Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose if…
Choose CMC Markets if you want regulated CFD crypto trading with phone support.
Choose if…
Choose OKX if you want a native exchange with DeFi access and 500+ assets.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
CMC Markets benefits from FCA/ASIC regulation and being LSE-listed.
OKX offers low maker fees from 0.08% and no inactivity fee.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 4.2/ 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 | OKX |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| NFT trading | Fail | Pass |
| 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 OKX rates 4.2/5. OKX 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 OKX. Check both exchanges' full fee schedules, including maker/taker rates, for up-to-date pricing.
Neither CMC Markets nor OKX requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
CMC Markets holds top-tier regulation (FCA, ASIC, DFSA), providing stronger investor protections. OKX 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 OKX'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.
OKX 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 OKX supports OKX Exchange. CMC Markets has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile and MetaTrader 4. OKX has exclusive access to OKX Exchange.
OKX 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.
OKX 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 OKX's supported coins, lock-up terms, and estimated yields before committing.
OKX lists 500+ coins while CMC Markets does not meet this threshold in our data. For traders who want access to many altcoins, OKX has the broader selection. Confirm specific coin availability for your region on each exchange's website.
In our data: OKX has DeFi integration; OKX supports NFT trading. DeFi and NFT features vary between platforms. Check each exchange's current Web3 integrations and supported chains before making a decision.
OKX provides 500+ assets, far beyond CMC's 100.
OKX delivers DeFi integration and on-chain access.
CMC Markets provides phone support and strong regulation.
OKX offers staking and yield-earning options while CMC Markets does not, making OKX 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 ~2% |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card | CryptoBank transferCredit cardDebit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit card | CryptoBank transferCredit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Network fee only |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA ASIC DFSA FMA BaFin | MiCA AUSTRAC VARA |
|---|
| Cold Storage | No | Yes |
|---|
| Proof of Reserves | No | Yes |
|---|
| Staking | No | Yes |
|---|
| DeFi Integration | No | Yes |
|---|
| NFT Trading | No | Yes |
|---|
| 500+ Coins | No | Yes |
|---|
| P2P Trading | No | Yes |
|---|
| Crypto Earn / Savings | No | Yes |
|---|
| Token Launchpad | No | Yes |
|---|
| Active bonuses | None | 2 offers |
|---|
This head-to-head pits CMC Markets, a regulated CFD broker, against OKX, a native crypto exchange. The axis of tension centers on crypto asset depth, DeFi access, and regulatory profiles.
CMC Markets and OKX are closely matched, but OKX offers a much larger coin selection (500+ vs 100).
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4.1 / 5
Score 4.2 / 5
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