CMC Marketsvs
FXCMForex Broker Comparison
In this head-to-head, two FCA-regulated brokers compare on trust, costs, and platforms. The axis of tension lies between regulatory breadth, instrument variety, and platform ecosystems.
Our Verdict
CMC Markets winsby 0.4 pts
CMC Markets edges FXCM on the editorial score, supported by FCA regulation, LSE listing, and a larger instrument universe.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Instrument count: CMC Markets offers 12,000 instruments vs 400 at FXCM.
- 2Minimum deposit: $0 at CMC Markets, $50 at FXCM.
- 3FXCM offers NinjaTrader; CMC does not.
Who should choose CMC Markets vs FXCM?
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose CMC Markets if…
Choose CMC Markets if you value FCA regulation, LSE listing, and broad instrument access.
Choose FXCM if…
Choose FXCM if you value strong APIs and a mix of MT4 and proprietary platforms.
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
FXCM offers tighter spreads from 0.40 pips vs 0.70 pips for CMC Markets, reducing trading costs.
Best for safety & regulation
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
CMC Markets vs FXCM: Side-by-Side Forex Broker Comparison
Score
= highlighted score shows which broker leads in that category| Editorial score | 4.5/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.6 / 5▲ | 4.1 / 5 |
CMC Markets vs FXCM 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
CMC Markets vs FXCM: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | CMC Markets | FXCM |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 |
CMC Markets vs FXCM: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: CMC Markets rates 4.5/5 and FXCM rates 4.1/5. 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.
FXCM starts from 0.4 pips, tighter than CMC Markets's 0.7 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
CMC Markets has no minimum deposit, while FXCM requires at least $50. This makes CMC Markets more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both CMC Markets and FXCM 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.
CMC Markets lists maximum leverage of 30:1, while FXCM lists up to 400:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
CMC Markets supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while FXCM supports ZuluTrade, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, NinjaTrader. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile and MetaTrader 4. CMC Markets has exclusive access to ProRealTime. FXCM has exclusive access to ZuluTrade and NinjaTrader.
