This comparison pits CMC Markets against Webull, contrasting a CFD-driven platform with zero-commission equity trading. The axis of tension centers on cost, access, and tools.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose if…
Choose CMC Markets if you want a regulated CFD route with broad coverage across major markets and the ability to short sell shares.
Choose if…
Choose Webull if you value commission-free trades, fractional shares, IPO access, and extended hours.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
| Editorial score | 4.0/ 5 | 4.1/ 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 |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | CMC Markets | Webull |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| No deposit fee | — | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Pass |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Fail |
| 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 | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
The scores are close: CMC Markets rates 4/5 and Webull rates 4.1/5. Webull 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.
CMC Markets starts from 0.7. Current spread data is not available for Webull. 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 Webull.
Both CMC Markets and Webull 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 Webull 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.
CMC Markets supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while Webull supports Webull. CMC Markets has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile and MetaTrader 4. Webull has exclusive access to Webull.
Webull 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.
Webull wins for low-cost trading, offering commission-free trades while CMC charges per-trade fees.
CMC Markets wins for safety, with multiple regulators and a compensation scheme.
Webull wins for long-term investors by enabling fractional shares to build positions over time.
CMC Markets wins for active traders with a strong platform, pattern recognition, and Reuters news.
CMC Markets wins for beginners because Webull's interface is challenging for newcomers.
CMC Markets wins for global market access with 20 exchanges versus Webull's six.
| Free |
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card | Bank transferACHWire transfer |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit card | Bank transferACHWire transfer |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | No | Yes |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | Yes |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | No |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | Yes |
|---|
| IPO access | No | Yes |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | ASIC FCA DFSA BaFin FMA | SEC FINRA |
|---|
| Platforms | ProRealTime Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 | Webull |
|---|
| Active bonuses | None | 2 offers |
|---|
CMC Markets and Webull remain closely matched overall. Webull differentiates itself on cost and access with commission-free trades and fractional shares.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4 / 5
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