Plus500

Plus500

🟢 Tier 1 Regulated
7.8
/ 10
vs
CMC Markets

CMC Markets

🟢 Tier 1 Regulated
8.8
/ 10

Plus500 vs CMC Markets

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

Plus500 and CMC Markets are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. Plus500, founded in 2008 and headquartered in Haifa, Israel, is regulated by FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS and offers spreads starting from 0.8 pips with a minimum deposit of $100. 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, CMC Markets scored 8.8/10 overall compared to Plus500's 7.8/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, Plus500 holds its own with smoother deposits & withdrawals, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.

Key Differences at a Glance

  • 📊

    CMC Markets scores 8.8/10 overall vs 7.8/10 for Plus500 — a 1.0-point difference.

  • 💵

    CMC Markets requires just $0 to start, while Plus500 needs $100 — CMC Markets is 100x more accessible.

  • 📈

    CMC Markets offers 10,000+ instruments vs 2,800+ at Plus500 — a massive gap in market coverage.

  • 🖥️

    Plus500 runs on Plus500 WebTrader, Plus500 App, while CMC Markets uses Next Generation, MT4 — different ecosystems for different trading styles.

  • The biggest gap is in Platforms & Tools: CMC Markets scores 9.5 vs 7.0 for Plus500 — a 2.5-point difference.

Our Verdict

Plus500

Plus500

Score: 7.8/10 · Wins 1 categories
  • Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
  • You prefer Plus500's trading environment overall
🏆 WINNER
CMC Markets

CMC Markets

Score: 8.8/10 · Wins 7 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

CMC Markets takes the lead with an overall score of 8.8/10 compared to 7.8/10, winning in 7 out of 8 scoring categories. CMC Markets stands out for lower trading costs and better trading platforms, while Plus500 fights back with smoother deposits & withdrawals.

Detailed Verdict

After testing both brokers with real accounts, CMC Markets comes out ahead with a 8.8/10 overall rating, winning 7 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Platforms & Tools where it scores 9.5/10. CMC Markets holds Tier 1 regulation, meaning your funds benefit from top-level investor protection including segregated accounts and compensation schemes. Plus500 is not without merit — it scores 7.8/10 overall and excels in Regulation & Trust (9.0/10), winning 1 category. Traders who value smoother deposits & withdrawals may find Plus500 the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full CMC Markets review and Plus500 review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.

Score Breakdown

Plus500
CMC Markets
Trading Costs
7.5 8.0

CMC Markets wins by 0.5 points

Platforms & Tools
7.0 9.5

CMC Markets wins by 2.5 points

Regulation & Trust
9.0 9.5

CMC Markets wins by 0.5 points

Education
5.5 8.0

CMC Markets wins by 2.5 points

Customer Service
7.0 8.0

CMC Markets wins by 1.0 points

Research & Analysis
6.5 9.0

CMC Markets wins by 2.5 points

Deposit & Withdrawal
8.5 8.0

Plus500 wins by 0.5 points

Product Range
8.0 9.5

CMC Markets wins by 1.5 points

Full Feature Comparison

Structured broker facts pulled from the shared broker dataset.
Feature
Overall Score
7.8/10
8.8/10
Min Deposit
Lower is better
$100
$0
Max Leverage
1:300
1:500
Spreads From
0.8 pips
0.7 pips
Platforms
Plus500 WebTrader, Plus500 App
Next Generation, MT4
Regulation
FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS
FCA, ASIC, BaFin
Founded
Older track record highlighted
2008
1989
Markets
2,800+
10,000+
Plus500: 0 CMC Markets: 1
💰

Fees & Costs

🏅 Section Winner: CMC Markets (7.5 vs 8.0)

When it comes to trading costs, CMC Markets has the edge with a score of 8/10 versus 7.5/10 for Plus500. Plus500 offers spreads starting from 0.8 pips, while CMC Markets starts from 0.7 pips. The minimum deposit at Plus500 is $100, 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.

Plus500
7.5
CMC Markets
8.0
Plus500: 0 CMC Markets: 2
🖥️

Trading Platforms

🏅 Section Winner: CMC Markets (7.0 vs 9.5)

CMC Markets scores 9.5/10 for platforms compared to 7/10 for Plus500. Plus500 provides Plus500 WebTrader, Plus500 App, 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.

Plus500
7.0
CMC Markets
9.5
Plus500: 0 CMC Markets: 3
🛡️

Regulation & Safety

🏅 Section Winner: CMC Markets (9.0 vs 9.5)

Regulation is crucial for fund safety. Plus500 is regulated by FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS (Tier 1), while CMC Markets holds licenses from FCA, ASIC, BaFin (Tier 1). Plus500 scores 9/10 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.

Plus500
9.0
CMC Markets
9.5
Plus500: 0 CMC Markets: 4
📚

Education & Research

🏅 Section Winner: CMC Markets (5.5 vs 8.0)

For learning resources, CMC Markets leads with 8/10 compared to 5.5/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. Plus500 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.

Plus500
5.5
CMC Markets
8.0
Plus500: 0 CMC Markets: 5
🎧

Customer Support

🏅 Section Winner: CMC Markets (7.0 vs 8.0)

Plus500 offers 24/7 Live Chat, Email and scores 7/10, 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.

Plus500
7.0
CMC Markets
8.0
Plus500: 1 CMC Markets: 5
💳

Deposit & Withdrawal

🏅 Section Winner: Plus500 (8.5 vs 8.0)

Plus500 scores 8.5/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while CMC Markets scores 8/10. Plus500 accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal, Skrill, and CMC Markets supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. Plus500 requires a minimum deposit of $100 versus $0 for CMC Markets. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.

Plus500
8.5
CMC Markets
8.0

Which Broker Is Right for You?

Plus500

Choose Plus500 if you...

  • Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
  • You prefer Plus500's trading environment overall
Visit Plus500
CMC Markets

Choose CMC Markets 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
Visit CMC Markets

🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?

Cast your vote — see what other traders think

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Plus500 better than CMC Markets?

CMC Markets scores higher overall (8.8/10 vs 7.8/10), winning 7 of 8 categories. However, Plus500 is stronger in smoother deposits & withdrawals. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.

Which has lower fees, Plus500 or CMC Markets?

CMC Markets scores higher for trading costs. Plus500 offers spreads from 0.8 pips with a $100 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 Plus500 safe to trade with?

Plus500 is regulated by FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS and scores 9/10 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, Plus500 or CMC Markets?

CMC Markets scores 9.5/10 for platforms. Plus500 offers Plus500 WebTrader, Plus500 App, 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 Plus500 vs CMC Markets?

Plus500 requires a minimum deposit of $100, 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.

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