Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of CMC Markets vs VT 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.
When it comes to choosing an online broker, CMC Markets and VT Markets are two names that often come up. Founded in 1989, CMC Markets is a publicly traded entity, which adds a layer of transparency and reliability for investors. In contrast, VT Markets, established in 2016, is not publicly traded. Neither of the brokers operate as banks, focusing their efforts on providing trading services. CMC Markets stands out with a perfect Trust Score of 99 from ForexBrokers.com, indicating the highest level of trust, while VT Markets holds a Trust Score of 70, considered as average risk.
Examining regulatory credentials reveals further distinctions. CMC Markets is backed by six Tier-1 licenses, which are highly trusted, and one Tier-2 license, marking it as a heavily regulated and secure option for traders. Meanwhile, VT Markets holds only one Tier-1 license and one Tier-2 license, offering a comparatively lower level of regulatory assurance. These differences in regulatory status and trust scores may guide investors in selecting the broker that best fits their needs.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1989 | 2016 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 6 | 1 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
CMC Markets is the clear winner on costs: it holds a 5-star Commissions and Fees rating and ranks #1 of 63 brokers with ForexBrokers.com’s 2025 awards. VT Markets earns 4.5 stars and ranks #21 of 63. Both aim to keep trading affordable, but CMC Markets generally delivers lower all-in costs across more scenarios.
CMC Markets’ typical EUR/USD spread was 0.61 pips (Aug 2023). Its FX Active plan adds a $2.50 per side commission to razor-thin spreads (minimum 0.0), producing a 0.5 pip all-in cost on EUR/USD and several other pairs (based on Aug 2023 data). Example: NZD/USD is about 1.5 pips on the standard account, but drops to 0.5 pips all-in with FX Active. FX Active is available in Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the U.K. on MT4 and Next Generation. CMC also offers the Price Plus Scheme for active traders, where Trading Points can reduce spreads; you earn 2 points per standard lot (100k units), and hitting Tier 4 (e.g., 1,250 lots in a month) unlocks a 20% spread discount. Importantly, CMC’s averages tend to stay close to its advertised minimums, supporting its low-cost reputation.
VT Markets keeps things simple with two accounts and a low $100 minimum deposit. The Standard STP account is commission-free with a typical EUR/USD spread of 1.2 pips. The Raw ECN account is more competitive for active traders: its effective EUR/USD spread was 0.83 pips, based on a 0.23-pip average spread plus a 0.6-pip round-turn commission (Sep 2021). In short, VT’s Raw ECN pricing is in line with industry norms, while the Standard STP pricing is less sharp; by contrast, CMC Markets typically comes in cheaper for spread-sensitive and high-volume traders. Ratings and ranks: CMC Markets — 5 stars, #1/63; VT Markets — 4.5 stars, #21/63.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $100 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.3 | 1.2 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.65 | 0.8 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No |
| 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 offers a much wider range of investments than VT Markets. You can trade 12,029 instruments at CMC Markets, including 141 forex pairs, compared with 1,000 instruments and 39 forex pairs at VT Markets. Both brokers support forex trading as CFDs/spot contracts, enable copy trading, and let you trade crypto via derivatives; neither lets you buy actual, delivered cryptocurrency. A key difference is stocks: CMC Markets provides access to exchange-traded shares on both U.S. and international exchanges, while VT Markets supports exchange-traded shares on international markets only (no U.S. share dealing).
For breadth of choice, ratings reflect the gap: CMC Markets earns 5 stars and ranks #9 out of 63 brokers for Range of Investments, while VT Markets holds 3.5 stars and ranks #40. If you want the most symbols, more currency pairs, and the ability to buy U.S. and overseas shares (not just CFDs), CMC Markets is the stronger pick; VT Markets may suit traders who only need a smaller menu and plan to trade mainly CFDs, forex, and crypto derivatives.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 12029 | 1000 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 141 | 39 |
| 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). | 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.
CMC Markets and VT Markets both check key boxes for platform access and ease of use. Each offers free demo (paper) trading, Windows desktop and web-based platforms, plus MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5). Copy trading is available with both brokers, while DupliTrade and ZuluTrade are not supported. A major difference is that CMC Markets provides a proprietary, in-house platform, whereas VT Markets relies on third-party platforms. Both let you trade directly from charts for quicker order placement.
