Bithumb vs Xeggex: Fees, Security, Features & Which to Choose (2025)

Trying to choose between Bithumb and Xeggex This side-by-side comparison reveals total cost (fees + spreads), security & licenses, coins/derivatives, deposits/withdrawals, and app quality. In 2 minutes you’ll see who wins for beginners, active traders, and long-term holders. Clear pros/cons, a quick verdict, and safe links to get started.

Last updated on August 16, 2025

Bithumb

Xeggex

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Available Countries

United States

Europe

Yes

Latin America

Yes

India

Yes

China

Yes

Canada

United Kingdom

Yes

United States

Europe

Latin America

India

China

Canada

United Kingdom

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Bithumb is ideal if:

Perfect for KRW-centric traders: If you prefer trading with South Korean Won as your base currency, Bithumb offers seamless fiat integration, high liquidity, and a smooth experience for KRW-based spot trading.
Great for beginners and hands-off traders: Its clear, user-friendly interface plus built-in features like staking and bot trading make it accessible and appealing to those starting out or seeking passive strategies.
Best for users prioritizing credibility and safety: With strong security certifications (like ISMS, ISO27001), full separation of client assets, and external audits, Bithumb focuses on institutional-level protection and transparency.

Xeggex is ideal if:

Great if you're seeking simplicity: XeggeX offers an exceptionally intuitive interface that lowers the learning curve and makes navigating crypto markets approachable.
Ideal for exploring altcoins and niche tokens: The exchange lists a wide variety of low- to mid-cap cryptocurrencies and includes peer-to-peer and liquidity pool features—perfect for diversifying beyond mainstream assets.
A cautious choice due to its recent shutdown: Following a serious security breach and bankruptcy announcement earlier this year, relying on XeggeX now carries elevated risk—relying on self-custody methods is recommended.

Bithumb isn’t ideal if:

You need global fiat flexibility: If you want to deposit with non-KRW currencies, Bithumb’s fiat support is limited, which may not suit you.
You're an advanced trader seeking leverage: Those looking for margin or futures trading won’t find these tools available on Bithumb.
You prefer seamless international onboarding: Verification hurdles, language barriers, and slow KYC in non-Korean languages can slow down global users.

Xeggex isn’t ideal if:

Significant unresolved security failures undermined the platform’s reliability, ultimately leading to its collapse and bankruptcy—exposing systemic vulnerabilities.
Trust deeply eroded by withdrawal disruptions, user complaints of missing assets, and reports of blocked accounts—indicating serious operational breakdowns.
Unregulated and lacking transparency, making it ill-suited as a safe, long-term choice—especially when more stable and regulated alternatives exist.

Fees & Total Costs

Spot Maker/Take

In KRW markets, maker and taker fees typically range from roughly 0.04% to 0.25%, with better rates unlocked through tiered trading coupons based on volume (discounts apply via native coupons, not necessarily token-based discounts).

Spot trading fees start at around 0.2%, with tiered reductions based on trading volume and holdings of the native XPE token, which can unlock notable discounts.

Futures/Derivatives

Bithumb does not currently offer any futures or derivatives markets, so there are no associated maker, taker, or funding fees to consider.

XeggeX currently does not offer futures or derivatives markets, so there are no associated maker/taker or funding fees to consider.

Average Spreads on Liquid Pairs

Precise spread data is not publicly provided, but given Bithumb’s strong liquidity in major markets, spreads on BTC/USDT and ETH/USDT pairs are generally tight—typically consistent with reputable high-volume exchanges.

As a smaller exchange, XeggeX can exhibit wider spreads on major pairs due to limited liquidity, meaning the difference between buy and sell prices may be noticeably larger than on larger platforms.

Fiat Deposits & Withdrawals

Fiat operations center on KRW only, with deposits via bank transfer or card usually fee-free (unless below minimum thresholds) and withdrawals processed via Korean banking channels with typical processing times, without showing fixed fees.

XeggeX does not support fiat transactions—there are no deposit or withdrawal methods, meaning all activity is limited to crypto-to-crypto trades.

On-chain Withdrawals

Withdrawal costs depend on the blockchain

Withdrawal fees are generally very low and vary by network, with exceptions such as Ethereum sometimes reaching up to about $0.30 due to network congestion, while other chains may charge negligible or minimal fixed network fees.

Hidden Costs

Some indirect costs may arise from currency conversion if funding in non-KRW, and there are no inactivity fees; extra-fast verification services may not be standard or may carry internal pricing, though not explicitly detailed.

Potential hidden costs include crypto conversion spreads, optional KYC express upgrades, or inactivity charges—all of which may apply even though basic use of the platform remains focused on crypto-to-crypto trading.

Real-World Cost Example: “€500 BTC

If you were to buy €500 worth of BTC, you’d first face a regular spot trading fee (within 0.04–0.25%) plus a small spread in execution, then a withdrawal fee in BTC (e.g., 0.0005 BTC)—that combined cost reflects the total out-of-pocket expense.

