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CMC Review 2025: Highly Regulated & Low Spreads.
12,000+ tradable CFDs
Advanced charting and trading tools
Broker Overview
Quick take: A long-standing broker with global reach and serious regulation. Trusted, but not universally available.
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35+ years in business; publicly listed in London.
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Over 12,000 instruments across multiple asset classes.
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Strong regulatory footprint (FCA, ASIC, MAS).
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No U.S. clients (regulatory bans).
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Complex entity structures across regions.
Founded in 1989 and listed on the London Stock Exchange, CMC serves more than 1.5 million traders worldwide. Regional hubs in Sydney and Singapore ensure solid coverage in APAC, while European clients benefit from FCA protections. Offshore arms (e.g., Seychelles) exist for higher-leverage accounts, but those come with weaker safeguards.
Trading Experience
Score: 19/20
Quick take: Smooth execution, powerful platforms, and professional-grade tools. Beginners may feel overwhelmed.
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Tight forex/CFD spreads.
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Fast, low-latency execution.
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Mobile apps mirror desktop functionality.
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115+ indicators and advanced tools.
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Platform complexity for novices.
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MT4 offers fewer products than proprietary Next Gen.
The Next Generation platform offers 12 chart types, 30+ drawing tools, and AI-based pattern recognition. Reuters news feeds are integrated directly into the platform, alongside customizable layouts and watchlists. MT4 support adds algo trading, though coverage is thinner. Weekly educational webinars soften the learning curve, but it’s still a lot to digest.
Final Score Calculation
| Category | Score | Reasoning |
| Platform Usability | 4.5/5 | Intuitive but dense. |
| Execution Speed | 5/5 | Orders fill with minimal slippage. |
| Trading Tools | 5/5 | Exhaustive research and analytics. |
| Mobile Experience | 4.5/5 | Nearly identical to desktop. |
| Total Score | 19/20 |
Tradable Products
Score: 17.5
Quick take: Huge range of CFDs, forex pairs, and indices. Stock CFDs are pricier; crypto availability is limited.
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12,000+ CFDs across asset classes.
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330+ forex pairs, including exotics.
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Global indices, commodities, and ETFs.
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Higher fees on stock CFDs.
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No crypto CFDs for most retail clients (FCA ban).
Clients get access to global shares, indices like the FTSE 100 and S&P 500, and over 330 forex pairs. Stock CFD commissions can reach 0.10% with minimums, which is higher than some peers. Crypto CFDs are unavailable for most retail clients under UK/EU rules, though other entities sometimes offer them.
Final Score Calculation
| Category | Score | Reasoning |
| Asset Variety | 5/5 | Broad spectrum of tradable instruments across multiple classes. |
| Market Coverage | 5/5 | Access to global markets with extensive product offerings. |
| Product Fees | 4/5 | Competitive fees overall, but higher costs for stock CFDs. |
| Cryptocurrency Access | 3.5/5 | Limited availability, restricted for retail clients in some regions. |
| Total Score | 17.5/20 | Extensive product range with minor cost and crypto access limitations. |
Regulation & Security
Score: 18/20
Quick take: Top-tier regulation inspires confidence, though protections vary depending on which branch you’re under.
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FCA, ASIC, MAS, and other tier-1 regulators.
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Segregated client funds and FSCS cover (UK up to £85k).
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Negative balance protection for retail clients.
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Offshore subsidiaries lack the same protections.
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Entity maze can confuse clients.
CMC’s regulation is as strong as it gets under top-tier authorities. The LSE listing adds financial transparency and audited reporting. Offshore branches are available for higher leverage but don’t provide the same guarantees, which can confuse clients.
Final Score Calculation
| Category | Score (Out of 5) | Reasoning |
| Regulatory Oversight | 5/5 | Strong regulation under FCA, ASIC, BaFin, and MAS |
| Client Fund Protection | 5/5 | Segregated funds and negative balance protection |
| Transparency & Reporting | 4.5/5 | LSE listing ensures high transparency, but offshore entities provide fewer protections |
| Accessibility | 3.5/5 | Not available to U.S. clients |
| Total Score | 18/20 | Comprehensive regulation with minor limitations |
Spreads, Fees & Commissions
Score: 17/20
Quick take: Strong on forex and indices; weaker on stock CFDs. Transparent structure with no hidden fees.
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Low forex spreads (0.7 pips on majors).
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Commission-free forex and index CFDs.
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No deposit/withdrawal fees charged by broker.
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Inactivity fee (£10/month after 12 months).
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Stock CFDs are relatively expensive.
Forex spreads are tightest during peak hours, and no separate commission is charged on most forex/index trades. Stock CFDs, however, can carry higher commission rates than key competitors. Overnight financing fees apply across leveraged products, which is standard in the industry.
