Bitonic Fee Calculator
Bitonic Fee Calculator
Calculate exactly what you'll pay when buying or selling Bitcoin on Bitonic. Bitonic applies a 0.60-1.0% markup on the market price.
What makes Bitonic stand out?
When we talk about Bitonic is a Dutch cryptocurrency exchange that has been operating since 2012, dedicated exclusively to buying and selling Bitcoin, the first thing that pops up is its simplicity. Unlike most global platforms that juggle hundreds of altcoins, Bitonic keeps the menu short: Bitcoin only, a fixed‑fee structure, and payment methods that are familiar to European users such as iDEAL and SEPA transfers.
How Bitonic works - step‑by‑step
- Create an account with a Dutch or EU bank account. The platform requires a small test‑deposit to verify the bank details.
- Choose your payment method - iDEAL, Bancontact, SEPA or a direct Bitcoin deposit.
- Enter the amount of Euro you want to convert. Bitonic automatically applies a ~0.60 % markup on the market price.
- Confirm the transaction. Your Bitcoin appears in the built‑in wallet within a few minutes.
- If you need to move funds out, request a SEPA withdrawal or a Bitcoin transfer.
The whole flow typically takes 15‑20 minutes, not counting the 24‑48 hour bank‑verification window that many newcomers find a bit tedious.
Fees, limits & pricing model
Bitonic skips the maker‑taker tables you see on Kraken or Binance. Instead, it adds a flat markup to the spot price when you buy, and a markdown when you sell. In real‑world numbers this translates to an effective fee between 0.60 % and 1.0 % depending on market volatility.
- Minimum deposit: €10 (or the equivalent in Bitcoin).
- Minimum withdrawal: €10 or the Bitcoin network fee.
- No hidden fees - the price you see is the price you pay.
For high‑volume traders, Bitonic offers an over‑the‑counter (OTC) desk with a €100,000 minimum trade size. The OTC desk provides personalized price quotes and faster settlement.
Security - why the platform feels safe
Security is the main selling point. Bitonic runs its own infrastructure, blending custom code with open‑source components. All user funds sit in segregated accounts, with the bulk stored in cold wallets that require multi‑signature approval for any outbound transaction.
Regulatory compliance adds another layer of trust. The exchange is registered with the AFM (Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets), and it follows the EU’s 5th Anti‑Money‑Laundering Directive (AMLD5 (European regulatory framework for anti‑money‑laundering).
Supported payment methods and geographic reach
Bitonic’s checkout mirrors a typical Dutch e‑commerce experience:
- iDEAL - instant bank transfers for Dutch customers
- Bancontact for Belgian users
- SEPA bank transfers across the EU
- Direct Bitcoin deposits for those who already hold crypto
Unfortunately, the platform blocks residents of the United States, Russia, Belarus, and about 15 other jurisdictions. If you live outside the EU, you’ll need a European bank account to get through the verification step.
Educational resources - Bitonic Academy
In partnership with the Netherlands Ministry of Finance (government body overseeing fiscal policy, Bitonic runs the Bitonic Academy (online learning hub offering 12 structured courses on Bitcoin fundamentals and investing strategies). The Academy is free for registered users and has become a go‑to resource for Dutch beginners who want to understand how Bitcoin works before they buy.
Pros and cons - a quick cheat sheet
| Aspect | Bitonic | Typical Multi‑Asset Exchange (e.g., Binance) |
|---|---|---|
| Asset range | 1 (Bitcoin only) | 200+ cryptocurrencies |
| Fee model | Flat ~0.60‑1.0 % markup | Variable maker/taker (0‑0.2 %) |
| Payment methods | iDEAL, Bancontact, SEPA, Bitcoin | Credit cards, PayPal, bank transfers, crypto |
| Regulation | AFM‑registered, AMLD5 compliant | Varies by jurisdiction, often less transparent |
| Mobile app | None - web‑only | iOS & Android apps |
| Geographic scope | EU (excluding some countries) | Global (subject to local bans) |
In a nutshell, Bitonic shines when you need a no‑frills Bitcoin purchase with familiar Dutch payment tools. It loses points if you want altcoins, leverage, or a mobile trading experience.
User experience - what real customers say
On Trustpilot the exchange holds a 4.2‑star rating based on 387 verified reviews (January 2025). Users repeatedly compliment the clean interface and instant iDEAL deposits. Common complaints focus on the bank‑verification delay (often 24‑48 hours) and the lack of multilingual support beyond Dutch and English.
Reddit’s r/BitcoinNL community notes that the “no hidden fees” policy is a breath of fresh air, but the “slow verification” can be a deal‑breaker for traders who want to jump in fast. Customer‑support response times average 2.3 hours on weekdays, with slower turn‑around on weekends.
How Bitonic compares to the competition
When you line up Bitonic against regional players, the picture becomes clearer:
- Bitcoin Meester - also Bitcoin‑only, but trades half the volume and lacks an OTC desk.
