Investing and trading in financial markets such as the stock exchange, forex, digital currencies in the form of spot or with leverage face a high inherent risk. According to the statistics of all exchanges and brokers, more than 75% of people lose!
Bitfinex was founded in 2012 by "Giancarlo Devasini and Raphael Nicolle." iFinex is the parent company of this exchange and it is registered in British Virgin Islands, El Salvador and Cayman Islands. Over 400 cryptocurrencies are tradable in this exchange.
Bitfinex was originally designed for P2P Bitcoin transactions, but right now, it offers more than 400 cryptocurrencies are available to trade.
Bitfinex crypto is the second digital exchange in the world in terms of the number of bitcoins held (403,000+); They offer 10x leverage [for futures and options], staking and lending.
Bitfinex crypto exchange; comprehensive review, features, and services
Bitfinex Company Information & Regulation
In the early 2010s, “Raphael Nicolle” was working on a project called "Bitcoinica," which eventually led to the launch of the Bitfinex exchange. Thus, Bitfinex Crypto was launched in December 2012 by Raphael Nicolle and Giancarlo Devasini, and the rest is history.
Right now, the crypto exchange is operated by iFinex Inc. and its subsidiaries BFXWW Inc. and BFXNA Inc. Although Bitfinex is a pioneer in the crypto industry, it hasn’t achieved reliable licenses. Right now, it is regulated in 3 jurisdictions:
El Salvador (CNAD)
British Virgin Islands (FSC)
Cayman Islands (CIMA)
Bitfinex CEO
Jean-Louis van der Velde, CEO of Bitfinex and Tether, is a multilingual technologist and entrepreneur with over 30 years in high tech, finance, and Fintech leadership. Career Highlights:
Early Life & Education: Moved from the Netherlands to Taiwan in 1985; attended National Taiwan Normal University (1985–1988);
Tech Ventures: Co-founded multiple IT companies in Asia, pioneering in embedded systems, IPTV, video streaming, and digital marketing;
Leadership Roles: Held senior positions in major IT, manufacturing, and distribution firms; serves as executive director in a Chinese automotive group and Hong Kong VC;
Bitfinex & DigFinEx: Joined in 2013 as CEO/co-founder; leads Fintech innovation, big data projects, and robust AML/KYC systems;
Tether: CEO of a frictionless payment clearing system in beta testing;
Academia: Lecturer at National Taiwan University of Science and Technology; guest lecturer at Taiwan University on blockchain and regulation.
JL van der Velde CEO of Bitfinex exchange
Summary of Specifications
Bitfinex offers a comprehensive suite of trading features and services such as more than 400 supported coins & 10x leverage but it’s not all about it, Bitfinex summary of specifications:
Exchange
Bitfinex
Launch Date
2012
Levels
4
Trading Fees
Varies Based on USD Value Traded or UNUS Sed Leo Holding
Supported Coins
400+
Futures Trading
Yes
Minimum Deposit
$10
Deposit Methods
Bank Wire Transfers, Credit/Debit Cards, Openpayd, Crypto, Tether Coins
Withdrawal Methods
Bank Wire Transfers, Credit/Debit Cards, Openpayd, Crypto, Tether Coins
Maximum Leverage
10x
Minimum Trade Amount
$10
Security Factors
Cold Storage, Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), DDoS Protection, Ip Address and Withdrawal Whitelisting
Limit, Market, Stop, Stop-Limit, Trailing Stop, Fill or Kill (Fok), Immediate or Cancel, Scaled Order
Native Token
No
Restricted Countries
USA, Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Syria, Crimea, Parts of Ukraine That Has Annexed from Russia
Pros and Cons
Let's take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of using Bitfinex:
Pros
Cons
Advanced Trading Features (Margin, Derivatives, OTC)
Lack Of Insurance Fund for User Assets
Competitive Fee Structure
Complex Interface for Beginners
Deep Liquidity for Large Trades
Not Available in Some Jurisdictions Such As US
Educational Blog
High Fee for Fiat Transactions
Demo Account
Limited Customer Support Options
Robust Security Measures
-
Custom Orders
-
User Levels
Bitfinex offers a tiered user level system based on the client's identity verification status.
