CMC Marketsvs
Interactive BrokersStock Broker Comparison
Two brokers duel on global reach, platform power, and regulatory oversight. The tension centers on cost structures, access to markets, and long-term investment features.
Our Verdict
Interactive Brokers winsClear Winner
Interactive Brokers wins on editorial score, 4.8/5 vs 4.0/5, and offers access to 150 exchanges, while CMC Markets covers 20.
Interactive Brokers
4.8/5
CMC Markets
4.0/5
Key Differences
- 1Exchanges: CMC Markets 20, Interactive Brokers 150.
- 2IBKR Lite offers commission-free US stock trading.
- 3Negative balance protection: CMC Markets yes; Interactive Brokers no.
Who should choose CMC Markets vs Interactive Brokers?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose CMC Markets if…
Choose CMC Markets if you want access to 10,000+ share CFDs and FCA/ASIC regulation on a Next Generation platform.
Choose Interactive Brokers if…
Choose Interactive Brokers if you need access to 150 exchanges, low commissions for active traders, and IPO access.
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
Interactive Brokers offers the lowest costs for active traders, including commission-free US stocks via IBKR Lite.
Best for safety & regulation
Recommended
CMC Markets vs Interactive Brokers: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.0/ 5 | 4.8/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads from | 0.7 pips | 0.2 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $2/lot |
CMC Markets vs Interactive Brokers 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 Interactive Brokers: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
CMC Markets
criteria wins
5
Interactive Brokers
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | CMC Markets | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Pass |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Pass |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Pass |
| IPO access | Fail | Pass |
| 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 Interactive Brokers: Frequently Asked Questions
Interactive Brokers rates 4.8/5 versus 4/5 for CMC Markets. Interactive Brokers edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Interactive Brokers lists tighter spreads from 0.2, 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 Interactive Brokers requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both CMC Markets and Interactive Brokers 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 Interactive Brokers lists up to 1:4. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
Interactive Brokers charges $2 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 Interactive Brokers supports Trader Workstation (TWS), Proprietary Web/Mobile. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. CMC Markets has exclusive access to ProRealTime and MetaTrader 4. Interactive Brokers has exclusive access to Trader Workstation (TWS).
Interactive Brokers 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.
CMC Markets scores higher on investor protection criteria, with compensation scheme coverage and segregated client funds. For stock investors, confirming compensation scheme coverage ensures your assets are protected up to a defined limit if the broker becomes insolvent.
