Crypto Exchange comparison
BTC Markets vs Caleb & Brown
BTC Markets is a self-serve exchange where you trade crypto directly on an order book, while Caleb & Brown is a broker-style service where a dedicated team handles your trades. The biggest practical difference: BTC Markets lets you set your own price with limit and stop-loss orders, whereas Caleb & Brown is built for hands-off investors who want a human to manage the execution.
Choose
BTC Markets
if…
- ›You want full control over trade execution with limit orders, stop losses and conditional orders on a live order book
- ›You're starting small — minimum deposits and purchases are just $30, compared to $500 on Caleb & Brown
- ›You prefer a mobile app (iOS and Android) for trading on the go
- ›You want to integrate your portfolio with Sharesight or Navexa for automated tax tracking
- ›You need multiple deposit options including BPAY and debit/credit cards
Choose
Caleb & Brown
if…
- ›You want a human broker to execute your crypto trades and answer questions via phone, WhatsApp or live chat
- ›You value 24/7 support — Caleb & Brown's broker desk and live chat are available around the clock
- ›You're depositing larger amounts ($500+) and want a concierge-style service rather than a DIY exchange
- ›You want free research reports included with your account
- ›You prefer a platform owned by Swyftx (acquired 2025), giving it backing from one of Australia's largest crypto groups
Where they differ
| Fact | BTC Markets | Caleb & Brown |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $30 | $500 |
| Order types | Market, limit, stop loss, conditional orders | Market and limit orders only |
| Support model | Email and help centre (business hours) | Phone, email, live chat, WhatsApp, in-app (24/7) |
| Auto-invest sophistication | Single asset level | Multiple asset level |
| Tax tool integrations | Sharesight / Navexa integration | Not disclosed |
Verdict
Choose BTC Markets for low-cost, DIY crypto trading with full order control; choose Caleb & Brown for white-glove, broker-assisted service.
All data points side-by-side
Every verified fact for both platforms. Differences are highlighted.
| Field | BTC Markets | Caleb & Brown |
|---|---|---|
| account structure | ||
| Individual account | Yes | Yes |
| Joint account | No | — |
| Company account | Yes | Yes |
| Trust account | Yes | Yes |
| SMSF account | Yes | Yes |
| Kids / minor account | No | — |
| asset coverage | ||
| ASX shares supported | — | No |
| ASX ETFs supported | — | No |
| US shares supported | — | No |
| US ETFs supported | — | No |
| Other markets supported | — | |
| Fractional shares (ASX) | — | No |
| Fractional shares (US) | — | No |
| Options trading | — | No |
| CFDs supported | — | No |
| Crypto trading | Yes | Yes |
| Managed funds | — | No |
| Bonds supported | — | No |
| IPO access | No | No |
| costs hidden | ||
| Market data fees | $0/month | $0/month |
| Conditional order fees | $0 | $0 |
| Phone trade surcharge | — | $0 |
| costs visible | ||
| Monthly platform fee | $0/month | $0/month |
| Annual platform fee | $0/year | $0/year |
| Inactivity fee | $0 | $0 |
| Withdrawal fee (AUD) | $0 | $0 |
| identity and trust | ||
| Legal entity name | BTC Markets Pty Ltd | Caleb and Brown Pty Ltd |
| AFSL number | AFSL via sister entity BTCM Payments Pty Ltd (BTC Markets itself is not AFSL-licensed for spot crypto, as spot crypto is not a regulated financial product) | — |
| AUSTRAC registration | Yes | Yes |
| Year founded | 2,013 | 2,016 |
| Parent / ownership | Privately owned, Australian; headquartered in Richmond, Melbourne (Victoria) | Swyftx (acquired October 2025; deal announced July 2025, valued ~AUD $100M+/USD $65.8M-$200M range — largest ANZ crypto M&A deal) |
| Country of incorporation | AU | AU |
| Public company status | private | private |
| money movement | ||
| Minimum initial deposit | $30 | $500 |
| Minimum subsequent purchase | $30 | $500 |
| Deposit methods | PayID, Osko, BPAY, Direct Credit / EFT bank transfer, Bank card (debit/credit) | PayID, OSKO, Bank transfer (BSB/Account), Crypto deposit |
| Settlement period | — | instant (crypto settlement) |
| Withdrawal time | AUD withdrawals typically 1 business day (NPP/Osko often same-day where available) | 1-3 business days |
| platform ux | ||
| iOS app | Yes | Yes |
| Android app | Yes | — |
| Desktop platform | No | No |
| Demo account | No | No |
| Free real-time market data | Yes | Yes |
| Free research reports | No | Yes |
| 2FA support | authenticator | authenticator app |
| Customer support channels | email, support portal / help centre | phone, email, live chat, WhatsApp, in-app |
| Support hours (AU time) | Business hours (approx. 9am-5pm AET), Mon-Fri; help centre 24/7 self-service | 24/7 (live chat and broker desk) |
| Education content | basic articles | basic articles |
| tax and reporting | ||
| Australian tax statement | Yes | Yes |
| CGT calculator / report | Yes | Yes |
| Sharesight / Navexa integration | Yes | — |
| trading mechanics | ||
| Market orders | Yes | Yes |
| Limit orders | Yes | Yes |
| Stop loss orders | Yes | — |
| Conditional orders | Yes | — |
| Auto-invest / DCA | Yes | Yes |
| Auto-invest sophistication | single asset | multiple |
| After-hours / overnight trading | Yes | Yes |