HTX vs Local Exchanges: Fee Comparison Tool
Fee Comparison Calculator
Estimate your potential savings by comparing HTX fees with local Korean exchanges. Enter your monthly trading volume to see how much you could save.
Estimated Monthly Savings
Upbit (KRW Trading)
Flat 0.05% taker fee
-
Binance (KRW via Fiat Gateway)
Flat 0.10% taker fee
-
HTX (Huobi Korea)
Base 0.20% taker fee
-
Fee Structure Overview
| Exchange | Taker Fee | Maker Fee | Discounts Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTX (Huobi Korea) | 0.20% | 0.20% | HT Holding & VIP Tiers |
| Upbit | 0.05% | 0.00% | VIP Tiers |
| Binance | 0.10% | 0.10% | BNB Holding |
Quick Takeaways
- Huobi Korea is not a separate legal entity; it operates under the global HTX platform.
- HTX offers over 700 assets, 0.2% flat fees, and deep discounts via its tier system.
- Security relies on cold storage, Merkle‑proof reserves, and a history of transparent breach handling.
- Korean users face regulatory limits - KRW pairs and Korean‑language support are limited.
- Local rivals like Upbit and Binance provide stronger KRW integration but lack HTX’s extensive meme‑coin listings.
What is Huobi Korea?
When people mention Huobi Korea is the Korean‑focused front‑end of the global HTX crypto exchange (formerly Huobi Global). The service does not have a dedicated legal subsidiary in Seoul; instead, Korean traders access the same infrastructure that serves more than 47million users worldwide. Because the platform is hosted under the HTX umbrella, the features, fee schedule, and security policies mirror the global offering.
How does HTX (formerly Huobi) operate globally?
HTX was founded in 2013 by LeonLi a Tsinghua graduate and former Oracle engineer who still serves as CEO. After a 2023 rebrand, the exchange moved its headquarters to the Seychelles and now ranks 10th on CoinMarketCap (March2025). Key stats:
- Total assets: >$4billion
- Registered users: >47million
- Supported assets: >700 digital tokens, 1,000+ trading pairs
- Daily volume: $4billion±$2billion
The platform supports 57 fiat currencies and around 60 payment methods, ranging from bank transfers to VISA/Mastercard.
Availability for Korean Users
South Korea’s crypto landscape is tightly regulated. While HTX does not list KRW directly, Korean traders can fund accounts using USD, JPY, or other supported fiat via international bank transfers or a limited number of third‑party payment processors. The exchange UI does offer a Korean language toggle, but customer‑service channels are primarily English‑based. Because the service is not expressly licensed by the Financial Services Commission (FSC), users should be prepared for potential access restrictions during regulatory crackdowns.
Key Features & Services
- Spot trading - over 1,000 pairs, including many low‑cap meme coins.
- Staking and earn products - lock‑up HT or other tokens for up to 30% APY.
- OTC desk - high‑volume institutional trades with negotiated prices.
- Margin & futures - up to 10× leverage on major pairs.
- Copy‑trading - follow professional accounts without writing code.
- Native token HT used for fee discounts and governance.
- Legacy stablecoin HUSD pegged to the US dollar, still tradable on HTX.
Trading Fees and Discount Tiers
HTX keeps a flat 0.20% fee for both makers and takers. The fee can drop dramatically when you hold HT or achieve higher monthly volumes. The lowest maker rate sits at 0.0126% - a 94% discount - once you climb to VIP9 and hold enough HT tokens. Unlike many rivals, HTX does not charge a withdrawal fee for most major coins; instead, it passes on the on‑chain network fee.
Security Measures
Security is a top priority for HTX. The exchange stores the bulk of user assets in cold wallets, estimated at >80% of total holdings. It also publishes a Merkle‑tree proof of reserves each quarter, allowing independent auditors to verify that on‑chain balances match the ledger. Past breaches (notably in 2018) were handled with full compensation, and the platform introduced multi‑factor authentication (MFA) and withdrawal whitelist features afterward.
Pros and Cons for Korean Traders
Pros
- Extensive asset list - new meme and DeFi tokens appear faster than on local exchanges.
- Competitive fee structure with deep discounts for high‑volume or HT‑holding users.
- Robust security pedigree - cold storage, reserve proofs, and transparent incident response.
- Advanced trading tools - futures, margin, copy‑trading.
Cons
- No direct KRW trading pairs; funds must be converted through USD or other fiat.
- Customer support primarily in English; response times can be slower for Korean‑language queries.
- Regulatory uncertainty - Korean authorities could restrict access without warning.
- Limited local payment options compared with Upbit or Bithumb.
