Broker comparison

CEX.IO vs.
Uphold

Which broker fits your needs?

Platforms, products and fees side by side.

Updated: October 2026

See comparison

Summary

Your goal decides.

Uphold has a higher rating of 3.8/5 compared to CEX.IO (3.7/5). Uphold offers 5 instrument types, while CEX.IO offers 4. The minimum deposit is lower at Uphold with 0 $. CEX.IO has been in the market since 2013, making it the more experienced provider. On spreads, CEX.IO offers Trading fee 0.16% maker / 0.25% taker (spot, Pro Trading); approx. 1.5% spread on instant buy, while Uphold offers Spread model approx. 0.80–1.80% per crypto (instead of trading fee), plus metals and stocks.

FCA-regulated crypto exchange with credit card purchase and staking

Multi-asset platform for crypto, precious metals and fiat currencies

At a glance

The key differences

Criterion
PlatformsCEX.IO Web, CEX.IO AppUphold Web, Uphold App
Product typesBitcoin, Ethereum, Altcoins, StakingBitcoin, Ethereum, Altcoins, Edelmetalle, Fiat-Währungen
Options tradingNoNo
Fee model0.15% Maker / 0.25% Taker, credit card purchase 2.99%Spread-based (typically 0.8–1.2% crypto), no commission
Minimum deposit20 $0 $
RegulationFCAFCA/FinCEN
More informationDetailsDetails

Platforms

CEX.IO

CEX.IO Web, CEX.IO App

Uphold

Uphold Web, Uphold App

Product types

CEX.IO

Bitcoin, Ethereum, Altcoins, Staking

Uphold

Bitcoin, Ethereum, Altcoins, Edelmetalle, Fiat-Währungen

Options trading

CEX.IO

No

Uphold

No

Fee model

CEX.IO

0.15% Maker / 0.25% Taker, credit card purchase 2.99%

Uphold

Spread-based (typically 0.8–1.2% crypto), no commission

Minimum deposit

CEX.IO

20 $

Uphold

0 $

Regulation

CEX.IO

FCA

Uphold

FCA/FinCEN

More information

CEX.IO

Details

Uphold

Details

Product access and costs depend on market, account and permissions.

Detailed comparison

Comparing fees

Compare total costs, not just the order fee.

0.15% Maker / 0.25% Taker, credit card purchase 2.99%

Published fee
0.15% Maker / 0.25% Taker, credit card purchase 2.99%
Minimum deposit
20 $
Spread figure
Trading fee 0.16% maker / 0.25% taker (spot, Pro Trading); approx. 1.5% spread on instant buy
See terms at provider

Spread-based (typically 0.8–1.2% crypto), no commission

Published fee
Spread-based (typically 0.8–1.2% crypto), no commission
Minimum deposit
0 $
Spread figure
Spread model approx. 0.80–1.80% per crypto (instead of trading fee), plus metals and stocks
See terms at provider

The relevant costs depend on market, currency, order size and trading style.

Execution quality

Order type, venue and liquidity affect execution.

Check the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.

Provider information

Check the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.

Provider information

Product range

BitcoinEthereumAltcoinsStaking
BitcoinEthereumAltcoinsEdelmetalleFiat-Währungen

Categories come from broker profiles. Check specific markets and permissions before deciding.

Trading platforms

CEX.IO Web · CEX.IO App

CEX.IO offers a web platform and mobile app for iOS and Android. The user interface is designed for simplicity and enables quick credit card purchases in just a few clicks. For advanced users, an extended trading mode with order book, charting tools, and various order types is available. Staking management is directly integrated into the platform.

Explore platform

Uphold Web · Uphold App

Uphold offers a web platform and mobile app focused on simplicity and user-friendliness. The interface enables quick buying, selling, and conversion between crypto, precious metals, and fiat currencies. Instead of complex charting tools, Uphold provides a clear portfolio view and transaction history. The platform also supports automatic recurring purchases.

Explore platform

Regulation & security

Regulation does not prevent market losses. The relevant authority depends on the contracting entity.

Your investor profile

Who might it suit?

FCA-regulated crypto exchange with credit card purchase and staking

  • FCA-regulated with long operating history since 2013
  • Easy crypto purchase via credit card
  • Staking offerings for passive earnings
  • High fees for credit card purchases (2.99%)
  • Fewer coin selections than larger exchanges

Multi-asset platform for crypto, precious metals and fiat currencies

  • Multi-asset trading: crypto, metals and fiat in one app
  • FCA and FinCEN-regulated
  • Direct conversion between any assets
  • Spreads higher than on pure crypto exchanges
  • No advanced trading features

Find the broker that fits

CEX.IO oder Uphold?

Side by side. Decided with knowledge.

See the differences that matter, and the Academy lessons that explain them.

VS
  • Fees
  • Platform
  • Regulation
  • Matching lessons
Two brokers. Many options. Your call.
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Your questions

Frequently asked questions

How do fees differ between CEX.IO and Uphold?
CEX.IO: 0.15% Maker / 0.25% Taker, credit card purchase 2.99%. Uphold: Spread-based (typically 0.8–1.2% crypto), no commission. Compare total costs for the specific market, product, currency and order size in the current fee schedule.
Which broker offers more products: CEX.IO or Uphold?
CEX.IO offers Bitcoin, Ethereum, Altcoins, Staking. Uphold offers Bitcoin, Ethereum, Altcoins, Edelmetalle, Fiat-Währungen.
How are CEX.IO and Uphold regulated?
The broker profiles list FCA for CEX.IO and FCA/FinCEN for Uphold. Your account's contracting entity determines the applicable oversight and protection rules; check its current disclosures.
Is CEX.IO or Uphold better for beginners?
CEX.IO lists a 20 $ minimum deposit and offers CEX.IO Web, CEX.IO App. Uphold lists 0 $ and offers Uphold Web, Uphold App. Compare usability, available products and costs for your intended use.
CEX.IO vs Uphold: Which broker is better overall?
The choice between CEX.IO (3.7/5, 850 reviews) and Uphold (3.8/5, 1200 reviews) depends on your needs. CEX.IO: FCA-regulated crypto exchange with credit card purchase and staking. Uphold: Multi-asset platform for crypto, precious metals and fiat currencies.
How do spreads compare between CEX.IO and Uphold?
CEX.IO offers typical spreads of Trading fee 0.16% maker / 0.25% taker (spot, Pro Trading); approx. 1.5% spread on instant buy. Uphold offers Spread model approx. 0.80–1.80% per crypto (instead of trading fee), plus metals and stocks. Tighter spreads reduce trading costs especially for active trading.

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