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
Plus500
⭐ 4.3 / 5
CMC Markets vs Plus500 — which broker is better in 2026?
We compared CMC Markets and Plus500 across five core criteria: regulation, minimum deposit, spreads, platform choice, and overall user rating. CMC Markets wins on more criteria (4 categories vs 1), making it the stronger default for most traders. Both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
| CMC Markets | Plus500 | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.5 / 5 | ⭐ 4.3 / 5 | CMC Markets |
| Regulators | FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FMA NZ, IIROC, MA Poland | CySEC, FCA, ASIC, FMA NZ, MAS Singapore, ISA Israel | CMC Markets |
| Min. deposit | $0 (no minimum) | $100 | CMC Markets |
| Spreads from | 0.7 pips (Next Generation) | 0.6 pips (variable) | Plus500 |
| Max. leverage | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:500 (Professional) | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:300 (offshore) | — |
| Platforms | CMC Next Generation, MT4, CMC Mobile | Plus500 WebTrader, Plus500 Mobile | CMC Markets |
| Founded | 1989 | 2008 | — |
| HQ | London, United Kingdom | London / Haifa | — |
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
Plus500 pros
- ✓ Listed on London Stock Exchange (PLUS) — full audited financials
- ✓ Six-regulator footprint: CySEC, FCA, ASIC, FMA, MAS, ISA
- ✓ Clean, beginner-friendly proprietary platform
- ✓ Guaranteed Stop Loss available (paid, but valuable in volatile markets)
- ✓ 5,000+ instruments including stock CFDs, ETFs, options, crypto
Cons
- ✗ Proprietary platform only — no MT4, MT5, cTrader
- ✗ No copy-trading or social features
- ✗ Inactivity fee of $10/month after 3 months dormant
Which one should you choose?
Choose Plus500 if you want…
Beginners and discretionary traders who want a simple, regulated, equity-market-listed broker with broad CFD coverage.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better — CMC Markets or Plus500?
Based on five comparison criteria (regulation, deposit, spreads, platforms, overall rating), CMC Markets 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 Plus500?
CMC Markets holds licenses from: FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FMA NZ, IIROC, MA Poland. Plus500 holds licenses from: CySEC, FCA, ASIC, FMA NZ, MAS Singapore, ISA Israel. CMC Markets has more regulatory licenses, giving it broader geographic coverage.
What are the spreads at CMC Markets vs Plus500?
CMC Markets spreads start from 0.7 pips (Next Generation). Plus500 spreads start from 0.6 pips (variable). Actual spreads vary by account type and market conditions.
Which has a lower minimum deposit, CMC Markets or Plus500?
CMC Markets: $0 (no minimum). Plus500: $100. CMC Markets has the lower entry barrier.
