CMC Markets
Capital.com
CMC Markets vs Capital.com
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
CMC Markets and Capital.com are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. CMC Markets, founded in 1989 and headquartered in London, UK, is regulated by FCA, ASIC, BaFin and offers spreads starting from 0.7 pips with a minimum deposit of $0. Capital.com, established in 2016 in London, UK, holds licenses from CySEC, FCA, ASIC, SCB with spreads from 0.6 pips and a $20 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, CMC Markets scored 8.8/10 overall compared to Capital.com's 8.5/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, Capital.com holds its own with lower trading costs and superior education resources, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.
Key Differences at a Glance
- 📊
CMC Markets scores 8.8/10 overall vs 8.5/10 for Capital.com — a 0.3-point difference.
- 💵
CMC Markets requires just $0 to start, while Capital.com needs $20 — CMC Markets is 20x more accessible.
- 📈
CMC Markets offers 10,000+ instruments vs 6,400+ at Capital.com — a notable difference in market coverage.
- 🖥️
CMC Markets runs on Next Generation, MT4, while Capital.com uses Capital.com Platform, MT4, Capital.com App — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Platforms & Tools: CMC Markets scores 9.5 vs 8.5 for Capital.com — a 1.0-point difference.
Our Verdict
CMC Markets
Score: 8.8/10 · Wins 5 categories- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- Responsive customer support matters to you
- You want access to a wider range of instruments
Capital.com
Score: 8.5/10 · Wins 3 categories- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
CMC Markets takes the lead with an overall score of 8.8/10 compared to 8.5/10, winning in 5 out of 8 scoring categories. CMC Markets stands out for better trading platforms and stronger regulation, while Capital.com fights back with lower trading costs and superior education resources.
Detailed Verdict
After testing both brokers with real accounts, CMC Markets comes out ahead with a 8.8/10 overall rating, winning 5 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Platforms & Tools where it scores 9.5/10. CMC Markets holds Tier 1 regulation, meaning your funds benefit from top-level investor protection including segregated accounts and compensation schemes. Capital.com is not without merit — it scores 8.5/10 overall and excels in Regulation & Trust (9.0/10), winning 3 categories. Traders who value lower trading costs or superior education resources may find Capital.com the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full CMC Markets review and Capital.com review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
Capital.com wins by 0.5 points
CMC Markets wins by 1.0 points
CMC Markets wins by 0.5 points
Capital.com wins by 0.5 points
CMC Markets wins by 0.5 points
CMC Markets wins by 0.5 points
Capital.com wins by 0.5 points
CMC Markets wins by 1.0 points
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.8/10 ✓ | 8.5/10 |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $0 ✓ | $20 |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:200 |
| Spreads From | 0.7 pips | 0.6 pips |
| Platforms | Next Generation, MT4 | Capital.com Platform, MT4, Capital.com App |
| Regulation | FCA, ASIC, BaFin | CySEC, FCA, ASIC, SCB |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 1989 ✓ | 2016 |
| Markets | 10,000+ ✓ | 6,400+ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, Capital.com has the edge with a score of 8.5/10 versus 8/10 for CMC Markets. CMC Markets offers spreads starting from 0.7 pips, while Capital.com starts from 0.6 pips. The minimum deposit at CMC Markets is $0, compared to $20 at Capital.com. Both brokers operate primarily on a spread-based pricing model, though actual costs vary by account type and instrument. For high-volume traders, even small spread differences add up significantly over time, making this an important category to weigh carefully.
Trading Platforms
CMC Markets scores 9.5/10 for platforms compared to 8.5/10 for Capital.com. CMC Markets provides Next Generation, MT4, while Capital.com offers Capital.com Platform, MT4, Capital.com App. The choice of platform affects your charting, order execution speed, and available technical indicators. Traders who rely on MetaTrader's algorithmic trading capabilities should check which MT4/MT5 features each broker supports, including custom indicators and expert advisors.
Regulation & Safety
Regulation is crucial for fund safety. CMC Markets is regulated by FCA, ASIC, BaFin (Tier 1), while Capital.com holds licenses from CySEC, FCA, ASIC, SCB (Tier 1). CMC Markets scores 9.5/10 and Capital.com scores 9/10 in this category. Tier 1 regulators like FCA, ASIC, and CySEC offer the strongest investor protection, including segregated client funds and compensation schemes. Always verify your broker's specific license for your jurisdiction before opening an account.
Education & Research
For learning resources, Capital.com leads with 8.5/10 compared to 8/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. CMC Markets and Capital.com both provide demo accounts for risk-free practice, but the depth of educational content varies. Beginners should prioritize this category when choosing between the two.
Customer Support
CMC Markets offers 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone and scores 8/10, while Capital.com provides 24/5 Live Chat, Email with a score of 7.5/10. Reliable support becomes critical during market volatility or when you encounter account issues. Look for brokers with 24/5 or 24/7 availability, multiple contact channels, and support in your preferred language.
Deposit & Withdrawal
CMC Markets scores 8/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while Capital.com scores 8.5/10. CMC Markets accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal, and Capital.com supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Skrill. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. CMC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $0 versus $20 for Capital.com. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
Choose CMC Markets if you...
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- Responsive customer support matters to you
- You want access to a wider range of instruments
Choose Capital.com if you...
- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is CMC Markets better than Capital.com?
CMC Markets scores higher overall (8.8/10 vs 8.5/10), winning 5 of 8 categories. However, Capital.com is stronger in lower trading costs and superior education resources. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.
Which has lower fees, CMC Markets or Capital.com?
Capital.com scores higher for trading costs. CMC Markets offers spreads from 0.7 pips with a $0 minimum deposit, while Capital.com starts from 0.6 pips with $20 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.
Is CMC Markets safe to trade with?
CMC Markets is regulated by FCA, ASIC, BaFin and scores 9.5/10 for regulation. Capital.com is regulated by CySEC, FCA, ASIC, SCB with a score of 9/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.
Which has better trading platforms, CMC Markets or Capital.com?
CMC Markets scores 9.5/10 for platforms. CMC Markets offers Next Generation, MT4, while Capital.com provides Capital.com Platform, MT4, Capital.com App. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for CMC Markets vs Capital.com?
CMC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $0, while Capital.com requires $20. CMC Markets has the lower entry barrier, making it more accessible for beginners or those testing with smaller amounts.
Ready to Start Trading?
Open a free account with either broker and start trading today.