Compare Bitfinex vs CEX.IO

Maker-Taker Fees: Protecting Profit Margins

Fees become the silent killer of any portfolio performance. Both exchanges utilize a tiered maker/taker fee model, which basically means you get lower fees for higher 30-day volumes. However, there are subtle differences – and the effect can be dramatic. Every additional 0.05% on taker fees will add up, cutting your profit margins.

Pay particular attention to fee discounts available for the native tokens issued by each exchange – sometimes these discounts can be quite generous.

Trading Instruments: Supported Coins & Market Volume

Bitcoin and Ethereum can be found on every exchange. However, the competition between Bitfinex and CEX.IO happens on altcoins territory. One company will actively push obscure coins for speculative gains, the other will focus on regulatory compliance and thorough listings process. This will result in two opposite approaches: a larger but riskier catalog of coins against a safer and stricter set of coins.

Liquidity is a crucial metric for both traders and investors alike. Lack of liquidity will cost you slippage – no need to pay additional fees if the market conditions won't allow you to execute your trades profitably. Luckily for both platforms, the most common trade sizes in standard retail instruments see enough trading volume and narrow spreads.

KYC Compliance & International Regulations

There is no place for anonymous trading anymore. Both exchanges require KYC verification, which will unlock the possibility of withdrawing larger amounts and using various advanced derivatives.

Nevertheless, the real issue here is geography rather than personal data – due to legal licensing requirements, one of the exchanges may be blocked in your region.

Staking & Earn Programs for Passive Income Generation

No one likes sitting on a passive portfolio. Nowadays, every cryptocurrency exchange serves as a bank. Various savings programs, staking, and dual investments can provide a significant yield for any portfolio holder. Advertised APY rates vary depending on market demand but check if you will lose money on withdrawal from locked coins if necessary.