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

Trying to choose between Cex.Io and Primexbt 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

Primexbt

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Available Countries

United States

Yes

Europe

Yes

Latin America

Yes

India

Yes

China

Yes

Canada

United Kingdom

Yes

United States

Europe

Yes

Latin America

India

China

Canada

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.

Primexbt is ideal if:

Strong match for experienced derivatives traders, offering high leverage, advanced charting tools, and customizable interfaces for complex strategies.
Great for those who prefer multi-asset access in one place, enabling trading across cryptocurrencies, forex, commodities, and indices via a unified account.
Solid choice for individuals who value copy trading with transparency, allowing you to mirror seasoned traders easily while learning along the way.

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.

Primexbt isn’t ideal if:

Not suitable if you prefer spot or margin trading of crypto—PrimeXBT specializes in derivatives (CFDs, futures), and lacks traditional spot trading options.
Might not fit if you rely heavily on fiat payment methods, as its support for fiat is limited and often relies on third-party processors.
Could be a drawback if you're looking for comprehensive altcoin access—its asset selection is narrower compared to broader exchanges.

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.

PrimeXBT doesn’t support spot trading, so maker/taker tiers for spot and any native-token discounts are not applicable on the platform.

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).

For crypto futures, maker fees start at 0.01%, taker fees begin around 0.02–0.045% depending on your monthly trading volume tier, and funding (or swap) rates apply every 8 hours based on the position, with the rate varying by asset.

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 for crypto CFDs are typically embedded within a fixed commission structure rather than expressed in pips or spread values; the effective cost is reflected in the trading fee rather than a separate quoted spread.

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.

ou can deposit using crypto or fiat (e-wallets, credit/debit cards, SEPA depending on your region) with no platform deposit fee, though third-party or processor charges may apply; fiat withdrawals are limited, often processed via e-wallets (e.g., Volet) or card transfers with variable fees and processing times depending on method and region.

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 fixed platform fees per coin plus network (miner) fees for blockchains like BTC, ETH, or TRX; network fee amounts vary with congestion, while platform fees remain constant per asset.

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.

Additional costs may include currency conversion fees if your deposit or account currency differs, possible inactivity fees after prolonged dormancy, and expedited KYC or premium services which may carry extra charges beyond standard trading costs.

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.

If you bought €500 worth of BTC via futures/contracts, you’d incur a small maker or taker commission (e.g., around 0.02–0.045%), no separate spread, and then pay a fixed BTC withdrawal fee (plus blockchain network fee) when sending BTC on-chain—resulting in a modest cost across each step without dramatic fluctuations over time.

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.

PrimeXBT supports around 35–36 crypto trading pairs overall, with its top 20 by volume dominated by major USDT-based pairs—led by BTC/USDT and ETH/USDT, followed by SOL/USDT, XRP, AAVE, AVAX, UNI, and others spreading across mid-cap tokens like DOGE and LINK.

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.

PrimeXBT specializes in derivatives—offering crypto futures and CFDs, high-leverage margin trading, plus a Covesting-based copy-trading module; it does not offer spot markets, crypto ETFs, staking, lending, grid bots, or automated DCA features.

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.

Its 24-hour trading volume hovers in the billions—several billion USD—with BTC/USDT alone accounting for over half of that; while exact book depth isn’t publicly quantified, the platform is built to support deep liquidity on main pairs.

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.

Traders have access to a robust toolset including limit, stop, and OCO orders, real-time alerts, advanced charting (powered natively by TradingView), plus live API and WebSocket support for algorithmic integration.

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.

Derivative products are unavailable in jurisdictions with restrictions—including the U.S., Canada, and several others—meaning certain users cannot access futures, CFDs, or copy trading based on their location.

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.

While PrimeXBT doesn’t offer a launchpad or launchpool for token launches, it delivers innovation through its Covesting copy trading functionality with membership plans—and though there is no staking “earn” product, strategic features and structured plans serve a similar niche.

