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CMC Markets vs FXCM 2026

ForexBrokers.com

Written by ForexBrokers.com

February 05, 2025
  Fact Checked

In this head to head comparison of CMC Markets vs FXCM, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.

CMC Markets
5/5 Stars Overall
  • Minimum Deposit: $0
  • Trust Score: 99
  • Tradeable Symbols (Total): 12029
FXCM
4.5/5 Stars Overall
  • Minimum Deposit: Starts from $50
  • Trust Score: 95
  • Tradeable Symbols (Total): 440

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.

Regulation

Founded in 1989, CMC Markets is a well-established online broker with a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 99, making it highly trusted. It is publicly traded but not a bank. CMC Markets holds six Tier-1 licenses, which contributes to its strong credibility in the trading industry, and it also has one Tier-2 license.

FXCM, established in 1999, also enjoys a strong standing with a Trust Score of 95, indicating it is highly trusted. Like CMC Markets, FXCM is publicly traded and not a bank. FXCM holds four Tier-1 licenses and two Tier-2 licenses. Both brokers are reliable options; however, CMC Markets’ higher number of top-tier licenses may appeal to traders looking for an extra layer of assurance.

Feature CMC Markets logoCMC Markets
FXCM logoFXCM
Year Founded info 1989 1999
Publicly Traded (Listed) info Yes Yes
Bank info No No
Tier-1 Licenses info 6 4
Tier-2 Licenses info 1 2
Tier-3 Licenses info 0 0
Tier-4 Licenses info 0 0

Fees

When it comes to commissions and fees, CMC Markets has the edge over FXCM. CMC Markets earns a 5-star rating and ranks #4 out of 36 brokers for Commissions and Fees, while FXCM holds a 4.5-star rating and ranks #17 out of 36. CMC Markets stands out for its low spreads across account types, with typical EUR/USD spreads around 0.61 pips based on its August 2023 pricing data. It also offers the Price Plus Scheme for active traders, plus FX Active commission-based pricing, which can bring all-in EUR/USD trading costs down to 0.5 pips.

FXCM’s pricing is still fairly competitive, but it is generally a bit higher than the industry average. In May 2024, its average EUR/USD spread was 0.78 pips for its EU, U.K., and Australia entities, while its St. Vincent and the Grenadines entity averaged 1.38 pips. FXCM also offers commission-based accounts, where the underlying spread can be low, but commissions add to the final trading cost. For active traders, FXCM’s rebate program can reduce costs, though the best discounts depend on account location and monthly trading volume.

Overall, CMC Markets is the better pick for traders focused on keeping commissions and fees as low as possible, especially if they trade forex often. FXCM can still work well for some active traders, but its pricing is usually less favorable unless you qualify for rebates or lower commission tiers.

Feature CMC Markets logoCMC Markets
FXCM logoFXCM
Minimum Deposit info $0 Starts from $50
Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account info 1.3 info 0.9 info
All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active info 0.65 info 0.8 info
Non-wire bank transfer info Yes Yes
PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) info Yes Yes
Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) info No Yes
Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) info Yes Yes

Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.

Featured Offers


Range of investments

CMC Markets offers a much wider range of investments than FXCM, making it the stronger choice for traders who want more variety. CMC Markets provides 12,029 tradable symbols and 141 forex pairs, compared with FXCM’s 440 symbols and 46 forex pairs. Both brokers support forex trading, copy trading, and cryptocurrency CFDs, but neither lets clients buy actual, delivered cryptocurrency.

The biggest difference is that CMC Markets also offers exchange-traded securities on both U.S. and international exchanges, so clients can buy real shares such as Apple or Vodafone, while FXCM does not provide this option. For range of investments, CMC Markets is rated 5 stars and ranked #9 out of 36 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, while FXCM holds a 4.5-star rating and a #21 ranking.

Feature CMC Markets logoCMC Markets
FXCM logoFXCM
Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) info Yes Yes
Tradeable Symbols (Total) info 12029 440
Forex Pairs (Total) info 141 46 info
U.S. Stocks (Shares) info Yes No
Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) info Yes No
Copy Trading info Yes Yes
Cryptocurrency (Underlying) info No No
Cryptocurrency (CFDs) info 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.

Trading platforms and tools

CMC Markets and FXCM both give traders a wide choice of platform options, including free demo accounts, their own in-house platforms, web-based trading, Windows desktop downloads, copy trading, and MetaTrader 4. Both also let users trade directly from charts, which is helpful for quick order entry and active market monitoring. In short, each broker covers the main trading platform needs well, making either one a solid choice for traders who want flexibility across devices.

