Two platforms, CMC Markets and Deribit, square off across regulatory scope, asset breadth, and fee architecture, challenging readers to weigh traditional CFDs against a native derivatives powerhouse.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose if…
Choose CMC Markets if you want a broad suite of crypto CFDs and strong FCA/ASIC regulation. You gain access to the Next Generation platform with 115+ indicators and client sentiment data, plus competitive variable spreads.
Choose if…
Choose Deribit if you want a native crypto derivatives exchange with a full options term structure and real-time greeks. You also access low options fees and USDC margining, but it is not available to US residents and lacks phone support.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 4.3/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads From | 0.7 pips | N/A |
| Taker Fee | N/A | 0.04% |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | CMC Markets | Deribit |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Fail | Pass |
| Proof of reserves published | Fail | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Fail |
| 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 | Fail |
| DeFi integration | Fail | Fail |
| NFT trading | Fail | Fail |
| 500+ coins listed | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
The scores are close: CMC Markets rates 4.1/5 and Deribit rates 4.3/5. Deribit 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 Deribit. Check both exchanges' full fee schedules, including maker/taker rates, for up-to-date pricing.
Neither CMC Markets nor Deribit requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
CMC Markets holds top-tier regulation (ASIC, FCA, DFSA), providing stronger investor protections. Deribit 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, CMC Markets provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each exchange's site before deciding.
CMC Markets offers up to 2:1 on perpetual or margin products, versus Deribit's 100:1 cap. Margin and futures trading carry higher risk than spot crypto; confirm product availability and jurisdiction-specific limits on each exchange's website.
Deribit charges $0.04 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 Deribit supports Deribit. CMC Markets has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile and MetaTrader 4. Deribit has exclusive access to Deribit.
Deribit 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.
CMC Markets wins for security due to strong regulation and segregated funds.
Deribit is best for fees because it offers low options maker/taker fees.
CMC Markets wins coin selection with about 100 assets listed.
CMC Markets is better for beginners due to regulation and familiar platforms.
Equally matched for DeFi and Web3 capabilities.
| N/A |
| N/A |
| Inactivity Fee | £10/month (after 12 months) | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card | Crypto |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit card | Crypto |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Network fee only |
|---|
| Regulators | ASIC FCA DFSA BaFin FMA | — |
|---|
| Cold Storage | No | Yes |
|---|
| 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 |
|---|
| Active bonuses | None | 2 offers |
|---|
Deribit edges CMC Markets on editorial score (4.3 vs 4.1). The higher rating makes Deribit the clearer choice overall.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
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