CMC Markets

CMC Markets

🟢 Tier 1 Regulated
8.8
/ 10
vs
Saxo Bank

Saxo Bank

🟢 Tier 1 Regulated
9.0
/ 10

CMC Markets vs Saxo Bank

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

CMC Markets and Saxo Bank 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. Saxo Bank, established in 1992 in Copenhagen, Denmark, holds licenses from FCA, DFSA, MAS with spreads from 0.4 pips and a $2000 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, Saxo Bank scored 9/10 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 lower trading costs and smoother deposits & withdrawals, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.

Key Differences at a Glance

  • 📊

    Saxo Bank scores 9/10 overall vs 8.8/10 for CMC Markets — a 0.2-point difference.

  • 💵

    CMC Markets requires just $0 to start, while Saxo Bank needs $2000 — CMC Markets is 2000x more accessible.

  • 📈

    Saxo Bank offers 72,000+ instruments vs 10,000+ at CMC Markets — a massive gap in market coverage.

  • 🖥️

    CMC Markets runs on Next Generation, MT4, while Saxo Bank uses SaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPRO — different ecosystems for different trading styles.

Our Verdict

CMC Markets

CMC Markets

Score: 8.8/10 · Wins 2 categories
  • You want lower spreads and trading fees
  • Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
  • You prefer a low minimum deposit ($0)
🏆 WINNER
Saxo Bank

Saxo Bank

Score: 9.0/10 · Wins 3 categories
  • Responsive customer support matters to you
  • You want access to a wider range of instruments
  • You rely on in-depth research and analysis tools

Saxo Bank takes the lead with an overall score of 9/10 compared to 8.8/10, winning in 3 out of 8 scoring categories. Saxo Bank stands out for better customer support and more research tools, while CMC Markets fights back with lower trading costs and smoother deposits & withdrawals.

Detailed Verdict

After testing both brokers with real accounts, Saxo Bank comes out ahead with a 9/10 overall rating, winning 3 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Product Range where it scores 10.0/10. Saxo Bank 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 lower trading costs or smoother deposits & withdrawals may find CMC Markets the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full Saxo Bank review and CMC Markets review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.

Score Breakdown

CMC Markets
Saxo Bank
Trading Costs
8.0 7.5

CMC Markets wins by 0.5 points

Platforms & Tools
9.5 9.5
Regulation & Trust
9.5 9.5
Education
8.0 8.0
Customer Service
8.0 8.5

Saxo Bank wins by 0.5 points

Research & Analysis
9.0 9.5

Saxo Bank wins by 0.5 points

Deposit & Withdrawal
8.0 7.5

CMC Markets wins by 0.5 points

Product Range
9.5 10.0

Saxo Bank wins by 0.5 points

Full Feature Comparison

Structured broker facts pulled from the shared broker dataset.
Feature
Overall Score
8.8/10
9.0/10
Min Deposit
Lower is better
$0
$2000
Max Leverage
1:500
1:200
Spreads From
0.7 pips
0.4 pips
Platforms
Next Generation, MT4
SaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPRO
Regulation
FCA, ASIC, BaFin
FCA, DFSA, MAS
Founded
Older track record highlighted
1989
1992
Markets
10,000+
72,000+
CMC Markets: 1 Saxo Bank: 0
💰

Fees & Costs

🏅 Section Winner: CMC Markets (8.0 vs 7.5)

When it comes to trading costs, CMC Markets has the edge with a score of 8/10 versus 7.5/10 for Saxo Bank. CMC Markets offers spreads starting from 0.7 pips, while Saxo Bank starts from 0.4 pips. The minimum deposit at CMC Markets is $0, compared to $2000 at Saxo Bank. 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
Saxo Bank
7.5
CMC Markets: 1 Saxo Bank: 0
🖥️

Trading Platforms

CMC Markets scores 9.5/10 for platforms compared to 9.5/10 for Saxo Bank. CMC Markets provides Next Generation, MT4, while Saxo Bank offers SaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPRO. 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
Saxo Bank
9.5
CMC Markets: 1 Saxo Bank: 0
🛡️

Regulation & Safety

Regulation is crucial for fund safety. CMC Markets is regulated by FCA, ASIC, BaFin (Tier 1), while Saxo Bank holds licenses from FCA, DFSA, MAS (Tier 1). CMC Markets scores 9.5/10 and Saxo Bank scores 9.5/10 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
Saxo Bank
9.5
CMC Markets: 1 Saxo Bank: 0
📚

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 Saxo Bank 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
Saxo Bank
8.0
CMC Markets: 1 Saxo Bank: 1
🎧

Customer Support

🏅 Section Winner: Saxo Bank (8.0 vs 8.5)

CMC Markets offers 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone and scores 8/10, while Saxo Bank provides 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone with a score of 8.5/10. 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.

CMC Markets
8.0
Saxo Bank
8.5
CMC Markets: 2 Saxo Bank: 1
💳

Deposit & Withdrawal

🏅 Section Winner: CMC Markets (8.0 vs 7.5)

CMC Markets scores 8/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while Saxo Bank scores 7.5/10. CMC Markets accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal, and Saxo Bank supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. CMC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $0 versus $2000 for Saxo Bank. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.

CMC Markets
8.0
Saxo Bank
7.5

Which Broker Is Right for You?

CMC Markets

Choose CMC Markets if you...

  • You want lower spreads and trading fees
  • Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
  • You prefer a low minimum deposit ($0)
Visit CMC Markets
Saxo Bank

Choose Saxo Bank if you...

  • Responsive customer support matters to you
  • You want access to a wider range of instruments
  • You rely on in-depth research and analysis tools
Visit Saxo Bank

🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?

Cast your vote — see what other traders think

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CMC Markets better than Saxo Bank?

Saxo Bank scores higher overall (9/10 vs 8.8/10), winning 3 of 8 categories. However, CMC Markets is stronger in lower trading costs and smoother deposits & withdrawals. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.

Which has lower fees, CMC Markets or Saxo Bank?

CMC Markets scores higher for trading costs. CMC Markets offers spreads from 0.7 pips with a $0 minimum deposit, while Saxo Bank starts from 0.4 pips with $2000 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. Saxo Bank is regulated by FCA, DFSA, MAS with a score of 9.5/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.

Which has better trading platforms, CMC Markets or Saxo Bank?

CMC Markets scores 9.5/10 for platforms. CMC Markets offers Next Generation, MT4, while Saxo Bank provides SaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPRO. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.

What's the minimum deposit for CMC Markets vs Saxo Bank?

CMC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $0, while Saxo Bank requires $2000. CMC Markets has the lower entry barrier, making it more accessible for beginners or those testing with smaller amounts.

Ready to Start Trading?

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