Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of CMC Markets vs Xtrade, 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 comparing CMC Markets and Xtrade, a few key points emerge about their regulatory standings and trust levels. CMC Markets, established in 1989, stands out with a flawless Trust Score of 99 according to ForexBrokers.com. This reflects its extensive regulatory coverage with six Tier-1 licenses, showcasing a high level of trust and credibility. Additionally, CMC Markets holds a Tier-2 license, further enhancing its reliability. The company is publicly traded, which adds an extra layer of transparency for its users. On the other hand, Xtrade, founded in 2003, holds a Trust Score of 74, indicating an average risk. It has acquired one Tier-1 and one Tier-2 license, indicating a more modest level of trust compared to CMC Markets. Unlike CMC Markets, Xtrade is not publicly traded, which might affect its perceived transparency.
Both CMC Markets and Xtrade are not banks, but their contrasting levels of regulation and public listing status might influence users' decisions based on their preferences for credibility and trust. CMC Markets' longstanding presence and numerous high-trust licenses might appeal to those prioritizing regulatory compliance and transparency. In contrast, Xtrade provides a more moderate option with a focus on essential regulatory adherence, potentially catering to individuals comfortable with average-risk investments.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Xtrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1989 | 2003 |
| 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 | 1 |
Looking to keep trading costs low? CMC Markets tops our list for commissions and fees with a 5-star rating and a #1 ranking (out of 63), while Xtrade holds a 2.5-star rating and is ranked #64. CMC’s pricing is transparent and consistently competitive, whereas Xtrade does not provide average spread data, making quick cost comparisons harder.
CMC Markets’ typical EUR/USD spread was 0.61 pips (August 2023). Its FX Active plan charges $2.50 per side with minimum spreads from 0.0, producing an all-in cost of about 0.5 pips on EUR/USD (and several other majors). For example, NZD/USD can drop from a 1.5‑pip spread on a standard account to an all‑in 0.5 pips with FX Active. CMC’s averages have historically stayed close to its quoted minimums, and its Price Plus Scheme can reduce costs further for high-volume traders (earn 2 Trading Points per standard lot; 1,250 lots in a month reaches Tier 4 with a 20% spread discount). FX Active is available on MT4 and Next Generation in select regions.
Xtrade’s average spread data is not available, which limits clarity around day-to-day costs. Its commissions-and-fees rating is 2.5 stars with a #64 ranking. When comparing brokers, focus on average spreads (not just minimums), plus any commissions and overnight financing, and check live quotes in your platform before you trade.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Xtrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $250 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.3 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.65 | N/A |
| 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 far wider range of investments than Xtrade. You can trade 12,029 symbols at CMC Markets versus 482 at Xtrade, including 141 forex pairs at CMC Markets and 56 at Xtrade. Both brokers support forex trading, available as CFDs or spot. Only CMC Markets lets clients buy exchange-traded shares directly (not CFDs) on U.S. exchanges and on international markets—for example, Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) and Vodafone (LSE: VOD). Neither broker lets you buy the underlying cryptocurrencies, but both offer crypto derivatives. CMC Markets also supports copy trading, while Xtrade does not.
Independent ratings back up the difference in choice: CMC Markets earns 5 stars and ranks #9 out of 63 brokers for Range of Investments on ForexBrokers.com, while Xtrade earns 3.5 stars and ranks #50. If you want the broadest selection across forex, shares, and CFDs, CMC Markets is the stronger pick; if you only need a simpler lineup, Xtrade covers the essentials.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Xtrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 12029 | 482 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 141 | 56 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No |
| 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 Xtrade both offer free paper trading with demo accounts and run proprietary, web-based platforms. If you need a downloadable desktop platform, only CMC Markets provides a Windows app; Xtrade is browser-only. CMC Markets also supports MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) and offers copy trading, while Xtrade does not support MT4/MT5 and doesn’t offer copy trading. Neither broker connects to DupliTrade or ZuluTrade.
