Menu
Policy and Terms What is InvestinGoal

InvestinGoal » CMC Markets vs XTB: Comparison and Analysis

CMC Markets vs XTB: Comparison and Analysis

Written by Filippo Ucchino Publication Date Last Updated
Our verdict · CFD trading

CMC Markets is better than XTB for CFD trading in the UK by a small margin, because it has a lower EUR/USD cost (7.00 USD per lot against 10.60 USD) and gives access to more tradable symbols (12,000 against 5,200). It offers MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, along with copy and social trading, and opens corporate accounts. XTB executes orders in 6 ms against 9 ms, credits deposits on the same day against 2 days and allows expert advisors and API access. CMC Markets and XTB are both regulated in the UK by the FCA. Both ask for no minimum deposit, run TradingView and a proprietary trading platform, cover CFDs on commodities, forex, indices and shares, offer a demo account and allow scalping and hedging.

Our verdict · Real stock investing

CMC Markets and XTB are two good brokers for real stock investing in the UK. However, CMC Markets is the better choice if you are looking for more tradable symbols (12,000 against 5,200), MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 next to its own platform and withdrawals in 2 days against 3 days. XTB is better because it charges no fees on US stocks, lets you own bonds outright and executes orders in 6 ms against 9 ms, with deposits credited on the same day against 2 days. CMC Markets and XTB are both regulated in the UK by the FCA. Both ask for no minimum deposit, let you own ETFs and shares outright, trade on TradingView and on a proprietary platform, offer a demo account and hold the account in 2 currencies.

Scores, winners and data below compare these brokers as CFD brokers: leveraged trading on forex, indices, commodities and crypto. Scores, winners and data below compare these brokers as stock brokers: real shares and ETFs you own outright.

Best overall

CMC Markets

CFDCFD This broker offers CFD trading: leveraged contracts that follow the price of an asset without owning it. Switch the comparison to CFD to rate it on that. StocksStocks This broker lets you buy real assets that you own outright. Switch the comparison to Stocks to rate it on that. Regulated in your country CMC Markets holds a licence from the regulator of the country this site is for, so local investor protections apply.
CMC Markets review ›
84CFDOverall score InvestinGoal score from 0 to 100, calculated from the data in this comparison across 12 areas (regulation, safety, costs, platforms and more). CFD and stock trading are scored separately: the number follows the side selected above. 78StocksOverall score InvestinGoal score from 0 to 100, calculated from the data in this comparison across 12 areas (regulation, safety, costs, platforms and more). CFD and stock trading are scored separately: the number follows the side selected above.
Open Account

78% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

XTB

CFDCFD This broker offers CFD trading: leveraged contracts that follow the price of an asset without owning it. Switch the comparison to CFD to rate it on that. StocksStocks This broker lets you buy real assets that you own outright. Switch the comparison to Stocks to rate it on that. Regulated in your country XTB holds a licence from the regulator of the country this site is for, so local investor protections apply.
XTB review ›
78CFDOverall score InvestinGoal score from 0 to 100, calculated from the data in this comparison across 12 areas (regulation, safety, costs, platforms and more). CFD and stock trading are scored separately: the number follows the side selected above. 78StocksOverall score InvestinGoal score from 0 to 100, calculated from the data in this comparison across 12 areas (regulation, safety, costs, platforms and more). CFD and stock trading are scored separately: the number follows the side selected above.
Open Account

80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

Best for

What we compare A comparison of the kinds of traders CMC Markets and XTB are best suited to, based on what each one actually offers in United Kingdom.
1 / 12

CMC Markets is better than XTB for high-volume traders and algo traders, while XTB is better for professional traders. Long-term investors, scalpers and swing traders can choose either CMC Markets or XTB.

Best for
Overall score CMC Markets 84 Best 78 XTB 78 -6 78
Day trading i
Long-term investing i
Professional traders i
High-volume traders i
Scalpers i
Swing traders i
News traders i
Algo traders i
Stock traders i
Crypto traders i
Futures traders i
Options traders i

Regulation

What we compare A comparison between the financial authorities that supervise CMC Markets and the ones that supervise XTB.
2 / 12

CMC Markets and XTB are both regulated in the UK, by the FCA.

