CMC Markets vs IG
Can't decide between CMC Markets and IG? We've put both brokers head-to-head. Compare their spreads, regulation, platforms, and fees below.
Last updated: May 27, 2026
Executive Summary
CMC Markets and IG are both well-established forex brokers, but they serve different types of traders. CMC Markets scores 94/100 in our TrustMetrics™ system, while IG leads with 99/100.
On pricing, both brokers offer competitive 0.7-pip EUR/USD spreads. CMC Markets supports Next Generation, MT4 while IG offers IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, giving IG more platform options.
For regulation, CMC Markets holds licenses from FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS while IG is regulated by FCA, ASIC, CFTC, MAS. Both brokers offer segregated client funds and are considered safe for retail trading.
The Verdicts
Most Trusted
IG scores higher in our TrustMetrics system (99/100) compared to CMC Markets (94/100), making it the safer choice.
Lowest Spreads
Both brokers offer extremely competitive pricing, tying with a 0.7 pip average on EUR/USD.
Best for Beginners
With a lower minimum deposit requirement of $0, CMC Markets is the more accessible option for new traders.
Detailed Comparison
| Feature | CMC Markets | IG |
|---|---|---|
Trust Score Our proprietary safety rating based on regulation and track record. | 94/100 | 99/100 ✓ |
Spreads From The lowest possible spread available on their premium accounts. | 0.7 pips | 0.6 pips |
Avg EUR/USD Spread The typical spread experienced during normal market hours. | 0.7 pips | 0.7 pips |
| Commission | $0 (spread only) | $0 |
Execution Speed The average time it takes for an order to be filled. | < 15ms | 22ms |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:200 |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 ✓ | $250 |
| Instruments | 12,000+ | 17,000+ |
| Account Types | CFD Account, Spread Betting Account | CFD, Spread Betting, DMA |
| Platforms | Next Generation, MT4 | IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer |
| Top Regulators | FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS | FCA, ASIC, CFTC, MAS |
Withdrawal Speed The average processing time before funds hit your account. | 1-3 business days | 1-3 business days |
Inactivity Fee Fees charged if you do not place any trades for a specific period. | $10/month after 12 months | $18 per month (after 24 months) |
| Customer Support | 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone | 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone |
Which Broker Should You Choose?
Choose CMC Markets if...
- ✓You want to start with a very low minimum deposit
- ✓You need access to a massive range of instruments
- ✓Maximum regulatory protection is your top priority
Choose IG if...
- ✓You need access to a massive range of instruments
- ✓You are a beginner and value education and simplicity
- ✓Maximum regulatory protection is your top priority
CMC Markets Overview
Advantages
- ✓ Proprietary Next Generation platform with 115+ technical indicators and pattern recognition
- ✓ 12,000+ instruments including niche indices and treasuries
- ✓ Tax-free spread betting available for UK/Ireland clients
- ✓ Listed on London Stock Exchange (CMCX) — full transparency
- ✓ No minimum deposit requirement
Drawbacks
- × Spreads are wider than raw/ECN competitors on forex
- × No cTrader or MT5 support
- × Limited educational content compared to XM or eToro
- × No copy/social trading features
IG Overview
Advantages
- ✓ Unmatched regulatory trust with 6+ Tier-1 licenses
- ✓ Massive selection of 17,000+ tradable instruments
- ✓ World-class educational resources (IG Academy)
- ✓ Premium proprietary trading platform with guaranteed stops
Drawbacks
- × No MT5 platform available
- × Spreads can be wider than raw ECN competitors
- × High minimum deposit for bank transfers
Algorithmic Deep Dive
Data Updated: Aug 2026🛡️ Safety & Regulation
Tier-1 Licenses
💸 Pricing Economics
⚡ Technical Capabilities & Execution
Platform Support
- MT4✓✓
- MT5✗✗
- cTrader✗✗
- TradingView✗✗
CMC Markets Execution
The Next Generation platform is CMC's crown jewel and the primary reason to choose this broker. It features 115+ technical indicators (more than MT4's default 30), 70+ automatically detected chart patterns with price targets, 12 chart types including Renko and Heikin Ashi, and a unique module linking system that syncs charts, watchlists, and order tickets. The built-in Reuters news feed provides real-time fundamental context. During testing, we found the platform responsive and stable with zero crashes. Order execution averaged under 15ms. The mobile app mirrors the web experience almost perfectly, which is rare for proprietary platforms.
IG Execution
Their proprietary web platform is exceptional. We used it exclusively for a month and found its charting tools and guaranteed stop-loss features (which protect you from catastrophic slippage) to be industry-leading. If you prefer MetaTrader, MT4 is available, though oddly, MT5 is missing from their lineup.
The Bottom Line: CMC Markets vs IG
- ✓ Advanced Charting
- ✓ Spread Betting (UK)
- ✓ Pattern Recognition
- ✓ UK & European Traders
- ✓ Technical Analysis
- ✓ Equally competitive EUR/USD spreads (0.7 pips)
- ✓ No minimum deposit
- ✓ Instrument Variety
- ✓ Regulatory Trust
- ✓ Research
- ✓ UK Traders
- ✓ Equally competitive EUR/USD spreads (0.7 pips)
Both brokers are featured in our top broker rankings. Your choice should depend on your specific trading style, preferred platform, and geographical location.
Related Content
Broker Match Quiz
Find the perfect forex broker based on your trading style and preferences.
Why Cent Accounts are Better Than Demo Trading for Beginners
Learn why starting with a micro or Cent account is mathematically and psychologically superior to paper trading on a demo account.
High Leverage Forex Trading: The Math Behind 1:1000 Leverage
What does 1:1000 leverage actually mean? A deep dive into the mathematics of margin requirements, capital efficiency, and risk of ruin.
Funding Your Trading Account with Crypto (USDT, BTC, ETH)
Why savvy traders are bypassing traditional banks to fund their brokerage accounts with Tether (USDT), Bitcoin, and Ethereum.