This comparison pits a regulated CFD broker against a long-running native exchange. The tension centers on platform breadth, regulation, and asset depth.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose if…
Choose CMC Markets if you prioritise FCA/ASIC regulation and client protections like segregated funds and negative balance protection.
Choose if…
Choose HTX if you want a native exchange with 600 coins, proof of reserves, and staking options.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 3.8/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads From | 0.7 pips | N/A |
| Taker Fee | N/A | 0.20% |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | CMC Markets | HTX |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Fail | Pass |
| Proof of reserves published | Fail | Pass |
| 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 | Pass |
| DeFi integration | Fail | Fail |
| NFT trading | Fail | Fail |
| 500+ coins listed | Fail | Pass |
| 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 HTX rates 3.8/5. 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.
CMC Markets lists a spread from 0.7. Current spread data is not available for HTX. Check both exchanges' full fee schedules, including maker/taker rates, for up-to-date pricing.
Neither CMC Markets nor HTX requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
CMC Markets holds top-tier regulation (ASIC, FCA, DFSA), providing stronger investor protections. HTX 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 HTX's 200:1 cap. Margin and futures trading carry higher risk than spot crypto; confirm product availability and jurisdiction-specific limits on each exchange's website.
HTX charges $0.2 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 HTX supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. CMC Markets has exclusive access to ProRealTime and MetaTrader 4.
HTX 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.
HTX 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 HTX's supported coins, lock-up terms, and estimated yields before committing.
HTX lists 500+ coins while CMC Markets does not meet this threshold in our data. For traders who want access to many altcoins, HTX has the broader selection. Confirm specific coin availability for your region on each exchange's website.
CMC Markets wins for security, with top-tier regulation, segregated funds, and negative balance protection.
HTX wins for low fees due to maker/taker futures fees and no inactivity fee.
CMC Markets wins for beginners due to regulated oversight and phone support.
HTX offers staking and yield-earning options while CMC Markets does not, making HTX 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 transferCredit cardDebit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit card | CryptoBank transfer |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Network fee only |
|---|
| Regulators | ASIC FCA DFSA BaFin FMA | CIMA AUSTRAC VARA |
|---|
| Cold Storage | No | Yes |
|---|
| Proof of Reserves | No | Yes |
|---|
| Staking | No | Yes |
|---|
| DeFi Integration | No | No |
|---|
| NFT Trading | No | No |
|---|
| 500+ Coins | No | Yes |
|---|
| P2P Trading | No | No |
|---|
| Crypto Earn / Savings | No | No |
|---|
| Token Launchpad | No | No |
|---|
| Active bonuses | None | 2 offers |
|---|
CMC Markets edges HTX on the score and regulatory protections, including segregated funds and negative balance protection.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.8 / 5
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