If you were to purchase €500 worth of BTC (via a supported stablecoin like USDT), you’d incur the base trading fee (around 0.2%), a likely wider spread on a low-liquidity pair, and a modest withdrawal cost depending on the network you choose to send BTC—altogether yielding noticeably higher effective cost than more liquid, fiat-friendly platforms.

Crypto Offering & Trading Features

Number of Coins & Pairs

Bithumb lists approximately 170–180 cryptocurrencies across roughly 400 trading pairs, with the top 20 by volume dominated by KRW-based pairs like BTC/KRW, ETH/KRW, XRP/KRW, USDT/KRW, and others in similar high-turnover positions.

XeggeX supports a substantial range of over 550 cryptocurrencies across around 930 market pairs, giving users exposure to both mainstream and niche digital assets in a single platform.

Product Range

The exchange supports spot trading, margin trading, staking, crypto lending, and bot/automated trading, but does not offer perpetual futures, options, ETFs, copy trading, or built-in DCA features.

The exchange focuses on spot trading and liquidity pools, with no standard margin, perpetual futures, options, crypto ETFs, staking, loans, copy-trading, grid bots, or automatic DCA—making it a simpler, crypto-to-crypto environment.

Liquidity

Bithumb handles daily spot volumes in the high hundreds of millions to over a billion USD, ensuring deep order books—particularly for BTC/KRW and ETH/KRW—offering robust liquidity and execution.

24 h volume and order-book depth (BTC/ETH)

Tools

Traders have access to basic orders (limit and market), stop orders, and coupon-driven fee tools; there are also alerts and API access (including WebSocket), though there’s no native TradingView integration.

Users have access to basic order types such as market, limit, and trigger (stop) orders; however, advanced tools like alerts, comprehensive charting, native TradingView integrations, or robust APIs and WebSocket feeds are not currently supported.

Geographic Restrictions by Product

Derivatives and margin features are not globally available, with access mainly focused on South Korean users; many international regions, notably US and EU, face limitations or lack derivative access.

While the exchange offers its core services broadly, certain features like derivatives or advanced products aren’t available in key markets, such as the United States, limiting access to some functionality based on location.

Innovation

Bithumb offers staking services and crypto lending along with occasional airdrop or DeFi/NFT promotions, but lacks formal launchpad or launchpool platforms and doesn’t separate between flexible vs locked earn products.

XeggeX stands out with its liquidity pool offerings, enabling users to contribute funds and earn rewards, but it lacks common innovative features like launchpads, launchpools, or multiple flexible vs. locked yield-earning models.

Security, Regulation & Custody

Operating Entity & Jurisdiction

Bithumb is operated by BTC Korea.com Co., Ltd, founded in 2014 and based in Seoul, South Korea. It is one of the country’s major crypto exchanges firmly entrenched in Korean financial infrastructure.

XeggeX was established in 2021 by crypto enthusiasts, with some sources indicating Germany as its base, though this remains somewhat ambiguous—its rapid niche focus and limited transparency make its legal structure and headquarters unclear.

Licenses/Registration

As a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) in South Korea, Bithumb is subject to oversight under local regulations, and as of mid-2025 it was designated a “conglomerate,” meaning it must adhere to heightened compliance and public disclosure rules.

The platform operated without formal regulatory oversight—no VASP registration, MiCA compliance, or similar licensing was disclosed—positioning it squarely in the unregulated camp.

Custody

A significant portion of user assets is held in cold storage, meeting at least 80% reserve requirements; the exchange has also set aside a substantial protection reserve fund (worth over KRW 100 billion) as a buffer in case of operational risk.

XeggeX utilized a central custodial model with a combination of hot and cold storage, but offered no public proof of reserves, independent audits, or details on the proportion held in cold storage, limiting transparency and user assurance.

Insurance & Protection Funds

It maintains robust cyber insurance coverage, with multi-billion won policies through top Korean insurers, designed to help cover losses from cyber incidents and personal data breaches.

There was no publicly available information about any insurance scheme or specific protection funds set aside to safeguard user deposits in case of loss or breach.

Incident History

Bithumb has endured several hacks and investigations, including major cryptocurrency thefts in 2017 and 2018, a large insider-related loss in 2019, and multiple regulatory probes since then, though it has taken steps to strengthen its security posture.

In February 2025, hackers compromised the CEO’s Telegram account and infiltrated the exchange’s core systems, leading to frozen withdrawals and user balances showing zero—culminating in a bankruptcy declaration by late June.

Risk Controls

The platform employs industry-standard security measures—such as two-factor authentication, withdrawal whitelists, IP restrictions, anti-phishing controls, and regular external audits—to offer layered protection for user accounts and funds.

While the exchange promoted two-factor authentication and encryption, more advanced controls like withdrawal whitelists, anti-phishing systems, segregated sub-accounts, or fine-grained API permissions were either minimal or undocumented.

