Bithumb Singapore Crypto Exchange Review: What Happened and Where to Go Now

Posted by Victoria McGovern
Comments (5)
28
Nov
Bithumb Singapore Crypto Exchange Review: What Happened and Where to Go Now

Crypto Trading Fee Calculator

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Key Exchange Comparison
Important: Bithumb Singapore is no longer operational. This comparison is for historical reference only.
Bithumb Singapore (Historical) 0.05%
Lowest trading fee Unmatched by most platforms
Bybit 0.05%
0.05% flat fee Licensed in Singapore
Kraken 0.16% (taker)
0.10% (maker) Strong security
Bitget 0.05%
0.05% flat fee Popular in Asia
Binance 0.10% (standard)
0.08% with BNB Global presence
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Exchange Fee Percentage Estimated Cost Annual Savings
Bithumb Singapore (Historical) 0.05% $0.00 $0.00
Bybit 0.05% $0.00 $0.00
Kraken 0.16% $0.00 $0.00
Bitget 0.05% $0.00 $0.00
Binance 0.10% $0.00 $0.00
Note: Actual fees may vary based on market conditions, promotions, and your trading volume. Bithumb Singapore is no longer operational.

Back in 2019, Bithumb Singapore launched with a bold promise: ultra-low trading fees, Singapore regulation, and access to dozens of cryptocurrencies-all without the clutter of fiat deposits. It felt like a game-changer. For traders tired of paying 0.2% or more per trade, Bithumb Singapore’s flat 0.05% fee was a breath of fresh air. But today, the platform is gone. No website. No customer support. No refunds. Just a dead link and a lot of confused users.

Why Bithumb Singapore Looked Too Good to Be True

Bithumb Singapore didn’t invent anything new. It borrowed the infrastructure of its parent company, Bithumb, one of South Korea’s biggest crypto exchanges. But it made one smart move: it set up shop in Singapore. At the time, Singapore was one of the few places in Asia actively welcoming crypto businesses with clear licensing rules. That gave Bithumb Singapore a layer of legitimacy most offshore exchanges didn’t have.

The real draw? The fees. While most exchanges charged 0.1% to 0.25% per trade, Bithumb Singapore charged just 0.05%-no maker/taker distinction, no hidden costs. That meant if you traded $10,000 worth of Bitcoin, you paid $5 in fees instead of $20 or $25. For high-frequency traders, that added up fast. Withdrawal fees were also competitive: 0.001 BTC for Bitcoin, slightly higher than the industry average of 0.00059 BTC, but still reasonable given the fee structure.

The Catch: No Fiat, No US Users

But here’s the problem: you couldn’t deposit dollars, euros, or Singapore dollars. You had to buy crypto elsewhere-like Coinbase, Kraken, or Binance-and then transfer it to Bithumb Singapore. That created a barrier for beginners. If you didn’t already own crypto, you couldn’t start trading here. You needed a bridge exchange first.

And if you lived in the United States? You were locked out. Bithumb Singapore followed the same rule as many international platforms: no U.S. users. That wasn’t unusual, but it did limit its audience. For traders in Southeast Asia, especially Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, this wasn’t a dealbreaker. But for others, it was a red flag.

The Parent Company: Bithumb Korea

Bithumb Singapore was just a branch. The real engine was Bithumb Korea, founded in 2014. It supports over 320 cryptocurrencies, offers staking, automated trading bots, and has deep liquidity for KRW pairs. It’s still running. But it’s not the same as Bithumb Singapore.

Bithumb Korea has its own issues. It’s been hacked before. In 2017, attackers stole $30 million in crypto. Since then, they’ve improved security-cold storage, two-factor authentication, insurance for user funds-but trust takes time to rebuild. And unlike some global exchanges, Bithumb Korea doesn’t offer margin trading. That’s a big limitation for advanced traders who want to leverage positions.

So while Bithumb Singapore promised low fees and regulation, it was essentially a lightweight version of a platform with a mixed track record.

