CEX.IO vs CoinJar — UK Comparison 2026

CEX.IO logo
CEX.IO
7.2/10
Aggregated Score
VS
CoinJar logo
CoinJar
7.3/10
Aggregated Score

Last updated: 23 Feb 2026

Comparing CEX.IO and CoinJar for UK traders in 2026. We break down fees, security, app scores, and user sentiment to help you choose the right exchange.

Our Pick

CoinJar

Winner

CoinJar edges ahead with a higher aggregated score (7.3 vs 7.2), making it our recommended pick for most UK traders. That said, both are reputable platforms — the right choice depends on your specific needs.

At-a-Glance Comparison

MetricCEX.IOCoinJar
Our Score7.2 / 107.3 / 10
Trustpilot Score6.67.2
Reddit Sentiment5.56.5
App Store Score8.88.0
Google Play Score8.67.5
Best ForUK users wanting competitive fees with easy fiat onboardingUK beginners who want a simple, FCA-registered platform with fast GBP Faster Payments deposits and an easy-to-use app

Feature Breakdown

CEX.IO

Highlights
  • 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.
UK Considerations
  • 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.

CoinJar

Highlights
  • FCA Registration: CoinJar UK Limited is listed on the FCA cryptoasset register, confirming it meets UK AML/KYC regulatory standards for crypto businesses.
  • GBP Faster Payments: Supports instant GBP deposits via Faster Payments and GBP withdrawals, with no deposit fee — one of the most frictionless GBP on-ramps available to UK users.
  • CoinJar Card: A Visa debit card that allows users to spend crypto directly for everyday purchases, with automatic conversion at point of sale.
  • CoinJar Exchange: A professional trading interface with advanced charting, 200+ trading pairs, and a competitive maker/taker fee structure for experienced traders.
  • Long-Established UK Presence: Operating in the UK since 2014 — one of the longest-running crypto exchanges available to UK users.
UK Considerations
  • Limited Coin Selection: CoinJar supports 60+ cryptocurrencies — sufficient for major assets but fewer than most rivals, limiting options for altcoin traders.
  • No Staking or Yield Products: CoinJar does not currently offer staking or earn/yield features, which may disappoint users looking to generate passive income from holdings.
  • Smaller Global Footprint: Less well-known globally than Coinbase or Kraken, which may give some users pause despite its strong UK regulatory standing.
  • UK Retail Derivatives Restriction: Derivatives and margin products are not available to UK retail users in line with FCA rules.

Ready to choose? Visit either exchange directly.

Who Should Choose Which?

Choose CEX.IO if...

  • 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

Choose CoinJar if...

  • UK beginners who want a simple, FCA-registered platform with fast GBP Faster Payments deposits and an easy-to-use app
  • Casual traders who want a crypto debit card for everyday spending
  • Cost-conscious traders who will use the CoinJar Exchange for its competitive 0.20% maker/taker fees
  • Users who want a long-established, reliable UK exchange with a proven track record since 2014

Score Breakdowns

CEX.IO

Our Aggregated Score Breakdown

We combine ratings from multiple trusted sources to give you the most accurate picture

Trustpilot Rating6.6
Reddit Sentiment5.5
Google Play Score8.6
App Store Rating8.8

Our aggregated score combines Trustpilot (35%), Reddit sentiment (25%), Google Play (20%), and App Store (20%) ratings to provide a comprehensive view of user satisfaction across multiple platforms.

CoinJar

Our Aggregated Score Breakdown

We combine ratings from multiple trusted sources to give you the most accurate picture

Trustpilot Rating7.2
Reddit Sentiment6.5
Google Play Score7.5
App Store Rating8.0

Our aggregated score combines Trustpilot (35%), Reddit sentiment (25%), Google Play (20%), and App Store (20%) ratings to provide a comprehensive view of user satisfaction across multiple platforms.

CEX.IO vs CoinJar — FAQ

Made your decision?

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Terms and Conditions apply. Cryptocurrency investments carry significant risk.