Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of CMC Markets vs IFC 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.
CMC Markets, established in 1989, stands as a well-regarded entity in the world of online brokerage. It is publicly traded and holds the highest Trust Score of 99 according to ForexBrokers.com, reflecting its position as a highly trusted platform. Though not functioning as a bank, CMC Markets has secured five Tier-1 licenses, indicating a strong regulatory standing. Additionally, it possesses one Tier-2 license, further enhancing its reputation as a trusted broker in the financial market.
In contrast, IFC Markets, founded in 2006, does not share the same level of exposure as it is not publicly traded. It has earned a Trust Score of 73 from ForexBrokers.com, marking it as an average risk option concerning trust and security. While IFC Markets also operates without a banking license, it has yet to obtain any Tier-1 licenses, though it possesses one Tier-2 license. This positioning suggests it is a viable but less secure choice for those engaging in online trading activities.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1989 | 2006 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 5 | 0 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
CMC Markets and IFC Markets present distinct offerings when it comes to commissions and fees. CMC Markets achieved the #1 rank in the Commissions and Fees category in the 2025 Annual Awards, with a perfect 5-star rating. This accomplishment is largely due to CMC's competitive pricing and low spreads, with an average spread of 0.61 pips on the EUR/USD as of August 2023. CMC Markets' active trader program, Price Plus Scheme, allows traders to earn discounts on trading costs based on accumulated Trading Points, rewarding high-volume traders with up to a 20% discount at Tier 4. Furthermore, the FX Active pricing offers commission-based trading with a $2.50 charge per side, resulting in an enticing all-in cost of 0.5 pips for several currency pairs, solidifying CMC's position as a pricing leader.
In contrast, IFC Markets earned a 4-star rating and ranked #39 out of 63 brokers in the same category. The average spread for EUR/USD at IFC Markets sits at 1.44 pips, which is less competitive compared to the industry average of 1.08 pips. However, their ECN account offers better rates for active traders, reducing effective spreads to 1.1 pips after factoring in a 0.005% commission on both sides of a trade. IFC Markets also offers attractive benefits such as the absence of inactivity fees and discounts for active traders, providing financial incentives to its clients despite its higher spreads.
Though both brokers offer active trader programs and competitive incentives, CMC Markets clearly leads with lower spreads and a superior commission-based pricing strategy, while IFC Markets offers a satisfactory option with potential cost savings for high-volume traders.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $1 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.61 | 1.44 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.51 | 1.1 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When comparing CMC Markets and IFC Markets, both brokers provide opportunities for forex trading as a CFD or spot contract. However, CMC Markets stands out with a significantly larger selection, offering an impressive 11,925 tradeable symbols and 156 forex pairs, compared to IFC Markets, which provides 630 tradeable symbols and 49 forex pairs. An additional advantage of CMC Markets is the ability to buy and sell exchange-traded securities on U.S. exchanges, allowing clients to invest in companies such as Apple. In contrast, IFC Markets does not offer this option, though both platforms facilitate trading of international securities and have services for crypto derivatives but not for actual cryptocurrencies.
In terms of overall investment range, CMC Markets receives a higher rating of five stars, whereas IFC Markets is rated at 3.5 stars. This difference is reflected in their rankings by ForexBrokers.com, with CMC Markets ranked 9th out of 63 brokers for the Range of Investments category, compared to IFC Markets' placement at 43rd. Both platforms support copy trading, catering to traders interested in emulating the strategies of more experienced investors. The varied offerings of CMC Markets make it an appealing choice for investors seeking a broad spectrum of trading options.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 11925 | 630 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 156 | 49 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes |
| 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). |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
Both CMC Markets and IFC Markets provide users with a comprehensive suite of trading platforms and tools. Each offers a proprietary platform along with access to the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms, catering to a wide range of preferences. Users can trade via desktop and web-based platforms, offering versatility for traders on the go. They also include simulated trading options through free virtual demo accounts, allowing beginners and experienced traders alike to practice strategies without financial risk. Copy trading is another shared feature, but neither broker offers DupliTrade or ZuluTrade services, which could be a consideration for those specifically interested in those copy trading platforms.
