Comparison of Coinbase vs Bitfinex [ 2025 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

Coinbase

Investing risks losing your money

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

Bitfinex

Investing risks losing your money

Main points

Fees

0,40%/0,60%

Earns

Yes

Customer service

4/5

0,10% /0,20%

Fees

Earns

3/5

Customer service

Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold

Yes

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold

Comparison of fees

Rating

3.5 – Higher fees but strong security and ease of use.

4.2 – Low fees for high-volume traders but higher for smaller trades.

Level

0,40%/0,60%

0,10% /0,20%

Brief explanation

Coinbase is known for its relatively higher fee structure, which can be a significant consideration for its users. The exchange charges a flat fee for smaller transactions and a percentage of the transaction amount for larger ones. Fees vary depending on the payment method used, such as credit/debit cards or bank transfers, and the country of the user. Additionally, Coinbase applies a spread of about 0.50% for cryptocurrency purchases and sales. While the fees may be higher compared to some other platforms, they are often justified by the high level of security, user-friendly services, and the robust infrastructure that Coinbase offers to its customers. This makes it especially appealing to new entrants to the cryptocurrency market who seek ease of use and reliability.

Bitfinex’s fee structure is designed to cater to both high-volume and occasional traders. The exchange employs a maker-taker fee model, where makers, who add liquidity to the market by placing limit orders, typically pay lower fees than takers, who remove liquidity by matching orders already on the book. Fees for takers start at 0.20%, and for makers, they begin at 0.10%. These fees decrease significantly with increased trading volume, making Bitfinex an attractive option for active traders. Additionally, there are no fees for depositing cryptocurrencies, though withdrawal fees do apply and vary depending on the currency. Overall, Bitfinex’s fees are competitive within the industry, providing a fair balance between cost and the comprehensive features offered.

Coinbase

Year Founded: Established in 2012, Coinbase has a long-standing presence in the cryptocurrency market. This extensive history not only showcases its resilience and adaptability but also its ability to innovate and grow alongside the rapidly evolving crypto ecosystem.
Number of Users: With millions of users globally, Coinbase is one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges. This large user base not only demonstrates trust and satisfaction among a significant portion of the crypto community but also contributes to its robust trading volume and liquidity.
Security Methods: Coinbase employs state-of-the-art security measures including two-factor authentication, cold storage of 98% of customer funds, and insurance to protect against theft or breaches of the online storage. This comprehensive approach to security helps ensure user funds are protected at all times.
Possible Regulation: Coinbase is known for its strong regulatory compliance, operating in accordance with major regulatory bodies in the U.S. and other jurisdictions. This adherence to strict regulatory standards ensures operational transparency and security for its users.
Reputation and Reviews: Over the years, Coinbase has built a solid reputation within the cryptocurrency community. Positive reviews from users and its standing in the industry as a reliable, easy-to-use platform further affirm its credibility and reliability as a top choice for both new and experienced cryptocurrency users.

Read Coinbase review

Bitfinex

Year Founded: Bitfinex has been operational since 2012, establishing itself as one of the oldest and most stable players in the volatile cryptocurrency market. Its longevity speaks to its ability to adapt and improve in a rapidly evolving industry
Security Methods: Post-2016 hack, Bitfinex significantly ramped up its security measures, implementing state-of-the-art security protocols including cold storage of funds, two-factor authentication, and advanced encryption technology to protect user data and assets.
Trading Volume and Liquidity: Bitfinex consistently ranks among the top exchanges in terms of trading volume. High liquidity not only makes it easier for users to execute trades at desired prices but also reflects the trust and scale of operation that Bitfinex maintains.
Reputation and Reviews: Despite past challenges, Bitfinex has maintained a strong reputation within the crypto community. It is frequently praised for its advanced trading features and deep liquidity, with many users advocating for its platform in various reviews and crypto forums.
Transparency: Bitfinex has taken steps to enhance its transparency, particularly in how it manages user funds and its operational status. The exchange regularly updates users about new features, security enhancements, and operational changes, helping build trust through openness.

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Product selection

Native token

Token LEO

Earns

Yes

NFT marketplace

Yes

Cripto/debit card

Yes

Full name

Coinbase Global, Inc.

iFinex Inc.

Regulation

Regulated in the EE. UU. y varios otros países

Not regulated

Year founded

2012

Founder

Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam

Jean

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes

Mastercard

Yes

Wire transfer

Yes

Card

Yes

Comparative table

Coinbase	FEATURES	Bitfinex
Coinbase allows relatively low minimum trade amounts, making it accessible for beginners.	Minimum Trade	Bitfinex allows trading with a relatively low minimum, catering to both small and large investors.
Fees are higher than average but justified by high security and user-friendly services.	Trading and Transaction Fees	Fees are competitive, but high withdrawal fees may deter frequent traders.
Offers a wide range of cryptocurrencies, catering to both popular and niche market interests.	Number of Cryptocurrencies	Offers a wide range of cryptocurrencies, providing extensive trading options.
Provides a robust selection of trading pairs, allowing diverse trading strategies.	Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs	Extensive crypto-to-crypto pairings offer flexible trading strategies.
Highly transparent about security measures, fees, and operational procedures.	Website Transparency	Generally transparent with operational and security practices but could improve in fee structures.
The card is widely accepted, allows users to earn cryptocurrency rewards on purchases, and integrates seamlessly with Coinbase accounts, enhancing the user experience for everyday transactions.	Credit/Debit Card	Bitfinex does not provide an exchange card for customers to use for in-store purchases.
Offers secure wallet services with a majority of assets stored in cold storage.	Storage Offering	Provides secure storage options including cold storage, though it’s complex for beginners.
Provides competitive staking rewards and incentives for various cryptocurrencies.	Staking and Rewards	Offers competitive staking options and rewards, enhancing user investment potential.
Both platforms are user-friendly and highly functional, providing excellent trading experiences.	Mobile App and Desktop	Both platforms are robust and user-friendly, but the mobile app lacks some advanced features.
Offers adequate support, though response times can vary during peak periods.	Customer Service	Customer service is available but response times can be slow during peak times.
Efficient deposit and withdrawal processes, with some limits and fees that vary by region.	Deposit and Withdraw	Efficient deposit methods; however, withdrawal policies can be restrictive and costly.

