Comparison of Bitvavo vs Pdax [ 2024 ]

The crypto exchanges compared by their commissions, cryptos, security and much more. Here is the Bitvavo vs Pdax comparison!

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

bitvavo

Bitvavo

  • Threenvest valuation: 4,2/5
  • US legal: No
  • Security: High 4,9/5
  • Mobile App: Yes
Go exchange

Investing risks losing your money

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

pdax

Pdax

  • Threenvest valuation: 4/5
  • US legal: No
  • Security: High 4,6/5
  • Mobile App: No
Go exchange

Investing risks losing your money

Main points

Fees

0,15%/0,25%

Earns

Yes

Customer service

4/5
0,40%/0,50%

Fees

No

Earns

3/5

Customer service


Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold

Yes
Yes

Beginners

No

Trading

No

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold


Comparison of fees

Rating

4.1 – Low fees with additional discounts for high-volume traders.
3.9 – Competitive fees with strong local support in the Philippines.

Level

0,15%/0,25%
0,40%/0,50%

Brief explanation

Bitvavo’s commission structure is designed to be highly competitive, particularly appealing to both new entrants and experienced traders in the cryptocurrency market. The platform operates on a tiered fee system where the trading fees decrease as the user’s 30-day trading volume increases. Starting from 0.25% for takers and 0.15% for makers, these fees can go as low as 0.03% for takers and 0.00% for makers, depending on the trading volume. This encourages active trading and is beneficial for high-volume traders seeking to minimize costs while maximizing their trading strategies.
PDAX implements a straightforward fee structure which focuses primarily on trading fees and some transactional costs. Trading fees on PDAX range between 0.40% and 0.50%, depending on the specific market order type—whether it’s a maker or taker order. This fee is slightly above the global average for cryptocurrency exchanges but is justified within the context of a regulated exchange operating under the auspices of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). Additionally, while crypto deposits are free, PDAX charges variable fees for fiat deposits and withdrawals which are dependent on the chosen payment method, enhancing flexibility for users. This structure ensures that while users enjoy a secure trading environment, they are also aware of the costs associated upfront.

Bitvavo

bitvavo
Read bitvavo review
  • Year Founded: Established in 2018, Bitvavo has swiftly risen to prominence within the European market, demonstrating robust growth and stability in a relatively short period. This rapid development signifies strong management and a solid business model, instilling confidence in its longevity and reliability.
  • Security Methods: Bitvavo places a high priority on security with comprehensive measures to protect user assets. These include cold storage for a majority of funds, two-factor authentication, and advanced encryption technology, ensuring that users' data and funds are safeguarded against unauthorized access and cyber threats.
  • Possible Regulation: Operating from Amsterdam, Bitvavo adheres to European financial regulations, which are known for their strict standards. Compliance with these regulations not only confirms the legitimacy of the exchange but also ensures it operates under stringent oversight, enhancing user trust.
  • Reputation and Reviews: Bitvavo has cultivated a positive reputation among its users and in the broader crypto community, reflected in numerous favorable reviews. Users frequently cite the platform's user-friendly interface, low fees, and excellent customer service as major advantages, which speaks to its reliability and the quality of services offered.
  • Customer Service: Commitment to providing excellent customer support is a cornerstone of Bitvavo's operational philosophy. The exchange offers responsive support through multiple channels, ensuring that users' queries and issues are addressed promptly and effectively, which is crucial for building and maintaining trust, especially in the dynamic environment of cryptocurrency trading.
  • Pros
  • Low trading fees.
  • User-friendly interface.
  • Wide range of cryptocurrencies.
  • Cons
  • Limited to European users.
  • No educational resources.

