Interactive Brokers
CMC Markets
Interactive Brokers vs CMC Markets
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
Interactive Brokers and CMC Markets are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. Interactive Brokers, founded in 1978 and headquartered in Greenwich, USA, is regulated by SEC, FCA, ASIC, MAS, IIROC and offers spreads starting from 0.1 pips with a minimum deposit of $0. CMC Markets, established in 1989 in London, UK, holds licenses from FCA, ASIC, BaFin with spreads from 0.7 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.
- 🖥️
Interactive Brokers runs on TWS, IBKR Mobile, IBKR GlobalTrader, while CMC Markets uses Next Generation, MT4 — 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
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
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 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 | 9.2/10 ✓ | 8.8/10 |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $0 ✓ | $0 ✓ |
| Max Leverage | 1:50 | 1:500 |
| Spreads From | 0.1 pips | 0.7 pips |
| Platforms | TWS, IBKR Mobile, IBKR GlobalTrader | Next Generation, MT4 |
| Regulation | SEC, FCA, ASIC, MAS, IIROC | FCA, ASIC, BaFin |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 1978 ✓ | 1989 |
| Markets | 1,000,000+ ✓ | 10,000+ |
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. Interactive Brokers offers spreads starting from 0.1 pips, while CMC Markets starts from 0.7 pips. The minimum deposit at Interactive Brokers is $0, 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.
Trading Platforms
CMC Markets scores 9.5/10 for platforms compared to 8.5/10 for Interactive Brokers. Interactive Brokers provides TWS, IBKR Mobile, IBKR GlobalTrader, 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 & Safety
Regulation is crucial for fund safety. Interactive Brokers is regulated by SEC, FCA, ASIC, MAS, IIROC (Tier 1), while CMC Markets holds licenses from FCA, ASIC, BaFin (Tier 1). Interactive Brokers 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.
Education & Research
For learning resources, Interactive Brokers 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. Interactive Brokers 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.
Customer Support
Interactive Brokers offers 24/6 Live Chat, Email, Phone and scores 7.5/10, 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.
Deposit & Withdrawal
Interactive Brokers scores 8/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while CMC Markets scores 8/10. Interactive Brokers accepts Bank Transfer, ACH, and CMC Markets supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. Interactive Brokers requires a minimum deposit of $0 versus $0 for CMC Markets. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
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
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
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
Cast your vote — see what other traders think
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Interactive Brokers better than CMC Markets?
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, Interactive Brokers or CMC Markets?
Interactive Brokers scores higher for trading costs. Interactive Brokers offers spreads from 0.1 pips with a $0 minimum deposit, while CMC Markets starts from 0.7 pips with $0 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.
Is Interactive Brokers safe to trade with?
Interactive Brokers is regulated by SEC, FCA, ASIC, MAS, IIROC and scores 10/10 for regulation. CMC Markets is regulated by FCA, ASIC, BaFin with a score of 9.5/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.
Which has better trading platforms, Interactive Brokers or CMC Markets?
CMC Markets scores 9.5/10 for platforms. Interactive Brokers offers TWS, IBKR Mobile, IBKR GlobalTrader, while CMC Markets provides Next Generation, MT4. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for Interactive Brokers vs CMC Markets?
Interactive Brokers requires a minimum deposit of $0, while CMC Markets requires $0. 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.