This comparison pits a native crypto exchange against a regulated CFD broker, highlighting how liquidity, asset selection, and security policies shape their appeal.
Bybit edges IC Markets on the editorial score (4.3 vs 4.1), making it the overall winner. This reflects Bybit's stronger derivatives liquidity and transparency, though IC Markets remains a solid regulated CFD choice.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose Bybit if…
You choose Bybit for a native crypto exchange with NFT trading and proof of reserves. You choose IC Markets for regulated crypto CFDs with negative balance protection and phone support.
Choose IC Markets if…
You choose Bybit for a native crypto exchange with NFT trading and proof of reserves. You choose IC Markets for regulated crypto CFDs with negative balance protection and phone support.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
IC Markets wins for security with segregated funds and negative balance protection under ASIC and CySEC.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.3/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $200 |
| Spreads From | N/A | 0 pips |
| Taker Fee | 0.10%▼ lower | 7.00% |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Bybit | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Pass | Fail |
| Proof of reserves published | Pass | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Fail | Pass |
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.) | Fail | Pass |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Staking available | Pass | Fail |
| DeFi integration | Fail | Fail |
| NFT trading | Pass | Fail |
| 500+ coins listed | Pass | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
The scores are close: Bybit rates 4.3/5 and IC Markets rates 4.1/5. Bybit 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.
IC Markets lists a spread from 0. Current spread data is not available for Bybit. Check both exchanges' full fee schedules, including maker/taker rates, for up-to-date pricing.
Bybit has no minimum deposit, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes Bybit more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
IC Markets holds top-tier regulation (ASIC, FSCA, CySEC), providing stronger investor protections. Bybit may be regulated but does not hold top-tier status in our data. Verify regulatory status on each regulator's public register before depositing funds.
For beginners, two factors stand out: Bybit has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and IC Markets provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Bybit offers up to 100:1 on perpetual or margin products, versus IC 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.
Bybit charges $0.1 per trade, lower than IC Markets's $7 per trade. Lower commissions benefit active traders who execute many trades per day. 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.
Bybit supports Bybit, while IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Bybit has exclusive access to Bybit. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and MetaTrader 5 and TradingView and MetaTrader 4.
Bybit offers staking while IC Markets does not according to our data. Staking lets you earn passive yield on your crypto holdings directly through the exchange. Check Bybit's supported coins, lock-up terms, and estimated yields before committing.
Bybit lists 500+ coins while IC Markets does not meet this threshold in our data. For traders who want access to many altcoins, Bybit has the broader selection. Confirm specific coin availability for your region on each exchange's website.
In our data: Bybit supports NFT trading. DeFi and NFT features vary between platforms. Check each exchange's current Web3 integrations and supported chains before making a decision.
IC Markets wins for low fees with ECN-adjacent, tighter crypto CFD spreads.
Bybit wins for DeFi & Web3 with NFT trading on its own platform.
Bybit offers staking and yield-earning options while IC Markets does not, making Bybit the better choice for holders who want to earn passive income on their crypto.
| N/A |
| 0.7 pips |
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free (crypto/bank); card ~2% | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | CryptoBank transferCredit cardDebit card | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerPayPal |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | CryptoBank transferCredit card | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Network fee only | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | VARA MiCA | ASIC FSCA CySEC |
|---|
| Cold Storage | Yes | No |
|---|
| Proof of Reserves | Yes | No |
|---|
| Staking | Yes | No |
|---|
| DeFi Integration | No | No |
|---|
| NFT Trading | Yes | No |
|---|
| 500+ Coins | Yes | No |
|---|
| P2P Trading | Yes | No |
|---|
| Crypto Earn / Savings | Yes | No |
|---|
| Token Launchpad | Yes | No |
|---|
| Active bonuses | 2 offers | None |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4.1 / 5
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