FXTM vs CMC Markets 2026
Both are regulated. The right choice depends on your trading style.
FXTM suits traders who value tighter spreads, copy trading. CMC Markets suits traders who prioritise lower minimum deposit (None vs $10), real stock ownership, more instruments (12,000 vs 1,000).
Head to head
| FXTM | CMC Markets | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC 185/12 | FCA 173730 |
| Regulation tier | tier-1 | tier-1 |
| Min deposit | $10 | None |
| EUR/USD spread | 0.1 pips | 0.5 pips |
| Instruments | 1,000+ | 12,000+ |
| MetaTrader | Yes (MT4+MT5) | Yes (MT4+MT5) |
| Copy trading | Yes | No |
| Real stocks | No — CFDs only | Yes |
| Inactivity fee | $5/mo after 6mo | $10/mo after 12mo |
| Founded | 2011 | 1989 |
| Headquarters | Limassol, Cyprus | London, UK |
Regulation: FXTM vs CMC Markets
FXTM is regulated by CySEC under licence 185/12 (Forextime Ltd). The CySEC is a tier-1 regulator. Client funds are held in segregated accounts and negative balance protection applies.
CMC Markets is regulated by FCA under licence 173730 (CMC Markets UK plc). The FCA is a tier-1 regulator. Client funds are held in segregated accounts and negative balance protection applies.
Both brokers are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Neither has a significant regulatory advantage over the other.
Spreads and fees
FXTM's EUR/USD spread is 0.1 pips. CMC Markets's EUR/USD spread is 0.5 pips. FXTM offers tighter spreads on this pair.
FXTM charges an inactivity fee of $5/month after 6 months without trading. CMC Markets charges an inactivity fee of $10/month after 12 months.
Platforms and tools
Both FXTM and CMC Markets support MetaTrader 4 and 5, so algorithmic traders and EA users can use either.
FXTM offers copy trading, CMC Markets does not.
Minimum deposit
FXTM requires a minimum deposit of $10. CMC Markets requires None. CMC Markets has the lower barrier to entry.
Note that minimum deposits can vary by account type and by which regulatory entity serves your country. Some offshore entities allow lower deposits than the tier-1 entity.
Which is better for beginners?
FXTM is generally better for beginners because it offers copy trading, allowing new traders to replicate experienced traders automatically while learning. CMC Markets also has the lower minimum deposit of None. Both platforms are accessible to new traders, though neither is specifically designed as a beginner-only broker.
Which is better for experienced traders?
Both FXTM and CMC Markets support MetaTrader, so experienced traders can use either without restriction. FXTM's tighter spreads (0.1 pips) make it better for high-frequency and scalping strategies. CMC Markets offers more instruments (12,000) for portfolio diversification.
Verdict: FXTM vs CMC Markets
Choose FXTM if you want tighter spreads, copy trading. The CySEC licence (185/12) gives it strong tier-1 regulatory backing.
Choose CMC Markets if you want lower minimum deposit (None vs $10), real stock ownership, more instruments (12,000 vs 1,000). The FCA licence (173730) means strong tier-1 regulatory protection.
Both brokers are legitimate and regulated. The choice comes down to your specific trading requirements.
Frequently asked questions
FXTM vs CMC Markets: which is better?
FXTM is better for tighter spreads, copy trading. CMC Markets is better for lower minimum deposit (None vs $10), real stock ownership, more instruments (12,000 vs 1,000). If regulation quality is your priority, both have comparable regulation.
Is FXTM or CMC Markets safer?
Both FXTM (CySEC 185/12) and CMC Markets (FCA 173730) are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Both segregate client funds.
What is the minimum deposit for FXTM and CMC Markets?
FXTM minimum deposit: $10. CMC Markets minimum deposit: None. Minimums vary by entity and account type.
Do FXTM and CMC Markets have MetaTrader?
Yes, both support MetaTrader 4 and MT5.