The main difference is that CMC Markets also offers MetaTrader 5, while FXCM does not. That may matter for traders who want access to MT5’s newer features and tools. Both brokers earn a 5-star rating for Trading Platforms and Tools, but FXCM ranks slightly higher with ForexBrokers.com at #4 out of 36, compared with CMC Markets at #6 out of 36.

Feature CMC Markets logoCMC Markets
FXCM logoFXCM
Virtual Trading (Demo) info Yes Yes
Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform info Yes Yes
Desktop Platform (Windows) info Yes Yes
Web Platform info Yes Yes
Copy Trading info Yes Yes
MetaTrader 4 (MT4) info Yes Yes
MetaTrader 5 (MT5) info Yes No
Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) info 73 115
Charting - Trade From Chart info Yes Yes

Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.

Forex trading apps

CMC Markets and FXCM both offer mobile trading apps for iPhone and Android, along with price alerts and watchlist syncing between the app and online account. Each app also lets traders draw trendlines on charts and automatically saves those drawings, making it easier to track market ideas on the go. For everyday mobile trading features, both brokers cover the basics well and are easy to use for both stock and forex trading.

Where they differ most is charting depth and overall app rating. FXCM offers 59 technical studies in its mobile app, compared with 29 at CMC Markets, which may appeal to traders who want more chart tools on their phone. Still, CMC Markets earns a higher mobile trading apps score at 5 stars and ranks #5 out of 36 brokers on ForexBrokers.com, while FXCM is rated 4.5 stars and ranks #16. For traders looking for the stronger overall mobile app experience, CMC Markets has the edge, while FXCM stands out for having more technical indicators.

Feature CMC Markets logoCMC Markets
FXCM logoFXCM
Android App info Yes Yes
Apple iOS App info Yes Yes
Mobile Price Alerts info Yes Yes
Mobile Watchlists - Syncing info Yes Yes
Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies info 29 59
Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines info Yes Yes
Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave info Yes Yes

Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.

Market research

CMC Markets and FXCM both give traders useful market research tools, including daily market commentary, forex news from major sources like Bloomberg, Reuters, and Dow Jones, a sentiment tool showing long and short positions, and an economic calendar with global events. This means either broker can help you keep up with news and track market moves, but CMC Markets goes a step further with Autochartist, a helpful tool for technical and fundamental analysis that FXCM does not offer.

FXCM stands out in a few areas of its own, including Trading Central tools and TipRanks research, which CMC Markets does not provide. Based on independent ratings, CMC Markets scores 5 out of 5 for Research and ranks #6 out of 36 brokers at ForexBrokers.com, while FXCM earns 4.5 out of 5 and ranks #11. Overall, CMC Markets has the edge for research, while FXCM still offers a solid mix of market insights and third-party tools.

Feature CMC Markets logoCMC Markets
FXCM logoFXCM
Daily Market Commentary (Articles) info Yes Yes
Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) info Yes Yes
Autochartist info Yes No
Trading Central info No Yes
Client sentiment data info Yes Yes
TipRanks info No Yes
Acuity Trading info No No
Economic Calendar info Yes Yes

Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.

Beginners and education

When it comes to beginner education, both CMC Markets and FXCM give new traders a strong set of learning tools. Each broker offers at least 10 beginner videos, along with 10 or more advanced videos for traders who want to go further. CMC Markets also provides forex and CFD education content, meeting the standard of at least 10 learning pieces focused on these topics. FXCM does the same, and it goes one step further by offering online client webinars at least once a month, which can be especially helpful for beginners who want live guidance and the chance to learn in real time.

Overall, CMC Markets has the edge in education ratings, with 5 stars and a #10 ranking out of 36 brokers for the Education category. FXCM is also a solid choice for learning, earning 4.5 stars and placing #13 out of 36. For beginners comparing the two, CMC Markets stands out for slightly stronger education scores, while FXCM may appeal to those who value regular webinars as part of their learning experience.

Feature CMC Markets logoCMC Markets
FXCM logoFXCM
Webinars info No Yes
Videos - Beginner Trading Videos info Yes Yes
Videos - Advanced Trading Videos info Yes Yes

Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.

Winner

After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that CMC Markets is better than FXCM. CMC Markets finished with an overall rank of #5, while FXCM finished with an overall rank of #10.

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 logoCMC Markets
FXCM logoFXCM
Overall Rating info 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Trust Score info 99 95
Range of Investments 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Trading Fees 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Trading Platforms 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Research 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Mobile Trading 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Education 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars

FAQs

Can you trade cryptocurrency with CMC Markets or FXCM?

Comparing online brokers CMC Markets and FXCM: neither supports buying actual (delivered) cryptocurrency, but both offer cryptocurrency CFDs for trading.

