CMC Marketsvs
Saxo BankCrypto Exchange Comparison
Crypto CFD offerings from CMC Markets and Saxo Bank compete on regulation, platform features, and asset depth. The comparison highlights how coin coverage and user experience shape the choice.
Our Verdict
CMC Markets winsby 0.2 pts
CMC Markets and Saxo Bank are closely matched, with the clearest differentiator being CMC Markets' broader coin coverage.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1CMC Markets offers 24/5 live chat support.
- 2CMC Markets lists 100 crypto CFDs versus Saxo's 20.
- 3CMC charges inactivity fee after 12 months; Saxo charges monthly fees for low balances.
Who should choose CMC Markets vs Saxo Bank?
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose CMC Markets if…
Choose CMC Markets if you want a broad selection of crypto CFDs and access to live chat.
Choose Saxo Bank if…
Choose Saxo Bank if you value regulated access with a Danish banking license and a curated set of crypto CFDs.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
Best for security
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
Saxo Bank wins for security due to its Danish banking license and audited public accounts.
Best for low fees
Recommended
CMC Markets is better for low fees due to competitive variable spreads.
CMC Markets vs Saxo Bank: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  CMC Markets |  Saxo Bank |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 3.9/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads From | 0.7 pips | 0.6 pips▼ lower |
| Taker Fee | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity Fee | £10/month (after 12 months)▼ lower | $100/quarter (low-balance accounts) |
CMC Markets vs Saxo Bank Crypto Exchange Pros & Cons
Pros
- 100+ crypto CFDs, one of the widest selections among FCA-regulated brokers
- Next Generation platform with 115+ indicators and client sentiment data
- LSE-listed company with FCA and ASIC regulation
- Competitive variable spreads vs other regulated market-maker crypto offerings
Cons
- CFDs only, no real crypto ownership, staking, or on-chain activity
CMC Markets vs Saxo Bank: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
1
CMC Markets
criteria win
0
Saxo Bank
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | CMC Markets | Saxo Bank |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Fail | Fail |
| 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 | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
CMC Markets vs Saxo Bank: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: CMC Markets rates 4.1/5 and Saxo Bank 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.
Saxo Bank lists a lower spread from 0.6, 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.
Neither CMC Markets nor Saxo Bank requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both CMC Markets and Saxo Bank hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each exchange's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, both exchanges provide negative balance protection. 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 Saxo Bank'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.
CMC Markets supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while Saxo Bank supports SaxoTraderGO, Proprietary Web/Mobile. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. CMC Markets has exclusive access to ProRealTime and MetaTrader 4. Saxo Bank has exclusive access to SaxoTraderGO.