Regulation
Section score CMC Markets 100 100 XTB 100 100
Tier-1 regulators
ESMA (European Union) i
FCA (United Kingdom) i
ASIC (Australia) i
CFTC (United States) i
NFA (United States) i
SEC (United States) i
CIRO (Canada) i
MAS (Singapore) i
SFC (Hong Kong) i
JFSA (Japan) i
FINMA (Switzerland) i
Tier-2 regulators
FMA (New Zealand) i
CBR (Russia) i
FSCA (South Africa) i
DFSA (Dubai) i
CSRC (China) i
ISA (Israel) i
LFSA (Malaysia) i
JSC (Jordan) i
CMA (Kenya) i
Tier-3 regulators
FSA (Seychelles) i
MMA (Maldives) i
SCB (Bahamas) i
FSC (Mauritius) i
VFSC (Vanuatu) i
FSC (Belize) i
CIMA (Cayman Islands) i
SV FSA (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) i
FSRC (St. Kitts & Nevis) i
BMA (Bermuda) i
BVI FSC (British Virgin Islands) i
EDR (External Dispute Resolution) i

Safety

What we compare A comparison of the tools and services that CMC Markets and XTB have in place to protect your money in United Kingdom.
3 / 12

Both CMC Markets and XTB offer segregated client funds and an investor compensation scheme. CMC Markets also offers additional money insurance.

Safety
Section score CMC Markets 95 Best 95 Best XTB 86 -9 86 -9
Company info
Is it publicly traded i
Is it a bank i
Year founded i 1989 2002
Parent company i CMC Markets plc XTB S.A.
CEO i Peter Cruddas Omar Arnaout
Money safety
Segregated client funds i
Two-factor authentication i
Investor compensation scheme i
Additional money insurance i
Partner bank i NatWest, Barclays, Lloyds Barclays, JP Morgan Chase
Brand power
Number of customers worldwide i 1,000,000 1,600,000
Annual revenue i USD 324,700,000 USD 260,000,000
Monthly website search traffic i 10.5M monthly visits

Costs

What we compare A comparison of what it costs to trade with CMC Markets and with XTB in United Kingdom, both on each trade and on holding the account.
4 / 12

CMC Markets is better than XTB for CFD costs, since CMC Markets is cheaper on EUR/USD, at 7 USD per lot (against XTB's 10.6 USD), has tighter S&P 500 CFD spreads, at 0.5 points (against XTB's 0.59 points), and has tighter gold CFD spreads, at 0.2 points (against XTB's 0.89 points). Neither CMC Markets nor XTB charges account maintenance fees or deposit fees.

XTB is better than CMC Markets for real stock costs. Neither CMC Markets nor XTB charges account maintenance fees or deposit fees.

Costs
Section score CMC Markets 73 Best 44 -32 XTB 53 -20 76 Best
Broker fees
Deposit fees i
Withdrawal fees i
Overnight fees i
Inactivity fees i
Currency conversion fees i
Discounts on volume i
Real time market data fee i
Dividend withholding i
Account opening fees i
Account maintenance fee i
Portfolio management fee i
Fees on CFDs
Forex commission per lot i USD 5 Free
EUR/USD average standard spread i
0.7 pips
1.06 pips
EUR/USD average raw spread i
EUR/USD average fixed spread i
EUR/USD total cost per lot i USD 7 USD 10.6
S&P 500 fees (CFD) i 0.5 points 0.59 points
Gold fees (CFD) i 0.2 points 0.89 points
Bitcoin fees (CFD) i
US stocks fees (CFD) i USD 0.02 Free
Fees on stocks
Stock fee type i Free, Percentage
US stocks fees (real) i Free
ETF fees (real) i Free
Management costs i
Connection costs i
Fees on futures
Futures fees per contract i
Platform fees i
Fees on options
Options fees per contract i Free Free
Event fees i
Fees on savings plans
IRA opening fee i
IRA maintenance fee i
401k opening fee i
401k maintenance fee i

Available markets

What we compare A comparison of the markets and products you can trade with CMC Markets and with XTB in United Kingdom, and of how many instruments each one gives access to.
5 / 12

CMC Markets and XTB are equally good for CFD markets, as CMC Markets gives access to 12,000 tradable symbols (against XTB's 5,200). On the other hand, XTB lets you own bonds outright. Both CMC Markets and XTB offer CFDs on commodities, crypto, forex, indices and stocks, and let you own ETFs and stocks outright.