How does it stack up against local alternatives?
| Feature | HTX (Huobi Korea) | Upbit | Binance |
|---|---|---|---|
| KRW Pairs | No direct KRW | Full KRW suite | Limited KRW (via fiat gateway) |
| Asset Coverage | 700+ tokens, aggressive meme‑coin listings | 300+ tokens, stricter vetting | 500+ tokens, balanced |
| Flat Trading Fee | 0.20% (discounts to 0.0126% with HT) | 0.05% taker, 0.00% maker (VIP discounts) | 0.10% taker, 0.10% maker (BNB discounts) |
| Cold‑Storage Ratio | ~80% | ~70% | ~75% |
| Customer Service Language | English (Korean UI only) | Korean, English | English, Korean (limited) |
| Regulatory Status (2025) | Operates under global license; Korean access unofficial | FSC‑licensed local exchange | Global license; Korean operations via Binance Korea (subject to FSC review) |
Getting Started - Step‑by‑Step Guide
- Visit HTX.com and click the “Sign Up” button.
- Enter your email, create a strong password, and complete the email verification.
- Navigate to “Profile → KYC” and submit a passport or Korean resident registration card. Choose “Standard” verification if you only need spot trading.
- Add a funding method: select “Bank Transfer (USD)”, enter your international bank details, and wait for the SWIFT transaction (usually 1‑3days).
- After the deposit clears, switch the UI language to Korean via the top‑right dropdown for easier navigation.
- Search for the token you want (e.g., BTC/USDT), set your order type (limit, market, stop‑limit), and confirm the trade.
- To lower fees, consider buying a small amount of HT and holding it in the “Earn → HT” vault; the platform will auto‑apply the discount tier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I trade KRW directly on Huobi Korea?
No. HTX does not list KRW pairs. Korean users must first convert KRW to a supported fiat (usually USD) via an external bank or a third‑party gateway, then fund their HTX account.
Is my money safe on the platform?
HTX stores roughly 80% of assets in cold wallets, publishes quarterly Merkle‑proof reserve reports, and enforces MFA and withdrawal whitelists. While no exchange is 100% risk‑free, its security track record is among the strongest in the industry.
How do I get the lowest trading fees?
Hold HT token and increase your monthly trading volume. At VIP9 with sufficient HT, maker fees can drop to 0.0126%.
What customer‑support options are available for Korean users?
Support is primarily in English via live chat and ticket system. The UI offers Korean language, but response times may be slower than local exchanges that provide Korean‑speaking staff.
Should I choose Huobi Korea over Upbit or Binance?
If you need a broad selection of new tokens and lower fees via HT, HTX is attractive. If you value direct KRW trading, Korean‑language support, and regulatory certainty, Upbit is the safer bet. Binance sits in‑between, offering many assets but limited KRW options.
Honestly, the hype around Huobi Korea feels more like a marketing gimmick than a genuine Korean‑focused service. They just slap a Korean UI on the global HTX platform, so you’re basically using the same backend as everyone else. If you’re after deep KRW liquidity or local customer support, you’ll be better off with Upbit. The fee discount tricks only work if you’re already a high‑volume trader, which most hobbyists aren’t.
Huobi Korea, operating under the global HTX umbrella, offers an impressively broad selection of assets, including many emerging meme‑coins, yet it falls short on native KRW pairings, which could be a deal‑breaker for many Korean traders; the platform’s flat 0.20% fee is reasonable, especially when users hold HT for discounts, and its security measures-cold‑storage, Merkle‑proof reserves, and swift breach compensation-are commendable; however, the limited Korean‑language support and the regulatory gray area may deter some users seeking local compliance.
Oh great, another “global” exchange that pretends to be local. I guess the “no KRW pairs” thing is just a clever way to say “we don’t care about Korean users.”
It’s an utter scandal that a platform can claim Korean focus while offering zero KRW liquidity.
It must be emphasized, with utmost gravity, that the reliance on a foreign‑registered entity for domestic crypto services contravenes the spirit of national financial sovereignty; the Korean Financial Services Commission has, time and again, underscored the necessity for locally licensed exchanges to ensure consumer protection; therefore, investors should critically evaluate the inherent risks associated with utilizing a platform that operates beyond the jurisdictional purview of South Korean regulatory oversight.
Thinking about it, the whole “global vs local” debate mirrors the ancient dilemma of identity versus utility; you get the best of both worlds-vast asset variety and strong security-yet you sacrifice the comfort of native fiat pairs, which is a trade‑off many must weigh in the ever‑evolving crypto landscape.
Hey, don’t sweat it! Huobi’s security is solid 😎, and if you ever need lower fees, just grab some HT. 👍
Our country deserves its own fully regulated exchange, not a repackaged foreign site.
