CMC Marketsvs
SkillingForex Broker Comparison
In a head-to-head comparison, two regulated brokers compete on trust, cost, and platform choices. The matchup highlights how instrument variety and platform design shape each trader's fit.
Our Verdict
CMC Markets winsby 0.4 pts
CMC Markets edges Skilling on the editorial score, supported by FCA regulation and LSE listing. Its larger instrument universe and strong proprietary platform contribute to the higher overall score.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Instrument universe: CMC Markets offers 12,000 vs Skilling 1,000.
- 2Raw spreads: Skilling provides raw spreads via cTrader; CMC does not.
- 3Phone support: CMC Markets offers phone support while Skilling does not.
Who should choose CMC Markets vs Skilling?
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose CMC Markets if…
Choose CMC Markets if you value FCA regulation and LSE listing. You gain access to a broad 12,000-instrument universe.
Choose Skilling if…
Choose Skilling if you prefer a modern Skilling Trader experience and cTrader with raw spreads. You also get CySEC and FCA regulation with EU protections.
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
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
Both brokers offer spreads from 0.70 pips.
Best for safety & regulation
CMC Markets vs Skilling: 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▲ | 4.3 / 5 |
CMC Markets vs Skilling 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 Skilling: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
1
CMC Markets
criteria win
2
Skilling
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | CMC Markets | Skilling |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| 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 | Fail |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
CMC Markets vs Skilling: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: CMC Markets rates 4.5/5 and Skilling 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.
Both CMC Markets and Skilling start from 0.7 pips, making them equivalent on this metric. Compare commissions and account types to evaluate total trading costs.
CMC Markets has no minimum deposit, while Skilling requires at least $100. This makes CMC Markets more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both CMC Markets and Skilling 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 Skilling lists up to 500:1. 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 Skilling supports cTrader, Skilling Trader, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. CMC Markets has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile. Skilling has exclusive access to cTrader and Skilling Trader.
