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
STARTRADER
⭐ 4.3 / 5
CMC Markets vs STARTRADER — which broker is better in 2026?
We compared CMC Markets and STARTRADER 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 | STARTRADER | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.5 / 5 | ⭐ 4.3 / 5 | CMC Markets |
| Regulators | FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FMA NZ, IIROC, MA Poland | FSCA (South Africa), FSC Mauritius | CMC Markets |
| Min. deposit | $0 (no minimum) | $50 | CMC Markets |
| Spreads from | 0.7 pips (Next Generation) | 0.0 pips (Raw) | STARTRADER |
| Max. leverage | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:500 (Professional) | 1:1000 | — |
| Platforms | CMC Next Generation, MT4, CMC Mobile | MT4, MT5 | CMC Markets |
| Founded | 1989 | 2019 | — |
| HQ | London, United Kingdom | Port Louis, Mauritius | — |
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
STARTRADER pros
- ✓ Raw spreads from 0.0 pips on the ECN account
- ✓ High 1:1000 leverage on the offshore entity
- ✓ Fast onboarding and same-day funding/withdrawals
- ✓ Full MT4 and MT5 support across desktop, web and mobile
Cons
- ✗ Offshore-focused regulation (no tier-1 EU/UK licence)
- ✗ Newer brand with a shorter track record (since 2019)
- ✗ Limited proprietary tools beyond the MetaTrader suite
Which one should you choose?
Choose STARTRADER if you want…
Offshore and emerging-market traders who want raw spreads, high leverage and fast funding on MT4/MT5.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better — CMC Markets or STARTRADER?
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 STARTRADER?
CMC Markets holds licenses from: FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FMA NZ, IIROC, MA Poland. STARTRADER holds licenses from: FSCA (South Africa), FSC Mauritius. CMC Markets has more regulatory licenses, giving it broader geographic coverage.
What are the spreads at CMC Markets vs STARTRADER?
CMC Markets spreads start from 0.7 pips (Next Generation). STARTRADER spreads start from 0.0 pips (Raw). Actual spreads vary by account type and market conditions.
Which has a lower minimum deposit, CMC Markets or STARTRADER?
CMC Markets: $0 (no minimum). STARTRADER: $50. CMC Markets has the lower entry barrier.
