CMC Markets vs FBS Forex Broker Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of CMC Markets and FBS across regulation, trading costs, platforms, and editorial scoring.
Score 4.5 / 5
2 bonusesFCA-regulated and LSE-listed with one of the best proprietary platforms in retail FX and CFDs.
VS
Our Verdict
CMC Markets winsClear Winner
CMC Markets comes out ahead with an editorial score of 4.5/5 compared to FBS's 3.9/5.
CMC Markets
4.5/5
FBS
3.9/5
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
FBS offers tighter spreads from 0 pips vs 0.7 pips for CMC Markets, 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
FBS has a cost edge: raw/ECN spreads, tighter spreads from 0 pips.
Best for platform choice
Recommended
CMC Markets offers more exclusive platform options: Proprietary Web/Mobile, a proprietary platform.
Best for beginners
Recommended
CMC Markets edges out FBS with a higher editorial score (4.5/5 vs 3.9/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new traders.
CMC Markets vs FBS: Side-by-Side Forex Broker Comparison
Score
= highlighted score shows which broker leads in that category| Editorial score | 4.5/ 5 | 3.9/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.6 / 5▲ | 3.5 / 5 |
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.4 / 5▲ | 4.0 / 5 |
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.5 / 5▲ | 3.8 / 5 |
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.2 / 5▲ | 4.0 / 5 |
| Founded | 1989 | 2009 |
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom | Belize City, Belize |
| Min deposit | No minimum | $1 |
| Spreads from | 0.7 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $20/lot |
| Max leverage | 30:1 | 3000:1 |
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
| Regulators | FCA ASIC DFSA BaFin FMA | FSCA CySEC IFSC |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 Proprietary Web/Mobile | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 |
| Active bonuses | ||
| Visit broker | Visit CMC Markets | Visit FBS |
CMC Markets vs FBS Forex Broker Pros & Cons
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
Pros
Very low $1 minimum deposit on Cent accounts
MT4 and MT5 on all account types
Multiple account types including Cent, Zero Spread, and ECN
Widely available across Southeast Asia, MENA, and Africa
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Cons
Inactivity fee after 12 months
No raw spread account option
Cons
Primary entity uses IFSC Belize - offshore, limited investor protection
Bonus turnover requirements are onerous
Very high leverage (3000:1) is a significant risk factor for retail clients
No top-tier regulatory licence
No investor compensation scheme
No proprietary platform
Limited charting capabilities
CMC Markets vs FBS: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
4
CMC Markets
criteria wins
2
FBS
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | CMC Markets | FBS |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, etc.) | Pass | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS) | Pass | Fail |
| Fees & Spreads | ||
| Raw/ECN spreads available | Fail | Pass |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Fail | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Pass |
| Proprietary platform | Pass | Fail |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Fail |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
CMC Markets vs FBS: Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our independent editorial scoring, CMC Markets ranks higher with a score of 4.5/5 vs 3.9/5 for FBS. The best choice still depends on your individual trading needs; CMC Markets and FBS may each suit different trader profiles.
FBS 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.
CMC Markets has a lower minimum deposit of no minimum required, while FBS requires at least $1. This makes CMC Markets more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
CMC Markets holds top-tier regulation (FCA, ASIC, DFSA), providing stronger investor protections. FBS may be regulated but does not hold top-tier status in our data. Always verify regulatory status with the broker directly before depositing funds.
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.
CMC Markets offers maximum leverage of 30:1, while FBS offers up to 3000:1. Available leverage varies by account type, instrument, and jurisdiction. Higher leverage amplifies both potential profits and losses. Always use appropriate risk management.
FBS charges $20 per lot on commission-based accounts. Commission details for the other broker are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
CMC Markets supports MetaTrader 4, Proprietary Web/Mobile and FBS offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5; both support MetaTrader 4; CMC Markets exclusively offers Proprietary Web/Mobile; FBS exclusively offers MetaTrader 5.
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