CMC Markets and GO Markets face off on platform choice, regulatory coverage, and entry requirements. The matchup highlights how each broker shapes access to global equity CFDs.
CMC Markets edges GO Markets on editorial score due to stronger regulation and platform capabilities.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose CMC Markets if…
Choose CMC Markets if you want 24/5 live chat and built-in research tools.
Choose GO Markets if…
Choose GO Markets if you prefer MT4, MT5, and cTrader with dual regulation.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
CMC Markets shows stronger safety with FCA and multiple regulators.
| Editorial score | 4.0/ 5 | 3.5/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $200 |
| Spreads from | 0.7 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $5/lot |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | CMC Markets | GO 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 | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
CMC Markets rates 4/5 versus 3.5/5 for GO Markets. CMC Markets edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
GO 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 GO Markets requires at least $200. This makes CMC Markets more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both CMC Markets and GO 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 GO Markets lists up to 500:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
GO Markets charges $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 GO Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. CMC Markets has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile. GO Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and MetaTrader 5.
Neither CMC Markets nor GO 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 GO 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.
CMC Markets supports active traders with advanced tools and a wide exchange network.
CMC Markets is best for beginners thanks to zero minimum deposit.
CMC Markets provides global market access with 20 exchanges.
Equally matched; neither offers real shares, DRIP, or fractional shares.
| N/A |
| 0.5 pips |
| Inactivity fee | £10/month (after 12 months) | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerPayPal |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit card | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| 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 | ASIC CySEC FSC |
|---|
| Platforms | ProRealTime Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 | cTrader MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.5 / 5
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