Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of CMC Markets vs Questrade, 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.
Comparing CMC Markets and Questrade offers a glimpse into two established online brokers with distinct profiles in the financial industry. Founded in 1989, CMC Markets is a publicly traded company and commands an impressive Trust Score of 99 out of 99, signifying it as a highly trusted broker according to ForexBrokers.com. It boasts 5 Tier-1 licenses and 1 Tier-2 license, indicating a strong regulatory backing. CMC Markets is not a bank but is considered highly reliable thanks to its multiple top-tier licenses and long-standing presence in the market.
On the other hand, Questrade, established in 2000, holds a Trust Score of 86, placing it in the trusted category. Unlike CMC Markets, Questrade is not publicly traded and it holds 2 Tier-1 licenses with no Tier-2 licenses. Although it's not a bank either, Questrade has carved out a trusted space in the market, especially within Canada. Each broker offers unique strengths; CMC Markets shines with its comprehensive regulatory compliance, while Questrade is favored for its reliable and trusted status among traders.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Questrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1989 | 2000 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | |
| Bank | ||
| Tier-1 Licenses | 5 | 2 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
When comparing the commissions and fees between CMC Markets and Questrade, CMC Markets stands out as a leader. This broker achieved the top spot in the 2025 Annual Awards for its competitive pricing, offering average spreads around 0.61 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD. They provide a dynamic active trader program known as the Price Plus Scheme, which offers discounts based on trading volume. Additionally, CMC Markets’ FX Active pricing structure allows for commission-based trading with minimal spreads, enhancing its position as a top choice with a perfect 5-star rating in this category.
On the other hand, Questrade’s offer appears less favorable in terms of commissions and fees. With target spreads on the EUR/USD at 1.9 pips, Questrade’s pricing is comparatively steep when stacked against the industry average. This has placed Questrade at a disadvantage, earning a 3-star rating in commissions and fees according to ForexBrokers.com.
Overall, CMC Markets is ranked as the best among 63 brokers for its exceptional pricing strategies, while Questrade trails far behind at 58th place. This clear disparity highlights CMC Markets as an ideal choice for traders focused on minimizing their trading costs.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Questrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $250 |
| 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 | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | ||
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When it comes to a wide array of investment options, both CMC Markets and Questrade cater to a variety of trading needs, yet they come with distinct offerings. CMC Markets provides a broad selection with 11,925 tradeable symbols, including 156 forex pairs, making it an attractive choice for those seeking diversity. In contrast, Questrade offers 641 tradeable symbols and 110 forex pairs, providing a more streamlined yet still comprehensive selection for investors. Both platforms offer forex trading both as a CFD and a spot contract, and they allow their users to trade U.S. and international exchange-traded securities. However, CMC Markets has the added advantage of supporting copy trading, a feature not available at Questrade.
In terms of cryptocurrency offerings, both brokers allow the trading of cryptocurrency derivatives, though not actual cryptocurrencies. These differences and similarities have earned both CMC Markets and Questrade a 5-star rating in Range of Investments, although CMC Markets holds a slightly higher ranking of 9th place compared to Questrade's 11th, out of 63 brokers rated by ForexBrokers.com. This indicates both platforms are highly competitive and well-regarded in offering a rich variety of investment choices, yet investors might lean towards CMC Markets if they prioritize broader trading symbols and additional features like copy trading.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Questrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 11925 | 641 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 156 | 110 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | ||
| 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.
When it comes to trading platforms and tools, CMC Markets and Questrade both offer solid options for traders, including free virtual demo accounts that allow users to practice without financial risk. Each broker has developed its own proprietary platform. They both provide traders with the flexibility of a Windows-based desktop download as well as a convenient web-based platform. However, CMC Markets has an edge in platform variety, as it supports MetaTrader 4 and 5 along with copy trading capabilities, while Questrade includes DupliTrade in its offerings but not MetaTrader platforms or copy trading.
In terms of charting tools and features, CMC Markets stands out with 40 drawing tools, compared to Questrade’s 20. Both platforms enable trading directly from stock charts. While CMC Markets allows for 11 columns in watch lists, Questrade supports a more detailed view with 52 columns. Performance-wise, CMC Markets receives a higher rating of 5 stars for its trading platforms and tools compared to Questrade’s 4 stars. Among 63 brokers, CMC Markets is ranked a notable 4th, significantly ahead of Questrade, which is ranked 34th according to ForexBrokers.com.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Questrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | |
| DupliTrade | Yes | |
| ZuluTrade | ||
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 79 | 64 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 40 | 20 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 52 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When comparing the mobile trading apps of CMC Markets and Questrade, both offer strong functionalities for on-the-go trading. Available for both iPhone and Android users, these apps ensure that clients can access the markets no matter their device. They each support essential features such as stock and forex price alerts and the ability to draw trendlines on charts, catering to traders looking for detailed analysis. The mobile apps also sync clients' watchlists with their online accounts, providing seamless transitions between devices. Moreover, both platforms support viewing multiple time frames, allowing users to switch between daily, weekly, and intraday views effortlessly.
