Comparison of Pdax vs Bitbuy [ 2024 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

pdax

Pdax

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

Investing risks losing your money

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

bitbuy

Bitbuy

  • Threenvest valuation: 3,9/5
  • US legal: No
  • Security: High 4,6/5
  • Mobile App: Yes
Go exchange

Investing risks losing your money

Main points

Fees

0,40%/0,50%

Earns

No

Customer service

3/5
0.20%

Fees

Yes

Earns

4/5

Customer service


Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

No

Passive income

No

Buy and hold

Yes
Yes

Beginners

No

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold


Comparison of fees

Rating

3.9 – Competitive fees with strong local support in the Philippines.
3.7 – Reasonable fees but slightly higher for fiat transactions.

Level

0,40%/0,50%
0.20%

Brief explanation

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.
Bitbuy’s commission structure is designed to be transparent and competitive within the Canadian market. The exchange typically charges a 0.1% fee for makers, who add liquidity to the market, and a slightly higher fee for takers, who remove liquidity. This fee structure is beneficial for both high-volume traders and occasional users, ensuring that costs are kept reasonable without compromising the quality of service. Additional charges include withdrawal fees, which vary depending on the cryptocurrency, and minimal to no deposit fees, emphasizing Bitbuy’s commitment to providing a cost-effective trading environment for its users.

Pdax

pdax
Read PDAX 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.

Read PDAX review

Bitbuy

bitbuy
Read PDAX review
  • Security Methods: Bitbuy prioritizes the security of its users with robust measures including SSL encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), and compliance with PCI DSS standards. This commitment to security ensures that users' funds and personal information are well protected against unauthorized access and cyber threats.
  • Possible Regulation: Bitbuy operates with full compliance with Canadian financial regulations. Being a registered Money Service Business (MSB) under FINTRAC, it adheres to the legal requirements set forth for financial platforms, enhancing its reliability and trustworthiness.
  • Reputation and Reviews: Bitbuy has built a strong reputation within the Canadian crypto community and beyond. It consistently receives positive reviews from users, particularly praising its user-friendly interface and responsive customer service, underscoring its standing as a trusted platform in the market.
  • Transparency: The exchange is known for its transparent operations, providing clear information about its fees, processes, and operations. This transparency builds trust among users, ensuring they feel informed and confident in their trading decisions on the platform.
  • Customer Service: Bitbuy offers excellent customer service, with a dedicated support team available to address and resolve users’ issues promptly. This focus on customer satisfaction is crucial for building long-term trust and ensuring that users have a reliable resource for any inquiries or problems they might encounter.
  • Pros
  • Strong regulatory compliance in Canada.
  • User-friendly interface for beginners.
  • Robust, effective security measures.
  • Cons
  • Relatively high trading fees.
  • Limited selection of cryptocurrencies.

