Are you confused about whether to choose CMC Markets vs Hargreaves Lansdown as a broker for your investing needs?
In this side-by-side comparison, we analyse CMC Markets vs Hargreaves Lansdown 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 Hargreaves Lansdown: 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).
Reliability and security (UK investors only)
Hargreaves Lansdown is one of the biggest UK platforms for individual investors. It serves more than 1.5 million clients with over £120 billion AUMs.
You will find the most relevant financial instruments (Stocks, ETF, funds,…). It’s a bit pricey, but it makes up for it by being one of the most reliable brokers.
It is well-established, secure and regulated by the FCA. The customer service is market-leading, and their educational resources are superb.
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"
Hargreaves Lansdown
Pros
- Excellent research and educational tools
- Great customer service
- No inactivity fee
- No withdrawal fee
- No minimum deposit
- High reliability and security
- Listed in the FTSE 100 index
- Has ISA, SIPP, and other products and services catered to british investors
Cons
- High trading commissions (UK and overseas shares, investment trusts, ETFs, gilts and bonds)
- Annual account charges for funds (up to 0.45%)
- No demo account
- Only one base currency: GBP
- High currency conversion fee (up to 1%)
CMC Markets vs Hargreaves Lansdown: 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.