When it comes to specific tools, CMC Markets provides a more extensive set of charting features, with 40 drawing tools compared to IFC Markets' 15. Both brokers allow trading directly from stock charts, enhancing the workflow for active traders. For tracking investments, CMC Markets offers a more detailed watch list capability with 11 columns, while IFC Markets includes 7. These differences contribute to CMC Markets receiving a higher rating of 5 stars for trading platforms and tools, ranking fourth out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com. In contrast, IFC Markets earned 4 stars and is positioned thirty-sixth in the same category, indicating a slightly less favorable review in comparison to CMC Markets.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
IFC 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 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When it comes to mobile trading apps, both CMC Markets and IFC Markets cater to traders using iPhones and Android devices. These platforms offer essential features like stock and forex price alerts, the ability to synchronize watchlists across devices, and the capability to create watchlists with real-time quotes. For those who enjoy technical analysis, both apps enable drawing trendlines and viewing multiple time frames on their charts, with CMC Markets providing 29 technical studies and IFC Markets offering slightly more at 30. Both apps auto-save any chart drawings to ensure that the user's work is not lost.
While both platforms provide comprehensive mobile trading experiences, they differ in user ratings and industry rankings. CMC Markets boasts a perfect five-star rating for its mobile trading app, putting it at an impressive 5th place out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. In contrast, IFC Markets follows with a solid four-star rating, ranking 52nd in the same category. Whether precision charting or user-friendliness is essential, traders have quality options with either app, though CMC Markets seems to have a slight edge in overall mobile app satisfaction.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 29 | 30 |
| 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 it comes to market research, CMC Markets and IFC Markets both offer daily market commentary to keep traders informed of market trends. However, CMC Markets stands out by providing forex news from top-tier sources such as Bloomberg, Reuters, and Dow Jones, while IFC Markets does not. Additionally, CMC Markets enhances its offering with technical analysis tools from Autochartist, which are not available with IFC Markets. Both brokers offer sentiment-based trading tools that show the ratio of long and short positions across various instruments and provide an economic calendar showcasing global news events.
Despite some similarities in features, CMC Markets has earned a higher reputation in the industry, receiving a 5-star research rating and ranking #6 out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. In comparison, IFC Markets received a 3.5-star rating and is ranked #40. These ratings suggest that CMC Markets excels particularly in research capabilities, making it a more favorable choice for traders seeking comprehensive market insights.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No |
| 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 exploring educational resources for novice traders, CMC Markets and IFC Markets both offer a range of materials focusing on forex and CFDs. Each provides over ten educational items, such as articles and videos, dedicated to helping beginners understand these trading subjects. Both brokers ensure that beginners have access to at least ten instructional videos tailored to new traders. Moreover, CMC Markets and IFC Markets each provide advanced educational videos, allowing traders to grow from foundational knowledge to more complex strategies. Both brokers also have a comprehensive investor dictionary with definitions of more than 50 investing terms, making it easier for beginners to grasp industry terminology.
However, there are notable differences between the two brokers. CMC Markets goes a step further by offering a searchable archive of past client webinars, a feature IFC Markets does not provide. Unfortunately, neither broker hosts live monthly webinars to further engage clients in real-time education. In terms of recognition and ratings, CMC Markets shines brighter with a 5-star education rating and ranks 10th out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com, while IFC Markets holds a 3.5-star rating and is ranked 30th. This suggests that CMC Markets may offer a more comprehensive educational experience compared to IFC Markets, especially for those who value searchable resources and higher-rated educational content.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | No | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| 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 IFC Markets. CMC Markets finished with an overall rank of #4, while IFC Markets finished with an overall rank of #45.
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
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IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 73 |
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Both CMC Markets and IFC Markets do not offer the ability to buy actual delivered cryptocurrency, but they both provide options to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
When comparing online brokers CMC Markets and IFC Markets, CMC Markets provides a wider range of funding options including ACH or SEPA transfers, PayPal, Visa or Mastercard, as well as bank wires, while IFC Markets supports Visa or Mastercard and bank wires but does not offer ACH, SEPA, PayPal, or Skrill for depositing or withdrawing funds.
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 | IFC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | CMC Markets Review |
| Broker Screenshots | CMC Markets | IFC Markets | |
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| Regulation | CMC Markets | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 73 | |
| Year Founded | 1989 | 2006 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 5 | 0 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | CMC Markets | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| 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 | No |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | CMC Markets | IFC 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 | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 11925 | 630 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 156 | 49 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes | |
| 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). |
| Cost | CMC Markets | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.61 | 1.44 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.51 | 1.1 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | CMC Markets | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $1 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | CMC Markets | IFC 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 | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | CMC Markets | IFC 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 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | CMC Markets | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 29 | 30 | |
| 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 | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | CMC Markets | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | No | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | CMC Markets | IFC 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 |
| Overall | CMC Markets | IFC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | CMC Markets Review |
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