CMC Markets vs Forex.com Forex Broker Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of CMC Markets and Forex.com 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
One of very few brokers accepting US retail forex clients, with deep research tools and competitive raw spreads for professional accounts.
Our Verdict
CMC Markets winsby 0.3 pts
CMC Markets edges ahead with a score of 4.5/5 vs Forex.com's 4.2/5. A narrow margin, so review the breakdown below to see where each broker has a clear advantage.
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 1 pips for Forex.com, reducing trading costs.
Best for safety & regulation
It's a tie
Both equally suited
Both brokers show an equally strong safety profile across regulation, fund protection, and client safeguards.
Best for active traders
It's a tie
Both equally suited
Both brokers offer equivalent trading costs across spreads, commissions, and account types.
Best for platform choice
Recommended
Forex.com offers more exclusive platform options: MetaTrader 5, a proprietary platform.
Best for beginners
Recommended
CMC Markets edges out Forex.com with a higher editorial score (4.5/5 vs 4.2/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new traders.
CMC Markets vs Forex.com: Side-by-Side Forex Broker Comparison
Score
= highlighted score shows which broker leads in that category| Editorial score | 4.5/ 5 | 4.2/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.6 / 5▲ | 4.3 / 5 |
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.4 / 5▲ | 4.2 / 5 |
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.5 / 5▲ | 4.1 / 5 |
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.2 / 5▲ | 4.0 / 5 |
| Founded | 1989 | 1999 |
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom | Bedminster, New Jersey, USA |
| Min deposit | No minimum | $100 |
| Spreads from | 0.7 pips | 1 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $7/lot |
| Max leverage | 30:1 | 50:1 |
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
| Regulators | FCA ASIC DFSA BaFin FMA | FCA ASIC CFTC MAS NFA IIROC |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 Proprietary Web/Mobile | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile |
| Active bonuses | ||
| Visit broker | Visit CMC Markets | Visit Forex.com |
CMC Markets vs Forex.com 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
One of the few brokers accepting US retail forex clients
Deep research tools including macro analysis
Raw spread account with competitive $7 round-turn commission
MT4, MT5 and proprietary platforms
Regulated by top-tier authorities (FCA, ASIC, CySEC)
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 after 12 months
No raw spread account option
Cons
$100 minimum deposit is higher than some peers
US clients restricted to 50:1 leverage on major pairs
Raw account pricing not available in all jurisdictions
Inactivity fee applies
CMC Markets vs Forex.com: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
0
CMC Markets
criteria wins
1
Forex.com
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | CMC Markets | Forex.com |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail | Pass |
| 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 |
CMC Markets vs Forex.com: Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our independent editorial scoring, CMC Markets ranks higher with a score of 4.5/5 vs 4.2/5 for Forex.com. The best choice still depends on your individual trading needs; CMC Markets and Forex.com may each suit different trader profiles.
CMC Markets offers tighter spreads starting from 0.7 pips, compared to Forex.com's spreads from 1 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 Forex.com requires at least $100. This makes CMC Markets more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both CMC Markets and Forex.com 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.
CMC Markets offers maximum leverage of 30:1, while Forex.com offers up to 50:1. Available leverage varies by account type, instrument, and jurisdiction. Higher leverage amplifies both potential profits and losses. Always use appropriate risk management.
Forex.com 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.
CMC Markets supports MetaTrader 4, Proprietary Web/Mobile and Forex.com offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile; both support MetaTrader 4, Proprietary Web/Mobile; Forex.com exclusively offers MetaTrader 5.
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Score 4.2 / 5
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