IG vs CMC Markets

• 📊

  IG scores 9.2/10 overall vs 8.8/10 for CMC Markets — a 0.4-point difference.

• 💵

  CMC Markets requires just $0 to start, while IG needs $250 — CMC Markets is 250x more accessible.

• 📈

  IG offers 17,000+ instruments vs 10,000+ at CMC Markets — a notable difference in market coverage.

• 🖥️

  IG runs on IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, while CMC Markets uses Next Generation, MT4 — different ecosystems for different trading styles.

• ⚡

  The biggest gap is in Education: IG scores 9.0 vs 8.0 for CMC Markets — a 1.0-point difference.

After testing both brokers with real accounts, IG comes out ahead with a 9.2/10 overall rating, winning 5 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Regulation & Trust where it scores 10.0/10. IG 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). For a complete breakdown, read our full IG review and CMC Markets review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.

Read IG Review → Read CMC Markets Review →

When it comes to trading costs, IG has the edge with a score of 8.5/10 versus 8/10 for CMC Markets. IG offers spreads starting from 0.6 pips, while CMC Markets starts from 0.7 pips. The minimum deposit at IG is $250, compared to $0 at CMC Markets. 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.

IG scores 9.5/10 for platforms compared to 9.5/10 for CMC Markets. IG provides IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, while CMC Markets offers Next Generation, MT4. 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 is crucial for fund safety. IG is regulated by FCA, ASIC, MAS, BaFin (Tier 1), while CMC Markets holds licenses from FCA, ASIC, BaFin (Tier 1). IG scores 10/10 and CMC Markets 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.

For learning resources, IG leads with 9/10 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. IG and CMC Markets 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.

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

IG scores 8/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while CMC Markets scores 8/10. IG accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal, and CMC Markets supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. IG requires a minimum deposit of $250 versus $0 for CMC Markets. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.