Two distinct approaches collide: Phemex runs a native exchange with a large coin catalog and its own trading engine, while Skilling operates regulated crypto CFDs on a clean platform.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose if…
Choose Phemex if you want zero deposit fees and 300+ coins.
Choose if…
Choose Skilling if you value regulation and investor compensation.
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 | $50 |
| Spreads From | N/A | 0.7 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 | Skilling |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| 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 | Fail |
| Phone support | Fail | Fail |
The scores are close: Phemex rates 3.9/5 and Skilling 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.
Skilling lists a spread from 0.7. 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 Skilling requires at least $50. This makes Phemex more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
Skilling holds top-tier regulation (CySEC, FCA, FSCA), 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 Skilling 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 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.
Phemex charges $0.1 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for Skilling 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 Skilling supports cTrader, Skilling Trader, MetaTrader 4. Phemex has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile. Skilling has exclusive access to cTrader and Skilling Trader and MetaTrader 4.
Phemex offers staking while Skilling 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.
Skilling wins for security due to CySEC/FCA/FSCA regulation and investor compensation.
Phemex wins for low fees with zero-maker-fee spot trading for premium members.
Phemex offers staking and yield-earning options while Skilling does not, making Phemex the better choice for holders who want to earn passive income on their crypto.
Equally matched; neither broker offers DeFi or Web3 access.
| N/A |
| N/A |
| Inactivity Fee | None | $10/month (after 90 days) |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | CryptoCredit cardDebit card | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Crypto | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Network fee only | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | — | CySEC FCA FSCA |
|---|
| 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 Skilling are closely matched overall, with the clearest differentiator being Phemex's own exchange and verifiable reserves versus Skilling's regulation and compensation.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.7 / 5
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