Anyone investing in cryptocurrencies in Latin America has surely heard of Binance, today the largest exchange in the world by trading volume and variety of products. But how does it compare with a consolidated local platform?
To understand this, we evaluated step by step the practical experience between Binance and Mercado Bitcoin (MB) — a veteran among Brazilian exchanges, founded in 2013. We tested navigation, deposits, asset purchases, and passive income resources, using Binance as a benchmark, highlighting where MB is close or far.
The presented screens are in Portuguese, as the test was conducted by a Brazilian user. When we mention the “Pix” system, we refer to the instant payment method from the Central Bank of Brazil, which is very common among local users.
Main interface and navigation: Binance vs Mercado Bitcoin
When opening the Binance app, the user encounters a highly customizable initial screen: mobile widgets that display the total balance, quick accesses to OTC, Earn, Square, and dynamic banners with news and offers. The bottom menu has four tabs (Home, Markets, Trading, and Wallet), and it is possible to rearrange accesses according to the user's profile.
At Mercado Bitcoin, the initial impression is one of simplicity: the bottom menu brings Home, Products, Wealth, and Account, with shortcuts to functions such as Deposit, Buy, and Passive Income. For those just starting, this structure helps reduce the learning curve and avoids unnecessary distractions.
Summary: Binance stands out for its high level of customization and options on the home screen. MB offers clear and straightforward navigation, ideal for users who prefer order and simplicity from the start.
Deposits in BRL (Pix): Binance vs Mercado Bitcoin
In Binance, the process to deposit reais (BRL) is quick, easy, and versatile. You can use Pix (instant transfer without fees), credit/debit card, or even the P2P market, which offers more options for those who prefer to use external wallets or alternative methods. In our tests, we made a Pix transfer, and the balance was credited in minutes, at no cost.
At MB, we also use Pix and it worked correctly, without charging fees. The app requires that the transfer comes from a bank account with the same CPF (Brazilian tax identification document), which is a valid security measure.
However, options are limited: only deposits via Pix or traditional bank transfer (TED) are accepted, with no support for card or P2P.
Summary: Binance offers more flexibility in methods and better integration with different user profiles. MB does well with the basics, but does not provide variety.
Purchase of cryptocurrencies (test with SOL): Binance vs Mercado Bitcoin
We tested the purchase of 10 reais in Solana (SOL) on both platforms and compared the results:
Binance: Using the “Convert” feature, the price was 807.70 BRL per SOL. Received 0.01226367SOL, with no fees, and the process was very quick.
Mercado Bitcoin: The quote was approximately 823.00 BRL per SOL, with a fee of 0.29 BRL. The final result was 0.01178736 SOL net.
Summary: With the same amount, Binance delivered almost 4% more SOL due to a better quote and absence of fees. Financially and operationally, it was the most advantageous option.
Variety of products: Binance vs Mercado Bitcoin
Binance offers a sophisticated ecosystem with tools such as Copy Trading, flexible and locked staking with Simple Earn, futures trading (in regions where permitted), as well as token discovery with Binance Alpha, exclusive launches via Megadrop and integration with Wallet Web3, all without the need for a seed phrase.
MB takes a more diversified approach to asset classes. In addition to cryptocurrencies, it offers investments in digital fixed income, Smart Baskets (mini crypto ETFs), and passive income options with tokens like ETH, CHZ, and NEAR, all quoted and managed in reais.
Summary: Binance has a specialized portfolio to explore the crypto universe in depth, with over 500 coins available. MB offers a more traditional experience, focused on diversification within a local economy.
Portfolio visualization: Binance vs Mercado Bitcoin
In Binance, the “Wallet” tab segments balances into Spot, Earn, Funds, P2P, and Futures. It is possible to see the total value in reais and crypto, along with the performance of each category. This structure benefits users with complex strategies, although it may seem too technical for beginners.
In MB, the “Wealth” tab shows a pie chart with the proportion between reais and crypto, and lists the assets just below. The design is simple and clear, aimed at a quick consultation of the portfolio.
Summary: Binance offers depth and segmentation. MB wins in clarity and simplicity, useful for daily tracking.
Customer support: Binance vs Mercado Bitcoin
Binance has 24/7 support initiated by an intelligent bot that understands open questions, guides on deposits, orders, and security, and can redirect the user to a human agent when necessary. The support button is always visible on the main screen.
In MB, the process is more complicated: support is accessed from the profile, and then you must log into a separate section. It is only possible to open a ticket via a form, without the option for real-time chat.
Summary: Binance delivers fast, accessible support with human attention when needed. MB presents a more bureaucratic and slow system, not very useful in urgent situations.
The advantages of Binance
Fees from 0.10% (or less if paid with BNB);
Advanced products: staking, Copy Trading, futures, P2P, margins;Megadrop and Alpha for token launches and discoveries;
Integrated Web3 Wallet, without seed phrase, with emergency backup;
Customizable interface with widgets and configurable accesses;
24/7 support with direct attention from the main screen;
More than 500 cryptocurrencies available, with high liquidity and variety of pairs.
What Mercado Bitcoin does well
Simple interface in Portuguese, clear navigation;
Smart Baskets like pre-assembled crypto ETFs;
Investments in digital fixed income with predictable returns;
Passive income with tokens like ETH, CHZ, and NEAR, with simple redemption;
Portfolio visualization with accessible charts;
Good entry option for beginners who value guided processes.
Binance vs Mercado Bitcoin: which exchange will you choose in 2025?
To facilitate your decision, we have compiled a table below with the main comparative points between the two exchanges. It summarizes the functionalities, advantages, and limitations of each platform:
Ease for beginners
Binance: Powerful interface but with a learning curve
Mercado Bitcoin: Simple menus, direct language
Trading fees
Binance: From 0.10% (less with BNB)
Mercado Bitcoin: 0.30% (taker), 0.15% (maker)
Variety of assets
Binance: +500 cryptocurrencies
Mercado Bitcoin: ~150 crypto assets
Deposit methods
Binance: Pix, card, P2P
Mercado Bitcoin: Only Pix and bank transfer
Purchase of SOL (example)
Binance: 0.01226 SOL for 10 BRL – more advantageous!
Mercado Bitcoin: 0.01178 SOL for 10 BRL (with fee)
Passive income / staking
Binance: Simple Earn, varied tokens, flexible terms
Mercado Bitcoin: ETH, CHZ, NEAR, with simple redemption
Portfolio visualization
Binance: Segmented by type with technical charts
Mercado Bitcoin: Basic pie chart (reais vs crypto)
Support
Binance: 24h bot, direct button, human agent option
Mercado Bitcoin: Only ticket with separate login, no chat
Differentials
Binance: Megadrop, Alpha, Web3 Wallet, futures, Copy Trading
Mercado Bitcoin: these Smart, digital fixed income in local currency
Binance remains the most comprehensive platform for users who prioritize low fees, a variety of assets, advanced tools, and a global crypto ecosystem. It is ideal for those seeking depth, continuous innovation, and more technical operations.
Mercado Bitcoin shines for its simplicity, user-friendly navigation, and products designed for traditional users who want to combine fixed income, crypto ETFs, and basic staking functions, all from the same environment.
Both are good options. The key is to choose the one that best fits your profile as a Latin American investor.
