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Saxo vs CMC Markets 2025

ForexBrokers.com

Written by ForexBrokers.com

February 05, 2025

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

Saxo
5/5 Stars Overall
  • Minimum Deposit: $0
  • Trust Score: 99
  • Tradeable Symbols (Total): 70000
CMC Markets
5/5 Stars Overall
  • Minimum Deposit: $0
  • Trust Score: 99
  • Tradeable Symbols (Total): 11925

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

Saxo and CMC Markets are both strong players in the online brokerage sphere, but they have distinct characteristics that set them apart. Founding years show their long-standing presence in the industry, with Saxo established in 1992 and CMC Markets in 1989. A key difference lies in their business structure: Saxo, which operates as a bank, is privately held, whereas CMC Markets is publicly traded. These factors contribute to their respective approaches to handling investments and customer relations.

When it comes to regulatory standing, both Saxo and CMC Markets are highly trusted, each achieving a stellar Trust Score of 99 from ForexBrokers.com. Saxo holds seven Tier-1 licenses, a nod to its strong regulatory compliance, while CMC Markets possesses five. Both firms maintain a single Tier-2 license, reflecting their commitment to delivering secure trading environments. Despite these differences, both brokers offer a level of trust and reliability that places them among the top choices for online trading enthusiasts.

Feature Saxo logoSaxo
CMC Markets logoCMC Markets
Year Founded info 1992 1989
Publicly Traded (Listed) info No Yes
Bank info Yes No
Tier-1 Licenses info 7 5
Tier-2 Licenses info 1 1
Tier-3 Licenses info 0 0
Tier-4 Licenses info 0 0

Fees

When it comes to commissions and fees, Saxo and CMC Markets both offer top-notch options for traders, though they have different strengths. Saxo, which is rated 5 stars, ranks #9 out of 63 brokers for commissions and fees. It provides some of the lowest pricing in the industry, especially beneficial for active and high-volume traders. Saxo’s average spreads for the EUR/USD pair are 1.1, 1.0, and 0.9 pips for Classic, Platinum, and VIP accounts, respectively, with the Platinum and VIP being closer to industry averages. Notably, Saxo waives custody fees for traders in securities lending. Its Classic account now requires no minimum deposit, opening doors for more traders, whereas its Platinum and VIP accounts have higher thresholds of $200,000 and $1,000,000, respectively, but offer better pricing and exclusive perks.

Meanwhile, CMC Markets outshines many competitors by ranking #1 in the commissions and fees category, also earning a 5-star rating. Known for its competitive spreads, CMC Markets typically offers average spreads of 0.61 pips on the EUR/USD. Its Price Plus Scheme rewards active traders with discounts based on Trading Points earned through trading volume, while the FX Active pricing structure introduced a commission-based model with zero minimum spreads, ensuring an all-in cost of about 0.5 pips on certain trades. This setup positions CMC Markets as a consistent leader in providing affordable trading options.

Overall, Saxo and CMC Markets cater to different types of traders. Saxo is ideal for those who can maintain larger account balances and wish to benefit from reduced pricing on higher-tier accounts and securities lending. In contrast, CMC Markets is superb for traders seeking low spreads without facing high entry barriers, with multiple programs rewarding trading volume and offering cost-effective options that include both spread-only and commission-based models.

Feature Saxo logoSaxo
CMC Markets logoCMC Markets
Minimum Deposit info $0 $0
Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard info 1.1 info 0.61 info
All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active info 0.9 info 0.51 info
Active Trader or VIP Discounts info Yes Yes
ACH or SEPA Transfers info No Yes
PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) info No Yes
Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) info No No
Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) info Yes Yes
Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) info Yes Yes

Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.

Featured Offers


Range of investments

When it comes to a diverse range of investment options, both Saxo and CMC Markets offer extensive choices, making them top contenders in the world of online trading. Saxo stands out with an impressive array of 70,000 tradeable symbols, including 190 forex pairs, while CMC Markets provides 11,925 tradeable symbols and 156 forex pairs. Both brokers enable clients to trade forex as CFDs or spot contracts. Furthermore, Saxo and CMC Markets allow investment in exchange-traded securities on both U.S. and international exchanges, offering opportunities to trade shares like Apple and Vodafone.

