Two brokers frame a clash between cost discipline and platform depth. The tension hinges on cost, regulation, and international access, inviting readers to weigh what matters most for their strategy.
DEGIRO edges CMC Markets with a higher editorial score (4.3 vs 4.0). DEGIRO also benefits from access to 50+ exchanges and a low-cost model.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose CMC Markets if…
Choose CMC Markets if you value 24/5 live chat and phone support plus advanced research tools on Next Generation.
Choose DEGIRO if…
Choose DEGIRO if you want Europe’s low stock commissions and access to 50+ exchanges with flat-fee pricing.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
CMC Markets is regulated by FCA/ASIC along with additional authorities, providing broader oversight.
| Editorial score | 4.0/ 5 | 4.3/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum | N/A |
| Spreads from | 0.7 pips | N/A |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | £10/month (after 12 months) | None |
| Deposit fee | Free |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | CMC Markets | DEGIRO |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Fail |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Fail |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Fail |
| No deposit fee | — | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Pass |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Pass | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Fail |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
The scores are close: CMC Markets rates 4/5 and DEGIRO rates 4.3/5. DEGIRO 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 starts from 0.7. Current spread data is not available for DEGIRO. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
CMC Markets requires no minimum deposit required. Minimum deposit information is not currently available for DEGIRO.
Both CMC Markets and DEGIRO 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, CMC Markets provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
CMC Markets lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while DEGIRO lists up to 1:1. 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 DEGIRO supports DEGIRO Platform. CMC Markets has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile and MetaTrader 4. DEGIRO has exclusive access to DEGIRO Platform.
Neither CMC Markets nor DEGIRO 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.
DEGIRO offers dividend reinvestment (DRIP), while CMC Markets does not.
CMC Markets provides advanced tools and Next Generation platform tailored for active traders.
DEGIRO provides access to 50+ exchanges worldwide, more than CMC's 20.
DEGIRO offers Europe’s lowest stock commissions and flat-fee pricing.
| Free |
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card | Bank transfer |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit card | Bank transfer |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | No | No |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | No |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | Yes |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | No |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA ASIC DFSA FMA BaFin | BaFin AFM |
|---|
| Platforms | ProRealTime Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 | DEGIRO Platform |
|---|
| Active bonuses | None | 2 offers |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4 / 5
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