HTX Crypto Exchange Review: Fees, Security, and Why It’s Gaining Ground in 2025

12 January 2025
HTX Crypto Exchange Review: Fees, Security, and Why It’s Gaining Ground in 2025

HTX Trading Fee Calculator

How Much Can You Save?

Calculate your potential savings with HTX's fee structure. The more HT tokens you hold, the greater your discounts.

Enter your trading volume and HT holdings to see potential savings

Key Facts: HTX offers up to 25% permanent fee discounts for HT token holders. Unlike Binance's time-limited discounts, these discounts never expire.

*Note: Results based on current HTX fee structure (spot trading 0.2%/0.2% standard, futures 0.02%/0.04%)

When people search for "HPX crypto exchange," they’re almost always looking for HTX. It’s a common typo, but the difference matters. HTX - formerly known as Huobi - is one of the fastest-growing crypto exchanges in 2025, with over 50 million users and $18.7 billion in daily trading volume. It’s not Binance. It’s not Coinbase. But for traders who want deep liquidity, low fees, and a wide selection of altcoins, HTX is becoming a top choice.

What Is HTX, Really?

HTX launched in 2013 as Huobi, one of the earliest crypto exchanges outside the U.S. In October 2023, it rebranded after being acquired by Justin Sun, the founder of TRON. The change wasn’t just a name swap - it was a reset. The platform doubled down on product development, security, and user incentives. Today, HTX supports over 900 trading pairs and lists more than 720 cryptocurrencies, from Bitcoin and Ethereum to obscure DeFi tokens you won’t find on smaller exchanges.

Unlike many exchanges that rely on hype, HTX has stayed steady through market downturns. While others saw trading volume drop in 2024, HTX’s spot volume jumped 210% in Q1 2025 alone. That’s not luck. It’s execution.

Fees That Actually Save You Money

Trading fees are where HTX really shines. For spot trading, the standard maker/taker fee is 0.2%/0.2%. That’s higher than Binance’s lowest tier, but here’s the catch: if you hold the HT token, you get up to a 25% discount. And unlike Binance’s time-limited discounts, HTX’s discount doesn’t expire. Hold HT, keep saving.

Futures trading is even better. Maker fees start at just 0.02%, and taker fees are 0.04%. In May 2025, HTX rolled out zero-cost futures trading on select pairs - a move that pulled in thousands of new retail traders. For active traders, this can mean hundreds of dollars saved per month.

There’s also a VIP system with eight tiers based on your 30-day trading volume and HT holdings. The higher your tier, the lower your fees. Institutional traders love this because it rewards volume without locking you into a subscription.

Security: Strong, But Not Perfect

HTX keeps 98% of user funds in cold storage. That’s industry standard for top-tier exchanges. It also uses withdrawal address whitelisting, two-factor authentication, and real-time fraud monitoring. On paper, it’s solid.

But there’s a major caveat: in November 2023, HTX’s Heco Cross-Chain Bridge was hacked. Around $85 million was stolen. Justin Sun publicly apologized and promised to cover losses using the Huobi Investor Protection Fund - and he did. The fund, which receives 20% of HTX’s quarterly profits, was used to reimburse affected users. That’s rare. Most exchanges don’t refund losses.

Still, the incident shook trust. Reddit users still debate whether HTX’s security is truly reliable. The fact that they made users whole? That’s a plus. But the fact that the hack happened at all? That’s a red flag.

Secure digital vault with cracked shield being repaired by a protective fund symbol

Staking, Earn, and Passive Income - Where HTX Falls Short

HTX offers staking, savings accounts, and a product called SmartEarn. But compared to KuCoin or Binance, its earn section feels half-built. There are fewer yield farming options, fewer locked-term products, and fewer high-yield opportunities.

One standout is the HT token staking program. Stake HT and earn more HT - with APYs around 5-8% depending on market conditions. That’s decent, but not jaw-dropping. The real value? The fee discounts you unlock by holding HT. That’s where the real return is.

Users who want high-yield DeFi integration or complex liquidity mining should look elsewhere. HTX isn’t built for that. It’s built for trading.

Interface and User Experience

The HTX app and website are clean, fast, and surprisingly easy for beginners. The dashboard shows your portfolio, open orders, and market trends in one glance. Advanced traders get access to charting tools, trading bots, copy trading, and social trading feeds - all built in.

One of the biggest wins? Speed. During market spikes in early 2025, users reported no lag, no order failures, and no downtime. That’s rare. Most exchanges buckle under pressure. HTX didn’t.

