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

Trying to choose between Bithumb and Buyucoin 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

Buyucoin

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Available Countries

United States

Europe

Yes

Latin America

Yes

India

Yes

China

Yes

Canada

United Kingdom

Yes

United States

Yes

Europe

Yes

Latin America

Yes

India

China

Yes

Canada

Yes

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.

Buyucoin is ideal if:

For users favoring convenience in India If you’re an Indian resident looking for a smooth, secure on-ramp from Indian Rupees to crypto with a friendly app and wallet, BuyUcoin is a great match.
For those exploring extra perks If you enjoy incentives like crypto cashback scratch cards, an OTC desk with zero fees, and a growing NFT ecosystem, BuyUcoin adds an engaging twist to your trading experience.
For beginners or casual traders If you value an intuitive interface, mobile-first design, and educational tools like webinars, BuyUcoin offers an approachable path into the crypto world without overwhelming complexity.

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.

Buyucoin isn’t ideal if:

If you prefer global fiat options BuyUcoin mostly supports INR deposits and limited alternative fiat methods, making it less suited for those needing diverse fiat integrations.
If fee clarity matters The platform’s fee structure isn’t fully transparent at first glance, which can frustrate users who demand simple, upfront cost breakdowns.
If you're targeting deep altcoin markets While BuyUcoin covers many popular tokens, serious altcoin traders may find the selection somewhat narrow compared to global multi-asset platforms.

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).

BuyUcoin charges a flat trading fee of around 0.24 % for both maker and taker trades (including relevant taxes), without offering tiered volume discounts or reductions for using its native token.

Futures/Derivatives

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

BuyUcoin does not currently offer futures or derivative contracts, so there are no maker/taker fees or funding rate mechanisms 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.

Trading spreads for major pairs like BTC/USDT or ETH/USDT aren’t explicitly published on the platform, though users report that liquid pairs generally maintain competitive spreads thanks to its decent market depth.

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.

You can deposit INR via bank transfers (including UPI, IMPS, NEFT/RTGS) or card options; bank-to-bank transactions typically have minimal processing delay and no direct fees, though instant cash-outs to cards may incur additional charges and processing time may vary.

On-chain Withdrawals

Withdrawal costs depend on the blockchain

Withdrawals of crypto assets are charged as fixed network-based fees (for example, BTC withdrawals are a set amount of BTC), not percentage-based, and rates differ by blockchain—BuyUcoin covers moving crypto between own wallets for free, but external transfers incur standard 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.

BuyUcoin has no KYC or inactivity fees, nor storage charges, and sends within its own ecosystem incur no transfer fees; currency conversion costs are implicit in spreads rather than explicit charges.

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 convert €500 to BTC, you’d first use INR (so there’s currency exchange implied), pay a ~0.24 % trading fee embedded in the buy price, then face a spread implied in the rate, and finally incur a fixed network fee when withdrawing, depending on the specific chain—so your total cost would reflect trading fee + spread + withdrawal fee.

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.

BuyUcoin currently lists over 170 cryptocurrencies, including most of the top-20 coins by market cap, offering a wide selection for spot trading across well-known tokens.

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 platform focuses on spot trading, OTC trades, staking (and earning through NFTs), recurring buys like SIPs, and an NFT marketplace—margin, futures, options, ETFs, and bots are not yet available.

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.

While precise figures aren’t published, liquidity for major pairs such as BTC and ETH is sufficient for smooth execution, though deeper institutional-level data and 24-hour volume statistics remain unclear.

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 get standard order types like limit and stop, along with charting via integrated views, but advanced features like OCO, native TradingView, alerts, or API access have limited visibility and may not be fully implemented.

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.

BuyUcoin’s services are tailored for Indian residents only, with fiat options limited to INR; that means global availability of advanced products like derivatives or margin is restricted.

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.

The platform stands out with its NFT marketplace, SIP-based recurring crypto buys, cashback scratch cards, and flexible vs locked staking—features that reflect creative engagement rather than traditional financial tools.

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.

BuyUcoin is legally operated by iBlock Technologies Pvt. Ltd, established in 2016 and headquartered in the Delhi-NCR region of India.

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.

BuyUcoin is officially registered as a reporting entity under India’s Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and holds registration with the Financial Intelligence Unit – India (FIU-IND).

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.

Custody is handled in-house by BuyUcoin; there’s no publicly available proof of reserves, audit reports, or details on the proportion of assets held in cold storage.

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 are no public disclosures indicating institutional insurance or a protection fund covering user assets in the event of a breach or insolvency.

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.

BuyUcoin has no recorded history of major security breaches, platform-wide suspensions, regulatory fines, or notable withdrawal freezes to date, based on public records.

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.

Basic security measures like mandatory KYC and anti-money laundering policies are in place, but more advanced features—such as two-factor authentication, address whitelisting, anti-phishing tools, sub-accounts, or granular API permissions—are either limited or not visibly featured.

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.

While BuyUcoin participates in regulatory sandbox initiatives and maintains compliance reporting via FIU-IND, it does not offer monthly transparency reports, public wallet statements, or a formal service-level agreement (SLA) for uptime or responsiveness.

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.

Bank transfers via IMPS, UPI, NEFT, and RTGS are available for depositing INR; there are no minimum or maximum amounts publicly listed, and funds usually arrive quickly depending on the chosen transfer method.

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.

BuyUcoin operates with mandatory KYC; beyond that, the platform does not publicly distinguish between basic or advanced tiers or provide specific transaction limits for each tier.

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.

Crypto withdrawals are subject to fixed network fees and processed on typical blockchains (e.g. BTC, ETH), with timing and limits largely dependent on network congestion and internal review standards, but multi-network options or daily caps aren’t explicitly disclosed.

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.

Users can access support via help center articles, email, and live chat (when available), though response times vary; the platform also provides an FAQ section for self-help guidance.

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 interface operates in English and INR pricing, tailored primarily to Indian users; international fiat display or regulatory tailoring is minimal, as it focuses on the local market.

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.

The mobile app offers several security layers (2FA, PIN, biometric login) and promises fast deposit/withdrawal performance; while user feedback varies, recent updates suggest ongoing maintenance with occasional performance reports.

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.

BuyUcoin presents a clean, mobile-first interface with both light and dark themes; onboarding is straightforward, minimizing friction, though it doesn’t offer distinct “Lite” or “Pro” modes.

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’s in-house engine is said to process over 100,000 orders per second, contributing to fast order execution; while it appears reliable during normal activity, details on handling volatility spikes or KYC backlog during bull markets aren’t widely discussed.

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.

Users benefit from online learning through webinars and real-time crypto news; however, there’s no dedicated academy, demo account, simulator, or Spanish-language resources currently available.

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.

BuyUcoin fosters engagement via its referral program offering lifetime trading-fee commissions, and users can connect through its social media channels and forums, though there’s no official Discord or Telegram mentioned.

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.

The exchange supports smart trading strategies and copy trading options, but lacks native TradingView integration or tax accounting tools; however, third-party bot platforms can nonetheless connect to BuyUcoin.

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.

BuyUcoin is ideal for Indian newcomers seeking a rewards-focused mobile experience with easy KYC and referral income; advanced traders seeking multi-asset tools or deep customization may find it less fitting.