Higher Rated
CMC Markets
Capital at risk · T&Cs apply
In this detailed broker comparison, we delve into the offerings of Charles Schwab and CMC Markets, two prominent names in the trading industry. Charles Schwab, established in 1971, primarily caters to traders interested in US markets with a focus on stocks and ETFs, boasting a robust educational platform and 24/7 customer support. In contrast, CMC Markets, founded in 1989, appeals to a broader range of traders with its extensive selection of over 10,000 instruments, including CFDs and cryptocurrencies, supported by its award-winning Next Generation platform. While Schwab's strength lies in its comprehensive research tools and commission-free trading for US stocks, CMC Markets attracts traders seeking high leverage and diverse market access.
Charles Schwab
CMC Markets
| Charles Schwab | CMC Markets | |
|---|---|---|
| BrokerRank Score | 3.6/5 | 4.0/5 ✓ |
| Min. Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Spread from | 0 pips ✓ | 0.7 pips |
| Max Leverage | 1:2 | 1:500 ✓ |
| Regulation | SEC, CFTC | FCA, ASIC, MAS ✓ |
| Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4 |
CMC Markets is the better choice overall, scoring 4.0/5 vs 3.6/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, Charles Schwab offers lower spreads (0 pips).
See full side-by-side comparison belowCharles Schwab
CMC Markets
WinnerCharles Schwab
Lower feesCMC Markets
Charles Schwab
3.6/5
Choose Charles Schwab if you want…
CMC Markets
4.0/5
Choose CMC Markets if you want…
CMC Markets scores higher overall on our independent rating system. Charles Schwab holds a 3.6/5 rating vs CMC Markets's 4.0/5. The best choice ultimately depends on your trading style — see our full verdict above for a detailed breakdown.
Charles Schwab offers spreads from 0 pips, while CMC Markets starts at 0.7 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.
Charles Schwab requires a minimum deposit of $0. CMC Markets requires $0.
Charles Schwab is regulated by SEC, CFTC, while CMC Markets holds licences from FCA, ASIC, MAS.
Charles Schwab supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. CMC Markets supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4.
Yes, you can hold accounts at multiple brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across platforms to access different markets and tools.
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Trading involves risk. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Capital at risk. Full risk disclosure.