There are 4 user levels offered by Bitfinex exchange
Each level has its own features, which you can see in the table below:
Specifics
Basic Access
Basic Plus
Intermediate
Full
Exchange Trading
View-Only
Yes
Yes
Yes
Margin Trading
No
Yes
Yes
OTC Trading
Yes
Yes
Yes
Derivatives Trading
No
Yes
Yes
Margin Funding
No
Yes
Yes
Lending Pro
No
Yes
Yes
Bitfinex Borrow
No
Yes
Yes
Increase position
No
Yes
Yes
Bitfinex Pulse
Yes
Yes
Yes
Staking
Yes
Yes
Yes
P2P
Yes
Yes
Yes
Fees and Commissions
Bitfinex has implemented a unified fee structure for all trading pairs, based on the total USD value traded or UNUS SED LEO holding in the last 30 days; but on the basis the fees are as follows:
Fees
Crypto to Crypto
Crypto to Stablecoin
Crypto to Fiat
Derivatives
Maker
0.100%
0.100%
0.100%
0.200%
Taker
0.200%
0.200%
0.200%
0.0650%
For entry-level traders (with a monthly volume of under $500,000), the maker fee is 0.10% and the taker fee is 0.20%.
As trading volume increases, these rates decline, down to 0.00% for makers and 0.055% for takers for top-tier accounts. This dynamic model rewards high-frequency traders with competitive cost efficiency.
Bitfinex Exchange Supported Coins: How Many Assets Can You Trade?
Bitfinex boasts an impressive selection of over 400 spot markets, covering a wide range of cryptocurrencies and digital assets.
There are more than 400 supported coins on Bitfinex
The exchange covers major assets, such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Ripple (XRP), and EOS.
In addition to quantity, the exchange offers a wide range of trading pairs across fiat and crypto, allowing users to trade BTC/USD, ETH/EUR, and countless crypto-to-crypto combinations. Traders can access major cryptocurrencieslike:
Bitcoin (BTC)
Ethereum (ETH)
Solana (SUN)
Ripple (XRP)
Litecoin (LTC)
DogeCoin (DOGE)
Cardano (ADA)
Chain Link (LINK)
This broad selection supports both mainstream and niche trading strategies.
Bitfinex Exchange Futures and Margin Trading Overview
Bitfinex crypto exchange supports both futures and margin trading which allows traders to access derivatives market’ but what are their features? See the list below from Bitfinex review!
Futures
Leverage up to 10x
Supports Perpetual Contracts
Risk Management tools such as position management
Understandable for Beginners
Margin
Wide range of tradable assets available for margin trading
Up to 10x leverage
P2P funding market available for margin trading
How to Sign Up and Verify on Bitfinex Exchange?
To create an account and get verified, you'll be required to verify your email address, identity, and address. Steps to Bitfinex registration:
#1 Visit the Official Website
Navigate to theapplication form by clicking the "Sign Up" button on the Bitfinex website's home page.
Click on the “Sign up” button to start the Bitfinex registration process
#2 Registration Form
Fill out the sign up form with the following details:
Email
Username
Password
Country of Residence
Required information on the Bitfinex sign up application
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is mandatory for all Bitfinex accounts. Download and enable Google Authenticator to activate 2FA.
Install Google Authenticator to activate 2FA on Bitfinex account
#3 Verify Your Email Address
Use the verification code sent to your email to verify your email and finish registration.
Click the confirmation link sent by email to activate your Bitfinex account
#4 Bitfinex Basic Verification
Bitfinex verification procedure uses a two-stage KYC process: Basic Plus and Full, to enable full account functionality and meet compliance standards. Average completion time is 15 minutes per level, depending on document readiness.
