BitMEX or Bitfinex – which is better for UK traders 2025? Compare BitMEX and Bitfinex in this detailed breakdown of their platforms, features and fees.
BitMEX, established in 2014, is a cryptocurrency exchange specialising in derivatives. The platform provides a seamless way to convert fiat to crypto, engage in spot trades, and trade crypto derivatives like perpetual contracts, traditional futures, and quanto futures. BitMEX is known for its significant market liquidity, standing as one of the top exchanges in this aspect.
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.
Pros
The Guilds social trading platform enables traders to join competitions and earn rewards. This includes a weekly prize pool valued at 4,000 USDT as of this writing.
BitMEX consistently provides a wealth of free market insights, alongside trading guides and community platforms on Discord, Telegram, and additional channels.
The broker ensures exceptional security by employing a mix of hot and cold wallets alongside advanced encryption for managing cryptographic keys.
The BMEX token offers up to 15% discounts on trading fees and other exclusive benefits when staked.
The platform offers extensive customisation options, enabling traders to adjust widgets and apply filters to the order book.
Traders can engage with investors through the intuitive chat feature integrated within the platform.
The specialised crypto platform is more efficient than other multi-asset terminals.
Traders may accrue interest by holding Tether and Bitcoin.
The broker provides two advanced API systems for experienced traders.
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.
Cons
BitMEX operates as an offshore company and lacks regulation by any reputable authority, which is typical for crypto brokers.
BitMEX primarily caters to active traders, offering limited tools and features for beginners.
The broker faced legal action from US regulators, resulting in fines.
Withdrawals are processed only at a designated time each day.
Only Bitcoin is allowed for cost-free withdrawals.
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.
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
3.2
4
Android App Rating
3.2
3.5
Margin Trading
Yes
Yes
MetaTrader 4
No
No
MetaTrader 5
No
No
cTrader
No
No
AlgoTrader
Yes
No
OmniTrader
No
No
TradingView
Yes
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
Yes
No
P2P Trading
Yes
Yes
Spot Trading
Yes
Yes
Auto Trading
BitMEX Market Maker, BotVS, and via API
Yes
Copy Trading
No
No
Social Trading
Yes
No
VPS Hosting
No
No
Tournaments
No
No
Demo Competitions
No
No
Ethical Investing
No
No
Custodial Account
No
No
Guaranteed Stop Loss
No
No
Inactivity Fee
$5
Islamic Account
No
No
Account Currencies
USD
EUR
GBP
JPY
TRY
Cryptocurrency
BitMEX provides an exceptionally competitive environment for crypto trading, offering low-cost $1 contracts and leverage up to 100:1. Its unique platform delivers advanced trading tools, featuring a customisable order book, a depth chart, and numerous technical indicators.
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.
