CMC Markets

CMC Markets

🟢 Tier 1 Regulated
8.8
/ 10
vs
FBS

FBS

🟢 Tier 1 Regulated
7.2
/ 10

CMC Markets vs FBS

A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.

CMC Markets and FBS 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. FBS, established in 2009 in Belize City, Belize, holds licenses from IFSC, CySEC with spreads from 0.7 pips and a $5 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, CMC Markets scored 8.8/10 overall compared to FBS's 7.2/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, FBS holds its own with overall value, 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 7.2/10 for FBS — a 1.6-point difference.

  • 💵

    CMC Markets requires just $0 to start, while FBS needs $5 — CMC Markets is 5x more accessible.

  • 📈

    CMC Markets offers 10,000+ instruments vs 250+ at FBS — a massive gap in market coverage.

  • 🖥️

    CMC Markets runs on Next Generation, MT4, while FBS uses MT4, MT5, FBS Trader App — different ecosystems for different trading styles.

  • The biggest gap is in Regulation & Trust: CMC Markets scores 9.5 vs 6.5 for FBS — a 3.0-point difference.

Our Verdict

🏆 WINNER
CMC Markets

CMC Markets

Score: 8.8/10 · Wins 7 categories
  • You want lower spreads and trading fees
  • You're a beginner who values learning resources
  • You need advanced trading platforms and tools
  • Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
FBS

FBS

Score: 7.2/10 · Wins 0 categories
  • You prefer FBS's trading environment overall

CMC Markets takes the lead with an overall score of 8.8/10 compared to 7.2/10, winning in 7 out of 8 scoring categories. CMC Markets stands out for lower trading costs and better trading platforms, while FBS remains a solid alternative.

Detailed Verdict

After testing both brokers with real accounts, CMC Markets comes out ahead with a 8.8/10 overall rating, winning 7 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. FBS is not without merit — it scores 7.2/10 overall and excels in Deposit & Withdrawal (8.0/10). For a complete breakdown, read our full CMC Markets review and FBS review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.

Score Breakdown

CMC Markets
FBS
Trading Costs
8.0 7.0

CMC Markets wins by 1.0 points

Platforms & Tools
9.5 7.0

CMC Markets wins by 2.5 points

Regulation & Trust
9.5 6.5

CMC Markets wins by 3.0 points

Education
8.0 7.5

CMC Markets wins by 0.5 points

Customer Service
8.0 7.0

CMC Markets wins by 1.0 points

Research & Analysis
9.0 6.5

CMC Markets wins by 2.5 points

Deposit & Withdrawal
8.0 8.0
Product Range
9.5 6.5

CMC Markets wins by 3.0 points

Full Feature Comparison

Structured broker facts pulled from the shared broker dataset.
Feature
Overall Score
8.8/10
7.2/10
Min Deposit
Lower is better
$0
$5
Max Leverage
1:500
1:3000
Spreads From
0.7 pips
0.7 pips
Platforms
Next Generation, MT4
MT4, MT5, FBS Trader App
Regulation
FCA, ASIC, BaFin
IFSC, CySEC
Founded
Older track record highlighted
1989
2009
Markets
10,000+
250+
CMC Markets: 1 FBS: 0
💰

Fees & Costs

🏅 Section Winner: CMC Markets (8.0 vs 7.0)

When it comes to trading costs, CMC Markets has the edge with a score of 8/10 versus 7/10 for FBS. CMC Markets offers spreads starting from 0.7 pips, while FBS starts from 0.7 pips. The minimum deposit at CMC Markets is $0, compared to $5 at FBS. 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.

CMC Markets
8.0
FBS
7.0
CMC Markets: 2 FBS: 0
🖥️

Trading Platforms

🏅 Section Winner: CMC Markets (9.5 vs 7.0)

CMC Markets scores 9.5/10 for platforms compared to 7/10 for FBS. CMC Markets provides Next Generation, MT4, while FBS offers MT4, MT5, FBS Trader 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.

CMC Markets
9.5
FBS
7.0
CMC Markets: 3 FBS: 0
🛡️

Regulation & Safety

🏅 Section Winner: CMC Markets (9.5 vs 6.5)

Regulation is crucial for fund safety. CMC Markets is regulated by FCA, ASIC, BaFin (Tier 1), while FBS holds licenses from IFSC, CySEC (Tier 1). CMC Markets scores 9.5/10 and FBS scores 6.5/10 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.

CMC Markets
9.5
FBS
6.5
CMC Markets: 4 FBS: 0
📚

Education & Research

🏅 Section Winner: CMC Markets (8.0 vs 7.5)

For learning resources, CMC Markets leads with 8/10 compared to 7.5/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. CMC Markets and FBS 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.

CMC Markets
8.0
FBS
7.5
CMC Markets: 5 FBS: 0
🎧

Customer Support

🏅 Section Winner: CMC Markets (8.0 vs 7.0)

CMC Markets offers 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone and scores 8/10, while FBS provides 24/7 Live Chat, Email, Phone with a score of 7/10. 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.

CMC Markets
8.0
FBS
7.0
CMC Markets: 5 FBS: 0
💳

Deposit & Withdrawal

CMC Markets scores 8/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while FBS scores 8/10. CMC Markets accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal, and FBS supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Sticpay. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. CMC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $0 versus $5 for FBS. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.

CMC Markets
8.0
FBS
8.0

Which Broker Is Right for You?

CMC Markets

Choose CMC Markets if you...

  • You want lower spreads and trading fees
  • You're a beginner who values learning resources
  • You need advanced trading platforms and tools
  • Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
Visit CMC Markets
FBS

Choose FBS if you...

  • You prefer FBS's trading environment overall
Visit FBS

🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?

Cast your vote — see what other traders think

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CMC Markets better than FBS?

CMC Markets scores higher overall (8.8/10 vs 7.2/10), winning 7 of 8 categories. However, FBS remains competitive. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.

Which has lower fees, CMC Markets or FBS?

CMC Markets scores higher for trading costs. CMC Markets offers spreads from 0.7 pips with a $0 minimum deposit, while FBS starts from 0.7 pips with $5 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. FBS is regulated by IFSC, CySEC with a score of 6.5/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.

Which has better trading platforms, CMC Markets or FBS?

CMC Markets scores 9.5/10 for platforms. CMC Markets offers Next Generation, MT4, while FBS provides MT4, MT5, FBS Trader 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 FBS?

CMC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $0, while FBS requires $5. 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.

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