Read bitvavo review

Pdax

pdax
Read bitvavo review
  • Regulatory Compliance: PDAX is licensed and supervised by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), ensuring that it adheres to strict financial regulations and provides a secure trading environment for its users.
  • Security Measures: PDAX prioritizes user security with robust protection mechanisms, including multi-factor authentication and cold storage for the majority of user funds, ensuring safety against potential cyber threats.
  • Customer Service: PDAX offers comprehensive customer support with multiple channels, including a detailed FAQ section, email support, and social media engagement, ensuring users receive timely assistance and guidance.
  • Trading Volume and Liquidity: As one of the leading exchanges in the Philippines, PDAX maintains a healthy trading volume and liquidity, which facilitates efficient trading and provides users with better price discovery and trade execution.
  • Transparency: PDAX operates with high transparency, regularly updating users about changes in service, fee structures, and other essential operational aspects, fostering trust through clear communication.
  • Pros
  • Regulated by Philippine central bank.
  • Supports direct PHP transactions.
  • Low entry cost for investors.
  • Cons
  • Limited international market access.
  • Fewer advanced trading features.

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Product selection

Native token

No
No

Earns

Yes
No

NFT marketplace

No
No

Cripto/debit card

No
No

Company information

Full name

Bitvavo B.V.
Philippine Digital Asset Exchange

Regulation

Regulated in the Países Bajos
Regulated in Filipinas

Year founded

2017
2018

Founder

Unknown
Nichel Gaba

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes
Yes

Mastercard

Yes
Yes

Wire transfer

Yes
Yes

Card

Yes
Yes

Comparative table

Bitvavo FEATURES Pdax
Bitvavo allows users to start trading with small amounts, making it accessible for beginners.
Minimum Trade
PDAX allows users to start trading with as little as PHP 50 per single trade, making it accessible for beginners and those with limited capital.
Bitvavo offers some of the lowest fees in Europe, which are transparent and competitive.
Trading and Transaction Fees
The trading fees range between 0.40% to 0.50%, which is moderately competitive within the region but higher compared to global averages.
Supports a wide variety of over 50 cryptocurrencies, catering to diverse trading preferences.
Number of Cryptocurrencies
Supports over 37 cryptocurrencies, which is decent for a regional exchange but less compared to larger international platforms.
Offers a robust selection of trading pairs, allowing for versatile crypto-to-crypto transactions.
Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs
PDAX primarily focuses on PHP-to-crypto pairs, limiting options for those looking to trade directly between cryptocurrencies.
The website provides clear information about fees, policies, and trading options.
Website Transparency
The website provides clear information about trading fees, minimum trade amounts, and other essential policies, although some users may find certain operational details lacking.
While Bitvavo excels in providing a secure and user-friendly trading platform, the lack of an exchange card limits the flexibility for users to spend and gain direct benefits from their cryptocurrency holdings in everyday transactions.
Credit/Debit Card
This lack of a dedicated card offering means that PDAX users cannot directly utilize their crypto holdings for everyday transactions outside the platform.
Provides secure storage solutions with cold storage options for the majority of assets.
Storage Offering
Provides secure wallet services regulated under Philippine law, ensuring safety for digital assets, though it lacks some of the advanced features found in dedicated crypto wallets.
Offers staking services with rewards but has room for expansion in terms of options and higher returns.
Staking and Rewards
Currently, PDAX does not offer staking services or rewards, which is a significant drawback for users looking to earn through these mechanisms.
Both the mobile app and desktop platforms are highly user-friendly and well-designed.
Mobile App and Desktop
The mobile app is user-friendly and provides a robust trading experience on the go, although the desktop version could be enhanced with additional trading tools.
Exceptional customer service with multiple channels for support and quick response times.
Customer Service
Offers multiple channels for support including email and social media, but there are reports of delays and the lack of immediate response options like phone support or live chat.
Efficient deposit and withdrawal processes, although improvements can be made in variety.
Deposit and Withdraw
PDAX supports various local payment methods, which is convenient for Filipino users. International users, however, might find options limited.

Key features

Analysis tools

Basic charting tools
Basic charting tools

Mobile APP

No
No

Security

High 4,9/5
High 4,6/5

Additional features

Staking, Bitvavo Earn program, API access, fiat on/off ramps
Staking, fiat on/off ramps, PDAX Prime, institutional services

Anonymity

No
No

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

150+
20+

User-friendliness

Bitvavo features an intuitive and user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, making it suitable for beginners. The platform focuses on providing a smooth and seamless trading experience.
PDAX features an intuitive and user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, making it suitable for beginners. The platform focuses on providing a seamless trading experience.