The only downside? Documentation. A CoinGecko survey found that 68% of users thought the help guides were outdated, especially for futures trading. If you’re new to derivatives, you’ll need to learn on your own or watch YouTube tutorials.

Customer Support and KYC

Support is handled through a Zendesk ticket system. No live chat. No phone. Just tickets. But here’s the surprise: response times are fast. Reddit users report resolutions in under two hours, even during Asian market hours.

KYC is another story. In the U.S., Europe, and Canada, verification can take 24 to 72 hours. Some users on Trustpilot complained it took seven days - even with all documents submitted. If you’re in a hurry to start trading, this delay can be frustrating.

Once verified, though, deposits and withdrawals are smooth. HTX supports bank transfers, credit cards, and over 100 cryptocurrencies. Withdrawal times are typically under 30 minutes.

Contrasting towers of HTX and Binance with discount badges and fee symbols

Who Is HTX For?

HTX isn’t for everyone. But if you fit this profile, it’s a strong fit:

  • You trade altcoins frequently and want access to 900+ trading pairs
  • You hold HT tokens and want to cut trading fees long-term
  • You’re an active futures trader looking for low fees and zero-cost options
  • You value platform stability during volatile markets
  • You’re okay with ticket-based support and don’t need 24/7 live chat

It’s not for you if:

  • You want the easiest DeFi integration or yield farming
  • You need instant KYC verification
  • You’re uncomfortable with a past security breach, even if losses were covered
  • You prefer a U.S.-based exchange with clearer regulatory oversight

HTX vs. The Competition

Here’s how HTX stacks up against top rivals in 2025:

HTX vs. Binance vs. KuCoin - Key Comparison (2025)
Feature HTX Binance KuCoin
Trading Pairs 900+ 1,000+ 750+
Spot Fee (Standard) 0.2%/0.2% 0.1%/0.1% 0.2%/0.2%
Fee Discount via Token Up to 25% (permanent) Up to 25% (expires) Up to 20% (permanent)
Futures Fee (Maker) 0.02% 0.02% 0.02%
Zero-Cost Futures Yes (select pairs) No No
Staking/Earn Options Moderate Extensive Extensive
Security Fund Yes (20% of profits) Yes (SAFU Fund) No
KYC Time (EU/US) 24-72 hours 1-3 hours 1-48 hours

HTX doesn’t beat Binance on volume or features. But it beats it on fee permanence and recent growth. It doesn’t beat KuCoin on DeFi, but it beats it on stability and liquidity.

The Bottom Line

HTX is not a perfect exchange. But it’s one of the most honest ones. It doesn’t overpromise. It doesn’t hide its flaws. It gives you deep markets, low fees, and a token that actually saves you money - all backed by a fund that protects you if things go wrong.

If you’re tired of exchanges that promise the moon but deliver delays, high fees, and broken support - HTX is worth a look. Just don’t rush. Do your own research. Start with a small deposit. Test the withdrawal process. See how fast support responds.

For traders who want to move fast, trade often, and keep costs low, HTX in 2025 is a quiet winner.

Is HPX the same as HTX?

No, HPX is not a real crypto exchange. It’s a common misspelling of HTX, which was formerly known as Huobi. HTX is a legitimate global exchange with over 50 million users. If you’re searching for HPX, you likely mean HTX.

Is HTX safe to use in 2025?

HTX has strong security measures, including cold storage for 98% of funds and a protection fund that reimbursed $85 million in losses after a 2023 hack. While no exchange is 100% immune to attacks, HTX’s transparency and history of covering losses make it one of the more trustworthy platforms in the industry.

How do I get the 25% trading fee discount on HTX?

You need to hold HT tokens in your HTX wallet. The more HT you hold, the higher your discount - up to 25%. Unlike Binance’s temporary discounts, HTX’s discount never expires as long as you hold the token. You can buy HT directly on the exchange or earn it through staking.

Does HTX offer zero-fee trading?

Yes, HTX offers zero-cost futures trading on select trading pairs as of May 2025. This is a major draw for active traders. Spot trading still has fees, but they’re reduced by up to 25% if you hold HT tokens.

How long does KYC take on HTX?

KYC verification typically takes 24 to 72 hours for users in Europe, the U.S., and Canada. Some users report delays up to 7 days, especially if documents are unclear or incomplete. Once approved, you can trade immediately.

Can I stake cryptocurrencies on HTX?

Yes, HTX offers staking for over 100 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and its native HT token. Staking rewards vary by asset and market conditions, with HT staking offering 5-8% APY. It’s not the highest yield available, but it’s reliable and integrated into the platform’s fee discount system.

Is HTX better than Binance?

