Cex.Io vs Coinlist: Fees, Security, Features & Which to Choose (2025)

Trying to choose between Cex.Io and Coinlist This side-by-side comparison reveals total cost (fees + spreads), security & licenses, coins/derivatives, deposits/withdrawals, and app quality. In 2 minutes you’ll see who wins for beginners, active traders, and long-term holders. Clear pros/cons, a quick verdict, and safe links to get started.

Last updated on August 16, 2025

Cex.Io

Coinlist

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Available Countries

United States

Yes

Europe

Yes

Latin America

Yes

India

Yes

China

Yes

Canada

United Kingdom

Yes

United States

Yes

Europe

Yes

Latin America

Yes

India

China

Canada

Yes

United Kingdom

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Cex.Io is ideal if:

Great for beginners seeking simplicity: Offers intuitive fiat-to-crypto access and easy navigation, making first-time buying or selling smooth and straightforward.
Useful for users valuing regulatory compliance: Holds multiple licenses and registrations, which adds credibility and reassurance for those prioritizing security.
Suited to flexible and evolving needs: Includes features like staking, margin options, and mobile trading—helpful as your crypto journey grows.

Coinlist is ideal if:

Great for early-stage crypto hunters: If you're looking to participate in high-quality token launches before they hit mainstream exchanges—such as Solana or Flow—CoinList offers standout access through its vetted token sale platform.
Strong on compliance and security: With established regulations, risk controls, KYC/AML procedures, and features like two-factor authentication and cold-storage partnerships, CoinList appeals to users who value legitimacy and safety.
Designed for engaged investors: If you're into staking, DeFi lending, testnet rewards, and boosting your “Karma” score for better access, CoinList’s layered ecosystem suits committed or active crypto participants.

Cex.Io isn’t ideal if:

Not suited for fee-sensitive traders: Deposit and withdrawal costs—especially from credit cards or SWIFT transfers—can be on the higher side.
Less ideal for altcoin hunters: Coin selection is solid for mainstream assets but may feel restrictive for those seeking niche or emerging tokens.
Not optimized for advanced traders: Lacks advanced order types and demo environments, and interface may feel cluttered during complex trading sessions.

Coinlist isn’t ideal if:

If you're seeking instant fiat deposits via cards: CoinList typically requires bank transfers and doesn’t support card or alternative fiat methods for many international users, making funding less flexible.
If you're frustrated by lengthy identity checks: The verification process can be prolonged and document-heavy, which might discourage those wanting quick, hassle-free access.
If you rely on contactless customer communication: Users occasionally report slow support responses or difficulty navigating the interface, especially via mobile or self-service channels.

Fees & Total Costs

Spot Maker/Take

CEX.IO’s spot trading fees begin at 0.25% for taker orders and 0.15% for maker orders, and progressively decrease as your 30-day trading volume rises—reaching lower bands (like around 0.10%) at higher volumes, with no discounts tied to a native token.

CoinList Pro applies a volume-tiered system where maker and taker costs progressively reduce for higher 30-day trading volumes, eventually reaching near-zero for top tiers, with occasional token-based rebates in special programs.

Futures/Derivatives

CEX.IO separates its derivatives platform from spot trading and applies different fee structures, but publicly available information on specific maker, taker, or funding rates is limited (often requiring account access or direct inquiry for clarity).

Futures and perpetual contracts remain in beta and follow similar tiered fee logic, while funding rates fluctuate with market conditions and are designed to balance the perpetual contract pricing relative to spot.

Average Spreads on Liquid Pairs

Spreads for major pairs like BTC/USDT and ETH/USDT on CEX.IO are generally tight and in line with competitive market norms, helping ensure that trading costs remain low for highly liquid assets.

Spreads on major pairs are generally tight due to deep order books, though exact values vary with market volatility and time of day.

Fiat Deposits & Withdrawals

You can fund your account using various options—credit/debit cards, bank transfers (SEPA, SWIFT, ACH), digital wallets, and alternative services—with timing and fees varying by method and region, and listed transparently during transaction setup.

Users can fund via bank wire or ACH (when supported); outgoing wires incur flat fees, while deposits usually arrive within a few business days and withdrawals are delayed due to holding requirements.

On-chain Withdrawals

On-chain withdrawal fees differ depending on the blockchain (BTC, ETH, TRX, etc.) and are dynamically adjusted based on network conditions, rather than using a one-size-fits-all flat fee.

Crypto withdrawals incur network fees set by the blockchain (e.g. Bitcoin, Ethereum), which are dynamic and based on chain activity—not fixed by CoinList itself.

Hidden Costs

Beyond trading and transfer fees, there may be extra charges lurking in currency conversion margins, inactivity fees, or expedited KYC processing—but these are typically disclosed at the relevant step, not built into everyday trading.

There are no hidden inactivity or covert conversion charges, though recovery fees and processing surcharges may apply for special cases like mistaken chain deposits or express document reviews.

Real-World Cost Example: “€500 BTC

If you were to convert €500 into BTC, your total cost would combine the spot maker/taker fee, the market spread, and any withdrawal or conversion fee—resulting in a composite cost slightly above the raw crypto amount, depending on your payment method and network chosen.

