Bitso is a cryptocurrency exchange specifically designed for Mexican users, enabling them to trade between Mexican pesos (MXN) and a range of popular cryptocurrencies. Founded to support the local financial ecosystem, it aims to simplify crypto trading for residents and those holding pesos.
Key Features of Bitso
Bitso emphasizes accessibility, speed, and security. Here are some of its standout features:
Strong Liquidity
Bitso operates as a peer-to-peer exchange, meaning users trade directly with one another. High liquidity ensures that trades can be executed quickly and efficiently. With a daily transaction volume of approximately 147 BTC (around $522,000 USD), users can expect smooth entry and exit from positions.
Low Minimum Requirements
To make crypto trading accessible to a broad audience, Bitso allows users to start with as little as $100 MXN (about $5.27 USD). The minimum purchase amount is just 0.001 BTC, making it easy for beginners to get started.
Multiple Deposit Methods
Users can fund their accounts via bank transfers (SPEI) or cash deposits through OXXO, Mexico’s largest convenience store chain. This flexibility is especially useful for those who prefer using cash.
Mobile App
Bitso offers a fully functional mobile app for iOS and Android devices. The app allows users to check balances, execute trades, and monitor market prices on the go. It has received positive reviews on both the App Store and Google Play.
Supported Currencies
Bitso supports only one fiat currency—the Mexican peso—making it a specialized platform for local users. On the crypto side, it offers nine major cryptocurrencies, including:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Litecoin (LTC)
- Ripple (XRP)
- Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
Users can trade MXN against any of these cryptocurrencies or execute crypto-to-crypto trades (with Bitcoin as the base currency).
Registration and Login
Signing up for Bitso is straightforward:
- Provide your country of residence, email address, and password.
- Agree to the terms and conditions and confirm you are at least 18 years old.
- Complete the reCAPTCHA and verify your email via a confirmation code.
Once registered, logging in is quick and requires only your email and password.
User Interface
Bitso’s interface features a minimalist design with a green, black, and grey color scheme. While visually appealing, the platform lacks detailed informational sections for newcomers. Key features like security details or tutorial guides are not easily accessible from the homepage.
The trading interface, however, is intuitive and user-friendly. It displays real-time order books, market data, and price charts, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced traders.
Trading Tools
Bitso provides essential trading tools, including:
- Live order books for all trading pairs
- Market data (24-hour volume, price changes, open/close prices)
- Custom price charts with candlestick views and volume indicators
While advanced tools like technical indicators are limited, the available features are sufficient for most retail traders.
Deposits and Withdrawals
Depositing Funds
- Bank Transfers (SPEI): Processed within 24 hours.
- Cash Deposits (OXXO): Processed within 1 minute (2.6% + tax fee applies).
- Crypto Deposits: Send supported cryptocurrencies to your Bitso wallet. Transactions require 4 confirmations (30–60 minutes each).
Withdrawals
- Fiat withdrawals (MXN) are free.
- Crypto withdrawals incur a small fee (except for XRP), ranging from $0.054 to $0.74 USD equivalent.
Executing Trades
Bitso supports market, limit, and stop orders. The trading interface is clean and functional, displaying:
- Real-time order books
- User balances
- Trading pairs
- Order history
A "Convert" feature simplifies buying and selling for beginners by removing complex trading terminology.
Fee Structure
Bitso uses a maker-taker fee model, with rates based on 30-day trading volume:
- MXN-Crypto Trades: 0.5% (maker) / 0.65% (taker) for volumes under 30 BTC/month.
- Crypto-Crypto Trades: 0.075% (maker) / 0.098% (taker).
Deposit and withdrawal fees are low or nonexistent, except for OXXO cash deposits.
Trading Limits
Bitso imposes deposit/withdrawal limits based on account verification levels:
- Level 1: 5,300 MXN daily / 32,000 MXN monthly (phone verification required).
- Level 2: 150,000 MXN daily / 480,000 MXN monthly (ID, proof of residency, and trading history required).
- Level 3: 1,000,000 MXN daily / unlimited monthly (contract signing required).
Customer Support
Bitso’s customer service is limited to a ticketing system, with responses typically taking 24–48 hours (though delays are common). The support team is active on Twitter but primarily directs complex queries to tickets.
The Help Center includes over 40 articles but lacks a search function, making it difficult to find specific information.
Security Measures
Bitso offers two-factor authentication (2FA) and multisignature security for transfers. However, detailed information about overall security protocols is not publicly available. A hack in 2018 raised concerns, though no major incidents have been reported since.
Reputation and Trust
Bitso has a mixed online reputation. It holds a 3.3/5 rating on Cryptocompare based on 30 reviews. While some users praise its accessibility, others cite issues with trade execution and customer support. The platform is legally compliant and operates transparently regarding fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bitso available outside Mexico?
Bitso primarily serves Mexican residents. While anyone can create an account, trading requires Mexican pesos.
What cryptocurrencies can I trade on Bitso?
Bitso supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, Bitcoin Cash, and four other cryptocurrencies.
Are there fees for depositing pesos?
Bank transfers (SPEI) are free. Cash deposits via OXXO incur a 2.6% + tax fee.
How long do withdrawals take?
Fiat withdrawals are processed within 24 hours. Crypto withdrawals depend on network congestion.
Is Bitso safe to use?
Bitso uses 2FA and multisig security. However, users should exercise caution and enable all available security features.
Can I use Bitso without verification?
Basic trading requires phone verification. Higher limits require ID and proof of residency.
Conclusion
Bitso fills a crucial gap in the Mexican crypto market by providing a dedicated platform for peso-based trading. Its strengths include low entry barriers, multiple deposit options, and an intuitive trading interface. However, it falls short in customer support, security transparency, and interface usability outside trading.
For Mexican users seeking to avoid currency conversion fees, Bitso is a viable option. 👉 Explore secure trading platforms for more advanced features and global support.