Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of CMC Markets vs Markets.com, 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 and Markets.com offer online trading services, but they differ in some key areas, especially their regulatory background and trust ratings. Founded in 1989, CMC Markets boasts a perfect Trust Score of 99 out of 99 according to ForexBrokers.com, reflecting its highly trusted status. This trust is supported by its five Tier-1 licenses, which are considered top-tier in terms of security and reliability. Additionally, CMC Markets is publicly traded, adding another layer of transparency to its operations.
Markets.com, established in 1999, also holds a strong position in the online trading sector, with a Trust Score of 93, indicating a high level of trust. Although not publicly traded, it maintains credibility with three Tier-1 licenses and one Tier-2 license, aligning it closely with industry standards for safety and regulatory compliance. While both brokers offer a secure trading environment, CMC Markets holds a slight edge in terms of regulatory trust and transparency.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1989 | 1999 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 5 | 3 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
CMC Markets has established itself as a leader in the online brokerage industry by winning the #1 spot in the Commissions and Fees category of the 2025 Annual Awards. With a notable 5-star rating, CMC Markets is praised for its low trading costs across all account types. They offer competitive average spreads, such as 0.61 pips on the EUR/USD, based on August 2023 data. The introduction of the Price Plus Scheme allows active traders to enjoy discounts based on trading activity. This scheme rewards users with Trading Points applicable to significant discounts, like a 20% reduction in spread cost at higher trading levels.
Additionally, CMC Markets unveiled the FX Active pricing structure, a commission-based model available in several regions, including Southeast Asia, Australia, and Europe. This model charges a nominal $2.50 commission per side but provides minimum spreads as low as zero pips. As a result, traders can achieve an all-in cost of 0.5 pips when trading pairs like the EUR/USD. This innovative approach reaffirms CMC Markets' commitment to competitive pricing, aligning close to its advertised minimum spreads, which further strengthens its market position.
In contrast, Markets.com holds a lower ranking, positioned at #49 among 62 brokers for commissions and fees, with an overall rating of 3.5 stars. Unfortunately, detailed average spread data for Markets.com is not provided, which might contribute to its lesser ranking compared to CMC Markets. While Markets.com might offer various trading features, its standing in commissions and fees suggests it may not be as competitive as CMC Markets in this particular aspect.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $100 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.61 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.51 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
CMC Markets and Markets.com both offer a wide array of investment options, yet there are distinct differences in their offerings. CMC Markets impresses with an impressive 11,925 tradeable symbols, significantly overshadowing Markets.com's 2,179. In terms of forex trading as a CFD or spot contract, both platforms provide this service, though CMC Markets takes the lead with 156 tradeable forex pairs compared to Markets.com's 57. Moreover, CMC Markets allows clients to invest in exchange traded securities on U.S. and international exchanges, such as buying shares of Apple and Vodafone, which Markets.com does not. Both brokers support the ability to buy a cryptocurrency derivative but not the actual cryptocurrency itself.
For those interested in copy trading, both platforms have this feature, ensuring that users can replicate successful trading strategies. However, CMC Markets stands out with its five-star rating for its range of investments, while Markets.com holds a respectable four-star rating. Additionally, CMC Markets is ranked #9 out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com in the Range of Investments category, showing its strength in providing a variety of investments. In contrast, Markets.com is ranked #29, indicating a more limited selection in comparison. Overall, while both brokers offer commendable services, CMC Markets provides a broader range of investment opportunities for those seeking more diverse options.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 11925 | 2179 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 156 | 57 |
| 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.
When comparing the trading platforms and tools of CMC Markets and Markets.com, both brokers offer rich trading experiences that cater to various needs. Each provides a simulated paper trading feature through free virtual demo accounts, allowing traders to test strategies without financial risk. CMC Markets and Markets.com offer proprietary platforms and Windows-based desktop platforms, in addition to providing web-based trading options. For those who prefer popular third-party platforms, both brokers support MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, though neither offers DupliTrade or ZuluTrade for social trading. Notably, both brokers also offer copy trading features for traders looking to mimic the trades of others.
When examining specific tools, CMC Markets stands out with a broader selection, providing 40 drawing tools compared to Markets.com’s 4. Additionally, CMC Markets allows users to trade directly from stock charts, a feature absent in Markets.com. For watch lists, CMC Markets again outperforms with 11 fields compared to Markets.com's 6. These distinctions contribute to CMC Markets receiving a 5-star rating for their trading platforms and tools, while Markets.com holds a 4-star rating. Upon assessment by ForexBrokers.com, CMC Markets is ranked 4th out of 62 brokers, whereas Markets.com ranks 27th, reaffirming CMC Markets as the more feature-rich choice for trading tools and platforms.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 89 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 40 | 4 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | No |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 6 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When it comes to choosing a mobile trading app, both CMC Markets and Markets.com offer convenient solutions for traders on the go, with apps available for both iPhone and Android users. Both platforms provide essential features such as stock and forex price alerts, and the ability to sync watchlists between the mobile app and the online account, which ensures a seamless user experience. However, CMC Markets stands out in the charting capabilities category, offering 29 technical studies and the ability to view multiple time frames, such as daily or intraday, while Markets.com does not provide these features extensively. Further enhancing user experience, CMC Markets' app has an auto-save function for chart drawings, which is not available on Markets.com's mobile platform.
