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CMC Markets Review
A large, LSE-listed UK broker offering forex, CFDs and spread betting with an award-winning proprietary platform and thousands of markets.
Best for
- UK/EU CFD & spread-betting traders
- Advanced platform users
- Broad market access
Not best for
- You're a US resident
- You want simple share investing only
- You dislike leverage
Our verdict & scoring
CMC Markets is a long-established, publicly listed UK broker known for its powerful Next Generation platform, tight spreads and a very broad range of CFD and spread-betting markets. It's a strong choice for serious UK/EU leveraged traders; CFDs are not available to US retail traders.
Scores are based on our review methodology. Affiliate relationships do not buy higher ratings.
Who should actually use CMC Markets
CMC Markets is built for UK/EU CFD and spread-betting traders who want a powerful platform and a very wide range of markets. Advanced users get the award-winning Next Generation platform and tight spreads across forex, indices, commodities and share CFDs. It's the wrong fit for US residents (CFDs are barred for US retail), for people who only want simple share investing, or for anyone uncomfortable with leverage.
What we'd change
These are leveraged, high-risk products, and the platform's depth carries a real learning curve for newcomers. The cost picture also needs attention: overnight financing on positions, commissions on share CFDs and an inactivity fee can all apply.
How it compares to IG
CMC Markets and IG are close rivals: both are large, LSE-listed, FCA-regulated UK brokers with award-winning proprietary platforms, tight spreads, thousands of markets and UK spread betting. Regulation and breadth are comparable, so the decision usually comes down to platform feel (Next Generation vs IG's platform) and the specific spreads on the markets you trade. Both are US-restricted.
Pros
- Award-winning platform
- Thousands of markets
- Listed and well-regulated
Cons
- Leveraged products are high-risk
- US-restricted
- Platform depth has a learning curve
Fees & hidden costs explained
Spread-based (with commission on share CFDs); overnight financing on leveraged positions.
Safety, regulation & availability
UK: CMC Markets UK plc is FCA-authorised (FRN 173730) and the group is LSE-listed. EU: regulated entities with ESMA leverage caps and negative-balance protection. Not available to US retail traders for CFDs.
Account protection: UK: FSCS protection up to £85,000 (eligibility varies by product/entity).
Available to retail traders in:
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Frequently asked questions
Is CMC Markets regulated?
Yes — CMC Markets UK plc is FCA-authorised (FRN 173730) and the group is listed on the London Stock Exchange. UK clients have FSCS protection up to £85,000, with eligibility varying by product and entity.
Can US residents use CMC Markets?
No — CFDs are not available to US retail traders. CMC Markets serves UK and EU clients.
How does CMC Markets charge?
Pricing is spread-based, with commissions on share CFDs and overnight financing on leveraged positions. An inactivity fee can also apply.
Does CMC Markets offer a demo account?
Yes — CMC Markets provides a demo/paper-trading account to practise before funding.
What is spread betting on CMC Markets?
Spread betting is a leveraged product CMC Markets offers to UK clients (shown under its supported assets as 'Spread Betting (UK)'). It carries the same high-risk profile as CFDs.
Official sources
Risk warning: Trading stocks, options, futures, forex, crypto, CFDs and funded accounts involves risk. You can lose money. This website is educational only and does not provide financial, investment, tax or legal advice.
Leverage, volatility, fees, spreads, liquidity and platform rules can increase losses.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you click some links on our site. This does not cost you extra. Our comparisons are educational and transparent, and our rankings are not affected by commissions.