CMTrading
Saxo Bank
CMTrading vs Saxo Bank
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
CMTrading and Saxo Bank are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. CMTrading, founded in 2012 and headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, is regulated by FSCA, FSC and offers spreads starting from 1.2 pips with a minimum deposit of $250. 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 CMTrading's 6.9/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, CMTrading holds its own with overall value, 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 6.9/10 for CMTrading — a 2.1-point difference.
- 💵
CMTrading requires just $250 to start, while Saxo Bank needs $2000 — CMTrading is 8x more accessible.
- 🛡️
Saxo Bank holds Tier 1 regulation (FCA, DFSA, MAS) offering stronger investor protection than CMTrading's Tier 2 status.
- 📈
Saxo Bank offers 72,000+ instruments vs 200+ at CMTrading — a massive gap in market coverage.
- 🖥️
CMTrading runs on MT4, Sirix, while Saxo Bank uses SaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPRO — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Regulation & Trust: Saxo Bank scores 9.5 vs 6.5 for CMTrading — a 3.0-point difference.
Our Verdict
CMTrading
Score: 6.9/10 · Wins 0 categories- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($250)
- You prefer CMTrading's trading environment overall
Saxo Bank
Score: 9.0/10 · Wins 8 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
Saxo Bank takes the lead with an overall score of 9/10 compared to 6.9/10, winning in 8 out of 8 scoring categories. Saxo Bank stands out for lower trading costs and better trading platforms, while CMTrading remains a solid alternative.
Detailed Verdict
After testing both brokers with real accounts, Saxo Bank comes out ahead with a 9/10 overall rating, winning 8 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. CMTrading is not without merit — it scores 6.9/10 overall and excels in Education (7.5/10). For a complete breakdown, read our full Saxo Bank review and CMTrading review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
Saxo Bank wins by 1.0 points
Saxo Bank wins by 2.5 points
Saxo Bank wins by 3.0 points
Saxo Bank wins by 0.5 points
Saxo Bank wins by 1.0 points
Saxo Bank wins by 2.5 points
Saxo Bank wins by 0.5 points
Saxo Bank wins by 3.0 points
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 6.9/10 | 9.0/10 ✓ |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $250 ✓ | $2000 |
| Max Leverage | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Spreads From | 1.2 pips | 0.4 pips |
| Platforms | MT4, Sirix | SaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPRO |
| Regulation | FSCA, FSC | FCA, DFSA, MAS |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 2012 | 1992 ✓ |
| Markets | 200+ | 72,000+ ✓ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, Saxo Bank has the edge with a score of 7.5/10 versus 6.5/10 for CMTrading. CMTrading offers spreads starting from 1.2 pips, while Saxo Bank starts from 0.4 pips. The minimum deposit at CMTrading is $250, 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.
Trading Platforms
Saxo Bank scores 9.5/10 for platforms compared to 7/10 for CMTrading. CMTrading provides MT4, Sirix, 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.
Regulation & Safety
Regulation is crucial for fund safety. CMTrading is regulated by FSCA, FSC (Tier 2), while Saxo Bank holds licenses from FCA, DFSA, MAS (Tier 1). CMTrading scores 6.5/10 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.
Education & Research
For learning resources, Saxo Bank 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. CMTrading 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.
Customer Support
CMTrading offers 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone and scores 7.5/10, 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.
Deposit & Withdrawal
CMTrading scores 7/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while Saxo Bank scores 7.5/10. CMTrading accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Bitcoin, and Saxo Bank supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. CMTrading requires a minimum deposit of $250 versus $2000 for Saxo Bank. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
Choose CMTrading if you...
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($250)
- You prefer CMTrading's trading environment overall
Choose Saxo Bank 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
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
Cast your vote — see what other traders think
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CMTrading better than Saxo Bank?
Saxo Bank scores higher overall (9/10 vs 6.9/10), winning 8 of 8 categories. However, CMTrading remains competitive. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.
Which has lower fees, CMTrading or Saxo Bank?
Saxo Bank scores higher for trading costs. CMTrading offers spreads from 1.2 pips with a $250 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 CMTrading safe to trade with?
CMTrading is regulated by FSCA, FSC and scores 6.5/10 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, CMTrading or Saxo Bank?
Saxo Bank scores 9.5/10 for platforms. CMTrading offers MT4, Sirix, 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 CMTrading vs Saxo Bank?
CMTrading requires a minimum deposit of $250, while Saxo Bank requires $2000. CMTrading 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.