Interactive Brokers vs CMC Markets 2026: Which Broker is Better?
Choosing between Interactive Brokers and CMC Markets depends on your trading style, preferred markets, and budget. Interactive Brokers is headquartered in Greenwich, USA, while CMC Markets operates from London, UK. Interactive Brokers has the longer track record, established in 1978, compared to CMC Markets which was founded in 1989. This in-depth comparison covers regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and overall ratings to help you decide which broker is the better fit in 2026.
Interactive Brokers
CMC Markets
| Interactive Brokers | CMC Markets | |
|---|---|---|
| BrokerRank Score | 4.4/5 ✓ | 4.0/5 |
| Min. Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Spread from | 0.2 pips ✓ | 0.7 pips |
| Max Leverage | 1:4 | 1:500 ✓ |
| Regulation | SEC, CFTC, FCA ✓ | FCA, ASIC, MAS |
| Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4 |
Interactive Brokers is the better choice overall, scoring 4.4/5 vs 4.0/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, Interactive Brokers offers lower spreads (0.2 pips).
See full side-by-side comparison belowInteractive Brokers vs CMC Markets: Key Differences
Interactive Brokers
WinnerCMC Markets
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Fees Comparison
Interactive Brokers
CMC Markets
Regulation & Trust
Interactive Brokers holds licences from SEC, CFTC, FCA. CMC Markets is regulated by FCA, ASIC, MAS.
Markets & Assets
Both brokers offer access to Stocks, Forex, Cfd, Indices, Commodities markets.
Fees & Spreads
On spreads, Interactive Brokers is more competitive with EUR/USD spreads from 0.2 pips, compared to 0.7 pips at CMC Markets.
Trading Platforms
Interactive Brokers supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. CMC Markets offers Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4. Both brokers are available on Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.
Minimum Deposit
Interactive Brokers requires no minimum deposit, while CMC Markets sets no minimum deposit. This makes Interactive Brokers accessible to traders with any budget.
Overall Ratings
BrokerRank scores Interactive Brokers at 4.43/5 and CMC Markets at 4.04/5, based on 50+ data points covering regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and user experience. Interactive Brokers leads overall with a clear advantage.
BrokerRank Verdict
Who Should Choose Which?
Interactive Brokers
4.4/5
Choose Interactive Brokers if you want…
- Higher overall rating (4.4/5)
- Tighter spreads (from 0.2 pips)
- More regulatory licences (5)
- More established (est. 1978)
CMC Markets
4.0/5
Choose CMC Markets if you want…
- No per-trade commission
- Higher leverage (up to 1:500)
- More market types (6)
- More platforms (3 supported)
Also consider
We earn a commission when you open an account through these links, at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are scored independently — see the full independent ranking.
Both Interactive Brokers & CMC Markets are available in
Frequently Asked Questions
1Is Interactive Brokers better than CMC Markets?
Interactive Brokers scores higher overall on our independent rating system. Interactive Brokers holds a 4.4/5 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.
2Which has lower fees, Interactive Brokers or CMC Markets?
Interactive Brokers offers spreads from 0.2 pips, while CMC Markets starts at 0.7 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.
3What is the minimum deposit for Interactive Brokers vs CMC Markets?
Interactive Brokers requires a minimum deposit of $0. CMC Markets requires $0.
4Which broker is safer, Interactive Brokers or CMC Markets?
Interactive Brokers is regulated by SEC, CFTC, FCA, MAS, ASIC, while CMC Markets holds licences from FCA, ASIC, MAS.
5What trading platforms do Interactive Brokers and CMC Markets support?
Interactive Brokers supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. CMC Markets supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4.
6Can I use both Interactive Brokers and CMC Markets?
Yes, you can hold accounts at multiple brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across platforms to access different markets and tools.
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