CMC Marketsvs
IGStock Broker Comparison
This comparison pits two FCA-regulated providers against each other on stock exposure, platforms, and global exchange reach. The axis hinges on fees, long-term investing features, and regulatory breadth.
Our Verdict
IG winsby 0.5 pts
IG edges CMC Markets on the higher editorial score, making IG the overall winner.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1CMC Markets offers CFDs only, no real share ownership.
- 2IG provides real share dealing and a Stocks & Shares ISA.
- 3IG covers 30 exchanges versus CMC's 20.
Who should choose CMC Markets vs IG?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose CMC Markets if…
Choose CMC Markets if you want a broad CFDs universe and a Next Generation platform.
Choose IG if…
Choose IG if you want real share dealing, a Stocks & Shares ISA, and access to options and bonds.
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
IG has broader regulatory oversight and is LSE-listed.
Best for active traders
Recommended
CMC Markets vs IG: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.0/ 5 | 4.5/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads from | 0.7 pips | 0.6 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | £10/month (after 12 months)▼ lower | £12/month (after 24 months) |
| Deposit fee |
CMC Markets vs IG 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 IG: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
1
CMC Markets
criteria win
1
IG
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | CMC Markets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
CMC Markets vs IG: Frequently Asked Questions
IG rates 4.5/5 versus 4/5 for CMC Markets. IG edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
IG lists tighter spreads from 0.6, 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.
Neither CMC Markets nor IG requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both CMC Markets and IG 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, both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
CMC Markets lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while IG 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 IG supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile and MetaTrader 4. IG has exclusive access to TradingView.
Neither CMC Markets nor IG 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 IG 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.