For Basic verification, access your profile, open the "Verification" menu, and select "Upgrade to Basic Plus". Choose your document type and issuing country, then:
Upload a government-issued photo ID;
Complete a biometric selfie verification using the mobile app;
Provide personal details exactly as shown on your ID;
Confirm your mobile phone number.
Bitfinex accepts various documents for basic verification, including Passport and Driving license
#5 Bitfinex Full Verification
From the dashboard, click Upgrade to Full Verification and follow these steps:
Submit an additional ID not used in the Basic Plus stage;
Upload proof of address (utility bill, financial statement, or government-issued letter); Applicable proof of address documents on Bitfinex
Enter your bank account details and upload a bank statement;
Complete a financial questionnaire covering employment, income, and trading history;
Check the verification dashboard for approval status (up to 48 hours).
Check your Bitfinex account verification status via dashboard
How to Trade on Bitfinex
Spot trading on Bitfinex allows you to buy and sell assets directly using the balance in your Exchange wallet. Follow these quick, practical steps to place and manage your trades effectively.
#1 Log In and Check Funds
Access your Bitfinex account and ensure your crypto wallet has sufficient funds to place your desired order. Minimum order size varies per trading pair.
#2 Select a Trading Pair
On the trading page, use the Tickers box to search and choose your desired trading pair. For example, select BTC/USDT when selling Tether for Bitcoin.
Search and select the correct trading pair for your transaction on Bitfinex
#3 Open and Configure the Order Form
Locate the Order Form widget. Select Exchange in the top left, then choose your order type (Limit, Market, or others) and enter the trade details.
Limit Order: Set price and amount manually;
Market Order: Executes immediately at current market price.
Configure order type and trade details in the Bitfinex Order Form
#4 Review and Place the Order
Your pending order appears in the Orders widget, where you can review, edit, or cancel it before execution.
#5 Track Executed Orders and Funds
After execution, funds appear in your Exchange wallet. The trade moves to the Order History widget, and full details are available in Reports under Orders or Ledgers.
Applications and platforms
Trading in Bitfinex is done not only through the browser but also through the application. Currently, it has released its application for mobile and desktop, and we will review each of them with the download link.
Mobile Application
The Bitfinex mobile app provides a seamless trading experience with the following features:
Full trading functionality, including spot and margin trading
Real-time market data and price alerts
Portfolio management and order tracking
Bitfinex Pulse integration for social trading
Enhanced security features, including biometric authentication
Fast Pay for quick crypto transfers
Bitfinex crypto mobile app launched in 2019
Want to download and use Bitfinex crypto mobile app? Use the links below:
“Trade Like a Pro with Bitfinex Reporting App” is the slogan of the Bitfinex reporting app.
The Reporting App is a powerful tool for traders and investors, offering Detailed portfolio tracking and performance analysis, investment return reports, multi-account management capabilities, and Comprehensive tax reporting features.
Right now, you can install the app for Windows, Linux, and Mac via Bitfinex’s GitHub.
Bitfinex Exchange Trade Volume – Last 3 Months
In the past quarter, Bitfinex trade volume has fluctuated between $100M and $900M, with occasional sharp spikes indicating heightened trading activity.
Early June peak: Volume surged close to $800M, suggesting strong institutional participation or market-moving news;
Mid-July rebound: Notable increase above $500M after a period of steady mid-range activity;
August breakout: A sharp spike to nearly $1B marked the highest activity level in three months, followed by an excessive correction.
This pattern reflects episodic surges driven by specific catalysts, with Bitfinex maintaining consistent baseline liquidity between $150M–$350M.
A graph showcasing Bitfinex trading volume from May to August 2025
Bitfinex Services
Bitfinex offers a versatile suite of services, including TradingView integration, API access, P2P trading, and a rewarding referral program.