Both Saxo and CMC Markets cater to modern investors by supporting copy trading and offering cryptocurrency derivatives, though neither facilitates purchasing actual cryptocurrencies. Achieving five-star ratings for their range of investments, they have distinguished themselves in the market. However, Saxo takes the lead in ranking, positioned at #3 among 63 brokers, while CMC Markets is not far behind at #9, according to ForexBrokers.com. This emphasizes Saxo's slightly broader reach and reputation in investment diversity.

Feature Saxo logoSaxo
CMC Markets logoCMC Markets
Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) info Yes Yes
Tradeable Symbols (Total) info 70000 11925
Forex Pairs (Total) info 190 156
U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) info Yes Yes
Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) info Yes Yes
Social Trading / Copy Trading info Yes Yes
Cryptocurrency (Physical) info No No
Cryptocurrency (Derivative) 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

Both Saxo and CMC Markets provide an impressive range of trading platforms and tools to cater to different trading styles. Saxo offers a proprietary platform for Windows and web, allowing traders to explore all available options, including a demo account for simulated trading. CMC Markets, similarly, offers proprietary platforms that can be accessed via Windows or the web, also supporting paper trading. While both brokers support copy trading, CMC Markets further expands its platform offering with support for MetaTrader 4 and 5, which Saxo does not provide.

When it comes to charting tools, CMC Markets offers a broader selection with 40 drawing tools, compared to Saxo's 20. Both brokers allow direct trading from stock charts, accommodating real-time strategy execution. However, Saxo stands out with an extensive watch list capability, offering up to 60 fields compared to CMC's 11. Despite these differences, both brokers have been highly rated for their trading platforms and tools, achieving a perfect score of 5 stars each. Saxo is ranked #1 by ForexBrokers.com, whereas CMC Markets holds a respectable fourth position among 63 brokers.

Feature Saxo logoSaxo
CMC Markets logoCMC Markets
Virtual Trading (Demo) info Yes Yes
Proprietary Platform info Yes Yes
Desktop Platform (Windows) info Yes Yes
Web Platform info Yes Yes
Social Trading / Copy Trading info Yes Yes
MetaTrader 4 (MT4) info No Yes
MetaTrader 5 (MT5) info No Yes
DupliTrade info No No
ZuluTrade info No No
Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) info 64 79
Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) info 20 40
Charting - Trade From Chart info Yes Yes
Watchlists - Total Fields info 60 11
View More

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

Forex trading apps

When it comes to choosing between Saxo and CMC Markets for mobile trading apps, both brokers provide excellent options for traders on the go. Available for both iPhone and Android, these apps ensure seamless access to the financial markets. Key features like stock and forex price alerts, watchlist symbol syncing, and the ability to draw trendlines and view multiple time frames are supported by both. Additionally, they allow the creation of watchlists with real-time quotes, enhancing the user experience for trading enthusiasts looking to stay updated with market movements.

Saxo stands out with an impressive 64 technical studies available for charting within its mobile app, while CMC Markets offers 29. This could be a deciding factor for charting enthusiasts looking for extensive technical analysis tools. Both apps auto-save drawings on charts, ensuring no work is lost during analysis. Rated five stars for mobile trading apps, Saxo and CMC Markets are highly regarded, with Saxo ranked #2 and CMC Markets #5 out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com. Whether you choose Saxo or CMC Markets, you'll find a reliable and user-friendly mobile trading experience that caters to your trading needs.

Feature Saxo logoSaxo
CMC Markets logoCMC Markets
Android App info Yes Yes
Apple iOS App info Yes Yes
Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields info Yes Yes
Watchlist Syncing info Yes Yes
Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies info 64 29
Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines info Yes Yes
Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames info Yes Yes
Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave info Yes Yes
Mobile Watchlist info Yes Yes

Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.

