No
AI / Machine Learning
No
No
Robo Advisor
No
No
Negative Balance Protection
No
No
Market Maker
No
No
P2P Trading
Yes
No
Spot Trading
Yes
Yes
Auto Trading
Yes
Automated crypto trading bots
Copy Trading
No
No
Social Trading
No
No
VPS Hosting
No
No
Tournaments
No
No
Demo Competitions
No
No
Ethical Investing
No
Yes
Custodial Account
No
No
Guaranteed Stop Loss
No
No
Inactivity Fee
$5
Islamic Account
No
No
Account Currencies
USD
EUR
GBP
JPY
TRY
USD
EUR
GBP
Commodities
Platinum
Gold
Silver
Palladium
Precious Metals
Cryptocurrency
Bitfinex offers a wide range of crypto assets, featuring more than 180 tokens. Besides spot trading, the platform allows perpetual swaps, enabling traders to use up to 1:10 leverage on crypto assets. With tokens regularly added and removed, Bitfinex presents varied opportunities for active participation in the evolving cryptocurrency market.
With Uphold's user-friendly mobile app or web platform, you can trade over 250 crypto assets using fiat currencies or crypto pairs—offering more options than many competitors. Additionally, earn up to 16% APY by staking any of the 32 eligible tokens or transfer tokens to an external wallet.