Despite a major security breach in 2016, Bitfinex has since overhauled its security architecture. It now implements industry-grade safeguards, including:
SOC 2 Type 2 certification, demonstrating adherence to strict security standards
Cold storage for over 99% of user funds
Two-factor authentication (2FA) for account access
IP address and withdrawal whitelisting
Advanced DDoS protection
Regular security audits and penetration testing
Bitfinex has demonstrated a long-term commitment to rebuilding trust, maintaining robust operational security, while offering institutional-level infrastructure.
Bitfinex Security Rankings
The exchange ranks among the top platforms with the Bitfinex CertiK Skynet profile scoring 86.33% and a CER security rating of B (65%).
Bitfinex profile on CER.live platform
It excels in server and user security, achieving perfect penetration test scores, but lacks funds insurance coverage.
Category
Metric
Value
CertiK Skynet Score
Overall Score
86.33% (A)
Operational
89.96
Market
87.01
Cybersecurity
95.32
Fundamental
79.90
Listing Security
89.02
Community
81.06
CER.live Security Score
Overall Score
65% (B)
Server Security
100/100
User Security
100/100
Penetration Tests
100/100
Bug Bounty
50/100
ISO 27001
No
CCSS
No
Funds Insurance
No
Withdrawal and Deposit Methods in Bitfinex Exchange
Compared to other digital currency exchanges, Bitfinex covers more methods for deposit and withdrawal, which include:
Bank wire transfers (USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, CNH are accepted)
Credit/debit cards (USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, CNH are accepted)
OpenPayd for EUR and GBP deposits
Direct deposit and withdrawal for all supported cryptocurrencies
Tether coins such as USDt, EURt, CNGt, XAUt, and MXNt
There is no fixed minimum deposit on Bitfinex, allowing users to start trading with relatively small amounts. Most crypto trades can begin with as little as $10 worth of digital assets, making the platform accessible to both beginners and casual investors.
Note: The minimum bank wire withdrawal amount is $1,000 with a 0.1% fee.
Bitfinex Tether TRC20 Deposit
Bitfinex USDT TRC20 deposit is a secure and fee-efficient process on the TRON blockchain network, typically completing within 10 minutes. While Bitfinex charges no internal fees, standard TRON network gas fees apply.
#1 Access the Wallet Deposit Page
From the top menu, navigate to the "Deposit" menu through the "Wallet" section to enter the funding interface.
#2 Select TRC20 and Get Your Address
Choose Tether Tokens (USDT) in the new page and follow these steps:
Select Tether tokens from the available deposit methods on Bitfinex
Select Tether (USDT) on Tron (TRC20)
Copy your wallet address or scan the QR code
Send USDT from your personal wallet
#3 Track Your Transaction
Check Recent Deposits at the bottom of the Wallet page to confirm credit and view transaction status.
Check your transaction history on Bitfinex from the Recent deposits section
Bitfinex USDT ERC20 Withdrawal
Bitfinex USDT ERC20 withdrawal is a secure 4-step process with a minimum amount of ~5 USDT and a low 0.18635 USDT network fee. Transactions typically finalize in under 10 minutes.
#1 Open Wallet and Select Withdraw
From the Wallet menu, click Withdraw and choose Tether Tokens to open the ERC20 payout form.
#2 Fill in Withdrawal Details
Provide the following information in the billing form:
Select Tether USDT and the correct wallet (e.g., Funding);
Choose Ethereum (ERC20) network;
Enter withdrawal amount (≥ 4.9937578 USDT);
Paste the destination address and review the fee.
Bitfinex Tether USDT withdrawal form
#3 Verify and Approve
In this stage, you must verify your identity to finalize the transaction.
Enter Google Authenticator 2FA code;
Input the on-screen confirmation number;
Approve the request via the email confirmation link.
#4 Track the Transaction
Check the Withdrawals section in your Wallet to view transaction status, amount, and blockchain confirmation time.
Check your withdrawal request status from the Recent withdrawals section on the Bitfinex dashboard
Trust Scores
The trust score of the Bitfinex Trustpilot profile shows its average performance. Of course, CoinGecko gave this exchange a score of 10/10, but a 1.3 out of 5 on reviews.io is also remarkable.
