The CMC Markets demo account functions as a trading simulation platform that replicates real market conditions using virtual funds. CMC Markets provides this tool to help users practice trading strategies without financial risk. The demo account offers access to both the proprietary CMC Markets platform and MetaTrader 4 (MT4), allowing users to engage with various markets, including forex, commodities, indices, and shares. Users receive a virtual balance of $10,000 to place trades in real-time market conditions.
The demo account provides unlimited access to most tradable instruments, except for global equity markets, which expire after 30 days. Users can explore leverage up to 1:200 for certain asset classes, depending on market conditions. The platform supports technical analysis tools, charting capabilities, and order execution features identical to live trading environments. Educational resources, including tutorials and market insights, help users refine trading techniques. Customer support remains available for assistance with platform navigation and functionality.
CMC Markets allows users to keep demo accounts open indefinitely, except for share trading access, which requires renewal every month for UK and Italy-based assets. Unlike a live account, the demo does not involve real capital, commissions, or slippage, ensuring risk-free practice. To transition to live trading, users must complete identity verification and fund their accounts. The demo environment remains accessible even after opening a live account, enabling traders to test strategies before applying them to real capital.
How to open a CMC Markets demo account?
There are four steps to open a CMC Markets demo account. These are to visit the CMC Markets’ website, fill the registration form, verify your profile and login into the demo account. The different steps to open a CMC Markets demo account are listed below.
First, visit the CMC Markets’ website. To open a CMC Markets demo account you must visit the CMC Markets website, and then click the “Create account” button (78% of retail investor accounts lose money when spread betting and/or trading CFDs with this provider.). Following that, you will get different options to choose from that may change depending on the country you are residing in. The CFD demo account of CMC Markets is always available worldwide as you can see from the website popup.
Second, fill the CMC Markets registration form. The next step is filling in the registration form with an email and a password. Once you have done that, you’ll be asked to choose between the demo accounts available. Usually the CFD demo account is always available worldwide. Other account types such as the CMC Spread Betting account are restricted depending on the country.
In some countries, the broker will first ask your country, then will ask to choose between trading on MT4 or their CMC Proprietary Platform.
Third, verify your profile. Once you submit the registration form, you will get an email with your account information on it. Then you will be sent a code to verify your email address.
Fourth, login into the demo account. Once your account is verified, you can start trading. CMC Markets should automatically redirect you to the webtrader platform, but in case it doesn’t, simply use the login credentials provided at the time of registration. CMC Markets also offers MT4, so for all traders who want to, it will also be possible to download this platform. However, you will have to use specific login credentials provided by the broker.
What are the features of the CMC Markets demo account?
The features of the CMC Markets demo account are listed below.
- Trading Platforms: The CMC Markets demo account offers access to both the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform and CMC Markets’ proprietary trading platform.
- Virtual Money: The CMC Markets demo account provides £10,000 of virtual funds for users to practice trading.
- Tradable Instruments: The CMC Markets platform demo account provides practice trading across 12,000+ instruments, such as FX, indices, and commodities, while the MT4 platform demo account gives access to 220+ instruments. Access to global equity markets expires after 30 days.
- Leverage: CMC Markets offers leverage up to 1:200 for retail clients.
- Time Limit: Users can keep their demo accounts open as long as they like. Access to shares on the demo account is limited to 30 days. UK and Italy shares demo subscriptions are available for the current calendar month only.
- Educational Resources: The CMC Markets demo account includes educational resources to help users improve their trading skills.
- Trading Strategies: The CMC Markets demo account allows users to test trading strategies and techniques in a risk-free environment.
- Customer Support: Customer support is available for CMC Markets demo account users to provide assistance through various channels such as live chat.
The CMC Markets demo account main features and characteristics are detailed in the table below.
| CMC Markets Demo Account | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Demo available | Yes |
| Trial duration | Unlimited |
| Demo platforms | MT4, Next Generation Platform |
| Virtual money amount | $10,000 |
| Customizable features | Yes |
What is the difference between a live and demo CMC Markets account?
The differences between CMC Markets demo and live accounts involve real vs. virtual funds and the presence of trading psychology in live trading. CMC Markets demo accounts simulate trading conditions but can’t replicate the emotional impact of real money. Slippage is present in live CMC Markets accounts but not in demo.
In demo accounts, traders practice with virtual money without the fear of losses, while in live accounts, traders operate with real money. This involves financial risks, as losses have a direct impact on traders’ capital.
Demo accounts try to replicate real market conditions, but factors such as commissions and slippage can lead to differences in the market execution compared to live trading. When trading in real, the lack of liquidity can produce differences between the requested order price and the order’s execution price, known as Slippage. When price changes quickly, your order can be executed at a different price compared to when the order was opened. Slippage will not happen in a demo account because it’s filled with virtual money.
In live accounts, traders encounter costs, such as commissions, spread and other transaction costs, which affect traders’ earnings, while in the demo account there are no transaction costs and commissions are low or equal to zero. For Live accounts, there is a $15 fee after 12 months of inactivity, while the demo accounts are unlimited without any cost.
How to switch from a CMC Markets demo to a CMC Markets live account?
There are three steps to switch from a CMC Markets demo to a CMC Markets live account. These are to provide proof of your identity, verify your account and make the first deposit. The different steps to switch from a CMC Markets demo to a CMC Markets live account are listed below.
First, provide proof of your identity (Passport, ID or Driver License) and proof of your residence (Bill utility or bank statement) to get verified. Depending on the country, CMC Markets may ask to fill a questionnaire about your trading knowledge.
Second, CMC Markets will verify your account. This step confirms that your identity and residence have been authenticated.
Finally, make your first deposit and start trading. When switching to a live account, traders will still get the possibility to use your CMC Markets demo.
How to best use a CMC Markets demo account?
To best use a CMC Markets demo account you have to avoid opening large positions, treat money as if it were real, practice daily and use the learning materials offered by the broker.
Avoid opening large positions unless you plan to trade with large amounts of money in a live account. Keeping your trades realistic ensures that your strategies remain practical and applicable when transitioning to real trading.
Treat the virtual money in your demo account as if it were real. This mindset helps build discipline, emotional control, and risk management skills, which are essential for long-term success in trading.
Make practice a daily routine by engaging with the platform regularly. This will help you become familiar with its features and improve your trading strategies over time. Take advantage of the educational section provided by CMC Markets to enhance your knowledge.
Use the learning materials available through CMC Markets, including articles and video tutorials. These resources can help you understand market trends, technical analysis, and trading strategies, making your demo experience more effective.
What are the advantages of a CMC Markets demo account?
The advantages of a CMC Markets demo account are listed below.
- Trial duration: the CMC Markets demo account is unlimited
- Risk-Free Environment: allows traders to practice trading techniques and strategies without risking real money
- Knowing the platform: allows traders to learn and familiarize themselves with the platform offered by broker
- Easy to open: it is a quick procedure, which takes a few minutes
What are the disadvantages of a CMC Markets demo account?
The disadvantages of a CMC Markets demo account are listed below.
- Lack of the psychological factor: it can lead to a false sense of security
- No slippage: demo accounts allow you to execute orders at the requested price and can lead to unrealistic expectations of the markets
- Ignoring risk management: traders use virtual money and may not fully understand the importance of risk management
To find out more about CMC Markets’ characteristics, features, pros and cons and opinions, check out our “CMC Markets review“.