CMC Markets vs Swissquote 2026
Two licensed kitchens. Which table you take comes down to how you trade.
Pull up a chair at CMC Markets if you value tighter spreads, lower minimum deposit (None vs $1000). Swissquote plates up better for anyone who leans on more instruments (3,000,000 vs 12,000).
The two menus, side by side
| CMC Markets | Swissquote | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA 173730 | FCA 562379 |
| Regulation tier | tier-1 | tier-1 |
| Min deposit | None | $1000 |
| EUR/USD spread | 0.5 pips | 1.3 pips |
| Instruments | 12,000+ | 3,000,000+ |
| MetaTrader | Yes (MT4+MT5) | Yes (MT4+MT5) |
| Copy trading | No | No |
| Real stocks | Yes | Yes |
| Inactivity fee | $10/mo after 12mo | $10/mo after 12mo |
| Founded | 1989 | 1996 |
| Headquarters | London, UK | Gland, Switzerland |
The kitchen inspection: CMC Markets vs Swissquote
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.
Swissquote is regulated by FCA under licence 562379 (Swissquote UK Ltd). 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
CMC Markets's EUR/USD spread is 0.5 pips. Swissquote's EUR/USD spread is 1.3 pips. CMC Markets offers tighter spreads on this pair.
CMC Markets charges an inactivity fee of $10/month after 12 months without trading. Swissquote charges an inactivity fee of $10/month after 12 months.
Platforms and tools
Both CMC Markets and Swissquote support MetaTrader 4 and 5, so algorithmic traders and EA users can use either.
Neither broker offers copy trading.
The cover charge
CMC Markets requires a minimum deposit of None. Swissquote requires $1000. CMC Markets has the lower barrier to entry. Traders who want to start with less capital should consider CMC Markets.
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?
CMC Markets also has the lower minimum deposit of None, making it easier to start with a small amount. Both platforms are accessible to new traders, though neither is specifically designed as a beginner-only broker.
Which is better for experienced traders?
Both CMC Markets and Swissquote 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. Swissquote offers more instruments (3,000,000) for portfolio diversification.
The verdict: CMC Markets vs Swissquote
Book a table at CMC Markets if what you are after is tighter spreads, lower minimum deposit (None vs $1000). Its FCA licence (173730) brings the full weight of a tier-1 seal.
Go with Swissquote if you want more instruments (3,000,000 vs 12,000). Its FCA licence (562379) 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
CMC Markets vs Swissquote: which is better?
CMC Markets is better for tighter spreads, lower minimum deposit (None vs $1000). Swissquote is better for more instruments (3,000,000 vs 12,000). If regulation quality is your priority, both have comparable regulation.
Is CMC Markets or Swissquote safer?
Both CMC Markets (FCA 173730) and Swissquote (FCA 562379) are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Both segregate client funds.
What is the minimum deposit for CMC Markets and Swissquote?
CMC Markets minimum deposit: None. Swissquote minimum deposit: $1000. Minimums vary by entity and account type.
Do CMC Markets and Swissquote have MetaTrader?
Yes, both support MetaTrader 4 and MT5.