Market research

When comparing Saxo and CMC Markets for their market research offerings, both brokers deliver extensive resources that cater to the needs of traders. Saxo and CMC Markets provide daily market commentary, ensuring you stay updated with the latest insights. In terms of forex news, both platforms source their information from top-tier providers like Bloomberg and Reuters. Additionally, both brokers integrate tools from Autochartist, assisting traders with technical and fundamental analysis. A sentiment-based trading tool is also available on both platforms, helping traders gauge market positions across various instruments. However, neither Saxo nor CMC Markets includes tools from Trading Central or Acuity Trading, and neither offers market research from TipRanks.

Saxo and CMC Markets both feature economic calendars that highlight important global economic events. Despite these similarities, Saxo edges out in terms of overall research excellence. Rated five stars for research, just like CMC Markets, Saxo holds the top rank among 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com, while CMC Markets comes in at the sixth position. This indicates that while both brokers provide solid research tools and resources, Saxo stands out for its comprehensive array of features and superior ranking in the research category.

Feature Saxo logoSaxo
CMC Markets logoCMC Markets
Daily Market Commentary info Yes Yes
Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) info Yes Yes
Autochartist info Yes Yes
Trading Central (Recognia) info No No
Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs info Yes Yes
TipRanks info No No
Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) info No No
Economic Calendar info Yes Yes

Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.

Beginners and education

When comparing Saxo and CMC Markets in terms of educational resources for beginners, both platforms provide a rich variety tailored to enhance forex and CFDs learning. Saxo and CMC Markets offer over 10 educational materials, including articles and videos focused on these subjects. Additionally, both brokers have extensive video content for beginners. They each have over 10 videos that cover essential trading concepts in a beginner-friendly manner. For those looking to deepen their understanding, both platforms continue to support learning with advanced educational videos. An investor dictionary with over 50 terms is also available from both services, making complex financial jargon more accessible.

Saxo stands out by offering regular monthly webinars that provide interactive learning experiences, a feature that CMC Markets lacks. However, both brokers make past webinars available through their searchable archives, allowing learners to access valuable resources anytime. Although both Saxo and CMC Markets are rated highly at 5 stars for education, CMC Markets holds a slightly better rank, positioned at #10 compared to Saxo's #13 in the Education category by ForexBrokers.com. This makes both platforms excellent options for beginners eager to expand their trading knowledge, with Saxo offering additional live learning opportunities through webinars.

Feature Saxo logoSaxo
CMC Markets logoCMC Markets
Education (Forex or CFDs) info Yes Yes
Client Webinars info Yes No
Client Webinars (Archived) info Yes Yes
Videos - Beginner Trading Videos info Yes Yes
Videos - Advanced Trading Videos info Yes Yes
Investor Dictionary (Glossary) 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 Saxo is better than CMC Markets. Saxo finished with an overall rank of #3, while CMC Markets finished with an overall rank of #4.

Saxo is an exclusive multi-asset broker with brilliant research and a superb trading platform experience – as well as a stunning selection of over 40,000 securities.

Feature Saxo logoSaxo
CMC Markets logoCMC Markets
Overall Rating info 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Trust Score info 99 99
Range of Investments 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Commissions & Fees 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Platforms & Tools 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Research 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Mobile Trading 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Education 4/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars

FAQs

Can you trade cryptocurrency with Saxo or CMC Markets?

Both Saxo and CMC Markets do not provide options for purchasing actual (delivered) cryptocurrencies, but they do offer the capability to buy cryptocurrency derivatives.

What funding options does each broker offer?

When comparing online brokers, Saxo does not support ACH or SEPA transfers, PayPal, or Skrill for depositing or withdrawing account funds, whereas CMC Markets provides ACH or SEPA and PayPal options, but neither supports Skrill, with both offering Visa, Mastercard, and bank wire transfers.




announcementPlease 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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Compare