Security, Regulation & Custody

Operating Entity & Jurisdiction

CEX.IO operates through several entities

PrimeXBT is operated by multiple legal entities depending on your location, including PXBT Trading Ltd in Seychelles, PXBT Capital Ltd in Mauritius, PrimeXBT (Pty) Ltd in South Africa, and PrimeXBT Trading Services in El Salvador—each structured to comply with regional regulations while offering services through their respective jurisdictions.

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.

The platform holds licenses such as a Securities Dealer license in Seychelles, an Investment Dealer license in Mauritius, an FSCA registration in South Africa, and digital asset authorizations in El Salvador, though it does not fall under top-tier financial regulators, which may affect the level of investor protection.

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.

User funds are primarily held in cold storage with multisignature access, while only a small portion resides in hot wallets; however, PrimeXBT does not provide proof-of-reserves or third-party audits, leaving some transparency gaps in its reserve coverage.

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.

There is no publicly disclosed insurance or dedicated protection fund for client funds—though as a member of the Financial Commission, members may access a limited compensation scheme per complaint, offering some additional but modest recourse.

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.

PrimeXBT has maintained a clean track record with no recorded hacks or major security breaches, reflecting strong internal security protocols and manual withdrawal controls, although there are no reports of external audits confirming this.

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 employs robust account and API protections including mandatory two-factor authentication, withdrawal whitelisting, encrypted passwords, negative-balance protection, granular API permissions, and DDoS mitigation, reinforcing secure access and operational safety.

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.

While PrimeXBT provides strong technical safeguards, it lacks public transparency mechanisms such as periodic reserve reports, live wallet disclosures, or formal service-level agreements (SLAs), which means users must trust the internal controls without independent verification.

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.

PrimeXBT supports fiat deposits via wire transfers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets like AdvCash and Perfect Money, with minimum deposit thresholds typically around $10, and processing times ranging from instant to up to a business day depending on the method and provider.

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.

PrimeXBT requires KYC verification to lift deposit and withdrawal constraints; it begins with a basic tier allowing limited functionality and progresses to full verification for broader access—though exact tier names or limits are platform-defined and unlock additional funding options.

Withdrawals

Limits, Timing & Networks

Crypto withdrawals are processed typically instantly or within 24 hours depending on network confirmations, using networks like ERC-20, BEP-20, TRC-20; there are no platform-imposed limits for verified users, though external provider or network caps may apply.

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 24/7 via live chat and email, with generally responsive service, and is backed by a comprehensive help center offering guides on deposits, trading, verification, and more for self-serve assistance.

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’s interface is in English, displaying values in USD or equivalent fiat, and adjusts availability of local payment methods and regulatory disclosures based on user jurisdiction, though multi-language support beyond English is 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.

PrimeXBT’s mobile app is stable and feature-rich across both iOS and Android, covering full trading functionality including copy trading and futures, with frequent updates that enhance performance and introduce new tools—overall reliability is strong with minimal reported crashes.

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.

PrimeXBT’s interface is built on the PXTrader engine—clear, customizable, and suitable for both new and advanced users—without explicit “Lite” or “Pro” modes; instead, beginners may start with standard layouts and gradually explore advanced widgets and chart configurations as they gain confidence.

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 boasts fast execution speeds—often in the low milliseconds—minimizing slippage even during volatile periods, with no notable downtime or system failures reported; KYC waits can increase during bull markets but generally remain manageable thanks to regional processing structures.

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.

PrimeXBT provides a fully featured demo account for practicing trading strategies risk-free across all instruments, supported by an Education hub with guides and market insights; Spanish-language tutorials and “how-to” content are also available through community channels and video resources.

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.

A global, multilingual community presence spans Telegram, Discord, Reddit, Facebook, and more—fostering connection among users—while its enhanced referral program empowers both everyday traders and influencers to earn commissions with dynamic dashboards and gift features.

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.

PrimeXBT integrates advanced TradingView charts into its web platform and also supports the MT5 terminal for traders seeking deeper third-party analysis or automation; external tax or accounting tools are not officially supported as of now.

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.

PrimeXBT excels for derivatives traders seeking precision, speed, and multi-asset access—including those comfortable learning via demo environments and engaging with a strong community—while less ideal for users who prioritize spot-only trading, fiat tools, or tax integration features.