When you purchase €500 in BTC, your total cost combines the spot spread and applicable tiered trading fee, plus the blockchain’s network fee when you withdraw—keeping the model flexible rather than giving fixed numbers.

Crypto Offering & Trading Features

Number of Coins & Pairs

CEX.IO currently lists around 280 cryptocurrencies across approximately 829 trading pairs, with its highest-volume pairs including BTC/USD, ETH/USDT, ETH/USD, XRP/USD, LINK/USD—forming the bulk of daily activity.

CoinList supports around 70 cryptocurrencies and between 72 to 80 trading pairs, focusing on high-quality tokens in its limited but curated marketplace.

Product Range

CEX.IO supports spot trading, margin trading with up to 10x leverage, crypto staking and savings, and lending services; however, it does not currently offer perpetuals, options, ETFs, automated DCA, grid bots, or copy trading tools.

CoinList offers spot trading, OTC access, and beta perpetual futures; it does not currently provide margin, options, crypto ETFs, grid bots, copy trading, nor automated DCA tools.

Liquidity

Reported 24-hour trading volume on CEX.IO ranges in the tens to hundreds of millions of USD, with robust liquidity in major pairs like BTC and ETH—offering sufficient depth for swift execution without significant price impact.

Exact figures aren’t publicly available, but CoinList tends to show limited 24-hour volume and modest order book depth, especially relative to major exchanges.

Tools

The platform provides basic order types such as limit and stop (plus OCO where available), access to advanced charting via its trading terminal, real-time price tracking, alerts, and full-featured APIs (REST, WebSocket, FIX on Prime) ideal for automated strategies.

The platform supports advanced order types (e.g., stop, stop-limit, trailing, post-only), offers API/websocket access, but lacks native TradingView or built-in alert functionality.

Geographic Restrictions by Product

Certain features—including margin trading, staking, savings, and advanced product access—are restricted or unavailable in specific countries due to jurisdictional licensing and compliance requirements.

Certain services—including derivatives and the launchpad—are not accessible to users in the U.S., Canada, and other restricted jurisdictions, due to regulatory and licensing constraints.

Innovation

CEX.IO offers flexible staking and savings options under its “Earn” program that allow on-demand access to funds; however, it does not currently support token launchpad or launchpool initiatives.

CoinList shines in early access via its launchpad and incentivized testnets; for staking, it distinguishes between locked launchpad tokens and staking funds, but doesn’t emphasize flexible earn programs.

Security, Regulation & Custody

Operating Entity & Jurisdiction

CEX.IO operates through several entities

CoinList is operated under Amalgamated Token Services Inc., with founding roots in 2017 and primary headquarters in San Francisco; services are offered through subsidiaries including CoinList Markets LLC, registered in the U.S. as a Money Services Business and money transmitter. (Based on legal info and state filings.)

Licenses/Registration

The exchange holds a U.S. Money Services Business registration with FinCEN and multiple state-level money transmitter licenses, a Gibraltar DLT provider license, Spanish VASP registration, and Lithuanian VASP status, reflecting a broad regulatory coverage across major markets.

CoinList Markets LLC is registered in the U.S. as a money transmitter with FinCEN and several states, reflecting compliance with relevant virtual asset service provider (VASP) requirements; while lending arms like CoinList Lend are not licensed lenders. (Inferred from entity disclosures.)

Custody

CEX.IO maintains a layered custody model—hot wallets with PCI DSS-compliant security and cold wallets secured via multi-signature and manual controls; fiat is held in segregated bank accounts—though no formal public proof-of-reserves disclosures or third-party audits are noted.

Asset custody is managed through partnerships with leading custodians such as BitGo, Gemini Custody, Anchorage, Finoa, Copper, Coinbase Prime, and Fortress Trust—many held in insured cold storage; CoinList also introduced its own in-house custody arm (CoinList Digital Asset Services) to custody select assets. (Based on service info.)

Insurance & Protection Funds

While CEX.IO provides FDIC insurance for USD balances held within participating U.S. banks up to typical limits, there is no general insurance for crypto assets beyond its rigorous internal security protocols.

Funds held with custodial partners benefit from their insurance policies covering cold storage, and CoinList imposes no wallet or custody fees, enhancing transparency and alignment with user costs.

Incident History

The platform maintains a clean operational record with no major security breaches, public incidents, service suspensions, or regulatory penalties reported to date, underlining its reputation for reliability.

CoinList settled a notable regulatory matter in 2023—an OFAC penalty over inadvertent sanction-related breaches—thus underscoring prior oversight but also willingness to remediate; there are no widely publicized hacks or fund losses reported.

Risk Controls

User protection is reinforced with mandatory KYC/AML procedures, two-factor authentication, address whitelisting, a proprietary transaction-monitoring system, and granular APIs aimed at enhancing security and user control.

The platform mandates two-factor authentication via authenticator apps, works with vetted custodians, and enforces KYC/AML screening; it also relies on strong internal security practices, though features like whitelists, sub-accounts, and granular API permissions are not prominently offered.