Split scene: trader happily depositing crypto vs. staring at a black screen with ghostly coins fading away.

What Happened to Bithumb Singapore?

No official announcement. No press release. No email to users. Just silence.

By mid-2024, the website became unreachable. Exchange tracking sites like CoinGecko and CoinMarketCap marked it as “dead.” Users couldn’t log in. Withdrawals stopped. Support channels vanished. The platform didn’t just shut down-it disappeared.

Why? No one knows for sure. Some speculate regulatory pressure. Others think it couldn’t compete in Singapore’s crowded market. There are over 20 licensed crypto exchanges in Singapore alone. Players like Kraken, Bybit, and Bitget are aggressively undercutting fees and adding features. Bithumb Singapore had no marketing budget, no local team, and no clear path to growth.

It’s also possible the parent company decided to focus on Bithumb Global, its newer international brand, which operates out of Dubai. That platform offers fiat on-ramps, margin trading, and better mobile apps. Bithumb Singapore was an experiment. And like many crypto experiments, it failed.

Who Got Hurt?

Traders who relied on Bithumb Singapore for low-cost trades are now stuck. Many had funds locked in their accounts when the site went down. Some managed to withdraw before the collapse. Others didn’t. There’s no recovery process. No customer service line. No legal recourse.

It’s a harsh lesson: don’t keep large amounts on an exchange that feels like a side project. Even if it’s “regulated,” if the website looks outdated and the team is silent, walk away.

Three traders face active exchanges as Bithumb Singapore fades into mist, one holding a 'Funds Locked' wallet.

Where Should You Go Now?

If you’re looking for low fees and Singapore regulation, here are your real options:

  • Bybit: Offers 0.05% trading fees (same as Bithumb Singapore), supports fiat deposits, and is licensed in Singapore. Great for spot and derivatives trading.
  • Kraken: Charges 0.16% for takers and 0.10% for makers. Strong security, fiat on-ramps, and a solid reputation. Not as cheap as Bithumb was, but reliable.
  • Bitget: 0.05% flat fee, fiat deposits, and a user-friendly app. Popular in Asia. Offers copy trading and staking.
  • Binance: 0.1% standard fee (reduced to 0.08% with BNB). Not Singapore-licensed, but has a global presence and deep liquidity.

None of these are perfect. But they’re alive. You can contact support. You can deposit fiat. You can withdraw your funds.

What You Can Learn From Bithumb Singapore’s Failure

Bithumb Singapore’s collapse isn’t just a footnote. It’s a warning.

First, low fees don’t mean safe. If the platform doesn’t have a clear business model or local presence, it won’t last.

Second, avoid exchanges that don’t let you deposit fiat. They’re not for beginners. They’re for crypto insiders who already have assets. If you’re starting out, you need an on-ramp.

Third, regulation doesn’t guarantee survival. Singapore has strict rules, but it doesn’t protect you from bad management or poor execution.

And finally, never assume an exchange will be around next year. Crypto moves fast. Platforms rise and fall in months. Always keep your funds on a wallet you control, not an exchange you trust.

Final Thoughts

Bithumb Singapore was a promising idea that didn’t survive the real world. Its 0.05% fee was unmatched. Its Singapore license felt secure. But without user growth, marketing, or a clear path forward, it vanished.

If you’re looking for a low-fee exchange today, you’ve got better options. But remember: the cheapest exchange isn’t always the best one. The one that stays open? That’s the one worth your money.

Is Bithumb Singapore still operational?

No, Bithumb Singapore is no longer operational. Its website has been inaccessible since mid-2024, and cryptocurrency tracking platforms have labeled it as "dead." There is no customer support, no login access, and no way to withdraw funds. The platform shut down without any official notice.

Why did Bithumb Singapore close down?