- Bitcoin Centrale - smaller user base, no iDEAL integration.
- ABN AMRO - traditional bank offering Bitcoin trading with a 0.5 % fee, which undercuts Bitonic’s 0.6‑1.0 % range for high‑volume users.
Globally, giants like Binance or Coinbase dominate with massive liquidity, but they also expose users to a broader attack surface and a more complex fee schedule. Bitonic’s narrow focus lets it keep a tight security perimeter and a transparent cost model.
Regulatory landscape and future outlook
Operating under the AFM and AMLD5 means Bitonic must keep strict KYC/AML procedures. This is good for security but adds the verification friction mentioned earlier. The Dutch Central Bank reported that 78 % of crypto activity in the Netherlands is Bitcoin‑centric, giving Bitonic a solid domestic market.
Looking ahead, Deloitte’s 2025 Dutch crypto market report forecasts 8‑12 % annual growth for single‑asset, regulated platforms like Bitonic through 2027. Upcoming product upgrades include adding Tikkie as a payment option (Q3 2025) and expanding the Academy with four new courses on Bitcoin investment strategies.
Potential headwinds: traditional banks entering the crypto space with lower fees, and the platform’s missing mobile app, which younger traders increasingly expect. Still, the combination of a decade‑long track record, clear regulatory footing, and a laser‑focused product set positions Bitonic well for steady, niche growth.
Bitonic review - final thoughts
If you are a European resident who wants a straightforward way to buy Bitcoin using local banking tools, Bitonic feels like a natural fit. You get a transparent fee, strong security, and educational resources without the clutter of hundreds of altcoins. The trade‑off is limited flexibility - no altcoin exposure, no mobile app, and a verification step that can slow you down.
For seasoned traders who need multi‑asset access or lightning‑fast order execution, a larger exchange makes more sense. For beginners or long‑term investors focused solely on Bitcoin, Bitonic remains one of the most user‑friendly, regulated options in the Dutch market.
Is Bitonic safe for storing Bitcoin long‑term?
Yes. Bitonic keeps the majority of user funds in cold, multi‑signature wallets and is regulated by the Dutch AFM, which requires strict AMLD5 compliance. The platform also separates user accounts, reducing the risk of a single point of failure.
Can I trade altcoins on Bitonic?
No. Bitonic only supports Bitcoin (BTC). If you need other cryptocurrencies, you’ll have to use a different exchange.
What are the deposit and withdrawal fees?
There are no extra deposit fees; you only pay the standard network fee for Bitcoin deposits. Withdrawals via SEPA are free, while Bitcoin withdrawals incur the network miner fee.
How long does the verification process take?
Typically 24‑48 hours after you submit the small test deposit. Some users report up to 72 hours during peak periods.
Is there a mobile app for Bitonic?
No. Bitonic operates as a web‑only platform. The responsive design works on smartphones, but there is no dedicated iOS or Android app.
7 Comments
John Murphy
This is actually one of the cleaner Bitcoin-only platforms I've seen. No fluff, no gimmicks. Just buy BTC, hold it, move it. Simple as that.
Most exchanges act like they're selling a luxury car when all you need is a reliable bicycle.
Ray Dalton
I’ve used Bitonic twice now. First time I was nervous about the 2-day verification, but it worked exactly as described. No surprises. No hidden fees. I appreciate that.
It’s not for day traders, but if you’re buying BTC to HODL? Perfect. The iDEAL integration is smooth if you’re in the EU.
Peter Brask
They block Americans? LOL. Of course they do. That’s because they’re not trying to be the next Binance. They’re trying to be the Bitcoin equivalent of a Dutch grocery store - clean, honest, and not trying to sell you 12 kinds of expired yogurt.
Meanwhile, US exchanges are just crypto casinos with KYC forms.
Michael Folorunsho
This is what happens when you let Europeans run finance. Everything’s slow, over-regulated, and painfully polite. Meanwhile, in the US we’ve got real innovation - not this ‘let’s make buying Bitcoin feel like paying your electricity bill’ nonsense.
Also, no mobile app? Unacceptable. This is 2025, not 2015.
Zach Crandall
The fact that this exchange is registered with the AFM and complies with AMLD5 is not a flaw - it’s a feature. Most global platforms operate in regulatory gray zones. Bitonic is transparent. That’s rare.
And yes, the web-only interface is dated. But it’s also secure. No app means no malware, no phishing, no compromised devices.
Akinyemi Akindele Winner
This platform is like a man who wears a suit to the beach - overly formal, unnecessary, and kinda hilarious. You don’t need a government stamp to buy Bitcoin. You need a wallet and a VPN.
Also, 'Bitonic Academy'? Sounds like a tax seminar with extra steps. Just buy BTC and stop reading manuals.
Ayanda Ndoni
I tried this. Took 72 hours to verify. Then I realized I could’ve bought BTC on Binance in 5 minutes with a credit card.
Why do people do this to themselves? It’s like choosing a horse over a Tesla because the horse is ‘more authentic’.