Head-to-head comparison

CMC Markets vs Interactive Brokers

A side-by-side look at CMC Markets and Interactive Brokers — score, fees, platforms and who each one actually fits best.

CMC Markets

Publicly listed, deep instrument range
4.2

Publicly traded (LSE: CMCX), long track record since 1989, broad CFD and forex range.

Interactive Brokers

Institutional-grade, lowest cost
4.1

Publicly traded (NASDAQ: IBKR), commission-based pricing instead of spread markup. Affiliate program leans institutional — likely needs direct outreach rather than a self-serve signup.

Quick verdict

CMC Markets scores higher overall (4.2 vs 4.1), but a higher score doesn't automatically mean it's the right pick for you.

CMC Markets is the stronger fit for wide market range, advanced charting via Next Generation platform, while Interactive Brokers is built more around serious traders wanting global market access and low commissions.

Regulation: CMC Markets — FCA, ASIC and more. Interactive Brokers — SEC/FINRA (US), FCA (UK) and more.

Side by side

CMC MarketsInteractive Brokers
Best forWide market range, advanced charting via Next Generation platformSerious traders wanting global market access and low commissions
PlatformsNext Generation, MT4Trader Workstation, IBKR Mobile
RegulationFCA, ASIC and moreSEC/FINRA (US), FCA (UK) and more
Minimum depositNo minimumNo minimum

CMC Markets strengths

  • Publicly traded since 1989
  • Very wide instrument range
  • Advanced charting

Interactive Brokers strengths

  • Publicly traded broker
  • Very low commissions
  • Huge global market access

Which one should you pick?

Pick CMC Markets if you're mainly after wide market range, advanced charting via Next Generation platform. It stands out for publicly traded since 1989 and very wide instrument range.

Pick Interactive Brokers if you're mainly after serious traders wanting global market access and low commissions. It stands out for publicly traded broker and very low commissions.

Common questions

CMC Markets vs Interactive Brokers FAQ

Is CMC Markets better than Interactive Brokers?

CMC Markets scores higher in our rating (4.2 vs 4.1), but Interactive Brokers may still be the better fit if you specifically need serious traders wanting global market access and low commissions.

What's the difference in regulation between CMC Markets and Interactive Brokers?

CMC Markets: FCA, ASIC and more. Interactive Brokers: SEC/FINRA (US), FCA (UK) and more.

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