Transparency

CEX.IO does not publish monthly financial or operational reports, nor provide public wallet addresses or formal service-level agreements (SLAs), although its regulatory compliance and security stance contribute to overall trust.

CoinList publishes legal disclosures and maintains a public legal repository but does not appear to offer monthly Proof-of-Reserves reports, public wallet addresses, or formal SLAs—though its collaborations with regulated custodians and structured legal documentation contribute to transparency.

Deposits, Withdrawals, KYC & Support

Fiat Deposit Methods

CEX.IO allows fiat deposits via bank cards (Visa/Mastercard), bank transfers (SWIFT, SEPA, ACH, Faster Payments), and e-wallets like Skrill and PayPal; limits depend on verification level—new users may be capped at around $1,000 daily and $3,000 monthly, with standard limits applied after three months—and deposits typically arrive instantly (for cards/e-wallets) or within 1–3 business days (for bank transfers) depending on the method and region.

You can deposit via credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay, which typically credit instantly; bank wires (ACH, SEPA, domestic, international) are supported in eligible regions with processing times ranging from same-day (domestic) to a few business days—specific minimums and maximums aren’t publicly listed and can vary by user and region.

Supported Fiat Currencies & Conversion

KYC (Verification Levels)

CEX.IO enforces at least identity verification for full access to fiat features like card and transfer services; preliminary verification allows limited use, while higher account tiers—such as Enhanced or Corporate—lift deposit/withdrawal limits and enable large-scale operations.

All users must complete full identity verification—basic or advanced tiers aren’t differentiated publicly—and the process typically takes 0–3 business days for individuals, with stricter document requirements and activity restrictions until completion.

Withdrawals

Limits, Timing & Networks

Customer Support

Users have access to help via live chat (mobile and web), email support, and an extensive knowledge base containing guides and FAQs—but response times vary and are influenced by location and request complexity.

Support is available via email and help-desk tickets through the portal, with response times often within a day; there is no live chat or phone support, and the help portal serves as the central knowledge base.

Languages & Localization

The platform is fully available in English (as its primary language), and shows amounts in USD or EUR depending on region; local regulatory compliance is reflected in the user’s jurisdiction which affects available payment methods and features.

The platform operates primarily in English, with fees and balances displayed in USD or EUR, and regulatory disclosures aligned with local requirements in supported jurisdictions—but localized language support remains limited.

App Quality & Stability

The CEX.IO app boasts a solid level of stability with regular updates; while precise crash rates aren’t publicly disclosed, the platform emphasizes performance enhancements and bug fixes in app release notes to deliver a smooth user experience.

The new CoinList mobile app (updated August 12, 2025) delivers a clean, user-friendly experience with push notifications and integrated wallets; while generally stable, occasional crashes can happen and reinstall or support tickets are recommended for resolution.

Experience, Performance & Ecosystem

UX/UI

CEX.IO offers a single unified interface rather than separate “Lite” or “Pro” views, relying on straightforward layout and intuitive navigation to help both new and experienced users pick up functionality quickly and seamlessly.

CoinList offers a streamlined interface where the “Pro Trading” experience is now fully integrated into the main dashboard, eliminating the need to switch platforms and smoothing the transition for both beginners and more advanced users.

Performance

The platform benefits from institutional-grade infrastructure designed to minimize order latency, but like many exchanges, occasional slowdowns can surface during extreme market volatility; onboarding generally remains efficient even during high-demand periods.

The platform generally delivers responsive trade execution under normal conditions, though high-demand launch events may introduce delays; rapid surges in registrations have previously led to temporary verification backlogs during bull markets.

Education

CEX.IO University delivers free, beginner-friendly crypto education with a comprehensive glossary and lessons ranging from basic to advanced levels—though it currently lacks a live demo or simulator, and content in Spanish is available through its educational portal.

CoinList does not currently provide demo or simulation tools or educational content in Spanish—its platform is largely English-focused, though users receive guidance around token launches and participation workflows.

Community

The ecosystem includes an affiliate and referral program to reward users for spreading the word, but it does not prominently feature official forums or active Discord/Telegram communities as part of its outreach.

CoinList fosters a tight-knit community via its official blog, Discord, and Twitter; it also runs an active referral program that rewards users for inviting others to explore token events and trading.

Integrations

The platform integrates TradingView for charting, offers fully featured APIs for external bot support, and allows data export for tax and accounting purposes, making it viable for integration into broader trading and reporting workflows.

The platform lacks native TradingView embeds or third-party trading bot support, and does not offer integrated tax tracking or accounting tools at this time.

Who Each One Is Best For

CEX.IO is particularly well-suited for users seeking a balanced and compliant entry into crypto—from beginners who want ease of use and educational resources to semi-advanced traders needing reliable tools and external integration capabilities.

CoinList is best suited for proactive crypto enthusiasts looking to participate early in token launches within a compliant, streamlined environment, rather than users seeking beginner-friendly simulators or full suite trading integrations.