CMC Marketsvs
FP MarketsStock Broker Comparison
Two mid sized brokers clash on platform depth and global exchange access. The tension centers on cost structure versus trading diversity across markets.
Our Verdict
Too close to call0.1 pts apart
CMC Markets and FP Markets deliver closely matched overall scores. The clearest differentiator is exchange coverage, with CMC offering 20 exchanges to FP's 15.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 120 global exchanges supported by CMC Markets versus 15 at FP Markets.
- 2CMC Markets features a proprietary platform; FP Markets relies on third party tools.
- 3FP Markets offers DMA via IRESS; CMC Markets is CFD only.
Who should choose CMC Markets vs FP Markets?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose CMC Markets if…
Choose CMC Markets if you want a proprietary platform and access to 20 exchanges.
Choose FP Markets if…
Choose FP Markets if you want DMA via IRESS and MT4 and MT5 plus cTrader and TradingView.
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 is FCA/ASIC regulated and LSE-listed, offering strong transparency and oversight.
Best for active traders
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
CMC Markets vs FP Markets: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.0/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $100 |
| Spreads from | 0.7 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $6/lot |
CMC Markets vs FP Markets 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 FP Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | CMC Markets | FP 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 | 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 FP Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: CMC Markets rates 4/5 and FP Markets rates 4.1/5. FP 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.
FP 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.
CMC Markets has no minimum deposit, while FP Markets requires at least $100. This makes CMC Markets more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both CMC Markets and FP 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.
CMC Markets lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while FP 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.
FP 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.
CMC Markets supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while FP Markets supports cTrader, IRESS, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. CMC Markets has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile. FP Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and IRESS and MetaTrader 5 and TradingView.
Neither CMC Markets nor FP 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 CMC Markets and FP 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.