When it comes to tools, CMC Markets lists 36 drawing tools versus 30 at VT Markets, and its watchlists support 11 data columns compared with 7 at VT Markets. The number of built-in technical indicators wasn’t specified for either broker. Independent ratings favor CMC Markets: it earns 5 stars for Trading Platforms and Tools and ranks #4 out of 63 brokers at ForexBrokers.com, while VT Markets holds 4 stars and ranks #48. If you want an in-house platform and more tools for analysis, CMC Markets stands out; if you mainly need MT4/MT5, copy trading, and core features, VT Markets covers the essentials.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No |
| 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) | 73 | 15 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 36 | 30 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
CMC Markets and VT Markets both offer iPhone and Android trading apps with stock and forex price alerts and real-time quote watchlists. For charting, each app lets you draw trendlines and switch among intraday, daily, and weekly time frames. VT Markets edges CMC Markets on indicators with 30 technical studies versus 29. One practical difference: CMC Markets automatically saves your chart drawings, while VT Markets does not.
Cross-device convenience also differs. CMC Markets syncs watchlist symbols between the mobile app and your online account; VT Markets does not. In testing by ForexBrokers.com, the CMC Markets mobile app earned 5 out of 5 stars and ranked 5th out of 63 brokers, while VT Markets received 4 out of 5 stars and ranked 45th. If seamless syncing and saved annotations matter most, CMC Markets stands out; if you prefer slightly more built-in indicators and can manage without syncing or auto-save, VT Markets may fit.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 29 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
CMC Markets and VT Markets both cover the essentials for market research: each provides daily market commentary, premium forex news from top-tier sources, a sentiment tool showing long/short positioning, and an economic calendar. Where they differ is in the analysis tools they plug in. CMC Markets includes Autochartist for pattern and setup ideas, but does not offer Trading Central. VT Markets flips that: it integrates Trading Central, but not Autochartist.
For extra research providers, CMC Markets does not include TipRanks or Acuity Trading, while VT Markets’ use of TipRanks or Acuity Trading isn’t clearly stated. In independent ratings, CMC Markets earns 5 stars and ranks #6 out of 63 brokers for Research, while VT Markets scores 3.5 stars and ranks #37. If you’re comparing CMC Markets vs VT Markets for market research, CMC Markets leads on overall recognition and score, whereas VT Markets may appeal if you specifically want Trading Central alongside the core research basics.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
For beginner traders comparing education from CMC Markets and VT Markets, both brokers cover the basics. Each offers at least 10 forex and CFD lessons across articles and videos, plus a dictionary with 50+ investing terms to decode jargon. Both also provide at least 10 beginner video lessons. Neither hosts monthly live client webinars right now; however, CMC Markets offers a searchable archive of past webinars, while VT Markets does not.
CMC Markets goes further for learners who want to advance, with at least 10 advanced trading videos. VT Markets lacks that deeper library. This gap shows in third-party scores: ForexBrokers.com rates CMC Markets 5 stars for Education and ranks it #10 out of 63 brokers, while VT Markets earns 3.5 stars and ranks #56. If you want beginner education with room to grow, CMC Markets is the stronger choice; for basic learning materials, VT Markets still delivers the essentials.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
VT 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 | No |
| 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 VT Markets. CMC Markets finished with an overall rank of #4, while VT Markets finished with an overall rank of #44.
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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VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 70 |
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CMC Markets and VT Markets both provide the capability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives, but neither platform offers the option to purchase actual, delivered cryptocurrencies.
CMC Markets offers ACH or SEPA transfers, PayPal, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wires for deposits or withdrawals, while VT Markets supports Skrill, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wires but does not offer ACH, SEPA transfers, or PayPal for account 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 | VT Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 70 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | CMC Markets Review | VT Markets Review |
| Broker Screenshots | CMC Markets | VT Markets | |
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| Regulation | CMC Markets | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 70 | |
| Year Founded | 1989 | 2016 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 6 | 1 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | CMC Markets | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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) | |||
| 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 | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | |||
| 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) |
| Investments | CMC Markets | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 12029 | 1000 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 141 | 39 | |
| 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). | 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 | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.3 | 1.2 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.65 | 0.8 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | CMC Markets | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No | |
| 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 | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 73 | 15 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 36 | 30 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | CMC Markets | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 29 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | CMC Markets | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | ||
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | CMC Markets | VT 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 | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | CMC Markets | VT 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 | VT Markets Review |
| Overall | CMC Markets | VT Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 70 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | CMC Markets Review | VT Markets Review |
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