CEX.IO Review
UK-popular crypto exchange since 2013 with competitive fees, card payments, and GBP Faster Payments support.
Quick Verdict: CEX.IO for UK Users
A Solid Mid-Range Exchange With Strong UK Roots. CEX.IO has a long history serving UK users and resumed full operations in early 2025 after meeting FCA compliance requirements. With competitive maker/taker fees starting at 0.25% and strong GBP support via Faster Payments, it offers good value. The platform lacks some advanced features of larger competitors, but its no-nonsense approach and decade-long track record make it a reliable choice for UK crypto buyers.
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Pros
- Competitive Fees: Maker/taker fees from 0.25%/0.25%, among the lowest available for UK users.
- Long Track Record: Operating since 2013 with no major security breaches — over a decade of reliability.
- Easy Fiat Onboarding: Supports card payments, bank transfers, and GBP Faster Payments for quick deposits.
- 190+ Digital Assets: Solid selection of cryptocurrencies covering major tokens and popular altcoins.
- UK-Focused: 69% of European user base is from the UK, meaning the platform is optimised for British users.
Cons
- Not Directly FCA Registered: Operates via partnership with FCA-authorised Gateway 21 for financial promotions; still pursuing full registration.
- Limited Advanced Features: Fewer trading tools than Kraken Pro or OKX for experienced traders.
- Card Deposit Fees: While bank transfers are reasonable, card deposits carry additional fees that increase costs.
- Smaller User Base: Less liquidity than major exchanges like Coinbase or Kraken on some trading pairs.
- App Can Be Glitchy: Some UK users report occasional stability issues with the mobile application.
Who Should Use CEX.IO in the UK?
Best For
- •UK users wanting competitive fees with easy fiat onboarding
- •Casual traders who prefer a straightforward, no-frills experience
- •Users comfortable with card payments for quick crypto purchases
Not Best For
- •Users who require direct FCA registration rather than partnership arrangements
- •Advanced traders needing professional charting and extensive order types
- •Users trading large volumes seeking the deepest possible liquidity
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CEX.IO Fees - What UK Users Should Know
Maker/taker fees start at 0.25%/0.25% and decrease with volume, reaching as low as 0.10% for high-volume traders. Card deposit fees apply (typically 2.99%). GBP deposits via Faster Payments are supported with lower fees. Withdrawal fees vary by method — approximately £2.99 equivalent for bank transfers. Crypto withdrawal fees are asset-dependent. Overall, CEX.IO offers some of the most competitive trading fees available to UK users.
Is CEX.IO Safe?
CEX.IO has operated since 2013 without a major security breach, which is a strong track record in the crypto industry. The platform uses cold storage for the majority of user funds and employs bank-grade encryption. Two-factor authentication is available, and the platform complies with PCI DSS standards for card payment security. Its subsidiary holds an FCA-authorised EMI licence. While not as extensively audited as some larger competitors, CEX.IO's decade-plus operational history without incident provides reasonable confidence in its security practices.
FCA Regulation
CEX.IO LTD
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15140258
Cryptoasset register
CEX.IO is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK. This means it has met the FCA's requirements for anti-money-laundering compliance and is legally permitted to offer cryptoasset services to UK consumers. Note that FCA registration does not mean your crypto is protected by the FSCS.
Our Aggregated Score Breakdown
We combine ratings from multiple trusted sources to give you the most accurate picture
About CEX.IO
CEX.IO occupies an interesting middle ground in the UK crypto market. It lacks the brand recognition of Coinbase or the advanced features of Kraken, but it compensates with competitive fees and a straightforward user experience. The fact that 69% of its European users are British speaks to its UK-first approach. The regulatory situation is nuanced. While CEX.IO isn't directly FCA-registered for crypto activities, it operates through a partnership with Gateway 21 (an FCA-authorised financial promotion approver), and its subsidiary Decent Finance Limited holds an EMI licence. This isn't as clean as direct FCA registration, but it demonstrates genuine effort to comply with UK regulations. For UK users who want better fees than Coinbase and a simpler experience than Kraken, CEX.IO is worth considering.
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