CMC Marketsvs
FreetradeStock Broker Comparison
This head to head compares CMC Markets and Freetrade on cost, access, and long term investing features. The axis of tension centers on commission models, platform capabilities, and exchange coverage.
Our Verdict
Too close to call
CMC Markets and Freetrade are closely matched; the clearest differentiator is Freetrade's commission-free trading versus CMC's per-trade commissions.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Freetrade offers commission-free stock and ETF trading.
- 2CMC Markets provides 24/5 live chat and phone support.
- 3Freetrade offers ISA and SIPP wrappers and fractional shares.
Who should choose CMC Markets vs Freetrade?
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 and access to 20 exchanges.
Choose Freetrade if…
Choose Freetrade if you want commission-free trading, ISA and SIPP wrappers, and a mobile only experience.
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
Freetrade wins for low-cost trading due to commission-free stock and ETF trades.
Best for safety & regulation
Recommended
CMC Markets vs Freetrade: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.0/ 5 | 4.0/ 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 Freetrade 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 Freetrade: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
6
CMC Markets
criteria wins
2
Freetrade
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | CMC Markets | Freetrade |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Pass |
| No deposit fee | — | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Pass |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Fail |
| Stock screener tool | Pass | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Fail |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
CMC Markets vs Freetrade: Frequently Asked Questions
CMC Markets and Freetrade share the same editorial score of 4/5. One concrete differentiator: platform availability and account types differ between them.
CMC Markets starts from 0.7. Current spread data is not available for Freetrade. 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 Freetrade.
Both CMC Markets and Freetrade 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 Freetrade 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 Freetrade supports Freetrade App. CMC Markets has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile and MetaTrader 4. Freetrade has exclusive access to Freetrade App.
Freetrade 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.
Both CMC Markets and Freetrade 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.