Transparency

It has enhanced disclosure practices, driven by its conglomerate status, though real-time proof-of-reserve reporting is not publicly available; ongoing regulatory scrutiny is pushing it toward greater transparency in operations.

XeggeX did not maintain any visible transparency mechanisms—no monthly audit reports, no publicly visible wallet addresses, and no formal service-level agreements; communication slowed notably as the bankruptcy process unfolded.

Deposits, Withdrawals, KYC & Support

Fiat Deposit Methods

Fiat deposits are exclusively in Korean Won (KRW) and handled via local bank transfers—debit/credit options or e-wallets aren’t supported—amount thresholds vary and processing is typically completed within the same day for local transfers.

XeggeX does not support fiat deposits; only cryptocurrency deposits via multiple blockchain networks are possible, with no stated minimum or maximum, and the process typically completes in just a few minutes.

Supported Fiat Currencies & Conversion

KYC (Verification Levels)

Bithumb enforces tiered identity verification—basic phone/email for browsing, but Level 2 KYC is required to activate withdrawals, with higher limits tied to full verification.

KYC isn’t mandatory for crypto-only trading, but users without KYC face a daily withdrawal cap of around $5,000—verification lifts this limit significantly, unlocking higher withdrawal thresholds for larger-volume users.

Withdrawals

Crypto withdrawals require KYC Level 2, lower minimums for verified accounts, and are processed within hours (first withdrawal may take longer for security); supported networks include standard chains like ERC-20 and TRC-20, with fees varying by asset.

Withdrawals are processed swiftly—often within minutes—and support several network types (e.g., ERC-20, BEP-20), although exact limits vary; verified users generally enjoy higher or unlimited withdrawal capacity.

Customer Support

Support is reachable via live chat (available 24/7), email, and a regional phone line; response quality varies, backed by an FAQ and help center to assist common issues.

Support is handled via a ticketing system with claimed 24/7 availability and typical response within 12 hours; email and platform tickets are primary channels, while response speed and resolution quality are reported to be inconsistent.

Languages & Localization

The interface supports multiple languages including English, with prices shown in KRW—there’s no automatic display in USD or EUR, and localization is limited for non-Korean regulatory zones.

The platform’s interface is natively in English, with fee displays in USD; there are no localized versions or specific regulatory frameworks tailored to other regions.

App Quality & Stability

The mobile app delivers a smooth trading interface with real-time data and strong security features (biometric login, 2FA), though user reports cite occasional crashes or slow performance during high-traffic periods.

XeggeX offers both web and mobile (iOS beta and Android) access, with a smooth, intuitive interface, but the app’s stability and recent update cadence are unclear and may vary across platforms.

Experience, Performance & Ecosystem

UX/UI

The platform strikes a balance between newcomer friendliness and advanced functionality, offering a clean interface with clear labels and comprehensive charting tools, though it doesn’t explicitly offer separate “Lite” or “Pro” modes.

XeggeX offers a clean and modern interface that’s intuitive for newcomers, featuring toggles between basic and full-screen layouts (plus light/dark themes), giving beginners a comfortable entry point and allowing power users to access more comprehensive views with minimal friction.

Performance

Order execution is generally fast thanks to high liquidity, though peak volatility can bring some delays or gateway slowdowns, and KYC may slow onboarding during intense market rallies.

The platform is engineered for swift order execution under normal conditions, but experienced disruptions and log-in downtime during critical market events—compounded by stretched support and restoration delays tied to operational chaos during the collapse.

Education

Bithumb provides a dedicated academy and tutorial content via its official channels to help users learn, but it does not currently offer demo accounts or Spanish-language learning resources.

XeggeX did not provide structured educational resources like academies, paper trading simulators, or Spanish-language tutorials, focusing instead on direct trading utility rather than user training or localized guidance.

Community

The platform encourages engagement through referral incentives and publishes on Medium, but it lacks officially managed forums, Discord, or Telegram communities for user interaction.

While XeggeX initially maintained active presence across Discord and Telegram, these channels were abruptly limited or shut down amid the crisis—though remnants of community efforts, including unofficial Discord support, continue to persist. Referral incentives were present but overshadowed by the broader turmoil.

Integrations

Bithumb supports external tools like TradingView for charting and provides API/WebSocket access for automation, but lacks built-in tax tools or direct accounting integrations.

Users benefit from a native TradingView integration and access to liquidity-pool bots via the API, but there’s no formal integration with tax tools or accounting platforms—even though third-party developers have built basic automation tools via the REST API.

Who Each One Is Best For

It’s ideal for traders seeking a high-liquidity, reliability-focused exchange that caters to a mix of moderate experience levels, whereas those needing demo tools, Spanish-language education, or a vibrant community may look elsewhere.

XeggeX’s streamlined interface and breadth of niche token offerings made it suitable for crypto-savvy traders interested in altcoin and meme assets—but its fragile infrastructure and lack of educational support or system stability rendered it inappropriate for risk-averse or learning-focused users.