AvaTrade vs CMC Markets 2026: Which Broker is Better?

Regulation & Safety

AvaTrade and CMC Markets both uphold strong regulatory standards, providing traders with a sense of security. AvaTrade is regulated by several reputable bodies including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). This multi-jurisdictional regulation ensures that AvaTrade adheres to stringent compliance and safety protocols, offering robust fund protection schemes.

Similarly, CMC Markets is regulated by the FCA, ASIC, and MAS, parallel to AvaTrade, thus ensuring a high level of safety for investors. The regulatory oversight from these bodies is pivotal in safeguarding traders' funds and upholding market integrity. Both brokers offer compensation schemes — the UK clients of both brokers are protected under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) which covers up to £85,000.

Fees & Spreads

When it comes to fees and spreads, AvaTrade offers spreads starting from 0.9 pips, with no commission on most accounts, which can be appealing to traders seeking cost-effective trading solutions. However, AvaTrade does charge an inactivity fee of $50 after three months of inactivity. The minimum deposit required to open an account with AvaTrade is $100, with a maximum leverage of 1:400.

Conversely, CMC Markets offers tighter spreads starting from 0.7 pips and also does not charge commissions. Importantly, CMC Markets has no minimum deposit requirement, making it more accessible for new traders. The maximum leverage offered by CMC Markets is 1:500, which could appeal to those looking for higher leverage trading opportunities. Like AvaTrade, CMC Markets has an inactivity fee, but it only applies after 12 months of inactivity.

Trading Platforms

AvaTrade offers MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), and a proprietary mobile platform, providing flexibility for traders who prefer established trading software. CMC Markets, on the other hand, provides its award-winning Next Generation platform alongside MT4. The Next Generation platform is highly regarded for its advanced charting tools and customisability, making it a strong choice for technical traders.

Who Should Choose AvaTrade?

• Traders who prefer the reliability of MetaTrader platforms.
• Investors interested in copy trading through ZuluTrade or DupliTrade.
• Those looking for a broker with extensive educational resources.
• Traders who are comfortable with a $100 minimum deposit.

Who Should Choose CMC Markets?

• Traders seeking a broad range of over 10,000 instruments.
• Investors preferring no minimum deposit requirement.
• Traders interested in a proprietary platform with advanced charting capabilities.
• Those who require access to high leverage of up to 1:500.

Our Verdict

For beginners, CMC Markets is the preferable choice due to its no minimum deposit and award-winning platform. For professional traders, AvaTrade stands out with its strong regulatory compliance and copy trading features. In terms of fees, CMC Markets offers slightly better conditions with tighter spreads and no minimum deposit requirement.