CEX.IO
FCA
Uphold
FCA/FinCEN
CEX.IO vs Uphold
Head-to-Head Comparison 2026
Our Verdict
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.
Comparison Table
| Criteria | CEX.IO | Uphold |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3.7/5 (850 reviews) | 3.8/5 (1200 reviews)✓ |
| Regulation | FCA | FCA/FinCEN |
| Fees | 0.15% Maker / 0.25% Taker, credit card purchase 2.99% | Spread-based (typically 0.8–1.2% crypto), no commission |
| Min. Deposit | 20 $ | 0 $ |
| Instruments | Bitcoin, Ethereum, Altcoins, Staking | Bitcoin, Ethereum, Altcoins, Edelmetalle, Fiat-Währungen |
| Platforms | CEX.IO Web, CEX.IO App | Uphold Web, Uphold App |
| Options Trading | No | No |
| Founded | 2013 | 2015 |
| Headquarters | London | USA/UK |
Detailed Comparison
Fee Comparison
CEX.IO: 0.15% Maker / 0.25% Taker, credit card purchase 2.99%. Minimum deposit: 20 $.
Uphold: Spread-based (typically 0.8–1.2% crypto), no commission. Minimum deposit: 0 $.
Product Range
CEX.IO (4 categories)
Uphold (5 categories)
Trading Platforms
CEX.IO
- CEX.IO Web
- CEX.IO App
Uphold
- Uphold Web
- Uphold App
Regulation & Security
CEX.IO is regulated by FCA (HQ: London).
Uphold is regulated by FCA/FinCEN (HQ: USA/UK).
Who Is It For?
CEX.IO
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
Uphold
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CEX.IO or Uphold cheaper?
Which broker offers more products: CEX.IO or Uphold?
Which broker is better regulated?
Is CEX.IO or Uphold better for beginners?
CEX.IO vs Uphold: Which broker is better overall?
CEX.IO
FCA-regulated crypto exchange with credit card purchase and staking
Open Account →From 20 $ min. deposit
Uphold
Multi-asset platform for crypto, precious metals and fiat currencies
Open Account →From 0 $ min. deposit