AvaTrade vs CMC Markets 2026
Two licensed kitchens. Which table you take comes down to how you trade.
Pull up a chair at AvaTrade if you value copy trading. CMC Markets plates up better for anyone who leans on tighter spreads, lower minimum deposit (None vs $100), real stock ownership, more instruments (12,000 vs 1,260).
The two menus, side by side
| AvaTrade | CMC Markets | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CBI C53877 | FCA 173730 |
| Regulation tier | tier-1 | tier-1 |
| Min deposit | $100 | None |
| EUR/USD spread | 0.9 pips | 0.5 pips |
| Instruments | 1,260+ | 12,000+ |
| MetaTrader | Yes (MT4+MT5) | Yes (MT4+MT5) |
| Copy trading | Yes | No |
| Real stocks | No, CFDs only | Yes |
| Inactivity fee | $50/mo after 3mo | $10/mo after 12mo |
| Founded | 2006 | 1989 |
| Headquarters | Dublin, Ireland | London, UK |
The kitchen inspection: AvaTrade vs CMC Markets
AvaTrade is regulated by CBI under licence C53877 (AvaTrade EU Ltd). The CBI 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.
Ingredient costs and the bill
AvaTrade's EUR/USD spread is 0.9 pips. CMC Markets's EUR/USD spread is 0.5 pips. CMC Markets offers tighter spreads on this pair.
AvaTrade charges an inactivity fee of $50/month after 3 months without trading. CMC Markets charges an inactivity fee of $10/month after 12 months.
Platforms and tools
Both AvaTrade and CMC Markets support MetaTrader 4 and 5, so algorithmic traders and EA users can use either.
AvaTrade offers copy trading, CMC Markets does not.
The cover charge
AvaTrade requires a minimum deposit of $100. 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?
AvaTrade 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 AvaTrade and CMC Markets support MetaTrader, so experienced traders can use either without restriction. CMC Markets's tighter spreads (0.5 pips) make it better for high-frequency and scalping strategies. CMC Markets offers more instruments (12,000) for portfolio diversification.
The verdict: AvaTrade vs CMC Markets
Book a table at AvaTrade if what you are after is copy trading. Its CBI licence (C53877) brings the full weight of a tier-1 seal.
Go with CMC Markets if you want tighter spreads, lower minimum deposit (None vs $100), real stock ownership, more instruments (12,000 vs 1,260). Its FCA licence (173730) means solid tier-1 protection.
Neither kitchen is a bad one; both hold real licences. In the end it is your own trading appetite that picks the table.
Frequently asked questions
AvaTrade vs CMC Markets: which is better?
AvaTrade is better for copy trading. CMC Markets is better for tighter spreads, lower minimum deposit (None vs $100), real stock ownership, more instruments (12,000 vs 1,260). If regulation quality is your priority, both have comparable regulation.
Is AvaTrade or CMC Markets safer?
Both AvaTrade (CBI C53877) and CMC Markets (FCA 173730) are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Both segregate client funds.
What is the minimum deposit for AvaTrade and CMC Markets?
AvaTrade minimum deposit: $100. CMC Markets minimum deposit: None. Minimums vary by entity and account type.
Do AvaTrade and CMC Markets have MetaTrader?
Yes, both support MetaTrader 4 and MT5.