Two distinct models collide: a native crypto options exchange versus a regulated crypto CFD broker. The tension centers on security, asset depth, and fee structures.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose if…
Choose Deribit if you want a native crypto options market with real-time Greeks, IV surfaces, term structure insights, and a portfolio margin mode that supports multi-leg strategies and transparent cost disclosure with 24/5 live chat.
Choose if…
Choose IC Markets if you prefer regulated crypto CFD experience with ECN-adjacent execution, segregated client funds, negative balance protection, and 24/7 support across MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView from a single account with flexible margin options.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.3/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $200 |
| Spreads From | N/A | 0 pips |
| Taker Fee | 0.04%▼ lower | 7.00% |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Deribit | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Pass | Fail |
| Proof of reserves published | Fail | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Fail | Pass |
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.) | Fail | Pass |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Pass |
| 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 | Pass |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
The scores are close: Deribit rates 4.3/5 and IC Markets rates 4.1/5. Deribit 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.
IC Markets lists a spread from 0. Current spread data is not available for Deribit. Check both exchanges' full fee schedules, including maker/taker rates, for up-to-date pricing.
Deribit has no minimum deposit, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes Deribit more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
IC Markets holds top-tier regulation (ASIC, CySEC, FSCA), providing stronger investor protections. Deribit 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, two factors stand out: Deribit has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and IC Markets provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Deribit offers up to 100:1 on perpetual or margin products, versus IC Markets'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.
Deribit charges $0.04 per trade, lower than IC Markets's $7 per trade. Lower commissions benefit active traders who execute many trades per day. 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.
Deribit supports Deribit, while IC Markets supports TradingView, cTrader, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5. Deribit has exclusive access to Deribit. IC Markets has exclusive access to TradingView and cTrader and MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5.
IC Markets has regulated status with segregated funds and negative balance protection.
Equally matched; each lists around 20 coins.
IC Markets suits beginners with multiple platforms and regulated crypto CFD access.
Equally matched; neither offers DeFi nor Web3 features.
| N/A |
| 0.7 pips |
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Crypto | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerPayPal |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Crypto | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Network fee only | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | — | ASIC CySEC FSCA |
|---|
| Cold Storage | Yes | 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 |
|---|
| Active bonuses | 2 offers | None |
|---|
Deribit edges IC Markets on editorial score. It benefits from advanced trading tools and transparent pricing.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4.1 / 5
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