Choose CMC Markets if you want…
Discretionary traders wanting deep instrument coverage and a sophisticated proprietary platform from a publicly-listed UK broker.
CMC Markets
⭐ 4.5 / 5
VS
Interactive Brokers
⭐ 4.8 / 5
CMC Markets vs Interactive Brokers — which broker is better in 2026?
We compared CMC Markets and Interactive Brokers across five core criteria: regulation, minimum deposit, spreads, platform choice, and overall user rating. Interactive Brokers wins on more criteria (4 categories vs 0), making it the stronger default for most traders. Both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
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| CMC Markets | Interactive Brokers | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.5 / 5 | ⭐ 4.8 / 5 | Interactive Brokers |
| Regulators | FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FMA NZ, IIROC, MA Poland | SEC/FINRA, FCA, ASIC, MAS, FSA Japan, SFC HK, CySEC, BaFin | Interactive Brokers |
| Min. deposit | $0 (no minimum) | $0 (no minimum) | Tie |
| Spreads from | 0.7 pips (Next Generation) | 0.1 pips + $2/lot (Pro) / IBKR Lite (commission-free US stocks) | Interactive Brokers |
| Max. leverage | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:500 (Professional) | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:50 (US) / 1:400 (Pro) | — |
| Platforms | CMC Next Generation, MT4, CMC Mobile | Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Mobile, IBKR GlobalTrader, API | Interactive Brokers |
| Founded | 1989 | 1978 | — |
| HQ | London, United Kingdom | Greenwich, Connecticut, USA | — |
Pros & cons compared
CMC Markets pros
- ✓ Founded 1989 — among the oldest CFD brokers (LSE: CMCX)
- ✓ FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS — tier-1 regulators across major financial centres
- ✓ 12,000+ instruments — one of the broadest catalogues in retail CFDs
- ✓ Award-winning proprietary 'Next Generation' platform
- ✓ No minimum deposit
Cons
- ✗ Proprietary platform has a learning curve vs. MT4
- ✗ Spread on FX 'Standard' account (0.7 pips) wider than ECN brokers
- ✗ Limited cryptocurrency CFD coverage
Interactive Brokers pros
- ✓ Founded 1978 — listed on NASDAQ (IBKR) since 2007
- ✓ Direct regulatory presence in 12+ jurisdictions including US, UK, EU, Asia
- ✓ 1.5 million+ accounts, $400+ billion in client equity
- ✓ 150+ markets across 33 countries — broadest global access of any broker
- ✓ Real stocks, options, futures, bonds, mutual funds + FX
Cons
- ✗ Trader Workstation has a notoriously steep learning curve
- ✗ Customer service is functional but not high-touch
- ✗ Margin/financing rates are best in industry — but credit checks rigorous
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Which one should you choose?
Choose Interactive Brokers if you want…
Active traders, professional clients, and serious investors wanting institutional-grade execution across all asset classes.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better — CMC Markets or Interactive Brokers?
Based on five comparison criteria (regulation, deposit, spreads, platforms, overall rating), Interactive Brokers wins 4 categories. That makes it the stronger default choice — though both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
Is CMC Markets more regulated than Interactive Brokers?
CMC Markets holds licenses from: FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FMA NZ, IIROC, MA Poland. Interactive Brokers holds licenses from: SEC/FINRA, FCA, ASIC, MAS, FSA Japan, SFC HK, CySEC, BaFin. Interactive Brokers has more regulatory licenses, giving it broader geographic coverage.
What are the spreads at CMC Markets vs Interactive Brokers?
CMC Markets spreads start from 0.7 pips (Next Generation). Interactive Brokers spreads start from 0.1 pips + $2/lot (Pro) / IBKR Lite (commission-free US stocks). Actual spreads vary by account type and market conditions.
Which has a lower minimum deposit, CMC Markets or Interactive Brokers?
CMC Markets: $0 (no minimum). Interactive Brokers: $0 (no minimum). Both require the same minimum.