Both target crypto traders with CFD offerings, but CMC Markets and FBS emphasize different strengths, regulatory clarity and asset depth versus accessibility and platform reach.
CMC Markets is the overall winner on editorial score. It outperforms FBS in regulation, coin selection, and compensation protections.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose CMC Markets if…
Choose CMC Markets if you value strong regulation and a broad crypto range.
Choose FBS if…
Choose FBS if you want a $1 minimum deposit and MT4/MT5 with automated trading.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
CMC Markets wins on security with FCA/ASIC regulation and a compensation scheme.
CMC Markets offers transparent pricing and competitive variable spreads.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 3.4/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $1 |
| Spreads From | 0.7 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Taker Fee | N/A | 20.00% |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | CMC Markets | FBS |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Fail | Fail |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | 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 | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
CMC Markets rates 4.1/5 versus 3.4/5 for FBS. CMC Markets edges ahead on our composite score, though both exchanges meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
FBS 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.
CMC Markets has no minimum deposit, while FBS requires at least $1. 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. FBS 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 offers up to 2:1 on perpetual or margin products, versus FBS'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.
FBS charges $20 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 FBS supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. CMC Markets has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile. FBS has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5.
Equally matched; neither offers DeFi or Web3 features.
| N/A |
| 2 pips |
| Inactivity Fee | £10/month (after 12 months) | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPayPerfect Money |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit card | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPayPerfect Money |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA ASIC DFSA FMA BaFin | FSCA CySEC IFSC |
|---|
| 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 3.4 / 5
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