This comparison pits a CFD/crypto broker against a native crypto exchange. The tension centers on regulation, asset depth, and cost clarity.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose if…
Choose FBS if you value phone support. You also get a $1 minimum deposit and MT4/MT5 access for crypto trading.
Choose if…
Choose Gate.io if you want broad coin selection and proof of reserves. You also benefit from no inactivity fee and transparent pricing.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.4/ 5 | 4.0/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | $1 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads From | 0 pips | N/A |
| Taker Fee | 20.00% | 0.20%▼ lower |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | FBS | Gate.io |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Fail | Pass |
| Proof of reserves published | Fail | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Fail |
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.) | Fail | Fail |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Fail | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Fail | 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 |
Gate.io rates 4/5 versus 3.4/5 for FBS. Gate.io edges ahead on our composite score, though both exchanges meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
FBS lists a spread from 0. Current spread data is not available for Gate.io. Check both exchanges' full fee schedules, including maker/taker rates, for up-to-date pricing.
Gate.io has no minimum deposit, while FBS requires at least $1. This makes Gate.io more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
FBS is regulated by CySEC, FSCA. Gate.io is regulated by AUSTRAC, CIMA. Confirm a exchange's current regulatory status on the relevant regulator's public register before opening an account.
For beginners, Gate.io has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely. Both exchanges otherwise share similar beginner-facing criteria in our data. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each exchanges's site.
FBS offers up to 2:1 on perpetual or margin products, versus Gate.io'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.
Gate.io charges $0.2 per trade, lower than FBS's $20 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.
FBS supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, while Gate.io supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. FBS has exclusive access to MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. Gate.io has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Gate.io scores higher on security criteria, with cold storage and proof of reserves. For crypto, cold storage and proof of reserves are key indicators that client assets are protected against exchange failure or hacks.
Gate.io 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.
Gate.io offers staking while FBS does not according to our data. Staking lets you earn passive yield on your crypto holdings directly through the exchange. Check Gate.io's supported coins, lock-up terms, and estimated yields before committing.
Gate.io lists 500+ coins while FBS does not meet this threshold in our data. For traders who want access to many altcoins, Gate.io has the broader selection. Confirm specific coin availability for your region on each exchange's website.
Gate.io wins for security due to proof of reserves and regulatory alignments (AUSTRAC, MiCA).
Gate.io wins for low fees with 0.02% maker and 0.05% taker futures fees and no deposit fees.
Gate.io wins with 1,700+ listed tokens, far beyond FBS's six.
Gate.io wins for beginners with $0 min deposit and broad access.
Gate.io offers staking and yield-earning options while FBS does not, making Gate.io the better choice for holders who want to earn passive income on their crypto.
| 2 pips |
| N/A |
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPayPerfect Money | CryptoBank transferCredit cardDebit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPayPerfect Money | CryptoBank transfer |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Network fee only |
|---|
| Regulators | CySEC FSCA IFSC | AUSTRAC CIMA MiCA |
|---|
| Cold Storage | No | Yes |
|---|
| Proof of Reserves | No | Yes |
|---|
| Staking | No | Yes |
|---|
| DeFi Integration | No | No |
|---|
| NFT Trading | No | No |
|---|
| 500+ Coins | No | Yes |
|---|
| P2P Trading | No | No |
|---|
| Crypto Earn / Savings | No | No |
|---|
| Token Launchpad | No | No |
|---|
| Active bonuses | None | 2 offers |
|---|
Gate.io is the higher-rated broker overall, scoring 4.0 versus FBS's 3.4. Gate.io offers broader asset coverage, verified reserves, and transparent pricing, while FBS relies on offshore regulation and limited crypto pairs.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.4 / 5
Personalised recommendation
Answer 6 quick questions and we’ll match you with the brokers that best fit your trading style, experience level, and country.
Find my broker