CMC Marketsvs
SkillingStock Broker Comparison
CMC Markets and Skilling clash in stock CFDs, trading on platform depth, regulation, and cost. The matchup tests breadth of exchanges against platform tools and pricing.
Our Verdict
CMC Markets winsby 0.3 pts
CMC Markets edges Skilling on the editorial score to win overall. Its higher platforms and regulation scores back the edge.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1CMC Markets provides 24/5 live chat and phone support.
- 2CMC Markets delivers access to 20 exchanges.
- 3Skilling offers no inactivity fee.
Who should choose CMC Markets vs Skilling?
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 an advanced stock screener.
Choose Skilling if…
Choose Skilling if you want CySEC regulation with investor compensation and no inactivity fee.
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 leads safety and regulation with a broader regulator set.
Best for active traders
Recommended
CMC Markets vs Skilling: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.0/ 5 | 3.7/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $50 |
| Spreads from | 0.7 pips | 0.7 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | £10/month (after 12 months) | $10/month (after 90 days) |
| Deposit fee |
CMC Markets vs Skilling 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 Skilling: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
3
CMC Markets
criteria wins
0
Skilling
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | CMC Markets | Skilling |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
CMC Markets vs Skilling: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: CMC Markets rates 4/5 and Skilling rates 3.7/5. CMC 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.
Both CMC Markets and Skilling start from the same spread of 0.7. For stock trading, also compare per-trade or per-share commissions to determine the total cost per transaction.
CMC Markets has no minimum deposit, while Skilling requires at least $50. This makes CMC Markets more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both CMC Markets and Skilling 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 Skilling 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.
CMC Markets supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while Skilling supports cTrader, Skilling Trader, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. CMC Markets has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile. Skilling has exclusive access to cTrader and Skilling Trader.
Neither CMC Markets nor Skilling 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 Skilling 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.
