Pionex or Bitfinex – which is better for UK traders 2025? Compare Pionex and Bitfinex in this detailed breakdown of their platforms, features and fees.
Pionex is a cryptocurrency trading platform that excels in automated trading. It provides traders with an array of pre-built bots and strategies, alongside AI tools for strategy customisation or creation. These tools are available for both spot and futures crypto markets.
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
Twelve free integrated trading bots available, requiring no coding or programming skills.
PionexGPT, an advanced AI chatbot, assists traders in programming bots using Pine script. It provides effective support for trading strategies.
Superior and innovative liquidity engines sourced from top exchanges like Binance and Huobi.
With trading fees as low as 0.05% for both makers and takers, this platform offers competitive rates compared to other leading exchanges.
Over 40 cryptocurrency funding coins accepted.
Facilitates cryptocurrency derivatives through futures trading.
US FinCEN requires a Money Services Business (MSB) license for 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
Inadequate regulatory oversight raises concerns about security.
Withdrawal fees and limits might be applicable.
Does not accept deposits in traditional currency.
Limited communication channels
No practice account available.
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
4.7
4
Android App Rating
4.1
3.5
Margin Trading
Yes
Yes
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
No
Yes
Spot Trading
No
Yes
Auto Trading
Crypto bots
Yes
Copy Trading
Yes
No
Copy Trading Platform
Pionex users can identify successful traders and replicate their bot configurations. This enables round-the-clock cryptocurrency trading via an intuitive platform and app.
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
Trade spot, futures, and leveraged positions on 120 cryptocurrencies through Pionex's exclusive platform. It features built-in bots and highly flexible automated trading options. However, the selection of tokens is more limited compared to other platforms.
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.