CEX.IO vs Revolut: UK Comparison 2026

6.9/10
Aggregated ScoreVS

9.0/10
Aggregated ScoreComparing CEX.IO and Revolut for UK traders in 2026. We break down fees, security, app scores, and user sentiment to help you choose the right exchange.
Our Pick
Revolut
Revolut edges ahead with a higher aggregated score (9.0 vs 6.9), 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
| Metric | CEX.IO | Revolut |
|---|---|---|
| Our Score | 6.9 / 10 | 9.0 / 10 |
| Trustpilot Score | 6.0 | 9.4 |
| Reddit Sentiment | 5.5 | 7.5 |
| App Store Score | 9.0 | 9.8 |
| Google Play Score | 8.2 | 9.4 |
| Best For | UK users wanting competitive fees with easy fiat onboarding | Casual investors who want crypto within their everyday banking app |
Feature Breakdown
CEX.IO
Highlights
- Competitive Fees: Maker/taker fees from 0.15% maker / 0.25% taker, among the lowest available for UK users.
- Long Track Record: Operating since 2013 with no major security breaches and 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
- FCA Registered Since March 2026: CEX.IO Markets UK Ltd (FRN 1007192) joined the FCA cryptoasset register in March 2026; before that it served UK users via an FCA-authorised promotions approver.
- 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.
Revolut
Highlights
- All-in-One Banking: Trade crypto directly from your GBP bank balance alongside everyday spending, stocks, and FX.
- FCA Authorised: Revolut Ltd is an FCA-authorised e-money institution on the cryptoasset register, and Revolut Bank UK Ltd has been a fully licensed UK bank since 11 March 2026 (crypto sits outside the banking licence and FSCS).
- 220+ Cryptocurrencies: Broad selection rivalling dedicated crypto exchanges.
- Revolut X: Separate advanced trading platform with 0% maker fees and 0.09% taker fees.
- Award-Winning: Named World Best Digital Bank 2025 by Euromoney.
UK Considerations
- High Standard Fees: 1.49% per trade on the Standard plan, plus a 1% fair-usage fee once you exchange more than £1,000 in a month, significantly more expensive than dedicated exchanges.
- Limited Crypto Features: Staking is offered on a handful of assets but Revolut keeps 25–30% of the rewards; withdrawal options are limited and there is no advanced trading in the main app.
- Crypto Not FSCS Protected: Unlike fiat deposits (safeguarded under e-money regulations), crypto has no deposit protection.
- Premium Features Locked Behind Subscriptions: Best crypto rates and features require Premium (£7.99/mo) or Metal (£14.99/mo) plans.
- No External Wallet Support on Basic: Standard users cannot send crypto to external wallets, limiting self-custody options.
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 Revolut if...
- •Casual investors who want crypto within their everyday banking app
- •Beginners who value the simplest possible buying experience
- •Existing Revolut users looking to diversify into crypto without a new account
Score Breakdowns
CEX.IO
Our Aggregated Score Breakdown
We combine ratings from multiple trusted sources to give you the most accurate picture
Trustpilot Rating6.0
Reddit Sentiment5.5
Google Play Score8.2
App Store Rating9.0
Revolut
Our Aggregated Score Breakdown
We combine ratings from multiple trusted sources to give you the most accurate picture
Trustpilot Rating9.4
Reddit Sentiment7.5
Google Play Score9.4
App Store Rating9.8

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