XM vs CMC Markets 2026
Two licensed kitchens. Which table you take comes down to how you trade.
Pull up a chair at XM if you value specific use cases detailed below. CMC Markets plates up better for anyone who leans on tighter spreads, lower minimum deposit (None vs $5), real stock ownership, more instruments (12,000 vs 1,400).
The two menus, side by side
| XM | CMC Markets | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC 120/10 | FCA 173730 |
| Regulation tier | tier-1 | tier-1 |
| Min deposit | $5 | None |
| EUR/USD spread | 0.6 pips | 0.5 pips |
| Instruments | 1,400+ | 12,000+ |
| MetaTrader | Yes (MT4+MT5) | Yes (MT4+MT5) |
| Copy trading | No | No |
| Real stocks | No, CFDs only | Yes |
| Inactivity fee | $15/mo after 3mo | $10/mo after 12mo |
| Founded | 2009 | 1989 |
| Headquarters | Limassol, Cyprus | London, UK |
The kitchen inspection: XM vs CMC Markets
XM is regulated by CySEC under licence 120/10 (Trading Point of Financial Instruments 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.
Ingredient costs and the bill
XM's EUR/USD spread is 0.6 pips. CMC Markets's EUR/USD spread is 0.5 pips. CMC Markets offers tighter spreads on this pair.
XM charges an inactivity fee of $15/month after 3 months without trading. CMC Markets charges an inactivity fee of $10/month after 12 months.
Platforms and tools
Both XM and CMC Markets support MetaTrader 4 and 5, so algorithmic traders and EA users can use either.
Neither broker offers copy trading.
The cover charge
XM requires a minimum deposit of $5. 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?
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 XM 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: XM vs CMC Markets
Book a table at XM if what you are after is specific use cases detailed below. Its CySEC licence (120/10) brings the full weight of a tier-1 seal.
Go with CMC Markets if you want tighter spreads, lower minimum deposit (None vs $5), real stock ownership, more instruments (12,000 vs 1,400). 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
XM vs CMC Markets: which is better?
XM is better for specific use cases detailed below. CMC Markets is better for tighter spreads, lower minimum deposit (None vs $5), real stock ownership, more instruments (12,000 vs 1,400). If regulation quality is your priority, both have comparable regulation.
Is XM or CMC Markets safer?
Both XM (CySEC 120/10) and CMC Markets (FCA 173730) are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Both segregate client funds.
What is the minimum deposit for XM and CMC Markets?
XM minimum deposit: $5. CMC Markets minimum deposit: None. Minimums vary by entity and account type.
Do XM and CMC Markets have MetaTrader?
Yes, both support MetaTrader 4 and MT5.