Two regulated CFD brokers face off over crypto offering breadth, platform capability, and pricing. The contrast highlights how each balances regulation, access, and costs.
CMC Markets has the higher editorial score than Axi, making it the overall winner.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose Axi if…
Choose Axi if you value no inactivity fee and access to AxiSelect social trading.
Choose CMC Markets if…
Choose CMC Markets if you want 24/5 live chat and phone support, plus 100+ crypto CFDs.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
CMC Markets benefits from broader regulator coverage beyond Axi.
Fees are equally matched between Axi and CMC Markets.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.8/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads From | 0 pips▼ lower | 0.7 pips |
| Taker Fee | 7.00% | N/A |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Axi | CMC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass | Fail |
| Transparent pricing page | Fail | Pass |
| 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 | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
The scores are close: Axi rates 3.8/5 and CMC Markets rates 4.1/5. CMC Markets 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.
Axi lists a lower spread from 0, compared with CMC Markets's 0.7. 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.
Neither Axi nor CMC Markets requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both Axi and CMC Markets 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, both exchanges provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each exchange's site before deciding.
Axi offers up to 2:1 on perpetual or margin products, versus CMC Markets'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.
Axi charges $7 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for CMC Markets are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. Crypto fees are typically quoted as maker/taker rates rather than fixed per-trade commissions; check each exchange's fee schedule for volume-based discounts.
Axi supports DXtrade, MetaTrader 4, while CMC Markets supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. Axi has exclusive access to DXtrade. CMC Markets has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Axi 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.
Equally matched on DeFi & Web3 capabilities.
| 0.7 pips |
| N/A |
| Inactivity Fee | None | £10/month (after 12 months) |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA ASIC DFSA | FCA ASIC DFSA FMA BaFin |
|---|
| 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 3.8 / 5
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