💡 Let me break it down: Huobi Korea gives you access to over 700 tokens, deep liquidity on futures, and a tiered fee system that can drop below 0.02% if you hold HT. The trade‑off is the lack of direct KRW pairs, meaning you’ll need to route funds through USD or another fiat, which adds a step but not an insurmountable barrier. In short, if token diversity is your priority, HTX still shines.
Honestly, I think the choice boils down to what you value most-speed, local support, or sheer variety. Upbit nails the KRW integration and Korean support, while HTX dazzles with meme‑coins and fee discounts. Binance sits somewhere in the middle, offering decent coverage but limited KRW options.
That’s a solid overview! 🤔 I'm curious, though-how does the withdrawal whitelist on HTX compare to Upbit’s two‑factor withdrawal confirmations? Do you think the extra security steps might offset the convenience factor for Korean traders?
I’ve tried both HTX and Upbit, and the vibe is quite different. HTX feels more like an international playground, while Upbit is home‑grown and easier for everyday folks.
Don't be fooled; the international vibe often hides hidden fees and slower support.
It is imperative to acknowledge that the structural design of Huobi Korea, as an extension of the HTX ecosystem, engenders both advantageous and disadvantageous outcomes. On one hand, the expansive token roster and sophisticated derivatives suite position it favorably among global competitors. On the other hand, the absence of direct KRW trading pairs imposes an additional conversion layer that may erode profitability for domestic traders. Furthermore, the platform’s adherence to rigorous security protocols-cold storage, multi‑factor authentication, and periodic reserve proofs-substantiates its credibility. Nonetheless, prospective users must remain vigilant regarding regulatory developments that could impact accessibility.
Great points! If you’re deciding, consider your typical trade size: large‑volume traders will reap the fee discounts by holding HT, while casual users might prefer the simplicity of Upbit’s KRW pairs. Also, keep an eye on the KYC process-HTX’s verification can be slower because it’s handled centrally.
When we contemplate the essence of exchange selection, we are, in effect, navigating a confluence of liquidity, security, and regulatory alignment, each element bearing its own weight in the calculus of risk versus reward; the allure of an expansive token list, as presented by HTX, tempts the adventurous trader who seeks exposure to nascent projects, yet the very same breadth can dilute focus, leading to potential oversight of critical market signals, which, if missed, may culminate in suboptimal entry points or exit strategies; security, undeniably, stands as the cornerstone of any reputable platform, and HTX’s commendable cold‑storage ratio, coupled with its transparent Merkle‑proof reserves, offers a reassuring veneer, yet one must remain cognizant that no system is impervious, and even the most robust safeguards are vulnerable to novel attack vectors; regulatory posture, perhaps the most mutable of the trio, dictates the operational latitude granted to an exchange within a jurisdiction, and while HTX operates under a global license, the ambiguous status in South Korea injects an element of uncertainty that prudent investors cannot disregard, especially when governmental crackdowns have historically manifested with abrupt account freezes; therefore, the decision matrix evolves beyond mere fee percentages, encompassing the psychological comfort derived from locally staffed support, the tangible convenience of KRW pairings, and the intangible yet profound confidence that stems from operating within a clear legal framework; in weighing these facets, one might posit that Upbit, with its FSC‑licensed status, offers a smoother onboarding experience for domestic users, albeit at the cost of a narrower asset universe; conversely, HTX delivers a broader horizon, but demands an additional currency conversion step, which, while not insurmountable, introduces latency and potential exchange rate risk; ultimately, the optimal path is individualistic, shaped by trading frequency, asset appetite, and tolerance for regulatory ambiguity; as the crypto ecosystem continues to mature, we may witness a convergence of global platforms acquiring local licenses, thereby dissolving the current dichotomy; until such harmonization occurs, traders must remain adaptable, continuously reassessing their chosen venue in alignment with evolving market dynamics and personal priorities.
The article glosses over the critical fact that Huobi Korea’s lack of a domestic license is a glaring red flag; moreover, the purported fee discounts are negligible for the average user; the security claims, while superficially impressive, do not address potential insider threats.
Indeed, the platform’s compliance architecture exhibits a paucity of KYC rigor, thereby elevating AML exposure; consequently, institutional participants should scrutinize the tiered fee schema through a cost‑benefit lens before allocating capital.
Look, the crypto world thrives on diversity, and HTX adds a valuable layer of token variety 🌐; if you’re willing to navigate the extra step of converting KRW to USD, the fee reductions and security frameworks can be worthwhile 💪; just stay informed and don’t let bureaucracy hold you back.
That optimism ignores the real risk of regulatory clampdowns.