Two crypto trading options are on trial: a native exchange with transparent reserves and high-performance matching versus a regulated CFD broker with crypto exposure.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose if…
Choose Phemex if you want an own exchange with 300+ coins and no inactivity fee.
Choose if…
Choose Plus500 if you prefer regulator oversight and segregated client funds.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.9/ 5 | 3.7/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $100 |
| Spreads From | N/A | 0.6 pips |
| Taker Fee | 0.10% | N/A |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Phemex | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Pass | Fail |
| Proof of reserves published | Pass | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Fail | Pass |
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.) | Fail | Pass |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Fail |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Fail |
| Features | ||
| Staking available | Pass | 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 | Fail |
The scores are close: Phemex rates 3.9/5 and Plus500 rates 3.7/5. Phemex 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.
Plus500 lists a spread from 0.6. 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 Plus500 requires at least $100. This makes Phemex more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
Plus500 holds top-tier regulation (ASIC, CySEC, CMA), providing stronger investor protections. Phemex 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: Phemex has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and Plus500 provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Phemex offers up to 100:1 on perpetual or margin products, versus Plus500'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.
Phemex charges $0.1 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for Plus500 are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. 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.
Phemex supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, while Plus500 supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile.
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 Plus500 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.
Plus500 wins security due to FCA/ASIC/MAS/CMA regulation and segregated client funds.
Phemex wins low fees with zero maker fees on spot via premium membership and no deposit fees.
Plus500 offers a clean, beginner-friendly platform and no minimum deposit.
Phemex offers staking and yield-earning options while Plus500 does not, making Phemex the better choice for holders who want to earn passive income on their crypto.
| N/A |
| N/A |
| Inactivity Fee | None | $10/month (after 3 months) |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | CryptoCredit cardDebit card | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPalSkrillApple Pay |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Crypto | Bank transferCredit cardPayPalSkrill |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Network fee only | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | — | ASIC CySEC CMA FCA MAS |
|---|
| Cold Storage | Yes | No |
|---|
| Proof of Reserves | Yes | No |
|---|
| Staking | Yes | 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 |
|---|
Phemex and Plus500 are closely matched overall; Phemex’s proof of reserves via Merkle-tree attestation provides a clear differentiator that Plus500 currently lacks.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.7 / 5
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