This comparison pits a CFD-focused broker against a native crypto exchange. The tension centers on regulation, asset depth, and pricing models.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose if…
Choose FBS if you value phone support, segregated funds, and a smaller 6-coin selection.
Choose if…
Choose Phemex if you want a native exchange with proof of reserves and no inactivity fee.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.4/ 5 | 3.9/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | $1 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads From | 0 pips | N/A |
| Taker Fee | 20.00% | 0.10%▼ lower |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | FBS | Phemex |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
Phemex rates 3.9/5 versus 3.4/5 for FBS. Phemex 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 Phemex. Check both exchanges' full fee schedules, including maker/taker rates, for up-to-date pricing.
Phemex has no minimum deposit, while FBS requires at least $1. This makes Phemex more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
FBS is regulated by IFSC, CySEC. Phemex is regulated by authorities listed on their website. Confirm a exchange's current regulatory status on the relevant regulator's public register before opening an account.
For beginners, Phemex 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 Phemex'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.
Phemex charges $0.1 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 5, MetaTrader 4, while Phemex supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. FBS has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. Phemex has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Phemex 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.
Phemex 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.
Phemex 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 Phemex's supported coins, lock-up terms, and estimated yields before committing.
Phemex wins for security, as it publishes proof of reserves.
Phemex wins for low fees, offering zero-maker-fee spot trading with a premium membership.
Phemex offers staking and yield-earning options while FBS does not, making Phemex 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 | CryptoCredit cardDebit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPayPerfect Money | Crypto |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Network fee only |
|---|
| Regulators | IFSC CySEC FSCA | — |
|---|
| Cold Storage | No | Yes |
|---|
| Proof of Reserves | No | Yes |
|---|
| Staking | No | Yes |
|---|
| 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 | None | 2 offers |
|---|
Phemex wins on editorial score, 3.9 versus FBS at 3.4. Its native exchange and broader platform features contribute to the higher rating.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.4 / 5
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