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IG vs CMC Markets (2026): Which Broker Is Actually Better?
We compare IG against CMC Markets across spreads, regulations, platforms, and trading costs. Read our algorithmic breakdown and expert verdict to find out which broker suits your trading style in 2026.
Verdict: IG Wins
After exhaustive side-by-side testing, **IG** emerges as the overall winner in this matchup. While CMC Markets remains an excellent choice for advanced chartists & uk spread bettors, IG proves superior due to its publicly traded (ftse 250) with exceptional financial stability and access to over 17,000 global markets.
IG vs CMC Markets: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1974 | 1989 |
| Overall Rating | 4.7/5.0 | 4.6/5.0 |
| Minimum Deposit | $250 ($0 bank transfer) | $0 |
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.6 pips (Standard) | 0.7 pips |
| Maximum Leverage | 1:30 (Retail UK/EU) | 1:200 (Pro) | 1:30 (Retail) | 1:500 (Pro) |
| MetaTrader 4 | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 | No | No |
| cTrader | No | No |
| TradingView | No | No |
| Copy Trading | No | No |
| Forex Pairs | 80+ | 300+ |
| Deposit Methods | Bank Transfer, Credit/Debit Card | Card, Bank Transfer |
| Withdrawal Speed | 2-5 business days | 1-2 business days |
| Execution Type | Market Maker (+ DMA routing available) | Market Maker |
IG vs CMC Markets: Fee Breakdown
When comparing the trading costs between IG and CMC Markets, it's essential to look beyond just the advertised spreads. We must factor in commissions, swap rates, and non-trading fees like deposit or inactivity charges. IG offers pricing characterized by $0 (Built into spread for Forex) alongside 0.6 pips (Standard) spreads. In contrast, CMC Markets utilizes a model with $0 (Spread only for Forex/Indices CFDs) and 0.7 pips spreads. For active, high-volume traders, IG provides the superior cost-efficiency curve.
| Fee Type | IG | CMC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.6 pips (Standard) | 0.7 pips |
| Commission Defaults | $0 (Built into spread for Forex) | $0 (Spread only for Forex/Indices CFDs) |
| Execution Model | Market Maker (+ DMA routing available) | Market Maker |
| Deposit Fees | None | None |
| Withdrawal Speed | 2-5 business days | 1-2 business days |
Safety & Regulation: Is IG or CMC Markets Safer?
Trust is paramount in forex trading. Both IG and CMC Markets are highly regulated entities, but their jurisdictional footprints differ. IG is armed with 5 Tier-1 licenses and has been securing client funds since 1974. CMC Markets, licensed since 1989, counters with 4 Tier-1 regulatory bodies overseeing its operations. IG holds a slight edge in absolute tier-1 licenses. Both brokers employ strict client fund segregation.
IG
Tier 1- Regulators:FCA (UK)ASIC (Australia)CFTC/NFA (USA)FINMA (Switzerland)MAS (Singapore)
- Investor Protection: £85,000 (FSCS UK)
- Licensed Since: 1974
CMC Markets
Tier 1- Regulators:FCA (UK)ASIC (Australia)BaFin (Germany)MAS (Singapore)
- Investor Protection: £85,000 (FSCS UK)
- Licensed Since: 1989
Platform & Tools Comparison
The software you trade on dictates your execution speed and analytical depth. Both brokers provide industry stalwarts, but divergencies exist. IG equips its clients with IG Platform, L2 Dealer, ProRealTime, MT4. CMC Markets, on the other hand, grants access to Next Generation, MT4. If you rely on third-party EA automation, this section heavily dictates your broker choice.
| Feature | IG | CMC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 | ||
| MetaTrader 5 | ||
| cTrader | ||
| TradingView | ||
| Proprietary Environment | Yes (Next Generation) | |
| Copy Trading Network |
Pros & Cons: IG vs CMC Markets
IG
Pros
- Publicly traded (FTSE 250) with exceptional financial stability
- Access to over 17,000 global markets
- Industry-leading proprietary web and mobile platform
- Accepts US clients via IG US
- ProRealTime charting is fantastic for technical analysis
Cons
- Does not offer MetaTrader 5 (MT5)
- Stock CFD commissions can be high
- Customer service can be impersonal for smaller accounts
CMC Markets
Pros
- Award-winning Next Generation platform
- 12,000+ instruments
- No minimum deposit
- Excellent charting with 115+ indicators
- Listed on LSE
Cons
- No MT5 or cTrader
- Inactivity fee after 12 months
- No copy trading feature
Expert Verdict: IG vs CMC Markets
When we place IG and CMC Markets side-by-side, we observe two distinct philosophies in client servicing. IG, licensed since 1974, has carved out a massive niche focusing on professional traders, us traders & comprehensive market access. Their execution model heavily leans into Market Maker (+ DMA routing available), and their platform environment highlights IG Platform.
Conversely, CMC Markets, operational out of London, UK, has architected its infrastructure predominantly for advanced chartists & uk spread bettors. Their $0 (Spread only for Forex/Indices CFDs) commission structure combined with 0.7 pips spreads makes them a formidable competitor.
The Bottom Line: If your primary directive is publicly traded (ftse 250) with exceptional financial stability, and you intend to start with a minimum of $250 ($0 bank transfer), IG is the logical path forward. If, however, you value award-winning next generation platform and require Next Generation, CMC Markets edges out the competition and earns our recommendation.
IG vs CMC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
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Risk Warning: Forex and CFD trading involves significant risk of loss. 68–80% 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.|Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive compensation from the brokers listed on this page. This does not influence our rankings or reviews, which are based on independent analysis.
Comparison data updated February 2026. Broker terms, spreads, and conditions vary by region and account type. See our methodology | Full Disclaimer | Privacy Policy