Before we dive into the detailed analysis, here’s a comparison of Bybit and Bitvavo that shows the most important information about both platforms at a glance.
Overview of Bybit
Bybit is an exchange founded in 2018 that has historically focused on trading. The global brand claims to have over 80 million users and offers spot trading, derivatives, bots, Earn, a credit card, payment services, and tools for professional traders.
Pros
Global presence and licenses in the UAE, Europe, and other markets
Order book, derivatives, bots, copy trading, and API
Monthly Proof of Reserves with Merkle Verification
Earn flexible and fixed rewards, a card, and numerous fiat payment methods
Cons
Products, fees, and financial institutions vary by country
Not available in the United States, Canada, or mainland China
It suffered the largest hack of an exchange in history in February 2025
Trustpilot has received many complaints about account suspensions and customer support
Its global operations are organized through various entities and domains. A feature available on Bybit Global may not be active on Bybit EU, so each user must use the entity corresponding to their place of residence. In the EEA, Bybit EU GmbH obtained MiCA authorization from the Austrian FMA in May 2025, with a business focus that is much more trading-oriented than Bitvavo’s.
On the other hand, its spot rate of 0.10 % is more competitive than Bitvavo’s, although it requires a solid understanding of the unified account, the various balances, and the VIP tiers. This flexibility offers more options to advanced users, but it also increases the risk of making mistakes if you start out without a solid understanding of the platform. See the full Bybit review
Who is Bybit for? For users looking for a trading-focused platform who want to combine spot trading, derivatives, bots, copy trading, Earn, and payments. It’s better suited for intermediate or advanced users than for someone who just wants to buy Bitcoin once a month.
Overview of Bitvavo
Bitvavo is one of Europe's leading exchanges, and in 2026, its value proposition is based not on an extremely broad range of products, but on solid execution within a clear and predictable regulatory framework. The company is committed to technical simplicity, low costs, and regulatory compliance in the European market.
Pros
MiCA License Granted by the AFM of the Netherlands
More than 400 cryptocurrencies tradable directly in euros
Competitive fees starting at 0.15% for makers and 0.25% for takers
Deposits and withdrawals in euros via SEPA transfers
Cons
It is available only in certain European countries
Initial fees exceeding 0.10% at some global exchanges
Some advanced features, such as margin, do not cover all assets
No futures or derivatives ecosystem comparable to Bybit's
It doesn't compete by offering complex derivatives or advanced strategies: its focus is on efficient spot trading, regulated custody, and a transparent experience. This approach stands in direct contrast to Bybit, whose ecosystem revolves around derivatives, bots, and copy trading.
In addition, Bitvavo B.V. has been authorized under MiCA by the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) since June 2025, representing a single European entity in contrast to Bybit’s more fragmented regional structure. Its Account Guarantee, up to €100,000, covers certain instances of unauthorized account access, although it does not protect against price drops nor does it replace a bank guarantee. See the full review of Bitvavo
¿Who is Bitvavo for? For European users who want to buy, sell, hold, and earn returns on cryptocurrencies using euros, with competitive fees and a platform regulated under MiCA.
Fees and Deposits: Bybit vs. Bitvavo
Bybit is cheaper than Bitvavo at its entry level: 0.10 % maker and 0.10 % taker on its global platform, compared to Bitvavo’s 0.15 % maker and 0.25 % taker. In the EEA, Bybit EU applies a slightly different fee structure, with a 0.25 % taker fee at its initial tier, very similar to Bitvavo’s. Calculate your exact commissions
| Platform | Maker | Taker |
|---|---|---|
Bitget
|
0,10% | 0,10% |
Binance
|
0,10% | 0,10% |
|
Bybit
|
0,10% | 0,10% |
Finst
|
0,15% | 0,15% |
|
Bitvavo
|
0,15% | 0,25% |
Kraken
|
0,25% | 0,40% |
Coinbase Advanced
|
0,40% | 0,60% |
Did you know? A spot purchase of 1,000 USDT on Bybit Global costs 1 USDT whether it is executed as a maker or a taker. The same trade on Bitvavo costs 1.50 € as a maker and 2.50 € as a taker at the initial tier.
Deposits and withdrawals
Both platforms support SEPA as the primary payment method for euros. Bitvavo stands out here with a minimum deposit of just 1 €, while Bybit offers additional payment methods depending on the country: credit/debit card, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and P2P.
| Concept | Bybit | Bitvavo |
|---|---|---|
| Spot commission (initial tranche) | 0,10 % / 0,10 % | 0,15 % / 0,25 % |
| Simple Purchase | Varies depending on the method and provider | Price held steady for 5 seconds |
| SEPA Deposit | Varies by region | Free (minimum €1) |
| Euro Withdrawal | Varies depending on the currency and method | Free via SEPA |
| Crypto Deposit | 0 €; the network is paid for | 0 €; the network is paid for |
| Crypto Withdrawal | Varies by asset and network | Varies by asset and network |
In summary, Bybit offers the lowest spot fee in this comparison, but Bitvavo makes up for that difference with a much more accessible minimum deposit and a fee structure that is easy for European users to understand.
