CMC Marketsvs
HFMCrypto Exchange Comparison
Two regulated crypto CFD platforms go head to head over platform depth, pricing, and support. The matchup tests how policy choices and usability shape crypto trading.
Our Verdict
CMC Markets winsby 0.2 pts
CMC Markets and HFM are closely matched in overall crypto CFD offerings. The clearest differentiator is that CMC Markets has no inactivity fee, while HFM charges one.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1CMC Markets offers 100 crypto CFDs versus HFM's 50.
- 2CMC Markets has a proprietary Next Generation platform.
- 3CMC Markets provides 24/5 live chat; HFM does not.
Who should choose CMC Markets vs HFM?
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose CMC Markets if…
Choose CMC Markets if you want 100+ crypto CFDs and a proprietary Next Generation platform. You also get 24/5 live chat support.
Choose HFM if…
Choose HFM if you prefer HFcopy copy trading and 50 crypto CFDs. HFcopy enables copy trading of crypto strategies within the same account.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
Best for security
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
Equally matched.
Best for low fees
Recommended
CMC Markets vs HFM: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  CMC Markets |  HFM |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 3.9/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads From | 0.7 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Taker Fee | N/A | 6.00% |
CMC Markets vs HFM Crypto Exchange Pros & Cons
Pros
- 100+ crypto CFDs, one of the widest selections among FCA-regulated brokers
- Next Generation platform with 115+ indicators and client sentiment data
- LSE-listed company with FCA and ASIC regulation
- Competitive variable spreads vs other regulated market-maker crypto offerings
Cons
- CFDs only, no real crypto ownership, staking, or on-chain activity
CMC Markets vs HFM: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
CMC Markets
criteria wins
1
HFM
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | CMC Markets | HFM |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Fail | Fail |
| Proof of reserves published | Fail | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Fail | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Fail |
| Features | ||
| Staking available | Fail | Fail |
| DeFi integration | Fail | Fail |
| NFT trading | Fail | Fail |
| 500+ coins listed | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
CMC Markets vs HFM: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: CMC Markets rates 4.1/5 and HFM rates 3.9/5. CMC Markets has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
HFM lists a lower spread from 0, compared with CMC Markets's 0.7. Crypto trading costs are typically quoted as a percentage of the trade value; check each exchange's full fee schedule, as maker/taker rates and volume discounts vary.
Neither CMC Markets nor HFM requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both CMC Markets and HFM hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each exchange's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, both exchanges provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each exchange's site before deciding.
CMC Markets offers up to 2:1 on perpetual or margin products, versus HFM's 2:1 cap. Margin and futures trading carry higher risk than spot crypto; confirm product availability and jurisdiction-specific limits on each exchange's website.
HFM charges $6 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for CMC Markets are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. Crypto fees are typically quoted as maker/taker rates rather than fixed per-trade commissions; check each exchange's fee schedule for volume-based discounts.
CMC Markets supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while HFM supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. CMC Markets has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile. HFM has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5.
HFM scores better on fee criteria (no deposit fee, no inactivity fee). Always check both exchanges' current fee schedules, as maker/taker rates and withdrawal fees vary and are subject to change.
