CMC Marketsvs
XTBStock Broker Comparison
In this head-to-head, CMC Markets and XTB balance breadth of exchanges, regulatory coverage, and platform capabilities. The choice hinges on how you weigh commission structure and long-term stock ownership.
Our Verdict
Too close to call0.1 pts apart
XTB edges CMC Markets on editorial score (4.3 vs 4.0), reflecting stronger overall quality.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1CMC Markets offers phone support; XTB does not.
- 2XTB provides commission-free real stocks and fractional shares.
- 3CMC Markets covers 20 exchanges vs XTB 16.
Who should choose CMC Markets vs XTB?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose CMC Markets if…
Choose CMC Markets if you value phone support and broad access to 20 exchanges.
Choose XTB if…
Choose XTB if you want commission-free real stocks with fractional shares and you don't require phone support.
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
XTB wins for low-cost trading due to commission-free real stocks and fractional shares.
Best for safety & regulation
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
CMC Markets vs XTB: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | $10/month (after 12 months) |
| Deposit fee | Free |
CMC Markets vs XTB 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 XTB: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
1
CMC Markets
criteria win
2
XTB
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | CMC Markets | XTB |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| No deposit fee | — | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Pass |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Fail |
| 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 XTB: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: CMC Markets rates 4/5 and XTB rates 4.1/5. XTB 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 XTB. 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 XTB.
Both CMC Markets and XTB 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 XTB lists up to 1:5. 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 XTB supports xStation 5. CMC Markets has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile and MetaTrader 4. XTB has exclusive access to xStation 5.
XTB 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.
Both CMC Markets and XTB 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.
