Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of IG vs CMC 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.
IG and CMC Markets are both well-established online brokers with impressive trust profiles. Founded in 1974, IG is not only publicly traded but also operates as a bank, providing an additional level of security and trust for its clients. With a perfect Trust Score of 99 out of 99 from ForexBrokers.com, IG demonstrates a high level of reliability, backed by 8 Tier-1 and 2 Tier-2 licenses, indicating its strong regulatory standing across various jurisdictions.
Similarly, CMC Markets, founded in 1989, is a publicly traded entity known for its strong regulatory credentials. While CMC Markets does not operate as a bank, it matches IG with a commendable ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 99. This broker holds 6 Tier-1 licenses and 1 Tier-2 license, showcasing its commitment to adhering to stringent regulatory standards. Both brokers are aligned in terms of trustworthiness, offering traders secure trading environments bolstered by stringent oversight.
| Feature |
IG
|
CMC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1974 | 1989 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank | Yes | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 6 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 0 |
IG and CMC Markets both earn 5 out of 5 stars for commissions and fees. However, in ForexBrokers.com’s 2025 rankings, CMC Markets places higher at #4 of 63 brokers, while IG ranks #7 of 63. The big picture: CMC’s low pricing is broadly available across account types, whereas IG’s most competitive costs are unlocked through its DMA (Forex Direct) account or very high monthly trading volumes.
IG’s standard CFD account delivered typical EUR/USD spreads of about 0.69 pips during main trading hours in July 2023 and 0.98 pips across all sessions (IG US averaged 1.18 pips). Active trader rebates for EU‑qualified professionals can trim spreads by 10% to 20% for monthly forex volumes above £50M and £300M, respectively—pushing effective costs toward roughly 0.60 pips in some cases. IG’s Forex Direct (DMA) account requires a £1,000 minimum and uses tiered commissions; its average raw spread on EUR/USD was 0.62 pips in July 2023, with an all‑in cost around 0.82 pips at common tiers, and lower for ultra‑high volume.
CMC Markets’ average EUR/USD spread was about 0.61 pips in August 2023. Its FX Active pricing charges $2.50 per side with minimum spreads of 0.0, producing an all‑in cost near 0.5 pip on EUR/USD (and several other majors) based on August 2023 data; for example, NZD/USD can drop from a 1.5‑pip standard spread to roughly 0.5 pip after commission. The Price Plus Scheme adds volume‑based discounts via Trading Points, with a 20% spread reduction available at higher tiers. Thanks to these consistently low, widely accessible costs, CMC Markets (#4/63) typically undercuts IG (#7/63) for most traders, while IG remains attractive for DMA users and very large‑order or high‑volume strategies.
| Feature |
IG
|
CMC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £1 | $0 |
| Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account | 0.91 | 1.3 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | 0.65 |
| Non-wire bank transfer | Yes | Yes |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
IG and CMC Markets both cover a wide range of investments, including forex trading via CFDs and spot contracts, plus access to exchange-traded securities on U.S. and international exchanges (so you can buy shares like Apple or Vodafone). IG lists more total markets, with 19,537 tradeable symbols versus CMC Markets’ 12,029. If your priority is forex variety, CMC Markets offers more currency pairs (141) than IG (97).
For crypto, IG lets you buy actual coins as well as crypto CFDs, while CMC Markets offers crypto only as CFDs. CMC Markets also supports copy trading, which IG does not. Both brokers earn 5 stars for Range of Investments; in ForexBrokers.com’s category rankings, IG is #4 out of 63 brokers and CMC Markets is #9. In short, pick IG for sheer market count and delivered crypto, or choose CMC Markets for the largest selection of forex pairs and copy trading.
| Feature |
IG
|
CMC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 12029 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 141 |
| U.S. Stocks (Shares) | Yes | Yes |
| Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) | Yes | Yes |
| Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Underlying) | Yes | No |
| Cryptocurrency (CFDs) | 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.
IG vs CMC Markets: both brokers deliver top-tier trading platforms and tools. Each offers a free demo account for paper trading, a proprietary in-house platform, a Windows desktop download, and a web-based platform. Both also support MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), plus the ability to trade directly from charts. In independent testing, both earn 5 stars for Platforms and Tools; IG ranks #1 out of 63 brokers with ForexBrokers.com, while CMC Markets ranks #6.
The key difference is copy trading: CMC Markets offers it, and IG does not. If you want social-style strategies alongside a wide platform lineup, CMC Markets is a strong fit. If you prioritize the top-rated overall platform experience in this category, IG edges ahead thanks to its #1 ranking. Either way, you get a flexible choice of desktop and web platforms, popular third-party options like MT4/MT5, and a free demo to practice before going live.
| Feature |
IG
|
CMC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 73 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
IG and CMC Markets both deliver polished mobile trading apps for iPhone and Android. Each app offers stock and forex price alerts, watchlists that sync with your online account, and capable charting with trendline tools that auto-save your drawings. Whether you check markets on your phone or switch to desktop, your symbols and settings stay in sync.
