CMC Markets vs Markets.com 2026: Which Broker is Better?

Regulation & Safety

CMC Markets, founded in 1989 and headquartered in London, operates under a robust regulatory framework. It is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). This extensive regulation ensures a high level of safety for traders' funds, bolstered by the client fund protection schemes in these jurisdictions. CMC Markets has a longstanding reputation for reliability and transparency, attracting traders who prioritise regulatory security.

Markets.com, established in 2008 and based in Limassol, Cyprus, is also regulated by multiple reputable bodies, including the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), ASIC, and the FCA. The broker offers client fund protection and adheres to stringent regulatory requirements to ensure a secure trading environment. While both brokers offer strong regulatory oversight, CMC Markets slightly edges out in terms of its global regulatory reach.

Fees & Spreads

In terms of fees, CMC Markets offers competitive spreads starting from 0.7 pips on major forex pairs, with no commissions charged on trades. This makes it an attractive choice for traders looking to minimise costs. CMC Markets does not require a minimum deposit, which enables traders to start trading without significant upfront capital. However, traders should be aware of an inactivity fee that kicks in after 12 months of no trading activity.

Conversely, Markets.com provides spreads starting from 0.6 pips, slightly tighter than CMC Markets on some instruments, and also charges no commissions on trades. However, the minimum deposit requirement is $100, which may be a barrier for some new traders. Like CMC Markets, Markets.com also charges an inactivity fee, which traders should consider when choosing a broker. Overall, both brokers offer competitive fee structures, but CMC Markets offers more flexibility with its $0 minimum deposit.

Trading Platforms

CMC Markets offers its award-winning Next Generation platform, alongside MT4 and a proprietary mobile app. The Next Generation platform is particularly noted for its advanced charting features and user-friendly interface. Markets.com provides access to MT4, MT5, and its own proprietary web platform, which is well-regarded for its educational resources and ease of use. While both brokers offer robust platform options, CMC Markets' Next Generation platform may appeal more to traders seeking advanced tools.

Who Should Choose CMC Markets?

• Traders seeking comprehensive regulatory oversight.
• Beginners who prefer not to make a minimum deposit.
• Advanced traders looking for an award-winning trading platform.
• Investors interested in a wide selection of over 10,000 instruments.

Who Should Choose Markets.com?

• Traders focused on educational resources and learning tools.
• Investors who prefer a wider selection of platform options like MT5.
• Traders looking for tight spreads starting from 0.6 pips.
• Those who are comfortable with a $100 minimum deposit.

Our Verdict

For beginners, CMC Markets is the better choice due to its $0 minimum deposit requirement. Professionals might favour CMC Markets for its advanced Next Generation platform. On fees, Markets.com edges out with slightly tighter spreads. Both brokers provide strong regulatory safety, but CMC Markets offers a broader range of instruments and a stronger regulatory profile.