A head-to-head comparison of Axi and CMC Markets across regulation, trading costs, platforms, and editorial scoring.
No minimum deposit, strong ASIC regulation, excellent MT4 infrastructure for EA traders, DXtrade for a modern web experience, and competitive Pro account pricing.
FCA-regulated and LSE-listed with one of the best proprietary platforms in retail FX and CFDs.
CMC Markets edges ahead with a score of 4.5/5 vs Axi's 4.1/5. A narrow margin, so review the breakdown below to see where each broker has a clear advantage.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
Axi offers tighter spreads from 0 pips vs 0.7 pips for CMC Markets, reducing trading costs.
Both brokers show an equally strong safety profile across regulation, fund protection, and client safeguards.
Axi has a cost edge: raw/ECN spreads, tighter spreads from 0 pips.
CMC Markets offers more exclusive platform options: Proprietary Web/Mobile, a proprietary platform.
CMC Markets edges out Axi with a higher editorial score (4.5/5 vs 4.1/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new traders.
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 4.5/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.2 / 5 | 4.6 / 5▲ |
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.2 / 5 | 4.4 / 5▲ |
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 3.9 / 5 | 4.5 / 5▲ |
Customer Support 10% weight | 3.9 / 5 | 4.2 / 5▲ |
| Founded | 2007 | 1989 |
| Headquarters | Sydney, Australia | London, United Kingdom |
| Min deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads from | 0 pips | 0.7 pips |
| Commission / lot | $7/lot | N/A |
| Max leverage | 500:1 | 30:1 |
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
| Regulators | FCA ASIC DFSA | FCA ASIC DFSA BaFin FMA |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 DXtrade | MetaTrader 4 Proprietary Web/Mobile |
| Active bonuses | ||
| Visit broker | Visit Axi | Visit CMC Markets |
Pros
No minimum deposit
Strong ASIC, FCA, and DFSA regulation
MT4-focused with excellent EA and algorithmic trading support
No inactivity fee
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
Raw spread account available
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
No MT5 or cTrader support
Pro account commission of $7/lot is above some ECN peers
Research and education tools are more limited than some peers
No proprietary platform
Cons
Inactivity fee after 12 months
No raw spread account option
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Axi | 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) | Pass | Pass |
| Fees & Spreads | ||
| Raw/ECN spreads available | Pass | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Fail |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Pass |
| Proprietary platform | Fail | 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 |
Based on our independent editorial scoring, CMC Markets ranks higher with a score of 4.5/5 vs 4.1/5 for Axi. The best choice still depends on your individual trading needs; Axi and CMC Markets may each suit different trader profiles.
Axi offers tighter spreads starting from 0 pips, compared to CMC Markets's spreads from 0.7 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, particularly valuable for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
Neither Axi nor CMC Markets requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both Axi 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: both brokers offer negative balance protection. Also weigh up educational resources and customer support quality before deciding.
Axi offers maximum leverage of 500:1, 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.
Axi charges $7 per lot on commission-based accounts. Commission details for the other broker are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
Axi supports MetaTrader 4, DXtrade and CMC Markets offers MetaTrader 4, Proprietary Web/Mobile; both support MetaTrader 4; Axi exclusively offers DXtrade; CMC Markets exclusively offers Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Open an account directly with the broker that suits you best.
Personalised recommendation
Answer 6 quick questions and we'll match you with the brokers that best fit your trading style, experience level, and country.
Find my broker