This stock comparison pits breadth of exchange access against ultra-low deposits. The tension centers on access, research depth, and regulation.
CMC Markets edges Exness on editorial score due to stronger platforms and broader exchange coverage.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose CMC Markets if…
Choose CMC Markets if you want access to 20 exchanges and built-in research tools with a stock screener.
Choose Exness if…
Choose Exness if you value ultra-low minimum deposits and easy entry across MT4, MT5, and Exness Terminal.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
CMC Markets leads safety and regulation with LSE listing and broader regulator set.
| Editorial score | 4.0/ 5 | 3.6/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $1 |
| Spreads from | 0.7 pips | 0.3 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $3.5/lot |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | CMC Markets | Exness |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
The scores are close: CMC Markets rates 4/5 and Exness rates 3.6/5. 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.
Exness lists tighter spreads from 0.3, 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.
CMC Markets has no minimum deposit, while Exness requires at least $1. This makes CMC Markets more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both CMC Markets and Exness 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.
CMC Markets lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while Exness 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.
Exness charges $3.5 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.
CMC Markets supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while Exness supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. CMC Markets has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile. Exness has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5.
Neither CMC Markets nor Exness 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 CMC Markets and Exness 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.
CMC Markets offers advanced tools and broad CFDs, aiding active trading.
Exness offers ultra-low deposit and simple entry for beginners.
CMC Markets provides access to 20 exchanges, wider global reach.
Equally matched; neither offers DRIP or real ownership.
Equally matched; neither offers DRIP or real ownership.
| N/A |
| 0.65 pips |
| Inactivity fee | £10/month (after 12 months) | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerPerfect MoneyCryptoP2P |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit card | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerPerfect MoneyCrypto |
|---|
| 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 | FCA ASIC DFSA FMA BaFin | FCA FSCA OJK CySEC |
|---|
| Platforms | ProRealTime Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 | MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.6 / 5
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