Two CFD crypto brokers are pitted against each other offering exposure without real coins. The tension centers on regulation, coin selection, and support and platform features.
Both AvaTrade and Skilling are closely matched, but AvaTrade's 24/5 live chat and phone support differentiate it on client assistance.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
AvaTrade wins on security with broader multi-jurisdictional regulation across several authorities.
Skilling wins for low fees due to no inactivity fee and competitive variable spreads.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.9/ 5 | 3.7/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | $100 | $50▼ lower |
| Spreads From | 0.9 pips | 0.7 pips▼ lower |
| Taker Fee | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity Fee | $50/month (after 3 months) | $10/month (after 90 days) |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | AvaTrade | Skilling |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Fail | Fail |
| Proof of reserves published | Fail | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Fail | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Fail | Fail |
| Features | ||
| Staking available | Fail | Fail |
| DeFi integration | Fail | Fail |
| NFT trading | Fail | Fail |
| 500+ coins listed | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
The scores are close: AvaTrade rates 3.9/5 and Skilling rates 3.7/5. AvaTrade has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
Skilling lists a lower spread from 0.7, compared with AvaTrade's 0.9. Crypto trading costs are typically quoted as a percentage of the trade value; check each exchange's full fee schedule, as maker/taker rates and volume discounts vary.
Skilling has $50, while AvaTrade requires at least $100. This makes Skilling more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
Both AvaTrade and Skilling hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each exchange's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, two factors stand out: Skilling requires a lower minimum deposit ($50), lowering the barrier to entry, and both exchanges provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
AvaTrade offers up to 2:1 on perpetual or margin products, versus Skilling's 2:1 cap. Margin and futures trading carry higher risk than spot crypto; confirm product availability and jurisdiction-specific limits on each exchange's website.
AvaTrade supports ZuluTrade, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while Skilling supports cTrader, Skilling Trader, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. AvaTrade has exclusive access to ZuluTrade and MetaTrader 5 and Proprietary Web/Mobile. Skilling has exclusive access to cTrader and Skilling Trader.
Skilling scores better on fee criteria (no deposit fee, no inactivity fee). Always check both exchanges' current fee schedules, as maker/taker rates and withdrawal fees vary and are subject to change.
Skilling suits beginners with a $50 min deposit and no inactivity fee.
Equally matched; neither offers DeFi access or on-chain features.
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | FSCA ASIC MFSA CBI ADGM | FCA FSCA CySEC |
|---|
| Cold Storage | No | No |
|---|
| Proof of Reserves | No | No |
|---|
| Staking | No | No |
|---|
| DeFi Integration | No | No |
|---|
| NFT Trading | No | No |
|---|
| 500+ Coins | No | No |
|---|
| P2P Trading | No | No |
|---|
| Crypto Earn / Savings | No | No |
|---|
| Token Launchpad | No | No |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.7 / 5
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