Comparison of CMC Markets and Interactive Brokers
| Feature | CMC Markets | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Broker | ||
| Year Founded | 1989 | 1977 |
| Broker Type | MM | DMA |
| Dealing | B-book | A-book |
| Execution | Market | Market |
| Regulation | FCA, BaFin, FMA, KNF, FSAN, CNMV, CIRO, ASIC, NZ FMA, MAS, DFSA | SEC, FINRA, FCA, CBI, CIRO, ASIC, SFC, SEBI, JFSA, MAS |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 (MT4), CMC Markets | Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Mobile, Client Portal, IBKR GlobalTrader, FXTrader |
| Spread | ⬊ Low | ⬊ Low |
| Maximum Leverage | 1:30 | 1:50 |
| Minimum Deposit | $1 | $1 |
| Base Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD, NOK, NZD, PLN, SEK, SGD | USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD, CHF, JPY, HKD, SGD, SEK, NOK, DKK, NZD, PLN, HUF, CZK, MXN, ZAR, TRY, ILS, KRW, CNH, AED, SAR, MYR, TWD |
| Funding Methods | Bank Wire, Credit Card, Debit Card, PayPal | Bank Wire, ACH, SEPA/Bank Transfer, Check, Wise/Instarem, Online Bill Pay |
| Inactivity Fee | $15 per month after 12 months | ✖ |
| Interest on Margin | ✖ | ✔ |
| Withdrawal Fee | ✖ | First withdrawal each month free; subsequent bank wires ~ $10 |
| Investor Protection | UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) | SIPC, FSCS, ICS |
| Protection Size | £85 000 | $500 000 / £85 000 |
| Segregated Accounts | ✔ | ✔ |
| Negative Balance Protection | ✔ | ✔ |
| Guaranteed Stop Loss | ✔ | ✖ |
| Copy Trading | ✖ | ✖ |
| VPS | ✖ | ✖ |
| MAM/PAMM | ✖ | ✖ |
| Scalping Allowed | ✔ | ✔ |
| EAs/Robots | ✔ | ✔ |
| Depth of Market (DOM) | ✖ | ✔ |
| Tradable Assets (CFDs) | Currencies, Indices, Stocks, ETFs, Bonds, Metals, Energies, Soft Commodities | Stocks, ETFs, Options, Futures, Forex, Bonds, Mutual Funds, Cryptocurrencies, Commodities, CFDs |
| Review | CMC Markets Review | Interactive Brokers Review |
About CMC Markets
CMC Markets is a well-established forex and CFD broker founded in 1989, renowned for its robust trading platforms, competitive spreads, and extensive range of tradable assets. With a global presence and regulation in top-tier jurisdictions, the broker caters to both beginners and experienced traders. CMC Markets offers access to forex, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and shares, supported by advanced tools and educational resources to enhance trading experiences.
Pros
- Regulated by top-tier authorities, including the FCA and ASIC
- Comprehensive range of tradable instruments across multiple asset classes
- Intuitive and feature-rich proprietary trading platform, Next Generation
- Competitive pricing with tight spreads and no commission on most trades
- Exceptional educational resources and market research tools
Cons
- Does not offer services to U.S. clients due to regulatory restrictions
- Trading fees can be higher for less active traders
- Limited deposit and withdrawal methods compared to other brokers
About Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a global multi-asset broker founded in 1977. Regulated on four continents, IBKR offers direct market access to 150+ exchanges in 33 countries, tight pricing on FX, and some of the lowest commissions in the industry. Clients trade via the powerful Trader Workstation, streamlined Client Portal, or mobile apps, choose from 20+ base currencies, and benefit from SIPC/FSCS investor protection and ESMA-mandated negative balance protection for CFDs.
