Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of CMC Markets vs FP Markets, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 51% and 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
When comparing online brokers, CMC Markets and FP Markets stand out for different reasons. Established in 1989, CMC Markets is a publicly traded company renowned for its high trustworthiness, reflected in a perfect Trust Score rating of 99 from ForexBrokers.com. It holds five Tier-1 licenses, which places it in the highly trusted category. On the other hand, FP Markets started in 2005 and is not publicly traded. While FP Markets holds two Tier-1 licenses and maintains a robust reputation with a Trust Score of 89, which classifies it as a trusted broker, it doesn’t quite reach the top-tier level of trust that CMC Markets commands.
Neither CMC Markets nor FP Markets is a bank, but they both maintain regulatory compliance with one Tier-2 license each, considered trusted by ForexBrokers.com standards. CMC Markets' edge lies in its extensive regulatory backing and market presence, a result of its long history and public trading status. Meanwhile, FP Markets offers a strong trusted profile, appealing to traders seeking a straightforward trading experience. This comparison highlights important distinctions in their regulatory frameworks, helping potential investors make well-informed decisions.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
FP Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1989 | 2005 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 5 | 2 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
CMC Markets and FP Markets are both highly regarded in the realm of brokerage firms, especially when it comes to their commissions and fees structures. In the 2025 Annual Awards, CMC Markets secured the top spot for Commissions and Fees, thanks to its competitive pricing and low spreads, averaging 0.61 pips for the EUR/USD as of August 2023. Their innovative Price Plus Scheme offers discounts based on trading volume, making it flexible for various trading profiles. Additionally, CMC Markets' FX Active pricing combines a commission of $2.50 per trade with spreads starting at zero pips, ensuring it remains a leader in cost-effective trading solutions. Notably, CMC Markets earned a five-star rating for its commissions and fees, placing it first among 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com.
FP Markets also shines with its competitive pricing, particularly in its commission-based Raw ECN account, which boasts average spreads of 0.1 pips, translating to an all-in cost of 0.8 pips. Through its MetaTrader and cTrader platforms, FP Markets offers cost-effective trading globally, and its share CFD offering on the Iress platform delivers direct market access pricing. However, while the Iress ViewPoint account suits active traders, it comes with higher costs and minimum deposit requirements. Despite these factors, FP Markets still garnered a five-star rating and clinched the sixth position in the commissions and fees category among 63 brokers.
When comparing both brokers, CMC Markets takes the lead as a pricing leader with its consistently low spreads and commission options tailored for Southeast Asia, Australia, and beyond. In contrast, FP Markets appeals to traders seeking efficient pricing through its ECN account offerings and cTrader platform. As both brokers hold five-star ratings, your choice might come down to which platform interfaces or specific pricing models you prefer for your trading needs.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
FP Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $100 AUD |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.61 | 1.2 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.51 | 0.7 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When comparing CMC Markets to FP Markets in terms of available investments, both brokers offer forex trading under contracts for difference (CFDs) or spot contracts, catering to currency traders. CMC Markets provides a wider selection of 11,925 tradeable symbols, including 156 forex pairs, while FP Markets offers 10,000 symbols and 71 forex pairs. Notably, CMC Markets stands out by offering exchange-traded securities on U.S. and international exchanges, allowing clients to invest in well-known stocks like Apple and Vodafone directly. In contrast, FP Markets does not offer direct exchange-traded security purchases from these markets.
Both brokers enable copy trading and offer cryptocurrency derivatives, but neither allows the purchase of actual, delivered cryptocurrency. Evaluating their range of investments, CMC Markets earns a 5-star rating, ranking 9th out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com for this category. Meanwhile, FP Markets receives a 4.5-star rating, placing 18th. Thus, investors looking for a broad array of trading options might find CMC Markets more appealing, particularly for direct stock purchases on multiple exchanges.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
FP Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 11925 | 10000 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 156 | 71 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
CMP Markets and FP Markets both excel in offering comprehensive trading platforms, finishing strong in the realm of online trading. Both brokers provide users with the opportunity to engage in simulated trading through free virtual demo accounts, a beneficial feature for beginners and seasoned traders alike. CMC Markets and FP Markets also present proprietary platforms developed in-house, alongside popular options such as MetaTrader 4 and 5. These platforms are accessible through various mediums, including desktop downloads and web-based interfaces, allowing traders the flexibility to choose their preferred method of access. Moreover, both brokers extend the functionality of copy trading, enabling users to replicate the trades of successful investors effortlessly.
While CMC Markets and FP Markets offer similar core features, certain aspects set them apart. CMC Markets provides 40 drawing tools for charting, significantly more than the 17 offered by FP Markets. Traders on CMC Markets can also enjoy a more detailed watch list, with 11 columns compared to FP Markets' 7. When it comes to their reputation in trading platforms and tools, CMC Markets boasts a 5-star rating and is ranked #4 by ForexBrokers.com, whereas FP Markets holds a respectable 4-star rating and is ranked #23. These distinctions might influence a trader's decision when choosing between these two formidable brokers.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
FP Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 79 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 40 | 17 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When comparing the mobile trading apps of CMC Markets and FP Markets, both brokers ensure accessibility on iOS and Android devices, allowing traders to stay active wherever they are. Both platforms support crucial features like stock and forex price alerts, and the ability to draw trend lines on charts. While real-time quotes for creating watchlists are available on both apps, a notable distinction is CMC Markets' offering of watchlist symbol syncing, enabling seamless updates between the app and the client's online account. In contrast, FP Markets lacks this feature, making CMC Markets a more convenient choice for maintaining consistent watchlists.
