Side-by-side
Bybit vs Deriv
Both Bybit and Deriv are licensed brokers — but each is stronger in different areas. We compare spreads and commissions, regulators and licences, leverage and trading platforms.
In short. Choose Bybit if you already trade crypto at Bybit and want FX CFDs in the same unified-margin account. Choose Deriv if you trade synthetic indices (Volatility, Crash, Boom) — Deriv invented this product category.
Pros and cons
Bybit
Pros
- ✓MT5 CFD offering with ~0.1 typical spread + ≈$3 RT equivalent — cost-competitive with ECN tiers despite crypto-first business
- ✓No fixed minimum deposit — practical entry at $10-20 USDT
- ✓Unified margin account across FX CFDs, crypto perpetuals, and spot — unique model in our list
Cons
- ✕FX CFDs are secondary product — Bybit core business is crypto derivatives, FX depth and liquidity differ from dedicated forex brokers
- ✕No FCA/ASIC/CySEC licence for FX products; regulatory cover is crypto-focused (VARA in Dubai, MiCA in the Netherlands)
- ✕Commission is % of notional on futures (0.02% maker / 0.055% taker) — we convert to ≈$3/lot RT for comparison, actual cost varies with trade size
- ✕Regional restrictions on sub-national level also apply: Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Sevastopol, and Dubai are excluded regardless of country-level availability
Deriv
Pros
- ✓$5 minimum + 25 years of operating history (since 1999 as Binary.com, rebranded Deriv in 2020)
- ✓MFSA-licensed Malta entity gives EU retail clients tier-1 MiFID investor protection
Cons
- ✕Forex is secondary to synthetic indices (their proprietary product) — CFD instrument breadth is narrower than ECN-focused brokers like Tickmill
- ✕Offshore entities (Labuan, Vanuatu, BVI) carry light regulatory oversight; not available in 17 jurisdictions including Canada, Israel, Singapore, UAE, OFAC-sanctioned countries
- ✕Broker publishes "from" spreads only — realised typical is not disclosed on trading pages
- ✕Inactivity fee up to $25 / €25 / £25 after 12 months, then every 6 months
Who should choose which
Choose Bybit if:
- ✓You already trade crypto at Bybit and want FX CFDs in the same unified-margin account
- ✓You fund via crypto (BTC, ETH, USDT) and want zero broker-side deposit fees
- ✓You want P2P crypto-to-fiat settlement for your country's local currency
- ✓You want a single account that covers spot crypto, crypto perpetuals, and FX CFDs — unique structure in our list
Choose Deriv if:
- ✓You trade synthetic indices (Volatility, Crash, Boom) — Deriv invented this product category
- ✓You have $5 to start and want an EU-grade (MFSA Malta) MiFID entity at entry level
- ✓You want Deriv P2P for local-currency funding via agents and other traders
- ✓You value 25+ years of operating history (originated 1999 as Binary.com, rebranded 2020)
- ✓You fund via crypto (BTC, ETH, USDT) and want it credited to a fiat trading balance
Bybit vs Deriv comparison: fees, licences, platforms
Verdict at a glance
Deriv leads
- Bybit
- ahead on 1 dimension
- Deriv
- ahead on 3 dimensions
- Tied
- 1 tied
Cost per lot
Bybit: $4.00/lot, Deriv: $7.00/lot. Lower at Bybit.
Minimum deposit
Bybit: —, Deriv: $5. Smaller minimum at Deriv.
Maximum leverage
Bybit: 1:500, Deriv: 1:1000. Higher leverage at Deriv.
Regulator and licence
Bybit: VARA, Deriv: BVI, MFSA. Stronger licensing at Deriv.
Trading platforms
Bybit: MetaTrader 5, Bybit, Deriv: MetaTrader 5, Deriv X. Same platform selection.
Frequently asked
Which is better — Bybit or Deriv?+
Across our 5 dimensions: Bybit leads in 1, Deriv in 3, ties: 1. Overall verdict: Deriv. Full breakdown below.
Which broker has lower fees?+
Cost-per-lot in our calculation: Bybit — $4.00, Deriv — $7.00. Lower at Bybit.
Which is better for beginners?+
Minimum deposit: Bybit — —, Deriv — $5. Easier onboarding at Deriv.
What trading platforms do they offer?+
Bybit: MetaTrader 5, Bybit. Deriv: MetaTrader 5, Deriv X.
Who regulates each broker?+
Bybit: VARA. Deriv: BVI, MFSA.
Also compared
Tracked byIndependent review teamUpdated