Coinbase or Bitfinex – which is better for UK traders 2025? Compare Coinbase and Bitfinex in this detailed breakdown of their platforms, features and fees.
Founded in 2012, Coinbase began as a platform for buying and selling Bitcoin through bank transfers. Now, it's a major player in the crypto world. It offers more than 240 crypto assets and advanced trading platforms for retail investors. Coinbase is listed on the US Nasdaq and holds multiple regulatory licences. By May 2025, it became the first crypto firm in the S&P 500, boosting its credibility.
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.
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Pros
As a Nasdaq-listed entity, Coinbase adheres to stringent financial regulations and holds licences in the US, UK, and Europe. Its security measures feature FDIC insurance for USD balances up to $250,000 and implement two-factor authentication (2FA).
Coinbase offers support for over 240 cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Solana (SOL). The platform also provides early access to newly listed altcoins like $Trump, enabling traders to engage with emerging tokens.
In 2025, Coinbase Advanced expanded its trading options with new futures products. These include Ripple (XRP), Natural Gas (NGS), and Cardano (ADA). This enhancement offers traders accessible methods to trade, hedge, or diversify their portfolios.
Coinbase Advanced now integrates TradingView, a feature uncommon among crypto platforms. This allows traders to access spot and futures markets directly via real-time charts while utilising robust technical analysis tools.
Platforms cater to all traders. Beginners might opt for the straightforward Coinbase app. Meanwhile, Advanced Trade offers reduced fees and professional-grade tools.
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
Tests show that crypto fees are high, particularly when compared to competitors such as Kraken and BitMEX. This is especially true on the standard trading platform.
The research tools available are inadequate. Advanced Trade offers TradingView charts, yet it is missing critical features such as news feeds, economic calendars, and AI-driven market insights.
Customer support during testing is frustrating, as most assistance options require a login. This complicates matters for traders who are locked out or do not have an account, as they struggle to access help.
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.
Coinbase boasts an intuitive, frequently updated app that mirrors the desktop experience. It ensures speed and reliability, catering to traders with advanced features, real-time market analysis, staking rewards, secure portfolio management, and education incentives, all secured by stringent regulatory compliance. However, Android user ratings highlight that the interface lags behind the Apple version, citing user experience and notification issues.
Bitfinex offers a mobile app replicating its web platform's full features, enabling smooth trading on the go. It has a Lite Mode for a simplified experience, providing a user-friendly interface for trading, staking, and lending cryptocurrencies with just a few taps. Available on both Apple's App Store and Google's Play Store, user ratings indicate a better experience on iOS devices.
iOS App Rating
4.7
4
Android App Rating
4
3.5
Margin Trading
No
Yes
MetaTrader 4
No
No
MetaTrader 5
No
No
cTrader
No
No
AlgoTrader
No
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
No
No
P2P Trading
No
Yes
Spot Trading
Yes
Yes
Auto Trading
Yes
Copy Trading
No
No
Social Trading
No
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
$0
$5
Islamic Account
No
No
Account Currencies
USD
EUR
USD
EUR
GBP
JPY
TRY
Cryptocurrency
Coinbase offers an excellent trading platform for cryptocurrency enthusiasts. It supports more than 240 digital assets, ranging from Bitcoin to new altcoins. The platform, enhanced by TradingView, provides traders with advanced charting options and comprehensive market data.
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.