CoinMarketCap: 6.9 out of 10
CoinGecko: 10/10
Trustpilot: 2.8 out of 5
Bitfinex trust score in Trustpilot is 2.8/5 based on 271 reviews
Reviews.io: 1.3/5
Bitfinex Features
Let's check the availability of special crypto services, such as staking and crypto cards, on Bitfinex:
Staking
Yes
Yield Farming
Yes
Social Trading
Yes
Liquidity Pool
Yes
Crypto Cards
Yes
Bitfinex Promotions
Bitfinex Promotions offer traders and affiliates lucrative opportunities through multi-level commissions, exclusive competitions, and reward multipliers.
The exchange features up to 38% commissions, 100,000 USDT in prize pools, and special bonuses for UNUS SED LEO holders and API developers.
Promotions
Maximum Prize Money
Conditions
Competition
100,000 USDT total prize pool
competitions and events; prizes awarded to active participants.
Affiliate Program
Up to 38% multi-level commissions
Commission on referrals’ trading and margin funding fees, boost earnings with multipliers, and get API developer rebates
Bitfinex Competition
The platform is on a mission to distribute 100,000 USDT to its loyal community through exciting promotions, competitions, and exclusive events. Stay connected to participate and track the progress of rewards.
Progress So Far: 78,000 USDT already distributed to participants;
Ongoing Opportunities: Check back for upcoming live competitions and prize-winning events;
Past Highlights: Previous campaigns have delivered generous prizes to engaged community members, including the "Double The Profit" campaign.
Bitfinex Affiliate Program
Thereferral Program lets you unlock new income streams by earning multi-level commissions from trading and margin funding fees, boosted by commission multipliers and developer rewards.
Bitfinex offers affiliate commissions for referrals up to second level
Build your network, track performance, and grow alongside the crypto community.
Multi-level Commissions: Earn up to 38% (18% from direct referrals, 6% from first-level, and 2% from second-level referrals);
Boost with Multipliers: Up to 1.44x for verified users and 1.5x for UNUS SED LEO token holders;
Developer Reward: Get a 5% rebate for trades via API integrations (stackable with affiliate commissions);
Easy Start: Sign up, share referral links, and manage strategies through the Affiliate Dashboard.
Customer Services
The Achilles heel of the Bitfinex exchange is its not-so-good user support. But why is it not so suitable? Because this exchange does not have many support ways, which include:
Live chat
Ticket
Which Countries Are Restricted on Bitfinex Exchange?
While this exchange operates globally, certain countries and regions are restricted from using the platform due to regulatory requirements and compliance considerations.
Full list of Bitfinex restricted countries
Bitfinex restricted countries:
USA
Cuba
North Korea
Iran
Syria
Crimea
Occupied Parts of Ukraine
Which Investment Services Does Bitfinex Exchange Offer?
Bitfinex provides several investment and trading services beyond basic spot trading:
Lending Pro: An automated lending tool that allows users to earn interest on their crypto holdings;
Staking: Like many exchanges [BingX, Bithumb, Binance, etc.], Bitfinex offers staking and users can stake certain cryptocurrencies to earn rewards of up to 7% per year;
Bitfinex Borrow: A peer-to-peer borrowing platform where users can set their own terms and use their assets as collateral;
Bitfinex Pay: A payment solution for businesses to accept cryptocurrency payments and gain profit.
Besides Bitfinex, BingX, Bitunix, Toobit, Bithumb, and some other exchanges offer staking.
Bitfinex Staking
Bitfinex supports crypto staking on a variety of proof-of-stake assets, such as Ethereum 2.0 (ETH2), Tezos (XTZ), Polkadot (DOT), Cardano (ADA), and Tron (TRX).
Depending on the token, users may earn annual returns of up to 10% APR. Staking is non-custodial, and rewards are distributed automatically, making it a passive earning mechanism.