If you care about the depth of charting studies, IG provides 33 technical indicators compared with CMC Markets’ 29. Both apps earn a 5-star rating for Mobile Trading Apps, but independent rankings from ForexBrokers.com place IG at #1 out of 63 brokers, while CMC Markets sits at #5. In short, both are excellent choices, with IG edging ahead for indicator variety and overall ranking.
| Feature |
IG
|
CMC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Price Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlists - Syncing | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 33 | 29 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
Both IG and CMC Markets provide daily market commentary and offer forex news from prestigious sources like Bloomberg, Reuters, and Dow Jones. They also integrate research tools from Autochartist, ensuring users have access to technical and fundamental analysis resources. However, neither platform offers analytical tools from Trading Central. Both brokers excel in delivering sentiment-based trading tools, making it easier for traders to gauge market sentiment across various currency pairs. Additionally, IG and CMC Markets equip traders with comprehensive economic calendars to track global news events.
In terms of standout features, IG boasts market research with TipRanks and utilizes research tools from Acuity Trading, giving them an edge in broader analytical support. CMC Markets, on the other hand, does not offer these specific tools. Despite these differences, both IG and CMC Markets earn the same top-tier rating of 5 stars for research. However, IG holds a superior ranking, coming in at #2 among 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com, while CMC Markets follows at #6, emphasizing their both top-tier yet slightly differentiated research capabilities.
| Feature |
IG
|
CMC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Central | No | No |
| Client sentiment data | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | Yes | No |
| Acuity Trading | Yes | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
IG and CMC Markets both offer forex and CFD education that meets the 10-piece threshold, with sizable libraries of articles, videos, and archived webinars. Each earns 5 stars for Education, and both provide at least 10 beginner videos plus 10+ advanced videos, giving newcomers a clear path from basics to more advanced topics.
There are two notable differences: IG runs monthly online educational webinars, while CMC Markets does not, and IG ranks #7 for Education versus CMC Markets at #10 out of 63 brokers (ForexBrokers.com). If you want live classes alongside a top-rated learning hub, IG is the better fit; if you prefer self-paced study with extensive videos and guides, CMC Markets remains a strong choice.
| Feature |
IG
|
CMC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that IG is better than CMC Markets. IG finished with an overall rank of #1, while CMC Markets finished with an overall rank of #5.
IG offers the ultimate comprehensive trading package, featuring excellent trading and research tools, industry-leading education, and an extensive range of tradeable markets.
| Feature |
IG
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CMC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 99 |
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Comparing online brokers IG and CMC Markets for cryptocurrency, IG supports buying actual (delivered) crypto and trading crypto CFDs, whereas CMC Markets offers crypto CFDs only and does not allow purchasing real cryptocurrency.
IG and CMC Markets both support ACH or SEPA transfers, PayPal, and bank wires, do not support Skrill, and do not specify whether Visa or Mastercard deposits or withdrawals are available.
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 | IG | CMC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 99 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review | CMC Markets Review |
| Broker Screenshots | IG | CMC Markets | |
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| Regulation | IG | CMC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 99 | |
| Year Founded | 1974 | 1989 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 6 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 0 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | IG | CMC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (FSA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | Yes | ||
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | Yes | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | IG | CMC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | |||
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| UAE (DFSA, FSRA, or SCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) |
| Investments | IG | CMC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 12029 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 141 | |
| U.S. Stocks (Shares) | Yes | Yes | |
| Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) | Yes | Yes | |
| Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Underlying) | Yes | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (CFDs) | 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 | IG | CMC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account | 0.91 | 1.3 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | 0.65 | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | Yes | |
| Order execution: Agency | Yes | No | |
| Order execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | IG | CMC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £1 | $0 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Non-wire bank transfer | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Platforms | IG | CMC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No |
| Trading Tools | IG | CMC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 73 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | IG | CMC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist [DELETED] | |||
| Mobile Watchlists - Syncing | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 33 | 29 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Research - Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | IG | CMC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading Central | No | No | |
| TipRanks | Yes | No | |
| Client sentiment data | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | IG | CMC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | IG | CMC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD [DELETED] | |||
| USD/JPY [DELETED] | |||
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF [DELETED] | |||
| USD/CAD [DELETED] | |||
| NZD/USD [DELETED] | |||
| AUD/USD [DELETED] | |||
| Review | IG Review | CMC Markets Review |
| Overall | IG | CMC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 99 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review | CMC Markets Review |
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