Two players shape crypto exposure through different models: Bitfinex leans on native exchange liquidity and advanced tools, while IC Markets channels regulated CFD access.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose if…
Choose Bitfinex if you want direct access to a native exchange with 200 coins and a proprietary platform. Note that Bitfinex does not offer 24/5 live chat and funds are not segregated.
Choose if…
Choose IC Markets if you want regulated crypto CFDs with 20 coins and access through MT4, MT5, cTrader or TradingView. It also provides 24/7 support and segregated funds with negative balance protection.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.9/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $200 |
| Spreads From | N/A | 0 pips |
| Taker Fee | 0.20%▼ lower | 7.00% |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Bitfinex | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Pass | Fail |
| Proof of reserves published | Fail | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Fail | Pass |
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.) | Fail | Pass |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Staking available | Fail | Fail |
| DeFi integration | Fail | Fail |
| NFT trading | Fail | Fail |
| 500+ coins listed | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
The scores are close: Bitfinex rates 3.9/5 and IC Markets rates 4.1/5. IC Markets has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
IC Markets lists a spread from 0. Current spread data is not available for Bitfinex. Check both exchanges' full fee schedules, including maker/taker rates, for up-to-date pricing.
Bitfinex has no minimum deposit, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes Bitfinex more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
IC Markets holds top-tier regulation (ASIC, CySEC, FSCA), providing stronger investor protections. Bitfinex may be regulated but does not hold top-tier status in our data. Verify regulatory status on each regulator's public register before depositing funds.
For beginners, two factors stand out: Bitfinex has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and IC Markets provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Bitfinex offers up to 10:1 on perpetual or margin products, versus IC Markets's 2:1 cap. Margin and futures trading carry higher risk than spot crypto; confirm product availability and jurisdiction-specific limits on each exchange's website.
Bitfinex charges $0.2 per trade, lower than IC Markets's $7 per trade. Lower commissions benefit active traders who execute many trades per day. Crypto fees are typically quoted as maker/taker rates rather than fixed per-trade commissions; check each exchange's fee schedule for volume-based discounts.
Bitfinex supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, while IC Markets supports TradingView, cTrader, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5. Bitfinex has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile. IC Markets has exclusive access to TradingView and cTrader and MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5.
IC Markets wins due to ASIC/CySEC regulation and segregated funds with negative balance protection.
IC Markets due to regulation, segregated funds, and 24/7 support.
Equally matched, as neither offers DeFi access or NFT trading.
| N/A |
| 0.7 pips |
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | CryptoBank transfer | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerPayPal |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | CryptoBank transfer | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Network fee for crypto; $20 minimum for wire | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | — | ASIC CySEC FSCA |
|---|
| Cold Storage | Yes | No |
|---|
| Proof of Reserves | No | No |
|---|
| Staking | No | No |
|---|
| DeFi Integration | No | No |
|---|
| NFT Trading | No | No |
|---|
| 500+ Coins | No | No |
|---|
| P2P Trading | No | No |
|---|
| Crypto Earn / Savings | No | No |
|---|
| Token Launchpad | No | No |
|---|
| Active bonuses | 2 offers | None |
|---|
Bitfinex and IC Markets remain closely matched across the spectrum, each aligning with distinct strengths in crypto access and regulation.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.9 / 5
Personalised recommendation
Answer 6 quick questions and we’ll match you with the brokers that best fit your trading style, experience level, and country.
Find my broker