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Saxo Bank vs CMC Markets (2026): Which Broker Is Actually Better?
We compare Saxo Bank 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: Saxo Bank Wins
After exhaustive side-by-side testing, **Saxo Bank** emerges as the overall winner in this matchup. While CMC Markets remains an excellent choice for advanced chartists & uk spread bettors, Saxo Bank proves superior due to its 71,000+ instruments available and bank-grade security and regulation.
Saxo Bank vs CMC Markets: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1992 | 1989 |
| Overall Rating | 4.6/5.0 | 4.6/5.0 |
| Minimum Deposit | $2,000 | $0 |
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.6 pips | 0.7 pips |
| Maximum Leverage | 1:30 (Retail) | 1:66 (Pro) | 1:30 (Retail) | 1:500 (Pro) |
| MetaTrader 4 | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 | No | No |
| cTrader | No | No |
| TradingView | No | No |
| Copy Trading | No | No |
| Forex Pairs | 185+ | 300+ |
| Deposit Methods | Bank Transfer, Card | Card, Bank Transfer |
| Withdrawal Speed | 1-2 business days | 1-2 business days |
| Execution Type | Market Maker / DMA | Market Maker |
Saxo Bank vs CMC Markets: Fee Breakdown
When comparing the trading costs between Saxo Bank 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. Saxo Bank offers pricing characterized by From $1/lot (Platinum tier) alongside 0.6 pips 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, Saxo Bank provides the superior cost-efficiency curve.
| Fee Type | Saxo Bank | CMC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.6 pips | 0.7 pips |
| Commission Defaults | From $1/lot (Platinum tier) | $0 (Spread only for Forex/Indices CFDs) |
| Execution Model | Market Maker / DMA | Market Maker |
| Deposit Fees | None | None |
| Withdrawal Speed | 1-2 business days | 1-2 business days |
Safety & Regulation: Is Saxo Bank or CMC Markets Safer?
Trust is paramount in forex trading. Both Saxo Bank and CMC Markets are highly regulated entities, but their jurisdictional footprints differ. Saxo Bank is armed with 5 Tier-1 licenses and has been securing client funds since 1992. CMC Markets, licensed since 1989, counters with 4 Tier-1 regulatory bodies overseeing its operations. Saxo Bank holds a slight edge in absolute tier-1 licenses. Both brokers employ strict client fund segregation.
Saxo Bank
Tier 1- Regulators:Danish FSAFCA (UK)ASIC (Australia)MAS (Singapore)FINMA (Switzerland)
- Investor Protection: Up to €100,000 (Danish Guarantee Fund)
- Licensed Since: 1992
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. Saxo Bank equips its clients with SaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPRO, SaxoInvestor. 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 | Saxo Bank | CMC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 | ||
| MetaTrader 5 | ||
| cTrader | ||
| TradingView | ||
| Proprietary Environment | Yes (SaxoTraderGO/PRO) | Yes (Next Generation) |
| Copy Trading Network |
Pros & Cons: Saxo Bank vs CMC Markets
Saxo Bank
Pros
- 71,000+ instruments available
- Bank-grade security and regulation
- Exceptional SaxoTraderPRO platform
- Access to real stocks, bonds, options
- Research from top global providers
Cons
- Very high $2,000 minimum deposit
- Premium pricing structure
- Complex fee tiers
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: Saxo Bank vs CMC Markets
When we place Saxo Bank and CMC Markets side-by-side, we observe two distinct philosophies in client servicing. Saxo Bank, licensed since 1992, has carved out a massive niche focusing on high-net-worth investors & multi-asset traders. Their execution model heavily leans into Market Maker / DMA, and their platform environment highlights SaxoTraderGO.
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 71,000+ instruments available, and you intend to start with a minimum of $2,000, Saxo Bank 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.
Saxo Bank 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