HitBTC Fee Calculator
Fee Calculator
Estimate your trading costs on HitBTC based on volume and HIT token ownership
HitBTC has been around since 2013, but recent user reviews show a troubling trend. Over 40% of TrustPilot reviews rate it as 'poor' due to withdrawal delays and unresponsive support. If you're looking for a reliable crypto exchange, this review breaks down what you need to know.
HitBTC is a Hong Kong-based cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2013 by Htechno Business LTD. It operates without any financial regulation, which has raised serious concerns among traders. Despite offering advanced trading tools and low fees, HitBTC's lack of oversight and persistent customer complaints make it a risky choice for many investors.Key Features of HitBTC
HitBTC focuses on crypto-to-crypto trading with over 500 spot trading pairs and more than 800 futures pairs. The platform supports high leverage trading up to 100x for futures and 10x for margin trading. It also offers OTC trading for large transactions and a robust API for algorithmic trading. However, the interface can be overwhelming for beginners, with complex order types and a steep learning curve.
- 500+ spot trading pairs
- 800+ futures pairs with up to 100x leverage
- OTC trading for institutional-sized orders
- API access for automated trading strategies
- Minimum deposit of just $1
Fee Structure and HIT Token Discounts
HitBTC uses a tiered fee structure based on trading volume. Default spot trading fees are 0.12% for makers and 0.25% for takers. Futures trading fees are lower, ranging from 0.02% to 0.05%. But the real savings come from holding HIT token, the platform's native cryptocurrency. Holding HIT tokens can reduce fees by up to 45%, making it attractive for active traders. For example, a trader making $10,000 in spot trades would pay $12 in maker fees under the default structure. But with HIT tokens, this drops to $7.20-a significant saving for high-volume traders.
Regulation and Security Concerns
One of the biggest red flags for HitBTC is its lack of regulatory oversight. Unlike competitors like Binance or Coinbase, HitBTC operates without licenses from any financial authorities. This means users have no legal protection if something goes wrong. CryptoRadar gave HitBTC a trust score of 2.6 out of 5, with particularly low marks for security and customer support. On G2, users reported serious issues, including allegations that HitBTC refused to cooperate with law enforcement investigating stolen funds. In 2023, multiple users claimed their accounts were frozen without explanation, and withdrawals took weeks to process. One trader lost $50,000 after HitBTC froze their account during a market dip and refused to provide details about the freeze.
User Experience and Support Issues
On TrustPilot, 68% of reviews give HitBTC one star, citing issues like withdrawal delays of up to 14 days and support responses taking over 72 hours. The platform's interface is described as "clunky at first" by experienced users, with complex order types and hidden fee structures. Newcomers often struggle with the lack of educational resources, while seasoned traders appreciate the advanced tools but still face reliability problems. Customer support is consistently rated poorly, with many users reporting that urgent issues go unanswered for days. KYC verification is required for withdrawals, but the process is slow and often requires multiple follow-ups.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
- Pros: Low trading fees, high leverage options, extensive trading pairs, OTC and API support, no minimum deposit
- Cons: Unregulated, frequent withdrawal delays, poor customer support, account freezes, security concerns, complex interface for beginners
How HitBTC Compares to Top Exchanges
| Feature | HitBTC | Binance | Coinbase | Kraken |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regulation Status | Unregulated | Regulated in multiple jurisdictions | Fully regulated (US) | Regulated (US, EU) |
| Trading Pairs | 500+ spot, 800+ futures | 500+ spot, 300+ futures | 100+ spot | 100+ spot, 30+ futures |
| Spot Trading Fees | 0.12% maker / 0.25% taker | 0.1% (lower with BNB) | 0.5%+ (including fees) | 0.16% - 0.26% |
| Customer Support | Poor (2.4/5) | Good (24/7 chat) | Excellent (fast responses) | Good (email support) |
| Withdrawal Speed | Often delayed (up to 14 days) | Fast (within 24 hours) | Fast (within 24 hours) | Fast (within 24 hours) |
| Security Features | Basic cold storage | Advanced cold storage, insurance | Strong security, FDIC insurance | Strong security, insurance |
Who Should Use HitBTC?