0 of 5
Overall Rating Saxo CMC Markets
Overall Rating info 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Commissions & Fees 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Range of Investments 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Platforms & Tools 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Mobile Trading 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Research 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Education 4/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Trust Score info 99 99
Winner check_circle
Review Saxo Review CMC Markets Review
Broker Screenshots Saxo CMC Markets
Trading Platforms Gallery (click to expand) info
Mobile Trading Gallery (click to expand) info
Research Gallery (click to expand) info
Education Gallery (click to expand) info
Regulation Saxo CMC Markets
Trust Score info 99 99
Year Founded info 1992 1989
Publicly Traded (Listed) info No Yes
Bank info Yes No
Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). info Yes info Yes info
Tier-1 Licenses info 7 5
Tier-2 Licenses info 1 1
Tier-3 Licenses info 0 0
Tier-4 Licenses info 0 0
Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) Saxo CMC Markets
Australia (ASIC Authorised) info Yes Yes
Canada (CIRO Authorised) info No Yes
Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) info Yes No
Japan (SFC Authorised) info Yes No
Singapore (MAS Authorised) info Yes Yes
Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) info Yes No
United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) info Yes Yes
USA (CFTC Authorized) info No No
New Zealand (FMA Authorised) info No Yes
Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). info Yes info Yes info
Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) Saxo CMC Markets
Kenya (CMA Authorised) info No No
Israel (ISA Authorised) info No No
South Africa (FSCA Authorised) info No No
UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) info Yes info Yes
India (SEBI Authorised) info No No
Jordan (JSC Authorised) info No No
Investments Saxo CMC Markets
Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) info Yes Yes
Tradeable Symbols (Total) info 70000 11925
Forex Pairs (Total) info 190 156
U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) info Yes Yes
Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) info Yes Yes
Social Trading / Copy Trading info Yes Yes
Cryptocurrency (Physical) info No No
Cryptocurrency (Derivative) 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 Saxo CMC Markets
Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard info 1.1 info 0.61 info
All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active info 0.9 info 0.51 info
Active Trader or VIP Discounts info Yes Yes
Inactivity Fee info Yes Yes
Execution: Agency Broker info Yes No
Execution: Market Maker info Yes Yes
Funding Saxo CMC Markets
Minimum Deposit info $0 $0
PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) info No Yes
Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) info No No
Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) info Yes Yes
Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) info Yes Yes
ACH or SEPA Transfers info No Yes
Trading Platforms Saxo CMC Markets
Proprietary Platform info Yes Yes
Desktop Platform (Windows) info Yes Yes
Web Platform info Yes Yes
Social Trading / Copy Trading info Yes Yes
MetaTrader 4 (MT4) info No Yes
MetaTrader 5 (MT5) info No Yes
cTrader info No No
DupliTrade info No No
ZuluTrade info No No
Trading Tools Saxo CMC Markets
Virtual Trading (Demo) info Yes Yes
Alerts - Basic Fields info Yes Yes
Watchlists - Total Fields info 60 11
Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) info 64 79
Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) info 20 40
Charting - Trade From Chart info Yes Yes
Charts can be saved info Yes Yes
Mobile Trading Saxo CMC Markets
Android App info Yes Yes
Apple iOS App info Yes Yes
Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields info Yes Yes
Mobile Watchlist info Yes Yes
Watchlist Syncing info Yes Yes
Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies info 64 29
Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines info Yes Yes
Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames info Yes Yes
Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave info Yes Yes
Mobile Economic Calendar info Yes Yes
Research Saxo CMC Markets
Daily Market Commentary info Yes Yes
Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) info Yes Yes
Autochartist info Yes Yes
Trading Central (Recognia) info No No
TipRanks info No No
Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs info Yes Yes
Economic Calendar info Yes Yes
Education Saxo CMC Markets
Education (Forex or CFDs) info Yes Yes
Client Webinars info Yes No
Client Webinars (Archived) info Yes Yes
Videos - Beginner Trading Videos info Yes Yes
Videos - Advanced Trading Videos info Yes Yes
Investor Dictionary (Glossary) info Yes Yes
Major Forex Pairs Saxo CMC Markets
GBP/USD info Yes Yes
USD/JPY info Yes Yes
EUR/USD info Yes Yes
USD/CHF info Yes Yes
USD/CAD info Yes Yes
NZD/USD info Yes Yes
AUD/USD info Yes Yes
Review Saxo Review CMC Markets Review
Overall Saxo CMC Markets
Overall Rating info 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Commissions & Fees 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Range of Investments 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Platforms & Tools 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Mobile Trading 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Research 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Education 4/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Trust Score info 99 99
Winner check_circle
Review Saxo Review CMC Markets Review
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