Value for money

Delivers good value for money with low trading fees and a user-friendly interface, making it an affordable choice for European traders.
Delivers good value for money with competitive fees and strong local support in the Philippines, making it a good choice for regional users.

Countries of operation

Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain, Italy
Philippines

Best for

Great for European traders looking for a user-friendly platform with low trading fees and a diverse selection of cryptocurrencies.
Best for Filipino investors seeking a reliable platform with competitive fees and strong local support.

Base currencies available

EUR, BTC
PHP, BTC

Account

Trading

Bitvavo is a European exchange known for its low fees and wide range of cryptocurrencies. It offers a user-friendly interface but lacks some advanced trading features.
PDAX is a popular exchange in the Philippines, offering easy fiat integration and a user-friendly platform. It supports a decent range of cryptocurrencies but has higher fees.

Deposit and withdrawal

Bitvavo supports various deposit methods, including bank transfers and crypto. Withdrawals are processed within a day, with minimal fees, making it user-friendly.
PDAX is popular in the Philippines, offering easy fiat and cryptocurrency deposit methods. Withdrawals are processed efficiently, with competitive fees.

Account opening process

Bitvavo provides an easy and quick account opening process. Users need to fill out personal details and verify their identity. The process is fully digital and typically takes less than a day to complete.
PDAX provides an easy and quick account registration process. Users need to provide personal details and verify their identity. The process is fully digital and typically takes less than a day to complete.

KYC required?

Yes
Yes

Customer Service

Bitvavo provides support via email and live chat. The support team is responsive and helpful, but the lack of 24/7 support can be a limitation for some users.
PDAX provides customer support via email and live chat. The support team is responsive and helpful, but the lack of 24/7 support may be a limitation for some users.

Security

Bitvavo employs comprehensive security measures, including 2FA and cold storage. It is regulated by Dutch authorities, ensuring high security for investors.
PDAX offers strong security with 2FA and encryption. Despite its robust security measures, the platform is not regulated by top-tier financial authorities, which could be a concern for some investors.

Which of these exchanges is for you?

alejandro-borja-analista-de-brokers.webp

Alejandro Borja

As an expert on our website, I highly recommend Bitvavo for those looking to engage in cryptocurrency trading, especially within Europe. The exchange combines low fees, a user-friendly interface, and robust security measures, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned traders. With its wide range of cryptocurrencies and effective customer support, Bitvavo stands out as a reliable platform to efficiently manage your digital assets.
Xavier-tarraso-mascarell.jpg

Xavier Tarrasó

As one of the experts reviewing cryptocurrency exchanges on our website, I’ve taken a close look at PDAX. It stands out as a commendable choice for Filipino investors looking to enter the crypto space. The exchange offers a secure, regulated platform where you can trade directly with the Philippine Peso, making it exceptionally convenient. With a user-friendly interface and the support of local bank transfers, PDAX simplifies the process of buying and selling digital assets. Whether you’re new to cryptocurrencies or seeking a reliable home-market platform, PDAX provides a solid foundation to manage your digital investments.

View all comparisons against Bitvavo

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How do we review crypto exchanges?

At Threenvest, we conduct a thorough review process to evaluate and rank the world’s leading crypto exchanges. Our goal is to offer an unbiased assessment, providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions on which ones best suit your needs. We strictly adhere to the guidelines of our editorial policy.

 

We collect data directly from exchanges through detailed questionnaires and conduct first-hand testing and observations during crypto exchange demonstrations. Questionnaire responses, combined with demonstrations and hands-on research from our experts, feed into our proprietary evaluation process that scores each provider’s performance on more than 15 factors. The end result produces star ratings ranging from poor (one star) to excellent (five stars).


For more details on the categories considered when rating brokers and our process, read our full methodology.

Risk Disclaimer

Investing in cryptocurrencies is very risky, you should only invest the money you are willing to lose. Also you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong.

Neither Threenvest, nor the author, are recommending you to invest with this article.

More comparatives Bitvavo and Pdax