Key features

Analysis tools

User-friendly charts, basic tools

Advanced charting tools, multiple technical indicators, and APIs

Mobile APP

Yes

Security

High 4,9/5

Additional features

Staking, Coinbase Earn educational rewards, recurring buys, Coinbase Pro exchange

Margin trading, lending services, staking, Bitfinex Pulse (social network)

Anonymity

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

100+

150+

User-friendliness

Coinbase is known for its highly user-friendly interface, making it one of the best choices for beginners. The platform is simple to navigate, and buying and selling cryptocurrencies is straightforward and hassle-free.

Bitfinex provides a powerful platform with a user-friendly interface that caters to both beginners and advanced traders. While it offers advanced trading features, the platform is designed to be accessible and easy to use.

Value for money

Provides reasonable value for money with higher fees but strong security features and a user-friendly interface, making it suitable for beginners.

Offers good value for money with competitive fees and advanced trading features, suitable for both retail and institutional traders.

Countries of operation

United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia

Global, including United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany

Best for

Great for beginners who prioritize security and ease of use, despite higher fees compared to other exchanges.

Suitable for experienced traders and institutions looking for advanced trading features and a wide range of cryptocurrencies.

Base currencies available

USD, EUR, GBP, BTC

USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, BTC, ETH, USDT

Account

Trading

Coinbase is one of the most popular exchanges, especially for beginners. It offers a user-friendly platform, high security, and a good range of cryptocurrencies. However, its fees are higher compared to some other exchanges.

Bitfinex is tailored for professional traders with its advanced trading features and high liquidity. It offers a wide range of cryptocurrencies but has had security breaches in the past, making some users cautious.

Deposit and withdrawal

Coinbase supports a wide range of deposit and withdrawal methods, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and cryptocurrencies. Withdrawals are processed efficiently, usually within a day, but fees can be higher compared to other exchanges .

Bitfinex supports a wide range of deposit options, including bank transfers and crypto. Withdrawals are processed quickly, usually within a few hours. Fees are competitive, though high-volume users may benefit more.

Account opening process

Coinbase offers a user-friendly and seamless account opening process. Users need to provide personal information, verify their identity, and typically get their account approved within a day. It’s secure and efficient .

Bitfinex provides a straightforward and fully digital account registration process. Users need to submit personal details, verify their identity, and address. The process is quick, usually taking less than a day to complete.

KYC required?

Yes

Customer Service

Coinbase offers extensive customer support through email, live chat, and a detailed help center. Support is available 24/7, and the response times are quick, making it reliable for users globally .

Bitfinex provides extensive support through email, live chat, and a help center. The response time is quick, and support is available 24/7, ensuring users get timely assistance.

Security

Coinbase employs extensive security measures, including 2FA, encryption, and cold storage. It is regulated by multiple financial authorities, making it a highly secure platform for investors .

Bitfinex provides extensive security features, including 2FA, cold storage, and encryption. It is regulated by several financial authorities, making it a secure platform for investors .

Which of these exchanges is for you?

Alejandro Borja

As Threenvest reviews Coinbase, it is evident that this platform stands out as a robust and user-friendly gateway into the world of cryptocurrency trading. Ideal for both novice and experienced traders, Coinbase provides an intuitive interface, extensive educational resources, and a suite of trading options that cater to a broad spectrum of investment strategies. The security measures employed by Coinbase are commendable, with best practices like cold storage of funds, insurance, and stringent compliance with regulatory standards, ensuring a secure environment for digital asset trading. However, despite its many strengths, Coinbase does exhibit some limitations when compared against the broader landscape of cryptocurrency exchanges. The fee structure, particularly for small transactions and casual traders, can be notably higher than some of its competitors, which might deter those seeking more cost-effective trading options. Additionally, while Coinbase offers a substantial range of cryptocurrencies, it may not match the sheer volume of trading pairs available on platforms like Binance or Kraken. Nevertheless, Threenvest believes that for users who prioritize a secure, straightforward, and well-regulated trading experience, Coinbase remains an excellent choice. Our comprehensive review finds that while no platform is without its flaws, Coinbase’s commitment to security, ease of use, and continuous improvement align well with the needs of most cryptocurrency enthusiasts and investors.

Xavier Tarrasó

As an expert on our website, I recommend Bitfinex for traders seeking a diverse and dynamic trading environment. The platform’s extensive range of cryptocurrencies and crypto-to-crypto trading pairs is impressive, making it a great choice for those looking to explore different trading strategies. While the trading fees and customer service response times could see improvement, Bitfinex’s advanced trading features and robust security measures make it a reliable option for serious traders.

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View all comparisons against Bitfinex

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.