What funding options does each broker offer?

CMC Markets vs FXCM: both brokers support ACH/SEPA, PayPal, and bank wire transfers, but only FXCM offers Skrill, while Visa/Mastercard availability is not specified for either.

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Overall Rating CMC Markets FXCM
Overall Rating info 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Trading Fees 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Range of Investments 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Trading Platforms 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Mobile Trading 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Research 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Education 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Trust Score info 99 95
Winner check_circle
Review CMC Markets Review FXCM Review
Broker Screenshots CMC Markets FXCM
Broker Gallery (click to expand) info
CMC Markets Next Generation mobile trade ticket order. CMC Markets Next Generation web platform layout light theme CMC Markets research weekly outlook detail. CMC Markets OPTO Podcast.
FXCM mobile app watchlist. FXCM web platform. FXCM research web articles market analysis. FXCM education articles
Regulation CMC Markets FXCM
Trust Score info 99 95
Year Founded info 1989 1999
Publicly Traded (Listed) info Yes Yes
Bank info No No
Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). info Yes info Yes info
Tier-1 Licenses info 6 4
Tier-2 Licenses info 1 2
Tier-3 Licenses info 0 0
Tier-4 Licenses info 0 0
Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) CMC Markets FXCM
Australia (ASIC Authorised) info Yes Yes
Canada (CIRO Authorised) info Yes Yes
Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) info No No
Japan (FSA Authorised) info No No
Singapore (MAS Authorised) info Yes No
Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) info
United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) info Yes Yes
USA (CFTC Authorized) info No No
New Zealand (FMA Authorised) info Yes No
Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). info Yes info Yes info
Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) CMC Markets FXCM
Kenya (CMA Authorised) info
Israel (ISA Authorised) info No Yes
South Africa (FSCA Authorised) info No Yes
UAE (DFSA, FSRA, or CMA Authorised) info Yes No
India (SEBI Authorised) info No No
Jordan (JSC Authorised) info
Investments CMC Markets FXCM
Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) info Yes Yes
Tradeable Symbols (Total) info 12029 440
Forex Pairs (Total) info 141 46 info
U.S. Stocks (Shares) info Yes No
Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) info Yes No
Copy Trading info Yes Yes
Cryptocurrency (Underlying) info No No
Cryptocurrency (CFDs) info 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 FXCM
Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account info 1.3 info 0.9 info
All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active info 0.65 info 0.8 info
Inactivity Fee info Yes Yes
Order execution: Agency info No Yes
Order execution: Market Maker info Yes Yes
Funding CMC Markets FXCM
Minimum Deposit info $0 Starts from $50
PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) info Yes Yes
Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) info No Yes
Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) info Yes Yes
Non-wire bank transfer info Yes Yes
Trading Platforms CMC Markets FXCM
Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform info Yes Yes
Desktop Platform (Windows) info Yes Yes
Web Platform info Yes Yes
Copy Trading info Yes Yes
MetaTrader 4 (MT4) info Yes Yes
MetaTrader 5 (MT5) info Yes No
cTrader info No No
Trading Tools CMC Markets FXCM
Virtual Trading (Demo) info Yes Yes
Price Alerts info Yes Yes
Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) info 73 115
Charting - Trade From Chart info Yes Yes
Charts can be saved info Yes Yes
Mobile Trading CMC Markets FXCM
Android App info Yes Yes
Apple iOS App info Yes Yes
Mobile Price Alerts info Yes Yes
Mobile Watchlist [DELETED] info
Mobile Watchlists - Syncing info Yes Yes
Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies info 29 59
Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines info Yes Yes
Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave info Yes Yes
Mobile Research - Economic Calendar info Yes Yes
Research CMC Markets FXCM
Daily Market Commentary (Articles) info Yes Yes
Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) info Yes Yes
Autochartist info Yes No
Trading Central info No Yes
TipRanks info No Yes
Client sentiment data info Yes Yes
Economic Calendar info Yes Yes
Education CMC Markets FXCM
Webinars info No Yes
Videos - Beginner Trading Videos info Yes Yes
Videos - Advanced Trading Videos info Yes Yes
Major Forex Pairs CMC Markets FXCM
GBP/USD [DELETED] info
USD/JPY [DELETED] info
EUR/USD info Yes Yes
USD/CHF [DELETED] info
USD/CAD [DELETED] info
NZD/USD [DELETED] info
AUD/USD [DELETED] info
Review CMC Markets Review FXCM Review
Overall CMC Markets FXCM
Overall Rating info 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Trading Fees 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Range of Investments 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Trading Platforms 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Mobile Trading 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Research 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Education 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Trust Score info 99 95
Winner check_circle
Review CMC Markets Review FXCM Review
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