Who regulates Bybit and Bitvavo?
Bybit EU GmbH, headquartered in Vienna and registered under number FN 636180i, received its MiCA authorization from the Austrian Financial Markets Authority (FMA) May 28, 2025. Bitvavo B.V., for its part, is authorized as a crypto-asset service provider under MiCA by the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) as of June 2025.
Important note: A Proof of Reserves or a MiCA license does not constitute a full financial audit; they confirm assets or compliance as of a specific date or within a specific scope, but they do not eliminate counterparty risk. The official text of the regulations can be found at EUR-Lex, MiCA Regulation (EU) 2023/1114.
| Concept | Bybit | Bitvavo |
|---|---|---|
| Regulated by | FMA (MiCA, Austria), VARA (UAE), SCA | AFM (MiCA, Netherlands), DNB |
| MiCA Coverage (EU/EEA) | Yes, starting in May 2025 (excluding Malta) | Yes, starting in June 2025 |
| Reservation Test | Yes, monthly with Merkle verification | Yes, with periodic external audits |
| Our Own Warranty | No equivalent public emergency fund | Account Guarantee (up to 100,000 €) |
| Safety Record | Hack of 1,400–1,500 M$ devices in February 2025 | No significant public incidents to date |
In terms of security, Bitvavo has a cleaner track record: it has not reported any significant public incidents as of the date of this comparison and offers an Account Guarantee of up to €100,000 for certain types of unauthorized access. Bybit, on the other hand, suffered the largest exchange hack to date on February 21, 2025—attributed to the Lazarus Group—though it covered the shortfall with its own funds and kept withdrawals operational.
Where are Bybit and Bitvavo available?
Bybit provides services in more than 160 countries, although it excludes the United States, Canada, mainland China, Hong Kong, and Singapore, among other jurisdictions. Bitvavo, on the other hand, focuses its operations on 25 European countries and does not intend to operate as a global exchange.
This difference in coverage neatly sums up each platform’s approach: Bybit is committed to global expansion through regional entities, while Bitvavo prefers to focus on the European market and operate under a single, robust MiCA license based in Amsterdam.
What do Bybit and Bitvavo offer on their platforms?
Bybit organizes its ecosystem around trading: spot, derivatives, bots, copy trading, Earn, and an API designed for automated strategies. Bitvavo, on the other hand, focuses its offerings on direct purchases, Bitvavo Pro for advanced trading, Convert for swapping crypto for crypto, and two Earn options: Auto Earn and Fixed Staking.
| Concept | Bybit | Bitvavo |
|---|---|---|
| Available Apps | Regional app, website, API, and subaccounts | Web, iOS, Android, and Bitvavo Pro |
| Cryptocurrencies | +700 | +428 |
| Main Products | Spot, derivatives, bots, copy trading, Earn | Spot, Convert, Auto Earn, Fixed Staking, Limited Margin |
| Automation | DCA Bot, Copy Trading, and Open API | Direct purchase with a fixed price in 5 seconds |
| Futures and derivatives | Yes, integrated with Exchange | No |
| Ideal for | Traders who prioritize commissions and automation | European users who prioritize simplicity and cost |
Final Verdict: Bybit or Bitvavo?
Bybit and Bitvavo represent two very different philosophies within the industry. Bybit is committed to a global ecosystem geared toward advanced trading, featuring derivatives, bots, and copy trading, although users must accept the fact that it was hacked in 2025 and that its regulatory structure is spread across multiple entities. Bitvavo, on the other hand, has chosen to specialize: it offers competitive fees, coverage limited to Europe, and a focus almost exclusively on spot trading regulated under a single MiCA license.
For those looking for derivatives and automation—and who aren’t concerned about Bybit’s security track record—that platform offers the most comprehensive solution. For European users who prioritize simplicity, a very low minimum deposit, and a platform focused on buying and holding crypto with euros, Bitvavo is usually the most straightforward option.
Choose Bybit if…
- ✓ Are you looking for low spot fees: 0.10% for makers and takers globally?
- ✓ You need futures, derivatives, and a catalog of more than 700 cryptocurrencies
- ✓ Do you want bots, copy trading, and an open API for automation?
- ✓ You already have experience and accept the 2025 security clearance
Choose Bitvavo if…
- ✓ You live in Europe and prefer a single regulatory body
- ✓ Do you want a simple interface for buying and holding euros?
- ✓ You qualify for an Account Guarantee of up to €100,000
- ✓ Do you prefer a very low minimum deposit, starting at 1 €?
This verdict summarizes the findings regarding fees, regulation, security, and availability. Neither exchange is superior in every respect: the right choice depends on the user’s profile and, above all, on the user’s jurisdiction.
This comparison of Bybit and Bitvavo is based on a hands-on analysis of both platforms. We have evaluated their fees, security, variety of cryptocurrencies, available features, and ease of use to provide an objective comparison. The assessment reflects the actual differences between the two exchanges, beyond just first impressions.
(FAQ) Frequently Asked Questions: Bybit vs. Bitvavo Comparison