HitBTC is best suited for experienced traders who prioritize low fees and advanced trading tools over regulatory protection. If you're comfortable with high-risk environments and know how to manage your own security, HitBTC's low fees and high leverage could be appealing. However, beginners or those seeking reliable customer support should avoid it. For most users, regulated exchanges like Binance or Coinbase offer better protection and support, even if fees are slightly higher.
Better Alternatives to HitBTC
For most traders, regulated exchanges like Binance, Coinbase, and Kraken are safer choices. Binance offers lower fees for high-volume traders and a wide range of trading options. Coinbase is ideal for beginners with its simple interface and strong security. Kraken provides a good balance of low fees and regulatory compliance, especially for US users. All three have better customer support and proven track records compared to HitBTC's unreliable service. Binance, for instance, offers a 25% discount on trading fees when using its native BNB token, and has a dedicated 24/7 support team. Coinbase provides FDIC insurance for USD balances up to $250,000, which is a critical safety net for new traders.
Is HitBTC safe to use?
HitBTC is not considered safe for most users due to its unregulated status and history of issues. Without financial oversight, there's no legal recourse if funds are lost or accounts are frozen. Many users report withdrawal delays, account freezes, and poor customer support. For security, it's better to use regulated exchanges like Binance or Coinbase that have insurance and regulatory compliance.
What are the withdrawal fees on HitBTC?
Withdrawal fees on HitBTC vary by cryptocurrency. For example, Bitcoin withdrawals typically cost 0.0005 BTC, while Ethereum withdrawals are 0.005 ETH. However, the main issue isn't the fee amount-it's the delays. Many users report waiting up to two weeks for withdrawals to process, even after paying the fees. This unpredictability makes HitBTC unreliable for time-sensitive transactions.
Does HitBTC have good customer support?
No, customer support is consistently rated poorly. Users report response times exceeding 72 hours for urgent issues, and many complaints go unresolved. On CryptoRadar, HitBTC scores just 2.4 out of 5 for support. For reliable assistance, consider exchanges like Coinbase or Binance with 24/7 live chat.
Can beginners use HitBTC?
HitBTC is not beginner-friendly. The interface is complex, with advanced trading tools and hidden fee structures. Beginners often struggle with the lack of educational resources and frequent withdrawal issues. Exchanges like Coinbase or Kraken offer simpler interfaces and better support for new traders.
What makes HitBTC different from other exchanges?
HitBTC focuses on crypto-to-crypto trading with high leverage and low fees, especially for HIT token holders. It offers advanced features like OTC trading and API access that appeal to experienced traders. However, its unregulated status and poor support make it less reliable than regulated competitors like Binance or Kraken, which prioritize user protection and transparency.
Jenna Em
October 22, 2025 AT 02:06They’re hiding something, and it shows in every delayed withdrawal.
Stephen Rees
November 2, 2025 AT 15:53The architecture of an unregulated platform is like a house built without a permit; you never know when it might collapse.
When withdrawals stretch into weeks, it feels like the system is deliberately obfuscating.
The lack of oversight turns every transaction into a gamble, not a trade.
Yet many still chase the low fees as if that justifies the risk.
Katheline Coleman
November 14, 2025 AT 05:40It is understandable that traders are attracted to the low fee schedule presented by HitBTC.
Nevertheless, the absence of regulatory oversight introduces a substantial fiduciary risk that cannot be ignored.
Users have reported prolonged withdrawal times, which undermines confidence in the platform’s operational integrity.
Moreover, the requirement for extended KYC verification, coupled with inconsistent support responses, adds layers of friction to an already complex system.
For individuals seeking a secure and transparent trading environment, exploring regulated alternatives would be a prudent course of action.
Amy Kember
November 25, 2025 AT 19:26HitBTC’s interface is a maze for anyone not seasoned in high‑frequency trading.
Low fees don’t compensate for the constant need to monitor order types.
Leverage can amplify losses as quickly as gains.
Proceed only if you can tolerate nonstop vigilance.