Both brokers allow users to create watchlists with real-time quotes, but distinctions in design and functionality lead to different ratings. CMC Markets boasts a perfect five-star rating for its mobile trading app, reflecting its strong user satisfaction and functionality, ranking fifth out of 62 brokers on ForexBrokers.com. In contrast, Markets.com has received a commendable four-star rating, positioned at 33rd, suggesting a competent but slightly less feature-rich experience compared to CMC Markets. Whether it's the superior charting tools or overall ease of use, CMC Markets delivers a noteworthy trading experience on mobile devices.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 29 | (default on MT4, none on Markets app) |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When comparing the market research offerings of CMC Markets and Markets.com, both brokers provide daily market commentary and deliver forex news from premier sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. While both offer a sentiment-based trading tool that displays the ratio of long or short positions across various instruments, CMC Markets stands out by providing tools from Autochartist for technical or fundamental analysis, whereas Markets.com does not include this feature. Neither broker offers market research from TipRanks or tools from Acuity Trading, and tools from Trading Central are also absent in both cases. Yet, each features an economic calendar highlighting global news events, keeping traders informed about market shifts.
Rated five stars for its research capabilities, CMC Markets takes a higher position as ranked sixth out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com in the Research category. On the other hand, Markets.com receives a four-star rating, placing seventeenth in the same list. The difference in rankings underscores CMC Markets' slightly more comprehensive set of research tools, offering traders a broadened insight into market trends and dynamics compared to Markets.com.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| 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 it comes to educational resources for beginners, CMC Markets shines by offering a wide array of materials to help novice traders get started with forex and CFDs. With over 10 educational pieces including articles, videos, and archived webinars, new traders are well-equipped with foundational knowledge. Additionally, CMC Markets provides a library of past client webinars for further learning. Both CMC Markets and Markets.com deliver a generous assortment of beginner and advanced educational videos, ensuring traders of all levels can sharpen their skills. However, CMC Markets goes a step further with an investor dictionary that defines over 50 key investing terms, an essential tool for new and experienced traders alike.
In contrast, Markets.com offers monthly online educational webinars, fostering an interactive learning environment which is a significant benefit for those who learn best in real-time settings. However, the lack of a searchable archive of recorded webinars might limit access to past live learning opportunities. Markets.com does not provide an investor dictionary, which could be a drawback for beginners needing quick and easy access to financial terminology. With these differences in educational offerings, CMC Markets earns a 5-star rating, ranking 10th out of 62 brokers in the education category, while Markets.com earns a 4-star rating, placing it at 34th. For traders prioritizing comprehensive educational resources, CMC Markets emerges as a stronger contender.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars | No | Yes |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | No |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 62 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that CMC Markets is better than Markets.com. CMC Markets finished with an overall rank of #4, while Markets.com finished with an overall rank of #23.
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
|
Markets.com
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 93 |
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Both CMC Markets and Markets.com do not offer the ability to buy actual, delivered cryptocurrency, but they each provide options for purchasing cryptocurrency derivatives.
In comparing online brokers CMC Markets and Markets.com, CMC Markets offers greater flexibility with ACH, SEPA, and PayPal deposit and withdrawal options, while Markets.com provides Skrill, with both platforms supporting Visa, Mastercard, and bank wire transactions.
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 | Markets.com | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 93 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | CMC Markets Review |
| Broker Screenshots | CMC Markets | Markets.com | |
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| Regulation | CMC Markets | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 93 | |
| Year Founded | 1989 | 1999 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 5 | 3 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | CMC Markets | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 11925 | 2179 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 156 | 57 | |
| 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 | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.61 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.51 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | CMC Markets | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $100 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| 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 | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | No | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 6 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 79 | 89 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 40 | 4 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | No | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | CMC Markets | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | (default on MT4, none on Markets app) | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | No |
| Research | CMC Markets | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | CMC Markets | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars | No | Yes | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | No |
| Major Forex Pairs | CMC Markets | Markets.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/JPY | Yes | Yes | |
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CAD | Yes | Yes | |
| NZD/USD | Yes | No | |
| AUD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| Review | CMC Markets Review |
| Overall | CMC Markets | Markets.com | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 93 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | CMC Markets Review |
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