CMC Markets and Coinbase Advanced face off across CFDs versus native exchange, exposing divergent risk, access, and DeFi capabilities. The outcome hinges on what investors prioritize.
Coinbase Advanced edges CMC Markets on editorial score. CMC Markets excels in CFD breadth and FCA/ASIC regulation, while Coinbase emphasizes security, DeFi access, and native custody.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose CMC Markets if…
Choose CMC Markets if you want regulated crypto CFDs and a zero minimum deposit.
Choose Coinbase Advanced if…
Choose Coinbase Advanced if you want a native exchange with custody and DeFi access.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
Coinbase Advanced wins with FDIC-insured deposits, SOC 2 Type II, custody, and proof of reserves.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 4.5/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $2 |
| Spreads From | 0.7 pips | N/A |
| Taker Fee | N/A | 0.60% |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | CMC Markets | Coinbase Advanced |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Fail | Pass |
| Proof of reserves published | Fail | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.) | Pass | Fail |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Fail | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Staking available | Fail | Pass |
| DeFi integration | Fail | Pass |
| 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: CMC Markets rates 4.1/5 and Coinbase Advanced rates 4.5/5. Coinbase Advanced 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.
CMC Markets lists a spread from 0.7. Current spread data is not available for Coinbase Advanced. Check both exchanges' full fee schedules, including maker/taker rates, for up-to-date pricing.
CMC Markets has no minimum deposit, while Coinbase Advanced requires at least $2. This makes CMC Markets more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
CMC Markets holds top-tier regulation (FCA, ASIC, DFSA), providing stronger investor protections. Coinbase Advanced 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.
CMC Markets stands out for beginners: it has a lower entry point and provides negative balance protection, which caps losses at your deposited amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
CMC Markets supports margin or futures trading with up to 2:1 leverage. Coinbase Advanced appears to be spot-only based on our data; confirm current product availability on each exchange's website.
Coinbase Advanced charges $0.6 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.
CMC Markets supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while Coinbase Advanced supports Coinbase Advanced Trade. CMC Markets has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile and MetaTrader 4. Coinbase Advanced has exclusive access to Coinbase Advanced Trade.
Coinbase Advanced 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.
Coinbase Advanced offers staking while CMC Markets does not according to our data. Staking lets you earn passive yield on your crypto holdings directly through the exchange. Check Coinbase Advanced's supported coins, lock-up terms, and estimated yields before committing.
In our data: Coinbase Advanced has DeFi integration. DeFi and NFT features vary between platforms. Check each exchange's current Web3 integrations and supported chains before making a decision.
Coinbase Advanced has no inactivity fee and no deposit fees, reducing ongoing costs.
Coinbase Advanced lists more coins and expands access to altcoins.
Coinbase Advanced provides DeFi access and integration.
CMC Markets is best for beginners due to zero min deposit and regulated CFD exposure.
Coinbase Advanced offers staking and yield-earning options while CMC Markets does not, making Coinbase Advanced the better choice for holders who want to earn passive income on their crypto.
| N/A |
| N/A |
| Inactivity Fee | £10/month (after 12 months) | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card | CryptoBank transferACHPayPalCredit cardDebit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit card | CryptoBank transferACHPayPal |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Network fee for crypto; free bank transfer |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA ASIC DFSA FMA BaFin | NYDFS FinCEN |
|---|
| Cold Storage | No | Yes |
|---|
| Proof of Reserves | No | Yes |
|---|
| Staking | No | Yes |
|---|
| DeFi Integration | No | Yes |
|---|
| NFT Trading | No | No |
|---|
| 500+ Coins | No | No |
|---|
| P2P Trading | No | No |
|---|
| Crypto Earn / Savings | No | No |
|---|
| Token Launchpad | No | No |
|---|
| Active bonuses | None | 2 offers |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4.1 / 5
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