XTB is better than CMC Markets for real stock markets, since XTB lets you own bonds outright, which CMC Markets does not. Both CMC Markets and XTB let you own ETFs and stocks outright, and offer CFDs on commodities, crypto, forex, indices and stocks.

Available markets
Section score CMC Markets 75 30 -15 XTB 75 45 Best
Total tradable symbols i 12,000 5,200
Currency pairs i
Indices i
Commodities i
Stocks i
ETF i
Cryptocurrencies i
Bonds i
Interest rates i
Portfolios i
CFDs i Commodities, Crypto, Forex, Indices, Stocks Commodities, Crypto, Forex, Indices, Stocks
Futures i
Options i
Assets you can own i ETF, Stocks Bonds, ETF, Stocks

Platform

What we compare A comparison of the trading platforms that CMC Markets and XTB make available to their clients in United Kingdom.
6 / 12

CMC Markets is better than XTB for platforms, because CMC Markets offers MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4 and social trading, which XTB does not. CMC Markets and XTB both offer a proprietary platform and TradingView.

Platform
Section score CMC Markets 97 Best 97 Best XTB 86 -11 86 -11
Proprietary platform i
MetaTrader 4 i
MetaTrader 5 i
cTrader i
Social trading platform i
Copy trading platform i
ZuluTrade i
TradingView i
Duplitrade i
Mirror Trader i
NinjaTrader i
AutoChartist i
Real time pricing i
5 digit pricing i
One-click trading i

Mobile

What we compare A comparison of the mobile apps of CMC Markets and XTB in United Kingdom, and of what each one lets you do from your phone.
7 / 12

CMC Markets is better than XTB for mobile trading, since CMC Markets offers the MetaTrader 5 app and the MetaTrader 4 app, which XTB does not. CMC Markets and XTB both offer a proprietary mobile app and mobile price alerts.

Mobile
Section score CMC Markets 73 Best 73 Best XTB 67 -6 67 -6
Proprietary app i
Social trading app i
Copy trading app i
MetaTrader 4 app i
MetaTrader 5 app i
cTrader app i
Mobile trading signals i
Mobile alerts i
Mobile charting tools i
Mobile drawing tools i
Mobile watchlist i
Smartwatch app i

Trading features

What we compare A comparison of the trading tools and strategies that CMC Markets and XTB allow on their platforms in United Kingdom.
8 / 12

XTB is better than CMC Markets for CFD trading features, since XTB executes orders faster, within 6 ms (against CMC Markets' 9 ms), offers API access, which CMC Markets does not, and allows for expert advisors. CMC Markets and XTB both offer negative balance protection and trailing stops.

XTB is better than CMC Markets for real stock trading features, because XTB executes orders faster, within 6 ms (against CMC Markets' 9 ms), and offers API access, which CMC Markets does not. CMC Markets and XTB both offer trailing stops.

Trading features
Section score CMC Markets 69 -6 71 -3 XTB 75 Best 74 Best
Trade execution
Broker type i Agency NDD
Average execution time i 9 ms 6 ms
Slippage occurrence i 28.05%
Requotes occurrence i 0.08%
Tier-1 liquidity providers i
PFOF i
Leverage
Major FX pairs leverage i 30:1 30:1
Minor/Exotic FX pairs leverage i 20:1 20:1
Major indices leverage i 20:1 20:1
Minor indices leverage i 10:1 10:1
Gold leverage i 20:1 20:1
Commodities leverage i 10:1 10:1
Equities leverage i 5:1 5:1
Cryptocurrency leverage i
Risk management
Stop losses i
Take profits i
Limit orders i
Trailing stop i
Margin call i
OCO orders i
Guaranteed stop loss i
Negative balance protection i
Minimum trade size (FX) i 0.01 lots 0.01 lots
Minimum trade size (stocks) i USD 0 USD 0
Fractional stocks i
Trading compliance
Scalping strategies allowed i
Hedging strategies allowed i
Automated trading strategy allowed i
EAs use allowed i
HFT strategy allowed i
VPS use allowed i
API use allowed i
Price scraping allowed i
FIFO rule applies i

Account types

What we compare A comparison of the kinds of account you can open at CMC Markets and at XTB in United Kingdom, and of who each one is meant for.
9 / 12

CMC Markets and XTB are equally good for CFD account types, as CMC Markets offers a corporate account and an unlimited demo account while XTB offers an Islamic account and a micro account. CMC Markets and XTB both offer a demo account and a professional traders account.