CMC Markets' app stands out with its inclusion of 29 technical studies for charting, compared to FP Markets' reliance on built-in features from the MetaTrader platform. Both apps allow users to view multiple time frames and auto-save chart drawings, adding to the user-friendly experience. Overall, CMC Markets' mobile trading app garners a 5-star rating and ranks fifth among 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com, demonstrating a superior edge. Meanwhile, FP Markets earns a respectable 4-star rating and ranks 18th, making it a solid option but slightly trailing behind CMC Markets in terms of app functionality and user rankings.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
FP Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 29 | MetaTrader (Default) |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When comparing CMC Markets and FP Markets in the realm of market research, both brokers provide excellent resources but have some differences. CMC Markets and FP Markets each deliver daily market commentary and offer forex news from top-tier sources such as Bloomberg, Reuters, and Dow Jones. Both platforms are equipped with Autochartist tools for thorough analysis, providing users with effective means to assess market trends. Additionally, each broker presents a sentiment-based trading tool, which helps traders gauge market directions by displaying the ratio of long and short positions across different instruments. However, unlike FP Markets, CMC Markets does not include Trading Central tools.
While CMC Markets boasts a five-star research rating compared to FP Markets' four stars, some features like Trading Central tools are only found at FP Markets. Despite both brokers lacking research tools from Acuity Trading and market insights from TipRanks, they each offer accessible economic calendars to keep traders informed of important global news. As per ForexBrokers.com rankings, CMC Markets secures the sixth spot out of 63 brokers for research capabilities, demonstrating a higher rank than FP Markets, which holds the 25th position.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
FP Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When it comes to educational resources for beginners in forex and CFDs trading, both CMC Markets and FP Markets offer a comprehensive selection of materials. They each provide over 10 educational pieces like articles, videos, and archived webinars, catering specifically to those starting out. This foundation is enhanced by the availability of more than 10 beginner-focused trading videos from each broker, making it easier for novices to grasp the essentials. Furthermore, both brokers maintain a searchable archive of past webinars for users to revisit valuable content at their convenience. However, FP Markets goes a step further by hosting live educational webinars monthly, offering an interactive learning experience that CMC Markets does not currently provide.
Additionally, both brokers excel in delivering a diverse range of advanced educational videos and comprehensive investor dictionaries with over 50 trading term definitions, aiding students at more experienced levels. Considering their overall educational offerings, CMC Markets edges out FP Markets in ratings, earning a commendable 5 stars compared to FP Markets' 4 stars. This is reflected in their rankings by ForexBrokers.com in the Education category, with CMC Markets securing the 10th spot out of 63 brokers and FP Markets taking the 23rd position. These distinctions highlight CMC Markets' slightly more favorable reception for educational support among beginners.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
FP Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | No | Yes |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that CMC Markets is better than FP Markets. CMC Markets finished with an overall rank of #4, while FP Markets finished with an overall rank of #19.
CMC Markets is well-trusted across the globe, and delivers a terrific trading experience thanks to its excellent pricing and selection of over 12,000 tradeable instruments.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
FP Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 89 |
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Both CMC Markets and FP Markets do not offer the ability to buy actual (delivered) cryptocurrency; however, they both provide the option to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
While both CMC Markets and FP Markets provide multiple funding options including PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires, CMC Markets further allows ACH and SEPA transfers but lacks Skrill, whereas FP Markets supports Skrill without offering ACH or SEPA transfers.
Please note:
We review each broker’s overall global offering – a “Yes” checkmark in our Compare Tool does not guarantee the availability of any specific features in your country of residence. To verify the availability of any features within your country of residence, please contact the broker directly.
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | CMC Markets | FP Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 89 | |
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| Review | CMC Markets Review | FP Markets Review |
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| Regulation | CMC Markets | FP Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 89 | |
| Year Founded | 1989 | 2005 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 5 | 2 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | CMC Markets | FP Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | CMC Markets | FP Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | CMC Markets | FP Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 11925 | 10000 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 156 | 71 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes | |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
| Cost | CMC Markets | FP Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.61 | 1.2 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.51 | 0.7 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | CMC Markets | FP Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $100 AUD | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | CMC Markets | FP Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | Yes | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | CMC Markets | FP Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 79 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 40 | 17 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | CMC Markets | FP Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 29 | MetaTrader (Default) | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | CMC Markets | FP Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | CMC Markets | FP Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | No | Yes | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | CMC Markets | FP Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/JPY | Yes | Yes | |
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CAD | Yes | Yes | |
| NZD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| AUD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| Review | CMC Markets Review | FP Markets Review |
| Overall | CMC Markets | FP Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 89 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | CMC Markets Review | FP Markets Review |
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