CMC Markets offers regulated crypto CFDs, while KuCoin operates as a broad native exchange. The matchup centers on regulation, asset depth, and fees.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose if…
Choose CMC Markets if you value top-tier regulation and segregated client funds.
Choose if…
Choose KuCoin if you want a native exchange with 700+ coins.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 3.9/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads From | 0.7 pips | N/A |
| Taker Fee | N/A | 0.10% |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | CMC Markets | KuCoin |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 KuCoin rates 3.9/5. 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 KuCoin. Check both exchanges' full fee schedules, including maker/taker rates, for up-to-date pricing.
Neither CMC Markets nor KuCoin requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
CMC Markets holds top-tier regulation (ASIC, FCA, DFSA), providing stronger investor protections. KuCoin 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 KuCoin's 10:1 cap. Margin and futures trading carry higher risk than spot crypto; confirm product availability and jurisdiction-specific limits on each exchange's website.
KuCoin charges $0.1 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 KuCoin supports KuCoin. CMC Markets has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile and MetaTrader 4. KuCoin has exclusive access to KuCoin.
KuCoin 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.
KuCoin 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 KuCoin's supported coins, lock-up terms, and estimated yields before committing.
KuCoin lists 500+ coins while CMC Markets does not meet this threshold in our data. For traders who want access to many altcoins, KuCoin has the broader selection. Confirm specific coin availability for your region on each exchange's website.
CMC Markets wins for security due to top-tier regulation and segregated client funds.
CMC Markets wins for beginners with strong regulation and protections.
KuCoin offers staking and yield-earning options while CMC Markets does not, making KuCoin 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 (crypto/bank); card fees apply |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card | CryptoBank transferCredit cardDebit cardP2P |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit card | CryptoBank transferCredit cardP2P |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Network fee only |
|---|
| Regulators | ASIC FCA DFSA BaFin FMA | — |
|---|
| Cold Storage | No | Yes |
|---|
| Proof of Reserves | No | No |
|---|
| Staking | No | Yes |
|---|
| DeFi Integration | No | No |
|---|
| NFT Trading | No | No |
|---|
| 500+ Coins | No | Yes |
|---|
| P2P Trading | No | Yes |
|---|
| Crypto Earn / Savings | No | Yes |
|---|
| Token Launchpad | No | Yes |
|---|
| Active bonuses | None | 2 offers |
|---|
CMC Markets and KuCoin are closely matched, with regulatory oversight and fund protections serving as the clearest differentiator.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.9 / 5
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