Both platforms let you trade directly from a chart. For charting tools, Xtrade lists more drawing tools (100) than CMC Markets (36), while CMC Markets provides more watch list fields (11 vs 9). In independent reviews of trading platforms and tools, CMC Markets earned 5 stars and ranked #4 of 63 brokers, compared with Xtrade’s 3.5 stars and #59 ranking—making CMC Markets the stronger choice for platform features and integrations.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Xtrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | No |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | No |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | No |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 73 | N/A |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 36 | 100 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 9 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Comparing CMC Markets vs Xtrade for mobile trading, both brokers offer native iPhone and Android apps. Beyond basic access, CMC Markets includes far more in-app trading tools: 29 technical studies, the ability to draw trendlines, switch between intraday, daily, and weekly views, and auto-saving for chart drawings. CMC Markets also supports price alerts, real-time quote watchlists, and watchlist syncing between mobile and web. By contrast, Xtrade does not offer price alerts, does not sync watchlists, and does not support trendline drawing, multiple time frames, auto-saving drawings, or real-time quote watchlists; its app does not list technical studies.
Independent ratings back up the feature gap: CMC Markets earns 5 stars and ranks #5 out of 63 brokers for Mobile Trading Apps on ForexBrokers.com, while Xtrade receives 4 stars and ranks #54. If you value strong charting, alerts, and seamless watchlist management, CMC Markets is the more feature-rich choice; if you only need basic mobile access to your account, Xtrade can suffice.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Xtrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | No |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 29 | N/A |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | No |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
CMC Markets vs Xtrade: both brokers cover the basics for market research with daily market commentary, forex news from top-tier sources (Bloomberg, Reuters, Dow Jones), and an economic calendar that tracks global events. Where they differ is in tools. CMC Markets adds Autochartist for pattern spotting and trade ideas, plus a sentiment tool that shows the long/short ratio across markets. Xtrade lacks Autochartist and does not provide a sentiment gauge. Neither broker includes Trading Central, TipRanks, or Acuity Trading.
On quality, CMC Markets is rated 5 stars and ranks #6 out of 63 brokers for research, while Xtrade holds 3.5 stars and ranks #53. If you want richer built-in analysis and sentiment insights, CMC Markets is the stronger pick. If your priority is basic news and an event calendar, Xtrade covers the essentials.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Xtrade
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | No |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When evaluating the educational resources for beginners between CMC Markets and Xtrade, you’ll notice some key differences. Both platforms provide an extensive range of educational materials focused on forex and CFDs, including more than ten articles, videos, and webinars. However, CMC Markets takes a notable lead by offering a searchable archive of past webinars, allowing new and seasoned traders alike to access useful insights and strategies at their own pace. On the flip side, Xtrade falls short in this area, lacking such a resource for its users.
Further setting them apart, CMC Markets excels with a wide variety of beginner and advanced educational videos, designed specifically to support learners at different stages of their trading journey. While both platforms offer an investor dictionary with more than 50 key trading terms, CMC Markets garners a superior rating of 5 stars for education, compared to Xtrade's 3.5 stars. Ranked as a top educational provider by ForexBrokers.com, CMC Markets holds the #10 spot among 63 brokers, whereas Xtrade is positioned at #46, reflecting a more modest offering in terms of educational resources.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Xtrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | No | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| 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 Xtrade. CMC Markets finished with an overall rank of #4, while Xtrade finished with an overall rank of #60.
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
|
Xtrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 74 |
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Both CMC Markets and Xtrade do not provide the option to buy actual delivered cryptocurrency, but they do offer the ability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
CMC Markets supports ACH and SEPA transfers, offers both PayPal and card transactions via Visa or Mastercard, and accepts bank wires, while Xtrade provides options for Skrill, accepts Visa or Mastercard, and bank wire transactions, but lacks support for ACH, SEPA transfers, and PayPal.
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 | Xtrade | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 74 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | CMC Markets Review | Xtrade Review |
| Broker Screenshots | CMC Markets | Xtrade | |
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| Regulation | CMC Markets | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 74 | |
| Year Founded | 1989 | 2003 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 6 | 1 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | CMC Markets | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| 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 | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | CMC Markets | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 12029 | 482 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 141 | 56 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No | |
| 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 | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.3 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.65 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | CMC Markets | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $250 | |
| 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 | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | No | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | No | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | No | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | CMC Markets | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | No | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 9 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 73 | N/A | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 36 | 100 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | No |
| Mobile Trading | CMC Markets | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | No | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 29 | N/A | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | No |
| Research | CMC Markets | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | CMC Markets | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | No | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | CMC Markets | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Xtrade Review |
| Overall | CMC Markets | Xtrade | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 74 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | CMC Markets Review | Xtrade Review |
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