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Crypto · head to head

Bitfinex vs FTX

Bitfinex logo

Bitfinex

Crypto

Professional cryptocurrency trading platform

From
Free
Rated
-
FTX logo

FTX

Crypto

Cryptocurrency derivatives exchange

From
Free
Rated
-

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Bitfinex margin trading requires Intermediate account verification (2-3 working days); FTX the exchange collapsed and FTX Trading Ltd filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on 11 November 2022
  • They diverge on capability: Bitfinex covers Margin Trading, FTX covers Futures Trading.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Bitfinex and FTX actually diverge.

Attributes where Bitfinex and FTX differ
AttributeBitfinexFTX
Pricing modelUnknownfreemium
Founded20122019

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), platforms (Web, Ios, Android), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Crypto).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Bitfinex

  • Margin Trading
  • Derivatives
  • Lending Marketplace
  • OTC Desk
  • UNUS SED LEO
  • Tether

Only in FTX

  • Futures Trading
  • Options
  • Leveraged Tokens
  • FTT Token
  • Serum DEX

Both cover

  • Spot Trading
  • Web support
  • Ios support
  • Android support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Bitfinex

  • Exchanges
  • Trading
  • Professionalnot FTX

FTX

  • Exchanges
  • Derivativesnot Bitfinex
  • Trading

Both are used for exchanges, trading, on those jobs the choice comes down to price and fit rather than capability.

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Bitfinex

  • Margin trading requires Intermediate account verification (2-3 working days)
  • Automatic liquidation of positions if equity falls below maintenance margin
  • Leverage varies significantly by trading pair with no publicly uniform limit
  • Fiat deposit/withdrawal fees and minimums apply; crypto transfers free but network fees may apply

FTX

  • The exchange collapsed and FTX Trading Ltd filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on 11 November 2022
  • Around 130 affiliated companies including Alameda Research entered the same proceedings, with more than 100,000 creditors and assets and liabilities each between $10 billion and $50 billion
  • Founder Sam Bankman-Fried resigned as CEO on the filing and was replaced by John J. Ray III
  • It is not a service anyone can sign up for; the estate exists to repay creditors

Pricing, plan by plan

Bitfinex

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Bitfinex review.

FTX

Free
  • StandardFree
    • Spot trading
    • Futures
    • Options

Which should you pick?

Choose Bitfinex if

  • You need margin trading.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android.
  • You also want derivatives.

Choose FTX if

  • You need futures trading.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android.
  • You also want options.

Questions people ask

Is Bitfinex or FTX better?
Neither clearly leads. Bitfinex starts at Free and FTX at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Bitfinex or FTX?
Bitfinex starts at Free and FTX at Free.
Does Bitfinex or FTX run on more platforms?
Both run on Web, Ios, Android, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
Can I use Bitfinex for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Bitfinex best used for?
Bitfinex is most often used for exchanges, trading, professional. Of those, professional is not what FTX is typically brought in for.
What can Bitfinex do that FTX cannot?
Bitfinex covers Margin Trading, Derivatives, Lending Marketplace, OTC Desk. FTX covers Futures Trading, Options, Leveraged Tokens, FTT Token. Both handle Spot Trading, Web support, Ios support, Android support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Bitfinex: What are Bitfinex's current trading fees?

As of December 17, 2025, Bitfinex charges zero maker and taker fees for spot, margin, derivatives, securities, and OTC trading across all customers.

Source
FTX: What happened to FTX?

FTX filed for bankruptcy on November 11, 2022, after revelations about Alameda Research's massive holdings of FTX's token (FTT) triggered a liquidity crisis. The platform collapsed within days as a competing rescue deal fell through.

Source
Bitfinex: What deposit and withdrawal fees does Bitfinex charge?

Crypto and securities deposits are free. Fiat deposits via bank wire cost 0.100% (minimum $60 USD/Euro). Fiat withdrawals via bank wire cost 0.100% (minimum $100) or 1.000% for express (minimum $125).

Source
FTX: Can I recover funds from FTX bankruptcy?

FTX has been in Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings since November 11, 2022. Customer funds have been subject to claims through the bankruptcy process, with asset recovery efforts ongoing.

Source
Bitfinex: What is the maximum leverage available for margin trading?

Bitfinex offers up to 10x leverage on spot margin trading and up to 100x leverage on derivatives contracts. Leverage ratios vary by trading pair.

Source
Bitfinex: What account verification is required for margin trading?

Margin trading requires Intermediate level verification or higher for accounts created after March 1, 2022. Older accounts may use Basic Plus verification.

Source
Bitfinex: What happens if my margin position falls below maintenance requirements?

If account equity falls below the minimum maintenance margin level, Bitfinex automatically liquidates positions. A margin call triggers when equity falls below 1.5x the minimum maintenance margin ratio.

Source
Bitfinex: Can I borrow funds for margin trading?

Yes, Bitfinex Borrow allows you to borrow cryptocurrency or stablecoins for margin trading. Borrowed funds accrue peer-to-peer interest rates that adjust based on market conditions.

Source
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