ActivTradesvs
CMC MarketsStock Broker Comparison
Two brokers compete on regulation, platforms, and global stock access. The tension centers on research tools and exchange coverage.
Our Verdict
CMC Markets winsby 0.3 pts
CMC Markets edges ActivTrades in overall editorial score thanks to stronger platform tools and broader exchange access. ActivTrades provides no commission on standard accounts and supplemental GBP 1,000,000 fund protection.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Exchanges covered: CMC Markets spans 20 vs ActivTrades 10.
- 2Research tools: CMC Markets offers Next Generation analytics; ActivTrades provides none.
- 3Stock screener: CMC Markets includes stock screener; ActivTrades lacks one.
Who should choose ActivTrades vs CMC Markets?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose ActivTrades if…
Choose ActivTrades if you value commission-free trading on standard accounts and strong fund protection. You also benefit from a zero minimum deposit and a broad spectrum of 600+ share CFDs across ActivTrader and MT4, with no inactivity fee.
Choose CMC Markets if…
Choose CMC Markets if you want broad global access to 20 exchanges and the Next Generation platform with a stock screener. You also access over 10,000 share CFDs across UK, US, European, Asian, and Australian markets with Reuters news and pattern recognition.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Best for safety & regulation
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
CMC Markets wins for safety and regulation, with a higher trust score and broader regulator coverage.
Best for active traders
Recommended
ActivTrades vs CMC Markets: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.0/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads from | 0.5 pips▼ lower | 0.7 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | £10/month (after 12 months) |
| Deposit fee |
ActivTrades vs CMC Markets Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- Supplemental private insurance up to GBP 1,000,000 per client, above FSCS standard limit
- FCA regulated with ActivTrader volatility protection for equity CFD risk management
- 600+ share CFDs across ActivTrader and MT4 with no minimum deposit
- No commission on standard accounts; no inactivity fee
Cons
- Stock range (600+) narrower than CMC, IG, or Saxo
ActivTrades vs CMC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
0
ActivTrades
criteria wins
1
CMC Markets
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | ActivTrades | CMC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Fail |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
ActivTrades vs CMC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: ActivTrades rates 3.7/5 and CMC Markets rates 4/5. 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.
ActivTrades lists tighter spreads from 0.5, compared with CMC Markets's 0.7. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
Neither ActivTrades nor CMC Markets requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both ActivTrades and CMC Markets 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, both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
ActivTrades lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while CMC Markets lists up to 20:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
ActivTrades supports MetaTrader 4, ActivTrader, while CMC Markets supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. ActivTrades has exclusive access to ActivTrader. CMC Markets has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Neither ActivTrades nor CMC Markets is listed as offering commission-free trading in our data. Compare each broker's commission schedule directly, as fees vary by account type and the markets you trade.
Both ActivTrades and CMC Markets are covered by a compensation scheme according to our data, providing an additional safety net for your stock investments. Confirm the specific scheme and coverage limit that applies to your account before depositing.
