CMC Marketsvs
E*TRADEStock Broker Comparison
Two brokers clash over how investors access stocks, from CFDs to real shares and advanced platforms. The axis of tension centers on cost structures, ownership options, and platform depth.
Who should choose CMC Markets vs E*TRADE?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose if…
Choose CMC Markets if you want CFDs on 10,000+ shares across 20 exchanges. It offers a Next Generation platform with a stock screener and Reuters news.
Choose if…
Choose E*TRADE if you want commission-free stocks and ETFs. It also supports futures trading and a powerful options analytics suite.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Best for low cost trading
Recommended
CMC Markets vs E*TRADE: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
CMC Markets vs E*TRADE Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- 10,000+ share CFDs across UK, US, European, Asian, and Australian exchanges
- Next Generation platform with stock screener, pattern recognition, and Reuters news
- LSE-listed company, strong financial transparency and FCA/ASIC regulation
- Short selling on shares available, go long or short on 10,000+ equities
Cons
- CFDs only, no real share ownership, ISA wrapper, or dividend reinvestment
CMC Markets vs E*TRADE: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
CMC Markets
criteria wins
3
E*TRADE
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | CMC Markets | E*TRADE |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| No deposit fee | — | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Pass |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Pass |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Pass | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
CMC Markets vs E*TRADE: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: CMC Markets rates 4/5 and ETRADE rates 4.3/5. ETRADE 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 E*TRADE. 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 E*TRADE.
Both CMC Markets and E*TRADE 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 E*TRADE lists up to 1:4. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
CMC Markets supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, ProRealTime, while E*TRADE supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. CMC Markets has exclusive access to MetaTrader 4 and ProRealTime.
E*TRADE offers commission-free stock trading while CMC Markets does not according to our data. Commission-free trading can reduce costs for frequent traders. Always confirm the current fee structure directly on each broker's website.
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.
