This matchup pits a Swiss-regulated multi-asset broker against a native crypto exchange with deep liquidity and a premium fee model. The tension hinges on security, coin selection, and fee structure.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose if…
Choose Phemex if you want zero maker fees on spot with a premium membership. You gain 300+ trading pairs on a fast proprietary platform.
Choose if…
Choose Swissquote if you prioritize FINMA regulation and client-asset protection. You access crypto CFDs and real crypto custody in a Swiss-banking account.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.9/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $1,000 |
| Spreads From | N/A | 1.7 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 | Swissquote |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| 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 | Pass |
The scores are close: Phemex rates 3.9/5 and Swissquote rates 4.1/5. Swissquote 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.
Swissquote lists a spread from 1.7. 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 Swissquote requires at least $1000. This makes Phemex more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
Swissquote holds top-tier regulation (FCA, DFSA, FINMA), 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 Swissquote 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 Swissquote'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 Swissquote 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 Swissquote supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. Swissquote has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4.
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 Swissquote 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.
Swissquote wins for security with FINMA regulation and depositor protections.
Phemex offers lower costs via zero maker fees on spot with a premium membership.
Phemex offers staking and yield-earning options while Swissquote 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 | CHF 10/month (after 6 months) |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | CryptoCredit cardDebit card | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Crypto | Bank transfer |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Network fee only | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | — | FCA DFSA FINMA |
|---|
| 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 |
|---|
Both Phemex and Swissquote are closely matched overall in this comparison. Swissquote benefits from FINMA supervision and segregated client funds, a security edge that Phemex does not offer.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.9 / 5
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