Pros
- Tier-1 regulation in the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, Asia
- Access to 150+ markets across 33 countries and 26 currencies
- Ultra-low spreads and volume-based commissions
- Advanced Trader Workstation plus simple mobile & web platforms
- No minimum deposit for cash accounts and no inactivity fee
- Negative balance protection for EU retail CFD traders
Cons
- Minimum FX order size ~ 20 000 units limits small accounts
- Trader Workstation has a steep learning curve
- No credit/debit-card funding options
- Customer support is not 24/7
CMC Markets & Interactive Brokers Regulation
| Feature | CMC Markets | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
Companies | CMC Markets UK plc, CMC Markets Germany GmbH, CMC Markets Canada Inc, CMC Markets Asia Pacific Pty Ltd, CMC Markets NZ Limited, CMC Markets Singapore Pte Ltd, CMC Markets Middle East Ltd | Interactive Brokers LLC, Interactive Brokers (U.K.) Ltd, Interactive Brokers Ireland Ltd, Interactive Brokers Canada Inc., Interactive Brokers Australia Pty Ltd, Interactive Brokers Hong Kong Ltd, Interactive Brokers India Pvt. Ltd, Interactive Brokers Securities Japan Inc, Interactive Brokers Singapore Pte. Ltd |
Countries | United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, United Arab Emirates | United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia |
Regulators | FCA, BaFin, FMA, KNF, FSAN, CNMV, CIRO, ASIC, NZ FMA, MAS, DFSA | SEC, FINRA, FCA, CBI, CIRO, ASIC, SFC, SEBI, JFSA, MAS |
Investor Protection | UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) | SIPC, FSCS, ICS |
Investor Protection Size | £85 000 | $500 000 / £85 000 |
Publicly Traded | ||
Segregated Accounts | ||
Guaranteed Stop Loss | ||
Negative Balance Protection |
Companies
CMC Markets
CMC Markets UK plc, CMC Markets Germany GmbH, CMC Markets Canada Inc, CMC Markets Asia Pacific Pty Ltd, CMC Markets NZ Limited, CMC Markets Singapore Pte Ltd, CMC Markets Middle East Ltd
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers LLC, Interactive Brokers (U.K.) Ltd, Interactive Brokers Ireland Ltd, Interactive Brokers Canada Inc., Interactive Brokers Australia Pty Ltd, Interactive Brokers Hong Kong Ltd, Interactive Brokers India Pvt. Ltd, Interactive Brokers Securities Japan Inc, Interactive Brokers Singapore Pte. Ltd
Countries
CMC Markets
United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, United Arab Emirates
Interactive Brokers
United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia
Regulators
CMC Markets
FCA, BaFin, FMA, KNF, FSAN, CNMV, CIRO, ASIC, NZ FMA, MAS, DFSA
Interactive Brokers
SEC, FINRA, FCA, CBI, CIRO, ASIC, SFC, SEBI, JFSA, MAS
Investor Protection
CMC Markets
UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)
Interactive Brokers
SIPC, FSCS, ICS
Investor Protection Size
CMC Markets
£85 000
Interactive Brokers
$500 000 / £85 000
Publicly Traded
CMC Markets
Interactive Brokers
Segregated Accounts
CMC Markets
Interactive Brokers
Guaranteed Stop Loss
CMC Markets
Interactive Brokers
Negative Balance Protection
CMC Markets
Interactive Brokers
Account Types
| Account | CMC Markets | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
Market Maker Account | ||
| Account Name | CFD | — |
| Min Deposit | $1 | — |
| Lot Size | 0.01 | — |
| Spread Type | Floating | — |
| Execution | Market | — |
| Min Spread | 0.7 | — |
| Fee | No | — |
| Max Leverage | 1:30 | — |
| Stop Out | 50% | — |
| Margin Call | 80% | — |
DMA Account | ||
| Account Name | — | IBKR Pro |
| Min Deposit | — | $0 |
| Lot Size | — | 0.01 |
| Spread Type | — | Floating |
| Execution | — | Market |
| Min Spread | — | 0.1 |
| Fee | — | $4 per 1 lot |
| Max Leverage | — | 1:50 |
| Stop Out | — | 50% |
| Margin Call | — | 100% |
| Additional Features | ||
| Demo Account | ||
| VIP Account | ||
| Swap-Free Account | ||
| Copy Trading | ||
| VPS | ||
| PAMM/MAM Accounts | ||
Market Maker Account
Account Name
CMC Markets
CFD
Interactive Brokers
—
Min Deposit
CMC Markets
$1
Interactive Brokers
—
Lot Size
CMC Markets
0.01
Interactive Brokers
—
Spread Type
CMC Markets
Floating
Interactive Brokers
—
Execution
CMC Markets
Market
Interactive Brokers
—
Min Spread
CMC Markets
0.7
Interactive Brokers
—
Fee
CMC Markets
No
Interactive Brokers
—
Max Leverage
CMC Markets
1:30
Interactive Brokers
—
Stop Out
CMC Markets
50%
Interactive Brokers
—
Margin Call
CMC Markets
80%
Interactive Brokers
—
DMA Account
Account Name
CMC Markets
—
Interactive Brokers
IBKR Pro
Min Deposit
CMC Markets
—
Interactive Brokers
$0
Lot Size
CMC Markets
—
Interactive Brokers
0.01
Spread Type
CMC Markets
—
Interactive Brokers
Floating
Execution
CMC Markets
—
Interactive Brokers
Market
Min Spread
CMC Markets
—
Interactive Brokers
0.1
Fee
CMC Markets
—
Interactive Brokers
$4 per 1 lot
Max Leverage
CMC Markets
—
Interactive Brokers
1:50
Stop Out
CMC Markets
—
Interactive Brokers
50%
Margin Call
CMC Markets
—
Interactive Brokers
100%
Additional Features
Demo Account
CMC Markets
Interactive Brokers
VIP Account
CMC Markets
Interactive Brokers
