Two brokers compete on stock access and platform depth. BlackBull Markets emphasizes broad share CFD access and DMA via IRESS, while CMC Markets leans on Next Generation tools and regulation.
CMC Markets edges BlackBull Markets with an editorial score of 4.0 to 3.7, driven by broader regulation and tools.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose BlackBull Markets if…
Choose BlackBull Markets if you value genuine DMA access via IRESS and broad platform coverage.
Choose CMC Markets if…
Choose CMC Markets if you want a Next Generation platform with a stock screener and broader regulation.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
CMC Markets wins; it has broader regulators and a formal compensation scheme.
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.0/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads from | 0 pips▼ lower | 0.7 pips |
| Commission / lot | $6/lot | N/A |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | BlackBull Markets | 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) | Fail | 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 | Fail | Pass |
The scores are close: BlackBull Markets 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.
BlackBull Markets lists tighter spreads from 0, 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 BlackBull Markets nor CMC Markets requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both BlackBull Markets 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.
BlackBull Markets 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.
BlackBull Markets charges $6 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for CMC Markets are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. Stock commissions may be charged as a flat rate per trade or per share; confirm the exact structure on each broker's website.
BlackBull Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, DXtrade, MetaTrader 4, while CMC Markets supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. BlackBull Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and MetaTrader 5 and TradingView and DXtrade. CMC Markets has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Neither BlackBull Markets 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.
CMC Markets scores higher on investor protection criteria, with compensation scheme coverage and segregated client funds. For stock investors, confirming compensation scheme coverage ensures your assets are protected up to a defined limit if the broker becomes insolvent.
BlackBull Markets wins; broader platform coverage and DMA access suit active trading.
CMC Markets wins; phone support and user-friendly Next Generation platform aid beginners.
BlackBull Markets wins; 23,000+ share CFDs offer broader global access.
Equally matched; fees and spreads are similar across both brokers.
BlackBull Markets wins; real ownership via IRESS supports long-term holdings.
| 0.6 pips |
| N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | £10/month (after 12 months) |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | No | No |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | No |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | No |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | No |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | FSC FMA | DFSA FMA FCA BaFin ASIC |
|---|
| Platforms | cTrader MetaTrader 5 TradingView DXtrade MetaTrader 4 | ProRealTime Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.7 / 5
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