Bitfinex Comparison Table
Let's check Bitfinex's standing among the top crypto exchanges:
Bitfinex offers spot, options and futures trading with a minimum deposit of $10. Bitfinex secure its 4 services [Lending Pro, Staking, Bitfinex Borrow, Bitfinex Pay] with features such as Cold Storage, 2FA and DDoS Protection; But fund insurance is not provided by Bitfinex exchange.
FAQs
Is Bitfinex safe to use?
Bitfinex has implemented strong security measures, but like all exchanges, it carries inherent risks. Users should enable all available security features and practice safe crypto storage.
Can U.S. residents use Bitfinex?
No, Bitfinex does not allow U.S. persons to use its platform due to regulatory restrictions.
What are the minimum deposit and withdrawal amounts on Bitfinex?
There are no minimum deposit amounts for fiat currencies. Minimum withdrawal amounts vary by cryptocurrency and are subject to change.
Does Bitfinex offer a mobile app?
Yes, Bitfinex provides a mobile app for both iOS and Android devices, offering full trading functionality.
How to use Bitfinex?
To use Bitfinex, you must register, go through the verification process, and make a deposit to be able to trade.
How long does account verification take on Bitfinex?
Account verification times can vary, but typically take 1-3 business days. Complex cases may require additional time.
Does Bitfinex offer margin trading?
Yes, Bitfinex offers margin trading with up to 10x leverage on select trading pairs.
What is Bitfinex and when was it founded?
Bitfinex is a global cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2012 by Raphael Nicolle and Giancarlo Devasini. Initially built for P2P Bitcoin trading, Bitfinex has evolved into a comprehensive platform supporting 400+ cryptocurrencies, margin, and derivatives trading. It is operated by iFinex Inc., headquartered in Hong Kong.
Is Bitfinex regulated, and where is it licensed?
Bitfinex is not regulated by major tier-1 financial authorities, but it holds operational status in El Salvador (CNAD), the British Virgin Islands (FSC), and the Cayman Islands (CIMA). This grants it a legal framework, though not the same investor protection as fully regulated exchanges.
What types of trading does Bitfinex offer?
Bitfinex supports spot, margin (up to 10x), and futures trading with perpetual contracts. It also provides services like staking, crypto lending, borrowing, and payment solutions via Bitfinex Pay.
What cryptocurrencies can be traded on Bitfinex?
Bitfinex offers 400+ digital assets including BTC, ETH, SOL, XRP, LTC, DOGE, ADA, and LINK. Traders can access both crypto-to-crypto and crypto-to-fiat markets across hundreds of pairs.
What are Bitfinex's trading fees for spot and derivatives?
For most users (under $500K monthly volume), maker fees are 0.10% and taker fees are 0.20% on spot markets. Derivatives start at 0.065% (taker). Holding UNUS SED LEO tokens or high trading volumes unlocks lower fees.
Does Bitfinex support fiat currencies and payments?
Yes, Bitfinex supports fiat deposits and withdrawals via bank wires, credit/debit cards, and Open Payd in major currencies like USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, and CNH. Fees and minimums vary by method.
What order types are supported on Bitfinex?
Bitfinex provides a full suite of advanced order types including Limit, Market, Stop, Stop-Limit, Trailing Stop, Fill or Kill, Immediate or Cancel, and Scaled Orders—ideal for professional traders.
What staking options are available at Bitfinex?
Users can stake ETH 2.0, XTZ, DOT, ADA, TRX and others with returns up to 10% APR. Staking is non-custodial and rewards are distributed automatically.
What are the user levels and verification requirements on Bitfinex?
Bitfinex has 4 verification tiers: Basic, Basic Plus, Intermediate, and Full. Services like margin, derivatives, and lending require at least Intermediate level. Verification includes ID, proof of address, and a selfie.
Is Bitfinex suitable for beginners?
While Bitfinex offers great features, its interface may be complex for beginners. However, it includes a demo mode, educational blog, and simplified trading for new users.