This comparison pits two CFD oriented crypto brokers with strong regulation and distinct platforms. The tension centers on asset depth, pricing transparency, and client support.
CMC Markets edges Skilling on editorial score and platform strength, supported by broader regulation and deeper asset depth, though both are CFD-only crypto brokers.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose CMC Markets if…
Choose CMC Markets if you value broader regulation and a large crypto CFD universe.
Choose Skilling if…
Choose Skilling if you want no inactivity fee.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
CMC Markets benefits from broader regulation and an LSE listing.
Skilling imposes no inactivity fee, reducing ongoing costs.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 3.7/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $50 |
| Spreads From | 0.7 pips | 0.7 pips |
| Taker Fee | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity Fee | £10/month (after 12 months) | $10/month (after 90 days) |
| Deposit Fee |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | CMC Markets | Skilling |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| 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 | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
The scores are close: CMC Markets rates 4.1/5 and Skilling rates 3.7/5. 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.
Both CMC Markets and Skilling list the same spread figure of 0.7. Compare each exchange's full fee schedule, including maker/taker rates and any volume discounts, to evaluate total trading costs.
CMC Markets has no minimum deposit, while Skilling requires at least $50. This makes CMC Markets more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
Both CMC Markets and Skilling 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, two factors stand out: CMC Markets has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and both exchanges provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
CMC Markets offers up to 2:1 on perpetual or margin products, versus Skilling'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 Skilling supports cTrader, Skilling Trader, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. CMC Markets has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile. Skilling has exclusive access to cTrader and Skilling Trader.
Skilling 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.
CMC Markets lists about 100 crypto CFDs versus Skilling's 40.
Equally matched; neither offers DeFi or Web3 features.
| Free |
| Free |
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit card | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | DFSA FMA FCA ASIC BaFin | FSCA FCA CySEC |
|---|
| 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 3.7 / 5
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