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Product selection

Native token

No
No

Earns

No
Yes

NFT marketplace

No
No

Cripto/debit card

No
No

Company information

Full name

Philippine Digital Asset Exchange
First Ledger Corporation

Regulation

Regulated in Filipinas
Regulated by FINTRAC en Canadá

Year founded

2018
2016

Founder

Nichel Gaba
Adam Goldman

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes
Yes

Mastercard

Yes
Yes

Wire transfer

Yes
Yes

Card

Yes
Yes

Comparative table

Pdax FEATURES Bitbuy
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.
Minimum Trade
The minimum trade amount is reasonably low, making it accessible for beginners.
The trading fees range between 0.40% to 0.50%, which is moderately competitive within the region but higher compared to global averages.
Trading and Transaction Fees
Fees are relatively high compared to competitors, which could deter frequent traders.
Supports over 37 cryptocurrencies, which is decent for a regional exchange but less compared to larger international platforms.
Number of Cryptocurrencies
Bitbuy offers a selection of the most popular cryptocurrencies but lacks a wide variety of altcoins.
PDAX primarily focuses on PHP-to-crypto pairs, limiting options for those looking to trade directly between cryptocurrencies.
Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs
Limited to major cryptocurrencies, lacking diversity in trading pairs.
The website provides clear information about trading fees, minimum trade amounts, and other essential policies, although some users may find certain operational details lacking.
Website Transparency
The website provides clear, easily accessible information on fees, policies, and trading options.
This lack of a dedicated card offering means that PDAX users cannot directly utilize their crypto holdings for everyday transactions outside the platform.
Credit/Debit Card
Bitbuy lacks an exchange card, limiting its utility for in-store purchases and additional benefits.
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.
Storage Offering
Provides secure cold storage options, ensuring safety for digital assets.
Currently, PDAX does not offer staking services or rewards, which is a significant drawback for users looking to earn through these mechanisms.
Staking and Rewards
Offers some staking options and rewards, though not as extensive as some other platforms.
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.
Mobile App and Desktop
Both mobile and desktop platforms are user-friendly and well-designed.
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.
Customer Service
Excellent customer service with quick response times and helpful support staff.
PDAX supports various local payment methods, which is convenient for Filipino users. International users, however, might find options limited.
Deposit and Withdraw
Efficient deposit and withdrawal processes, though some limitations apply to methods and currencies.

Key features

Analysis tools

Basic charting tools
Basic charting tools

Mobile APP

No
No

Security

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

Additional features

Staking, fiat on/off ramps, PDAX Prime, institutional services
OTC trading, express trade option, institutional services, cold storage solutions

Anonymity

No
No

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

20+
15+

User-friendliness

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.
Bitbuy offers a clean and intuitive platform that is easy to navigate, making it suitable for beginners. The exchange provides helpful guides and customer support to assist new users in their trading journey.

Value for money

Delivers good value for money with competitive fees and strong local support in the Philippines, making it a good choice for regional users.
Delivers decent value for money with competitive fees and strong security features, suitable for Canadian users looking for a reliable exchange.

Countries of operation

Philippines
Canada

Best for

Best for Filipino investors seeking a reliable platform with competitive fees and strong local support.
Best for Canadian investors seeking a reliable and secure exchange with competitive fees and strong customer support.

Base currencies available

PHP, BTC
CAD, BTC

Account

Trading

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.
Bitbuy is a Canadian exchange known for its high security and ease of use. It offers a decent selection of cryptocurrencies but has higher fees compared to some other global exchanges.

Deposit and withdrawal

PDAX is popular in the Philippines, offering easy fiat and cryptocurrency deposit methods. Withdrawals are processed efficiently, with competitive fees.
Bitbuy provides easy fiat and cryptocurrency deposit methods. Withdrawals are processed within a day. Fees are slightly higher than some global exchanges but reasonable.

Account opening process

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.
Bitbuy offers a simple and user-friendly account opening process. Users need to fill out personal information, verify their identity, and typically, the account is approved within a day. It’s secure and efficient.

KYC required?

Yes
Yes

Customer Service

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.
Bitbuy offers customer support via email and live chat. The support team is responsive and helpful, but the lack of 24/7 support may be a drawback for some users.

Security

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.
Bitbuy offers robust security with 2FA, SSL encryption, and cold storage. It is regulated by Canadian authorities, ensuring high security for investors.

Which of these exchanges is for you?

alejandro-borja-analista-de-brokers.webp

Alejandro Borja

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.
Xavier-tarraso-mascarell.jpg

Xavier Tarrasó

As an expert on our website, I highly recommend Bitbuy for Canadian users looking for a secure and user-friendly platform to begin their cryptocurrency trading journey. While it does have higher trading fees and a somewhat limited range of cryptocurrencies, its strong regulatory compliance, excellent customer service, and transparent operations make it a trustworthy choice. For those prioritizing security and ease of use, Bitbuy is definitely worth considering.

View all comparisons against Pdax

View all comparisons against Bitbuy

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 Pdax and Bitbuy