About Bittrex
Bittrex is a US-founded cryptocurrency exchange established in 2014, recognized for its focus on security, regulatory compliance, and robust trading infrastructure. It caters to both retail and institutional investors, providing access to hundreds of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and numerous altcoins. The platform operates globally and, through Bittrex Global, serves European users with tailored features.
European traders can deposit and withdraw funds in Euro (EUR) via SEPA bank transfers, with Bittrex Global entities regulated in jurisdictions such as Liechtenstein and Bermuda. The exchange offers advanced trading tools, including various order types (limit, market, stop-limit), depth charting, and full functionality on both its web and mobile app platforms. Security remains a central feature, incorporating multi-factor authentication, cold wallet storage, and strict compliance protocols (KYC/AML). Bittrex also supports API access for automated trading and services for institutional clients.
While Bittrex is noted for its reliable security record and transparent fee structure (with trading fees typically around 0.25%), it faces competition in both costs and fiat currency flexibility. Its regulation-forward approach provides European customers with a sense of legitimacy and safety, but evolving European cryptocurrency regulations may impact account onboarding and user experience.
Pro's of using Bittrex
- Extensive Cryptocurrency Selection: Supports hundreds of crypto assets, allowing for wide portfolio diversity.
- Strong Security Standards: Advanced security protocols, including cold storage and two-factor authentication.
- Regulatory Compliance: Operates with KYC/AML procedures; Bittrex Global regulated in European jurisdictions.
- Euro (EUR) Support: Enables SEPA deposits and withdrawals for Eurozone customers, simplifying fiat transactions.
- Advanced Trading Tools: Offers sophisticated trading features suitable for experienced and institutional users.
Con's of using Bittrex
- Higher Trading Fees: Standard trading fees (~0.25%) are above some major competitors.
- Limited Fiat Options: EUR and USD supported, but lacking support for other fiat currencies and instant card payments for Europeans.
- Account Verification Delays: KYC and onboarding may be slow for European users, affecting deposit/withdrawal speeds.
- Variable Customer Support: Users have reported inconsistent quality and response times in customer support.
- Restricted Features: Margin and futures trading availability is limited or unavailable for most European customers.
What are alternatives for Bittrex
- Binance Europe (Binance EU): Wide asset selection, lower fees (from 0.1%), EUR SEPA and credit/debit card support, but faces periodic regulatory changes.
- Kraken: Regulated in the EU, strong EUR support, competitive fees, spot, margin, and futures trading, and high service reliability.
- Bitstamp: Europe-based, strong regulatory profile, EUR SEPA supported, focus on user-friendliness and reliability.
- Coinbase Advanced Trading: Regulated, supports EUR SEPA, beginner-friendly, though with fewer altcoins and generally higher fees.
- Kriptomat: Estonia-based, fully regulated, EUR support via SEPA, easy onboarding suited to European users.
- Bitvavo: Netherlands-based, low fees, wide crypto selection, optimized for EU traders, supports EUR deposits/withdrawals.