CMC Markets vs IG Crypto Exchange Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of CMC Markets and IG across security, fees, coin selection, staking, and editorial scoring.
Score 4.1 / 5
CMC Markets offers a broad crypto CFD range on its award-winning Next Generation platform with competitive variable spreads and FCA regulation - one of the stronger regulated CFD options for crypto alongside an established multi-asset offering.
VS
Our Verdict
IG winsby 0.1 pts
IG edges ahead with a score of 4.2/5 vs CMC Markets's 4.1/5. A narrow margin, so review the breakdown below to see where each broker has a clear advantage.
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
Both exchanges show an equally strong security profile across cold storage, proof of reserves, and regulatory oversight.
Best for low fees
It's a tie
Both equally suited
Both exchanges offer equivalent fee conditions — no deposit fee and no inactivity fee.
Best for beginners
Recommended
IG edges out CMC Markets with a higher editorial score (4.2/5 vs 4.1/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new crypto traders.
Best for coin selection
Insufficient data
Data not yet available
Coin-selection data is not yet available for this pair. Check each exchange's supported assets page to compare the number of tradeable cryptocurrencies.
Best for DeFi & Web3
Insufficient data
Data not yet available
DeFi and NFT feature data is not yet available for this pair. Check each exchange's Web3 product pages directly.
CMC Markets vs IG: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  CMC Markets |  IG |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial Score | 4.1/ 5 | 4.2/ 5 |
| Min. Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Regulators | FCA ASIC DFSA BaFin FMA | FCA ASIC DFSA CMVM BaFin Finansinspektionen Finanstilsynet FMA CBI Finanstilsynet KNF |
| Cold Storage | No | No |
| Proof of Reserves | No | No |
| Staking | No | No |
| DeFi Integration | No | No |
| NFT Trading | No | No |
| 500+ Coins | No | No |
| P2P Trading | No | No |
| Crypto Earn / Savings | No | No |
| Token Launchpad | No | No |
| Visit exchange | Visit CMC Markets | Visit IG |
CMC Markets vs IG 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
- Spreads still wider than dedicated crypto exchanges like Kraken or Binance
- 2:1 retail leverage cap applies under ESMA/FCA rules
- Inactivity fee of £10/month after 12 months without a trade
Pros
- 70+ cryptocurrencies including weekend Bitcoin and Ethereum markets
- FCA-listed regulatory framework - significantly stronger than most crypto exchanges
- Available on IG's proprietary platform, ProRealTime charts, and MT4
- No deposit or withdrawal fee on standard funding methods
Cons
- Spread-only market maker pricing - wider than specialist crypto exchanges
- No real crypto ownership, staking, or self-custody
- No crypto-to-crypto pairs or DeFi access
- Overnight financing costs accumulate on held CFD positions
CMC Markets vs IG: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
1
CMC Markets
criteria win
0
IG
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | CMC Markets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| 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 IG: Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our independent editorial scoring, IG ranks higher with a score of 4.2/5 vs 4.1/5 for CMC Markets. The best choice still depends on your individual needs — security, coin selection, fees, and staking offerings all matter.
CMC Markets and IG show a similar security profile in our data. Both should be evaluated on cold storage practices, proof of reserves, regulatory oversight, and whether client funds are held separately from operational funds.
CMC Markets and IG appear similar on fee criteria in our data. Compare each exchange's trading fee schedule directly, as crypto fees vary by asset, volume tier, and payment method.
Neither CMC Markets nor IG is listed as offering staking in our data. Check each exchange's website directly for the most up-to-date staking offerings, as this feature changes frequently.
Both CMC Markets and IG require a minimum deposit of no minimum to start trading.
For beginners: IG has a higher overall editorial score. Also consider each exchange's educational resources, customer support quality, and the simplicity of their user interface before deciding.
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