Are you confused about whether to choose CMC Markets vs Freetrade as a broker for your investing needs?
In this side-by-side comparison, we analyse CMC Markets vs Freetrade to help you understand how these apps compare on some of the most common features and make a better-informed decision about the best broker for you.
Below, you’ll find the pros and cons of each broker, as well as a comparison table that features the different fees charged, the financial instruments supported, the regulation, and more. Keep reading!
CMC Markets vs Freetrade: In a Nutshell
CFDs and spread betting
CMC Markets (CMC) is a well-established, publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange (LSE), and highly regarded UK forex and CFD broker.
At the core of CMC Markets’ offerings is its advanced trading platform called “Next Generation”, which provides traders with powerful tools and features to execute trades efficiently.
CMC Markets offers a wide array of financial instruments, both CFDs and spread betting, across several different asset classes (shares, indices, commodities, forex, and cryptocurrencies).
UK investors looking for a cheap ISA/SIPP
Freetrade is a commission-free UK stockbroker. It is an excellent choice for investors looking to build a long-term portfolio of stocks and ETFs with low fees.
They operate under a freemium (free+premium) business model. As you go up the pricing plans, users get extra features, such as ISA and SIPP, 3% interest on cash, and more.
Although Freetrade is only available for UK residents, the company plans to expand to Europe (you can follow the all-new developments here).
Pros and Cons
CMC Markets
Pros
- Listed in the London Stock Exchange (higher financials transparency)
- Spread betting (Ireland and UK only)
- High track record (since 1989)
- Valuable educaiton tools
- Good customer service
- No minimum deposit
Cons
- Doesn't accept US residents
- High CFD spreads for some stocks and indices
- Limited funding methods
- No offer of real stocks and ETFs, options and bonds: only available through "CMC Invest"
Freetrade
Pros
- Free stock and ETF trading
- GIA, ISA, and SIPP
- No inactivity, account, or withdrawal fees
- No minimum deposit
- Great community (forum) – where users share ideas and learn about investing
- Nice and user-friendly app
Cons
- Limited asset classes (only stocks, ETFs, REITs, and investment trusts)
- Limited research and education
- Graphs and portfolio tracking still need some development
- No web or desktop platform yet (Beta version in Plus)
- No phone support – however, live chat support is very fast and efficient
- No 24/7 support
CMC Markets vs Freetrade: Side-by-side Comparison
- General Information
- Founded in
- Demo Account
- Account Minimum
- Interest on unninvested cash (annually)
- Products
- Stocks
- ETFs
- Bonds
- Funds
- Options
- Futures
- CFDs
- Leverage Products
- Forex
- Cryptocurrencies
- Commodities
- Fees
- US stocks
- EU stocks
- ETFs
- Cryptocurrencies
- Custody Fee
- Inactivity Fee
- Withdrawal Fee
- Connectivity Fee
- Currency Conversion Fee
- Security
- Regulators
- Investor Compensation Scheme(per person, per institution)
Franklin is a CFA Level III Candidate with 3 years of experience in Wealth Management as a Fund Research Analyst and the Host of the "Edge Over Hedge" YouTube Channel.