Swap-Free Account
CMC Markets
Interactive Brokers
Copy Trading
CMC Markets
Interactive Brokers
VPS
CMC Markets
Interactive Brokers
PAMM/MAM Accounts
CMC Markets
Interactive Brokers
Funding and Fees
| Feature | CMC Markets | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
Base currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD, NOK, NZD, PLN, SEK, SGD | USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD, CHF, JPY, HKD, SGD, SEK, NOK, DKK, NZD, PLN, HUF, CZK, MXN, ZAR, TRY, ILS, KRW, CNH, AED, SAR, MYR, TWD |
Deposit and withdrawal methods | Bank Wire, Credit Card, Debit Card, PayPal | Bank Wire, ACH, SEPA/Bank Transfer, Check, Wise/Instarem, Online Bill Pay |
Inactivity fee | $15 per month after 12 months | |
Interest on margin | ||
Withdrawal fee | First withdrawal each month free; subsequent bank wires ~ $10 |
Base currencies
CMC Markets
USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD, NOK, NZD, PLN, SEK, SGD
Interactive Brokers
USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD, CHF, JPY, HKD, SGD, SEK, NOK, DKK, NZD, PLN, HUF, CZK, MXN, ZAR, TRY, ILS, KRW, CNH, AED, SAR, MYR, TWD
Deposit and withdrawal methods
CMC Markets
Bank Wire, Credit Card, Debit Card, PayPal
Interactive Brokers
Bank Wire, ACH, SEPA/Bank Transfer, Check, Wise/Instarem, Online Bill Pay
Inactivity fee
CMC Markets
$15 per month after 12 months
Interactive Brokers
Interest on margin
CMC Markets
Interactive Brokers
Withdrawal fee
CMC Markets
Interactive Brokers
First withdrawal each month free; subsequent bank wires ~ $10
Trading Platforms and Conditions
| Feature | CMC Markets | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
Trading Platforms | MetaTrader 4 (MT4), CMC Markets | Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Mobile, Client Portal, IBKR GlobalTrader, FXTrader |
Execution Speed | 0 ms | 4 ms |
Scalping | ||
Expert Advisors (EAs) | ||
Depth of Market (DOM) | ||
Spread | low | low |
Trading Platforms
CMC Markets
MetaTrader 4 (MT4), CMC Markets
Interactive Brokers
Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Mobile, Client Portal, IBKR GlobalTrader, FXTrader
Execution Speed
CMC Markets
0 ms
Interactive Brokers
4 ms
Scalping
CMC Markets
Interactive Brokers
Expert Advisors (EAs)
CMC Markets
Interactive Brokers
Depth of Market (DOM)
CMC Markets
Interactive Brokers
Spread
CMC Markets
low
Interactive Brokers
low
Trading Assets
| Asset | CMC Markets | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
Currencies | 336 | 87 |
Indices | 99 | 23 |
Stocks | 10099 | 8139 |
Cryptocurrencies | 336 | 11 |
Bonds | 71 | 87 |
Metals | 19 | 4 |
Energies | 45 | 10 |
Soft Commodities | 58 | 15 |
ETFs | 1200 | 532 |
Currencies
CMC Markets
336
Interactive Brokers
87
Indices
CMC Markets
99
Interactive Brokers
23
Stocks
CMC Markets
10099
Interactive Brokers
8139
Cryptocurrencies
CMC Markets
336
Interactive Brokers
11
Bonds
CMC Markets
71
Interactive Brokers
87
Metals
CMC Markets
19
Interactive Brokers
4
Energies
CMC Markets
45
Interactive Brokers
10
Soft Commodities
CMC Markets
58
Interactive Brokers
15
ETFs
CMC Markets
1200
Interactive Brokers
532
Education and Analytics
| Feature | CMC Markets | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
Economic Calendar | ||
Indicators | ||
Robots | ||
Signals | ||
Autochartist | ||
Expert Analytics | ||
News Feed | ||
Education Articles | ||
Webinars | ||
Seminars |
Economic Calendar
CMC Markets
Interactive Brokers
Indicators
CMC Markets
Interactive Brokers
Robots
CMC Markets
Interactive Brokers
Signals
CMC Markets
Interactive Brokers
Autochartist
CMC Markets
Interactive Brokers
Expert Analytics
CMC Markets
Interactive Brokers
News Feed
CMC Markets
Interactive Brokers
Education Articles
CMC Markets
Interactive Brokers
Webinars
CMC Markets
Interactive Brokers
Seminars
CMC Markets
Interactive Brokers
Customer Support
| Contact | CMC Markets | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
Email | clientmanagement@cmcmarkets.co.uk | help@interactivebrokers.com |
Phone | — | +18774422757 |
Facebook | ||
LinkedIn | ||
YouTube | YouTube | YouTube |
Instagram | — | |
Twitter |
Email
CMC Markets
Interactive Brokers
Phone
CMC Markets
—
Interactive Brokers
Instagram
CMC Markets
—
Interactive Brokers
Which Broker is Better?
After comparing CMC Markets and Interactive Brokers, CMC Markets comes out ahead as our overall pick. It ranks higher in our internal scoring and delivers a stronger balance of pricing (spreads/fees), platform experience, and product range. That said, the runner-up may still be a better fit if you prioritize specific needs—like a particular account type, funding method, or niche instruments. This is not financial advice; always choose a broker that matches your goals and local regulatory requirements.
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Andriy Bondarenko
Broker Analyst
Andriy is a seasoned expert in broker reviews with over a decade of experience in finance and trading. Under his leadership, the team produces in-depth and unbiased analyses of leading trading platforms.