HTX isn’t bigger or more feature-rich than Binance, but it’s more consistent with fee discounts and has shown stronger growth in 2024-2025. If you hold HT tokens, your fees are permanently lower. Binance has more coins, better DeFi tools, and faster KYC. Choose HTX if you trade often and want long-term savings. Choose Binance if you want the most options and fastest setup.

11 Comments

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    Sara Lindsey

    November 14, 2025 AT 12:03

    HTX is quietly killing it in 2025 and no one’s talking about it enough

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    alex piner

    November 15, 2025 AT 03:34

    i just switched from binance last month and man the fee discounts on HT are real. i hold like 150 HT and my trading costs dropped like 20% overnight. no expiry, no BS. just keep holding and save

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    Gavin Jones

    November 16, 2025 AT 05:24

    While I appreciate the thorough analysis presented here, I must respectfully point out that the historical context surrounding the Heco Bridge incident remains a legitimate concern for institutional participants. The reimbursement, though commendable, does not negate the systemic vulnerability exposed. Transparency is admirable, but prevention is paramount.

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    Mauricio Picirillo

    November 17, 2025 AT 14:35

    just wanna say the app is surprisingly smooth. i’m a beginner and didn’t feel lost at all. the charting tools are actually usable without needing a degree in finance. also, withdrawals hit my wallet in like 12 minutes. no complaints here.

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    Liz Watson

    November 17, 2025 AT 22:15

    Oh wow, HTX is the "quiet winner"? So the exchange that got hacked for $85M and still has KYC taking 72 hours is now the "honest" one? Meanwhile Binance has 10x the liquidity and 100x the support. You’re selling a compromise as a victory. Sad.

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    Rachel Anderson

    November 18, 2025 AT 08:38

    THEY GAVE BACK THE $85 MILLION?? I’m crying. I literally thought I’d never see my crypto again after that hack. I lost 3 BTC on another exchange and they ghosted me. HTX actually honored their word. That’s not just good business - that’s soul.

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    Hamish Britton

    November 18, 2025 AT 13:06

    the zero-cost futures on select pairs is a game changer. i’ve been trading futures for two years and never seen this. i’m not even a pro, but the spreads are tighter and the slippage is way less. just wish they’d add more pairs. still, it’s a win.

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    Robert Astel

    November 18, 2025 AT 22:09

    you know what’s wild? HTX isn’t trying to be everything to everyone. most exchanges are like that overeager kid at the party trying to be the DJ, the bartender, the magician, and the therapist all at once. HTX? it’s just the guy who shows up with the best snacks and lets you chill. no hype, no fake promises, just solid trading and a token that actually does something. and honestly? in a space full of crypto bros screaming "TO THE MOON" while their platform crashes during a 2% dip, that’s revolutionary. we don’t need more features. we need less broken promises. HTX gets that. and if you’re over 25 and tired of being sold snake oil, you’ll get it too. also, i typoed "HTX" as "HTX" like 17 times while writing this and i still can’t believe it’s not "HPX" lol

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    Andrew Parker

    November 19, 2025 AT 03:33

    is this what capitalism looks like when it’s not evil? i mean… they hacked. they paid. they didn’t hide. they didn’t blame users. they just… fixed it. and now they’re giving us lower fees forever? am i in a dream? or did we finally get a crypto platform that remembers it’s serving humans, not just profit margins? i’m not crying. you’re crying.

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    Kevin Hayes

    November 20, 2025 AT 16:47

    The ethical dimension of HTX’s model cannot be understated. The use of quarterly profits to backstop user losses establishes a fiduciary precedent rarely seen in decentralized finance. While Binance’s SAFU fund operates under opaque criteria, HTX’s 20% allocation is both transparent and consistent. This is not merely a business decision - it is a philosophical alignment with the original ethos of blockchain: trustlessness, but with accountability. The fact that this model thrives in a speculative market suggests a deeper maturity in user behavior than many assume.

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    Katherine Wagner

    November 22, 2025 AT 05:25

    Zero-cost futures? Really? And you’re not mentioning that they’re only on 12 pairs? And the staking APYs are lower than what you can get on a DeFi protocol? And KYC takes 72 hours? And the help docs are outdated? And you called it "honest"? You’re not reviewing HTX. You’re writing a love letter to a company that still has a 2023 hack in its history. I’m not impressed. I’m annoyed. And I’m not the only one. Seriously. Read the Reddit threads. People are NOT happy about the support delays. And the token discount? It’s not a discount if you have to buy the token first. It’s a pay-to-play system. And that’s not innovation. That’s rent-seeking.

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