AvaTrade vs CMC Markets Forex Broker Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of AvaTrade and CMC Markets across regulation, trading costs, platforms, and editorial scoring.
Heavily regulated across 6+ jurisdictions with a unique AvaOptions platform for vanilla options trading and strong educational content.
VS
Score 4.5 / 5
2 bonusesFCA-regulated and LSE-listed with one of the best proprietary platforms in retail FX and CFDs.
Our Verdict
Too close to call0.1 pts apart
AvaTrade and CMC Markets are extremely closely matched with scores of 4.4/5 and 4.5/5. The right choice depends on your individual trading priorities.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
Best for low cost trading
Recommended
CMC Markets offers tighter spreads from 0.7 pips vs 0.9 pips for AvaTrade, reducing trading costs.
Best for safety & regulation
Recommended
CMC Markets has a stronger safety profile: top-tier regulation, compensation scheme, segregated funds, negative balance protection.
Best for active traders
Recommended
CMC Markets has a cost edge: tighter spreads from 0.7 pips.
Best for platform choice
Recommended
AvaTrade offers more exclusive platform options: MetaTrader 5, a proprietary platform.
Best for beginners
Recommended
CMC Markets edges out AvaTrade with a higher editorial score (4.5/5 vs 4.4/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new traders.
AvaTrade vs CMC Markets: Side-by-Side Forex Broker Comparison
Score
= highlighted score shows which broker leads in that category| Editorial score | 4.4/ 5 | 4.5/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.4 / 5 | 4.6 / 5▲ |
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.4 / 5 | 4.4 / 5 |
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.3 / 5 | 4.5 / 5▲ |
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.4 / 5▲ | 4.2 / 5 |
| Founded | 2006 | 1989 |
| Headquarters | Dublin, Ireland | London, United Kingdom |
| Min deposit | $100 | No minimum |
| Spreads from | 0.9 pips | 0.7 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Max leverage | 400:1 | 30:1 |
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
| Regulators | FSCA ASIC ADGM CBI MFSA | FCA ASIC DFSA BaFin FMA |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile | MetaTrader 4 Proprietary Web/Mobile |
| Active bonuses | ||
| Visit broker | Visit AvaTrade | Visit CMC Markets |
AvaTrade vs CMC Markets Forex Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
Heavily regulated across 6+ jurisdictions
AvaOptions platform for vanilla options trading
Strong educational content and structured courses
Multiple platforms including MT4, MT5 and proprietary AvaTradeGo
Regulated by top-tier authorities (FCA, ASIC, CySEC)
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
No deposit fees
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Pros
FCA-regulated, LSE-listed
Excellent proprietary platform
MT4 also available
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
No deposit fees
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Cons
Inactivity fee of $50 after 3 months of no trading
Not available to US residents
Spread-only model means no raw ECN pricing
No investor compensation scheme
Cons
Inactivity fee after 12 months
No raw spread account option
AvaTrade vs CMC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
0
AvaTrade
criteria wins
1
CMC Markets
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | AvaTrade | CMC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS) | Fail | Pass |
| Fees & Spreads | ||
| Raw/ECN spreads available | Fail | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Fail | Fail |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Pass |
| Proprietary platform | Pass | Pass |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
AvaTrade vs CMC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our independent editorial scoring, CMC Markets ranks higher with a score of 4.5/5 vs 4.4/5 for AvaTrade. The best choice still depends on your individual trading needs; AvaTrade and CMC Markets may each suit different trader profiles.
CMC Markets offers tighter spreads starting from 0.7 pips, compared to AvaTrade's spreads from 0.9 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, particularly valuable for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
CMC Markets has a lower minimum deposit of no minimum required, while AvaTrade requires at least $100. This makes CMC Markets more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both AvaTrade and CMC Markets hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Both are considered safe. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners: CMC Markets has a lower minimum deposit (no minimum), lowering the barrier to entry; both brokers offer negative balance protection. Also weigh up educational resources and customer support quality before deciding.
AvaTrade offers maximum leverage of 400:1, while CMC Markets offers up to 30:1. Available leverage varies by account type, instrument, and jurisdiction. Higher leverage amplifies both potential profits and losses. Always use appropriate risk management.
AvaTrade supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile and CMC Markets offers MetaTrader 4, Proprietary Web/Mobile; both support MetaTrader 4, Proprietary Web/Mobile; AvaTrade exclusively offers MetaTrader 5.
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Score 4.4 / 5
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