The exact reason hasn’t been officially confirmed. However, experts believe it struggled to compete in Singapore’s crowded crypto market, lacked sufficient marketing, and may have been overshadowed by its parent company’s shift toward Bithumb Global. With no fiat deposits and no clear growth strategy, it couldn’t retain users or attract new ones.

Can I still access my funds from Bithumb Singapore?

No. Since the platform shut down without warning, users who had funds on the exchange lost access. There is no recovery process, no customer service, and no legal avenue for reclaiming assets. This is why keeping large balances on any exchange-even one that seems regulated-is risky.

Did Bithumb Singapore accept fiat currency?

No. Bithumb Singapore only accepted cryptocurrency deposits. You had to buy crypto on another exchange first, then transfer it over. This made it unsuitable for beginners who didn’t already own digital assets. It was designed for experienced traders who wanted low fees, not for people looking to buy crypto with cash.

What was Bithumb Singapore’s trading fee?

Bithumb Singapore charged a flat 0.05% fee on all trades, regardless of whether you were a maker or taker. This was significantly lower than the industry average of 0.10%-0.25% at the time. For high-volume traders, this made it one of the most cost-effective platforms available.

Is the main Bithumb exchange still active?

Yes. The original Bithumb exchange, based in South Korea, is still operating. It supports over 320 cryptocurrencies, offers staking and bot trading, and remains one of Korea’s largest exchanges. However, it’s not the same as Bithumb Singapore. Bithumb Singapore was a separate, now-defunct entity.

Are there any exchanges today with 0.05% fees like Bithumb Singapore?

Yes. Bybit and Bitget both offer flat 0.05% trading fees today. Kraken and Binance offer lower fees for high-volume traders or those using their native tokens. While Bithumb Singapore is gone, its fee model lives on through other platforms that are still active and reliable.

Should I trust an exchange just because it’s based in Singapore?

No. Singapore has strong regulations, but being licensed there doesn’t guarantee safety or longevity. Bithumb Singapore was licensed, yet it vanished overnight. Always check if the exchange is transparent, responsive, and has a track record of uptime. Regulatory status is a plus-but not a safety net.

5 Comments

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    Komal Choudhary

    November 29, 2025 AT 08:31
    I used to trade on Bithumb Singapore all the time. The fees were insane. Then one day, boom-gone. No warning, no email, nothing. Just a 404. I lost $3k. Don't trust any exchange that doesn't let you deposit fiat. You're just one click away from losing everything.
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    Tina Detelj

    November 29, 2025 AT 13:42
    It’s not just about fees-it’s about *trust architecture*. Bithumb Singapore was a beautiful facade built on the crumbling foundation of a parent company with a 2017 hack history. The 0.05% fee? A siren song. A digital Pied Piper leading traders to a cliff labeled 'regulation.' And when the music stopped? Silence. Not a refund. Not an apology. Just… absence. That’s the real cost of crypto’s Wild West: you don’t get justice. You get erased.
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    Wilma Inmenzo

    December 1, 2025 AT 09:49
    I knew it was a trap. All these 'regulated' exchanges? CIA fronts. They let you deposit, then vanish when they need to launder crypto for shadow ops. Bithumb Singapore? Classic. They drained accounts, then vanished. Now they're probably using your BTC to fund drone strikes. You think it's about fees? Nah. It's about control. Always has been.
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    priyanka subbaraj

    December 2, 2025 AT 17:40
    I lost everything. Just like that. No warning. No email. No nothing. I cried for three days. I trusted them. I believed in the 'Singapore license.' Now I know: regulation is a marketing tactic. Not a promise.
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    George Kakosouris

    December 4, 2025 AT 16:19
    The 0.05% fee was a liquidity arbitrage play disguised as a user benefit. They were clearly using the platform as a front for cross-border wash trading-probably laundering through their Korean parent. No fiat on-ramp? That’s not a feature, it’s a red flag for AML evasion. The collapse wasn’t accidental-it was inevitable. They were never meant to be sustainable. Just a temporary liquidity sinkhole.

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