AvaTradevs
CMC MarketsStock Broker Comparison
This comparison pits AvaTrade against CMC Markets on stock CFD access and platform capabilities. The tension centers on cost predictability versus breadth of exchange coverage and research tools.
Our Verdict
CMC Markets winsby 0.2 pts
CMC Markets is the overall winner based on editorial score, edging AvaTrade. CMC Markets surpasses AvaTrade in regulation strength and exchange coverage.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Exchanges accessible: AvaTrade 10 vs CMC Markets 20.
- 2Research tools: CMC Markets offers stock screener and Reuters news; AvaTrade has none.
- 3Minimum deposit: AvaTrade $100; CMC Markets $0.
Who should choose AvaTrade vs CMC Markets?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose AvaTrade if…
Choose AvaTrade if you value fixed spreads on 600+ stock CFDs and MT4/MT5 access.
Choose CMC Markets if…
Choose CMC Markets if you want 10,000+ stock CFDs and advanced research tools on the Next Generation platform.
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 & regulation with a higher trust and regulation score.
Best for active traders
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
AvaTrade vs CMC Markets: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.8/ 5 | 4.0/ 5 |
| Min deposit | $100 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 0.9 pips | 0.7 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | $50/month (after 3 months) | £10/month (after 12 months)▼ lower |
AvaTrade vs CMC Markets Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fixed spread pricing on 600+ stock CFDs, cost predictability for systematic traders
- Available on MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, and DupliTrade copy-trading platform
- Regulated by CBI, ASIC, FSA (Japan), and FSRA (Abu Dhabi)
- Short selling available on all share CFDs
Cons
- CFDs only, no real stock ownership, ISA, or dividend reinvestment programme
AvaTrade vs CMC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
0
AvaTrade
criteria wins
1
CMC Markets
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | AvaTrade | 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 |
AvaTrade vs CMC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: AvaTrade rates 3.8/5 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.
CMC Markets lists tighter spreads from 0.7, compared with AvaTrade's 0.9. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
CMC Markets has no minimum deposit, while AvaTrade requires at least $100. This makes CMC Markets more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both AvaTrade 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, 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.
AvaTrade 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.
AvaTrade supports ZuluTrade, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while CMC Markets supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile and MetaTrader 4. AvaTrade has exclusive access to ZuluTrade and MetaTrader 5. CMC Markets has exclusive access to ProRealTime.
Neither AvaTrade 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 AvaTrade 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.
