Are you confused about whether to choose CMC Markets vs Interactive Brokers as a broker for your investing needs?
In this side-by-side comparison, we analyse CMC Markets vs Interactive Brokers 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 Interactive Brokers: 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).
Every investor (best overall)
Interactive Brokers is a global online broker and publicly listed company which surpassed major financial crises, showing resilience and a rigorous risk management process.
It offers an advanced investment platform that includes a wide range of products (stocks, options, mutual funds, ETFs, futures, bonds, and currencies) from 150 markets.
Beginners and intermediate investors have educational tools to explore, but the learning curve will be steep. Interactive Brokers also launched IBKR GlobalTrader, a modern mobile trading app to trade Stocks, Options and ETFs.
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"
Interactive Brokers
Pros
- Low commissions on US stock trading (for EUR based accounts)
- No monthly inactivity fee
- The broadest product and markets range in the brokerage industry
- Demo account
- Excellent reputation (founded in 1978)
- Extensive research and Education tools
- Has a modern mobile trading app to trade Stocks, Options and ETFs, ideal for novice investors, IBKR GlobalTrader.
Cons
- Complicated and lengthy account opening process (but fully online)
- Steeper learning curve for beginners
- Website is difficult to navigate
- Interactive Advisors (Robo-advisor feature) is only available for US customers
CMC Markets vs Interactive Brokers: 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.