Despite these similarities, there are differences in the depth of charting tools provided. CMC Markets offers 29 technical studies, while Questrade provides 64, allowing for more comprehensive technical analysis on Questrade’s app. Both apps feature real-time quotes in watchlists and auto-save chart drawings to avoid losing any insights. However, when considering user ratings, CMC Markets edges out with a stellar 5-star rating for its mobile trading services, while Questrade holds a respectable 4 stars. In rankings, CMC Markets stands out, placed at #5 by ForexBrokers.com, while Questrade ranks at #34. This suggests that CMC Markets might present a slightly more polished user experience overall for those prioritizing mobile trading.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Questrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 29 | 64 |
| 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 Questrade each offer unique features that cater to different trading needs. CMC Markets excels in providing daily market commentary and forex news from leading sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. It also offers a variety of analytical tools, such as Autochartist for technical and fundamental research. This platform additionally provides a sentiment-based trading tool that offers insights into long and short positions across currency pairs, making it beneficial for traders looking for a broader market perspective. Furthermore, CMC Markets includes an economic calendar to keep you informed of global news events, and its research offerings are highly rated at 5 stars, securing the #6 spot among 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com.
On the other hand, Questrade provides some valuable tools as well, including technical analysis from Autochartist and Trading Central, as well as market research from TipRanks. Similar to CMC Markets, Questrade includes an economic calendar to help traders track key global events. However, it does not offer daily market commentary or top-tier forex news, nor does it have sentiment-based trading tools. As a result, Questrade's research capabilities receive a 3.5-star rating and a ranking of #51 out of 63 brokers. While Questrade shines in providing key research tools from Trading Central and TipRanks, those requiring comprehensive market insights may find CMC Markets' offerings more aligned with their trading strategies.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Questrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | |
| TipRanks | Yes | |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | ||
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When comparing the educational resources available for beginners from online brokers CMC Markets and Questrade, each offers a range of learning tools, but with differing depth and breadth. Both brokers provide over 10 educational pieces focusing on forex and CFDs, alongside offering at least 10 beginner-friendly trading videos. Furthermore, they both maintain a searchable archive of recorded client webinars for users to revisit past lessons. However, CMC Markets extends its educational offerings with advanced trading videos tailored for experienced traders, and an investor dictionary comprising over 50 investing terms, features that Questrade does not provide.
The quality and comprehensiveness of CMC Markets' educational resources set them apart, earning them a higher user rating of 5 stars compared to Questrade's 3.5 stars in the education category. Additionally, CMC Markets ranks significantly higher at #10 among 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com, whereas Questrade positions at #36. For beginners prioritizing educational support, CMC Markets offers an extensive collection of learning materials designed to cater to both novice and advanced traders alike, making it a strong option for those seeking to enhance their trading knowledge.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Questrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | ||
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | 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 Questrade. CMC Markets finished with an overall rank of #4, while Questrade finished with an overall rank of #32.
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
|
Questrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 86 |
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CMC Markets and Questrade both provide options for purchasing cryptocurrency derivatives rather than actual delivered cryptocurrencies. However, neither CMC Markets nor Questrade offers the ability to purchase actual delivered cryptocurrencies directly.
When comparing online brokers CMC Markets and Questrade, CMC Markets stands out by offering ACH or SEPA transfers and PayPal as options for account fund transfers, while both brokers support Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires, but neither provides Skrill.
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 | Questrade | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 86 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | CMC Markets Review | Questrade Review |
| Broker Screenshots | CMC Markets | Questrade | |
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| Regulation | CMC Markets | Questrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 86 | |
| Year Founded | 1989 | 2000 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | ||
| Bank | |||
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | ||
| Tier-1 Licenses | 5 | 2 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | CMC Markets | Questrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | ||
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | |||
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | |||
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | ||
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | |||
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | ||
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | |||
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | Yes | ||
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | CMC Markets | Questrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | |||
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | |||
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | |||
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | ||
| India (SEBI Authorised) | |||
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) |
| Investments | CMC Markets | Questrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 11925 | 641 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 156 | 110 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | ||
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | |||
| 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 | Questrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | ||
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | ||
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | ||
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes |
| Funding | CMC Markets | Questrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $250 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | ||
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | |||
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes |
| Trading Platforms | CMC Markets | Questrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | ||
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | ||
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | ||
| cTrader | |||
| DupliTrade | Yes | ||
| ZuluTrade |
| Trading Tools | CMC Markets | Questrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 52 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 79 | 64 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 40 | 20 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | CMC Markets | Questrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 64 | |
| 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 | Questrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | ||
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | ||
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | ||
| TipRanks | Yes | ||
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | ||
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | CMC Markets | Questrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | |||
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | ||
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | CMC Markets | Questrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Questrade Review |
| Overall | CMC Markets | Questrade | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 86 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | CMC Markets Review | Questrade Review |
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