Fee Structure Comparison Table
| Fee Type | Forex & Indices | Stock CFDs | Commodities & ETFs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spread | From 0.7 pips | From 0.10% per trade | From 0.3 points |
| Commission | None | From $0.02 per share | None |
| Deposit Fees | None | None | None |
| Withdrawal Fees | None | None | None |
| Inactivity Fee | $10/month after 12 months | $10/month after 12 months | $10/month after 12 months |
Final Score Calculation
| Category | Score | Reasoning |
| Trading Fees | 4.5/5 | Tight spreads for forex and indices, but higher stock CFD commissions. |
| Non-Trading Fees | 4/5 | No deposit/withdrawal fees, but inactivity fees apply after 12 months. |
| Fee Transparency | 5/5 | Transparent pricing with detailed cost breakdown. |
| Total Score | 17/20 | Competitive pricing with minor drawbacks for stock CFDs and inactivity fees. |
Deposit & Withdrawals
Score: 18/20
Quick take: Flexible, mostly free, and easy to use — but crypto isn’t supported and wires are slower.
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Cards, bank transfer, and PayPal accepted.
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No broker-side deposit/withdrawal fees.
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No minimum deposit.
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No cryptocurrency deposit/withdrawal support.
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Wire transfers can take several days.
Card and PayPal deposits usually clear instantly; bank transfers take longer. Funds are kept in segregated accounts for safety. Supported base currencies vary by region, so picking the right one reduces conversion costs.
Final Score Calculation
| Category | Score | Reasoning |
| Deposit Methods | 4.5/5 | Wide range of options but no cryptocurrency support. |
| Withdrawal Processing Speed | 4.5/5 | Fast for most methods, but bank transfers can take longer. |
| Fee Structure | 5/5 | No deposit or withdrawal fees charged by CMC. |
| Ease of Use | 4/5 | Smooth process but limited regional payment options. |
| Total Score | 18/20 | Efficient funding process with minor limitations. |
Customer Support & Reputation
Score: 17/20
Quick take: Strong reputation and responsive support, but no 24/7 coverage.
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Multi-channel support (chat, phone, email).
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Positive user ratings on Trustpilot (4.2/5).
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Educational webinars and research updates.
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Support not available on weekends.
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Peak-time wait times can vary.
Average live chat response is under 2 minutes during trading hours. Webinars and platform guides are well-produced, supporting traders of different levels. 24/7 support would help, given CFD markets overlap global time zones.
Final Score Calculation
| Category | Score | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | 4/5 | 24/5 support but lacks 24/7 coverage. |
| Response Time | 4.5/5 | Fast live chat and email responses. |
| User Feedback | 4.5/5 | Positive reviews for service quality and efficiency. |
| Help Center Resources | 4/5 | Comprehensive but could benefit from interactive content. |
| Total Score | 17/20 | Reliable support with minor availability limitations. |
Final Verdict
Overall Score: 84/100
CMC Markets is a heavyweight in forex/CFDs, combining deep market access, strong regulation, and a top-class trading platform. It’s not the cheapest for stock CFD traders and can overwhelm true beginners, but it’s one of the most reliable choices for active traders seeking breadth and execution quality.
✅Recommended for: active forex/CFD traders, charting enthusiasts, and anyone who values a regulated, transparent broker.🚀
Not ideal for: U.S. clients, pure crypto traders, or beginners who want ultra-simplified apps.
✔ Extensive range of tradable instruments (12,000+ CFDs).
✔ Regulated by top-tier authorities, including FCA, ASIC, BaFin, and MAS.
✔ Tight spreads on forex and indices.
✔ No deposit or withdrawal fees.
✔ Advanced charting and trading tools on the Next Generation platform.
✔ 24/5 multilingual customer support.
❌ Higher commissions on stock CFDs compared to competitors.
❌ No 24/7 customer support availability.
❌ Bank transfers can take up to 5 business days for withdrawals.
Is CMC Markets a regulated broker?
▼Yes, CMC Markets is regulated by multiple top-tier financial authorities, including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
What types of accounts does CMC Markets offer?
▼CMC Markets offers standard CFD accounts and spread betting accounts (for UK and Ireland clients). They also provide professional accounts for eligible traders seeking higher leverage.
What platforms can I use to trade with CMC Markets?
▼CMC Markets provides access to its proprietary Next Generation platform and MetaTrader 4 (MT4). Both platforms offer advanced charting, risk management tools, and mobile trading apps.
What financial instruments can I trade on CMC Markets?
▼CMC Markets offers over 12,000 tradable instruments, including forex, indices, commodities, shares, ETFs, cryptocurrencies (in certain regions), and treasuries.
Does CMC Markets charge deposit or withdrawal fees?
▼No, CMC Markets does not charge any fees for deposits or withdrawals. However, third-party fees from banks or payment providers may apply.
What is the minimum deposit required to open an account?
▼There is no minimum deposit requirement to open an account with CMC Markets. However, traders should ensure they deposit enough to cover margin requirements for their desired trades.
How fast are withdrawals processed?
▼Withdrawals are typically processed within 1-2 business days. Bank transfers may take 3-5 business days, depending on the bank and region.
Does CMC Markets offer negative balance protection?
▼Yes, CMC Markets provides negative balance protection for retail clients, ensuring traders cannot lose more than their deposited funds.
Can I trade cryptocurrencies with CMC Markets?
▼Yes, CMC Markets offers cryptocurrency CFDs, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, though availability may vary based on your region.
s CMC Markets suitable for beginners?
▼Yes, CMC Markets is beginner-friendly, offering educational resources, webinars, demo accounts, and in-depth market analysis to support new traders.
