CMC Markets vs XTB Forex Broker Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of CMC Markets and XTB 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
Too close to call
CMC Markets and XTB are extremely closely matched with scores of 4.5/5 and 4.5/5. The right choice depends on your individual trading priorities.
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 0.8 pips for XTB, 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
Recommended
CMC Markets has a cost edge: tighter spreads from 0.7 pips.
Best for platform choice
It's a tie
Both equally suited
Both brokers offer an equivalent platform selection with similar exclusive and proprietary options.
Best for beginners
It's a tie
Both equally suited
Both brokers share the same editorial score of 4.5/5 and the same minimum deposit requirement, making them equally suited for new traders.
CMC Markets vs XTB: Side-by-Side Forex Broker Comparison
Score
= highlighted score shows which broker leads in that category| Editorial score | 4.5/ 5 | 4.5/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.6 / 5 | 4.8 / 5▲ |
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.4 / 5 | 4.4 / 5 |
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.5 / 5 | 4.8 / 5▲ |
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.2 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 |
| Founded | 1989 | 2002 |
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom | Warsaw, Poland |
| Min deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads from | 0.7 pips | 0.8 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Max leverage | 30:1 | 500:1 |
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
| Regulators | FCA ASIC DFSA BaFin FMA | FCA CySEC KNF |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 Proprietary Web/Mobile | MetaTrader 4 xStation 5 |
| Active bonuses | ||
| Visit broker | Visit CMC Markets | Visit XTB |
CMC Markets vs XTB 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
LSE- and WSE-listed with FCA, CySEC, and KNF regulation - exceptional corporate transparency
xStation 5 is one of the best proprietary platforms in retail forex
Zero-commission stock CFDs up to EUR 100,000/month
No minimum deposit on standard accounts
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
Market maker on forex - not suited for raw ECN scalpers
Product breadth narrower than IG or Saxo
Support quality varies outside European hours
No raw spread account option
Inactivity fee applies
CMC Markets vs XTB: 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 | XTB |
|---|---|---|
| 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 XTB: Frequently Asked Questions
CMC Markets and XTB share the same editorial score of 4.5/5. The right choice depends on your priorities: trading costs, platform preference, or regulatory coverage.
CMC Markets offers tighter spreads starting from 0.7 pips, compared to XTB's spreads from 0.8 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, particularly valuable for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
Neither CMC Markets nor XTB requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both CMC Markets and XTB 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.
CMC Markets offers maximum leverage of 30:1, while XTB offers up to 500:1. Available leverage varies by account type, instrument, and jurisdiction. Higher leverage amplifies both potential profits and losses. Always use appropriate risk management.
CMC Markets supports MetaTrader 4, Proprietary Web/Mobile and XTB offers MetaTrader 4, xStation 5; both support MetaTrader 4; CMC Markets exclusively offers Proprietary Web/Mobile; XTB exclusively offers xStation 5.
Ready to get started?
Open an account directly with the broker that suits you best.
Score 4.5 / 5
More Broker Comparisons
More CMC Markets comparisons
Personalised recommendation
Not sure which broker is right for you?
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