Bitfinex vs Revolut

Bitfinex vs Revolut: what each one really costs

Picking Bitfinex or Revolut comes down to more than the brand name. The real question is how much of your money arrives once every fee and the exchange rate are counted. That is the gap we measure here.

In our database, Bitfinex sits in the crypto exchange category and covers Currencies, Cryptocurrencies, while Revolut sits in broker with support for Currencies, Cryptocurrencies, Precious metals. This already says something about where they overlap and where they do not.

Below the calculator you can read how we work out the cost, the trade-offs that do not show up in a single number and how to combine the two. Because the rates are live, the outcome can shift during the day.

Small amounts vs large amounts

Who comes out ahead can flip as the amount grows. A fixed fee weighs heavily on a small transfer but barely registers on a large one. That is why the scenario table shows several amounts, not just one.

For large amounts, it can pay to ask about volume pricing, something our standard scenarios do not always capture. For any large transfer, confirm the final quote in the app before you approve it.

What to check on safety

Before you look at cost, check who is looking after your money. Regulated financial services are licensed or registered with a supervisor in the countries where they operate. You can usually find the licence details in the footer or legal section of the provider’s website.

An important question is safeguarding: customer funds should be kept separate from the company’s own money, so they are protected if the company runs into trouble. Note that safeguarding differs from a bank deposit guarantee.

For crypto exchanges the questions are similar, but not the same: check their registration, how they store customer assets and whether withdrawals to your own wallet are possible. And on any platform: turn on 2FA and never reuse passwords.

A money service and a crypto exchange

These two come from different corners of the market: crypto exchange versus broker. They overlap, but only partly. We can only compare the conversions both of them offer.

A money service focuses on paying, spending and sending in regular currencies. A crypto exchange is built for buying, selling and storing digital assets, with regular money as the way in and out. So the cheaper side in the table is only part of the picture.

For everyday currency needs, a crypto platform is mostly a detour. For crypto, look at the exchange first and treat its currency features as a bonus.

Our verdict: Bitfinex comes out cheaper

In 4 of 4 comparisons that both providers offer, Bitfinex came out cheaper after fees and rate margin. If cost is your main concern, start with Bitfinex.

That does not make Revolut the wrong choice. The scenario table above shows where Revolut comes out ahead. If your currency pair and amount are among them, Revolut is simply the cheaper option for you.

Price is also not the only factor. You may already have a verified account with Revolut, which saves a sign-up. On a modest amount, a small price gap is often worth less than that convenience.

Where the real cost hides

A low or zero fee looks attractive, but it says little about the total cost. If the exchange rate you get is worse than the mid-market rate, you pay through the rate instead. The bigger the amount, the more that margin hurts.

So we never compare fees on their own. Two providers can arrive at a similar price by very different routes. What counts is what lands in the account at the end.

Also look beyond the conversion: weekend surcharges, card fees, charges by the receiving bank or withdrawal fees on crypto. We include what is published, but it pays to double-check before a large transaction.

How fast the money arrives

Fastest delivery: Instant at Bitfinex and Instant at Revolut. Treat these as the best case rather than a promise. Bank holidays, verification checks and the receiving bank can all add time.

How you fund a transfer makes a big difference. Faster funding options can come with a higher fee, so check the total in the calculator. If the money is not urgent, the slower and cheaper route is often the smart choice.

Then there is everyday use: how easy the app is, whether you can track a transfer and how fast support responds. Try the app before you move a large amount.

Using both, or switching

Using two providers side by side is common. A second account gives you a backup and an easy price check. Opening an account is usually free, though identity verification can take a while.

Before every larger transfer, check the calculator on this page, as the result depends on the moment and the sum. That small habit can save more than any loyalty bonus.

Before you close an account, make sure no balance or scheduled transfer is left behind and save your statements, as you may need them later for your tax return.

How we calculate the cost

The cost of a conversion has two parts: a fee and an exchange-rate margin. We compare the rate each provider gives you with the live mid-market rate, the midpoint between buy and sell prices on the wholesale market. Fee plus margin gives the real cost.

We run this for several sample amounts, from small to large, so the effect of fixed fees and percentages becomes visible. We update rates every 30 minutes and take fees from each provider’s public price list. Special offers or paid plans can change the price you actually pay.

This comparison is independent. We may earn a commission through some links; that never affects which provider comes out cheaper. The cheaper option is shown as cheaper, full stop.

The right choice depends on what you do

When you travel, look at card fees, cash withdrawal limits and weekend surcharges, not just the transfer price. Whichever of the two offers a usable card for your destination has a head start.

If you send money abroad regularly, look at the amount received and how fast it arrives. For large amounts, such as a house deposit or tuition, even a small margin difference adds up, and limits and verification matter as well.

When buying crypto, check that crypto is supported at all, then compare spreads and withdrawal fees. Business users often need other features, such as multiple users and bulk payments. This page compares cost, not suitability as an investment.