XTB is better than CMC Markets for real stock account types, as XTB offers a stock investing account, which CMC Markets does not. Both CMC Markets and XTB offer a demo account and a standard account.

Account types
Section score CMC Markets 48 -2 45 -4 XTB 50 49 Best
Demo account i
Unlimited demo account i
Standard account i
Micro account i
Cent account i
Nano account i
Raw spread account i
ECN account i
Swap-free account i
Islamic account i
Professional traders account i
Fixed spread account i
Spread betting account i
Copy trading account i
Corporate account i
Managed account i
Stock investing account i
Margin investing account i
Savings account i
Retirement account i

Account opening

What we compare A comparison of what it takes to open and fund an account with CMC Markets and with XTB in United Kingdom.
10 / 12

CMC Markets and XTB are equally good for account opening, as CMC Markets pays out withdrawals faster, within 2 days (against XTB's 3 days). On the other hand, XTB credits deposits faster, within the same day (against CMC Markets' 2 days), and offers local payment methods. Neither CMC Markets nor XTB requires a minimum deposit.

Account opening
Section score CMC Markets 65 65 XTB 65 65
Minimum deposit i USD 0 USD 0
Minimum withdrawal i USD 0 USD 0
Wire transfers i
Credit cards i
Debit cards i
eWallets i
Local payment methods i
Account base currencies i EUR, USD EUR, USD
Deposit waiting time i up to 2 business days Instant
Withdrawal waiting time i up to 2 business days up to 3 business days
Bonus program i

Customer care

What we compare A comparison of the customer support of CMC Markets and XTB in United Kingdom, in how it can be reached and how fast it answers.
11 / 12

CMC Markets is better than XTB for customer care, because CMC Markets offers a dedicated account manager and priority support, which XTB does not. Both CMC Markets and XTB offer phone support and live chat.

Customer care
Section score CMC Markets 73 Best 73 Best XTB 62 -11 62 -11
Number of languages supported i 9 14
Website languages i German, English, French, Italian, Norwegian, Polish, Spanish, Swedish, Chinese Arabic, Czech, German, English, French, Hungarian, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Slovenian, Spanish, Turkish, Chinese
Website available in English i
Customer support languages i German, English, French, Italian, Norwegian, Polish, Spanish, Swedish, Chinese Arabic, Greek, English, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, Thai, Turkish, Chinese
Customer support in English i
Call back request i
Email support i
Phone support i
Live chat i
Priority customer support i
Dedicated account manager i
Cash sweep i
Stock lending i
Distributes proceeds i
Tax withholding agent i
Tax assistance i

Learning

What we compare A comparison of the educational material that CMC Markets and XTB provide to their clients in United Kingdom.
12 / 12

CMC Markets is better than XTB for learning, because CMC Markets offers professional reports, which XTB does not. Both CMC Markets and XTB offer education for advanced traders and webinars.

Learning
Section score CMC Markets 100 Best 100 Best XTB 88 -12 88 -12
Education
Education center i
Education for beginners i
Education for advanced traders i
Webinars i
Tutorials i
Glossary i
Research
Economic calendar i
Traders' sentiment i
Daily market commentary i
Daily trading ideas i
News via social media i
Professional reports i
Watchlist i
CMC Markets
Open Account 78% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
XTB
Open Account 80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
Our verdict

CMC Markets vs XTB: which one should you choose?

CMC Markets

CFD Choose CMC Markets if you want a forex broker with low trading costs, a wide choice of markets and copy and social trading.

Stocks Choose CMC Markets if you want a share dealing service with a wide choice of markets and the MetaTrader platforms.

Open Account 78% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
XTB

CFD Choose XTB if you want an online CFD broker with fast execution and room for automated strategies.

Stocks Choose XTB if you want a broker for securities investing with commission-free US stocks and fast execution.

Open Account 80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

Other popular comparisons

Below are other head-to-head comparisons that include CMC Markets or XTB, each scored with the same data and method as this page.

CMC Markets vs Saxo AvaTrade vs XTB CMC Markets vs Pepperstone Saxo vs XTB CMC Markets vs Plus500 Plus500 vs XTB