CMC Markets
Interactive Brokers
CMC Markets vs Interactive Brokers
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
CMC Markets and Interactive Brokers 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. Interactive Brokers, established in 1978 in Greenwich, USA, holds licenses from SEC, FCA, ASIC, MAS, IIROC with spreads from 0.1 pips and a $0 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, Interactive Brokers scored 9.2/10 overall compared to CMC Markets's 8.8/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, CMC Markets holds its own with better trading platforms and better customer support, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.
Key Differences at a Glance
- 📊
Interactive Brokers scores 9.2/10 overall vs 8.8/10 for CMC Markets — a 0.4-point difference.
- 📈
Interactive Brokers offers 1,000,000+ instruments vs 10,000+ at CMC Markets — a massive gap in market coverage.
- 🖥️
CMC Markets runs on Next Generation, MT4, while Interactive Brokers uses TWS, IBKR Mobile, IBKR GlobalTrader — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Trading Costs: Interactive Brokers scores 9.5 vs 8.0 for CMC Markets — a 1.5-point difference.
Our Verdict
CMC Markets
Score: 8.8/10 · Wins 2 categories- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- Responsive customer support matters to you
- You prefer CMC Markets's trading environment overall
Interactive Brokers
Score: 9.2/10 · Wins 4 categories- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- You want access to a wider range of instruments
- You rely on in-depth research and analysis tools
Interactive Brokers takes the lead with an overall score of 9.2/10 compared to 8.8/10, winning in 4 out of 8 scoring categories. Interactive Brokers stands out for lower trading costs and stronger regulation, while CMC Markets fights back with better trading platforms and better customer support.
Detailed Verdict
After testing both brokers with real accounts, Interactive Brokers comes out ahead with a 9.2/10 overall rating, winning 4 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Regulation & Trust where it scores 10.0/10. Interactive Brokers holds Tier 1 regulation, meaning your funds benefit from top-level investor protection including segregated accounts and compensation schemes. CMC Markets is not without merit — it scores 8.8/10 overall and excels in Platforms & Tools (9.5/10), winning 2 categories. Traders who value better trading platforms or better customer support may find CMC Markets the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full Interactive Brokers review and CMC Markets review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
Interactive Brokers wins by 1.5 points
CMC Markets wins by 1.0 points
Interactive Brokers wins by 0.5 points
CMC Markets wins by 0.5 points
Interactive Brokers wins by 0.5 points
Interactive Brokers wins by 0.5 points
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 ✓ |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $0 ✓ | $0 ✓ |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:50 |
| Spreads From | 0.7 pips | 0.1 pips |
| Platforms | Next Generation, MT4 | TWS, IBKR Mobile, IBKR GlobalTrader |
| Regulation | FCA, ASIC, BaFin | SEC, FCA, ASIC, MAS, IIROC |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 1989 | 1978 ✓ |
| Markets | 10,000+ | 1,000,000+ ✓ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, Interactive Brokers has the edge with a score of 9.5/10 versus 8/10 for CMC Markets. CMC Markets offers spreads starting from 0.7 pips, while Interactive Brokers starts from 0.1 pips. The minimum deposit at CMC Markets is $0, compared to $0 at Interactive Brokers. 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 Interactive Brokers. CMC Markets provides Next Generation, MT4, while Interactive Brokers offers TWS, IBKR Mobile, IBKR GlobalTrader. 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 Interactive Brokers holds licenses from SEC, FCA, ASIC, MAS, IIROC (Tier 1). CMC Markets scores 9.5/10 and Interactive Brokers scores 10/10 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, CMC Markets leads with 8/10 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 Interactive Brokers 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 Interactive Brokers provides 24/6 Live Chat, Email, Phone 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 Interactive Brokers scores 8/10. CMC Markets accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal, and Interactive Brokers supports Bank Transfer, ACH. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. CMC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $0 versus $0 for Interactive Brokers. 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
- Responsive customer support matters to you
- You prefer CMC Markets's trading environment overall
Choose Interactive Brokers if you...
- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- You want access to a wider range of instruments
- You rely on in-depth research and analysis tools
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
Cast your vote — see what other traders think
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CMC Markets better than Interactive Brokers?
Interactive Brokers scores higher overall (9.2/10 vs 8.8/10), winning 4 of 8 categories. However, CMC Markets is stronger in better trading platforms and better customer support. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.
Which has lower fees, CMC Markets or Interactive Brokers?
Interactive Brokers scores higher for trading costs. CMC Markets offers spreads from 0.7 pips with a $0 minimum deposit, while Interactive Brokers starts from 0.1 pips with $0 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. Interactive Brokers is regulated by SEC, FCA, ASIC, MAS, IIROC with a score of 10/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.
Which has better trading platforms, CMC Markets or Interactive Brokers?
CMC Markets scores 9.5/10 for platforms. CMC Markets offers Next Generation, MT4, while Interactive Brokers provides TWS, IBKR Mobile, IBKR GlobalTrader. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for CMC Markets vs Interactive Brokers?
CMC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $0, while Interactive Brokers requires $0. Interactive Brokers 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.