AvaTradevs
CMC MarketsForex Broker Comparison
Two brokers vie on regulation, platform depth, and protections. The axis of tension is investor protections versus instrument variety.
Our Verdict
Too close to call0.1 pts apart
AvaTrade and CMC Markets are closely matched, but CMC Markets gains a clear edge with investor compensation scheme coverage.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Investor compensation scheme coverage exists with CMC Markets.
- 2AvaTrade does not offer investor compensation scheme coverage.
- 3Instruments: CMC Markets about 12,000; AvaTrade about 1,250.
Who should choose AvaTrade vs CMC Markets?
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose AvaTrade if…
Choose AvaTrade if you value strong multi-jurisdiction regulation and AvaOptions.
Choose CMC Markets if…
Choose CMC Markets if you want a leading proprietary platform and broad instrument access.
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 0.70 pips vs 0.90 pips for AvaTrade, reducing trading costs.
Best for safety & regulation
Recommended
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▲ |
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)
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
The scores are close: AvaTrade rates 4.4/5 and CMC Markets rates 4.5/5. 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.
CMC Markets starts from 0.7 pips, tighter than AvaTrade's 0.9 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
CMC Markets has no minimum deposit, 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. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, two factors stand out: CMC Markets has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
AvaTrade lists maximum leverage of 400:1, while CMC Markets lists up to 30:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
AvaTrade supports ZuluTrade, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while CMC Markets supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile and MetaTrader 4. AvaTrade has exclusive access to ZuluTrade and MetaTrader 5. CMC Markets has exclusive access to ProRealTime.
