CMC Markets
IG
CMC Markets vs IG
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
CMC Markets and IG are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. CMC Markets, founded in 1989 and headquartered in London, UK, is regulated by FCA, ASIC, BaFin and offers spreads starting from 0.7 pips with a minimum deposit of $0. IG, established in 1974 in London, UK, holds licenses from FCA, ASIC, MAS, BaFin with spreads from 0.6 pips and a $250 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, IG scored 9.2/10 overall compared to CMC Markets's 8.8/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, CMC Markets holds its own with overall value, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.
Trust stack
Trust stack for this head-to-head
This comparison uses the same review dataset, methodology, disclosure, and corrections standards as the rest of TBR money pages. Head-to-head verdicts still need an entity-level regulation check before signup.
Risk layer
Risk & regulation snapshot for CMC Markets
Regulation
Third-partyFCA, ASIC, BaFin · brand-level entity model
Leverage / exposure
Broker-stated1:500 (high-risk if you size trades badly)
Trust read
VerifiedTier 1 trust profile
Regulation status
Third-partyFCA, ASIC, BaFin gives this broker a cleaner top-tier regulation read than the average CFD brand.
Entity nuance
Third-partyCMC Markets shows 3 regulators in the shared broker dataset. Treat that as a brand-level trust signal, not proof of the exact legal entity you will onboard with.
Investor protection
UnknownTop-tier regulation helps on paper, but the canonical dataset still does not lock the exact compensation scheme or client-money safeguards for every onboarding entity.
Verification state
VerifiedVerification state: brand-level regulator mapping is in place, but the exact contracting entity is still inferred rather than fully pinned in the canonical dataset.
High-risk warning
Broker-statedA 1:500 ceiling is aggressive retail leverage. Small mistakes can snowball fast even if the broker itself is regulated.
Safer alternative lens
If this profile feels too aggressive, compare brokers with cleaner tier-1 coverage and lower leverage ceilings before funding an account.
Risk layer
Risk & regulation snapshot for IG
Regulation
Third-partyFCA, ASIC, MAS, BaFin · brand-level entity model
Leverage / exposure
Broker-stated1:200 (moderate-to-high retail risk)
Trust read
VerifiedTier 1 trust profile
Regulation status
Third-partyFCA, ASIC, MAS, BaFin gives this broker a cleaner top-tier regulation read than the average CFD brand.
Entity nuance
Third-partyIG shows 4 regulators in the shared broker dataset. Treat that as a brand-level trust signal, not proof of the exact legal entity you will onboard with.
Investor protection
UnknownTop-tier regulation helps on paper, but the canonical dataset still does not lock the exact compensation scheme or client-money safeguards for every onboarding entity.
Verification state
VerifiedVerification state: brand-level regulator mapping is in place, but the exact contracting entity is still inferred rather than fully pinned in the canonical dataset.
High-risk warning
Broker-statedA 1:200 ceiling still creates meaningful downside if position sizing is sloppy. Regulation does not remove market risk.
Evidence labels
How to read the evidence in CMC Markets vs IG
Comparison pages mix our own review work with broker-published facts and outside records. The labels make that visible instead of flattening everything into one fake confidence level.
Overall verdict and score differences
VerifiedThese come from our review methodology and the underlying hands-on review dataset used for scoring.
Spreads, minimum deposits, leverage, and platform lists
Broker-statedThese are usually published broker facts unless a review explicitly documents a direct test.
Regulation and entity background
Third-partyThose checks rely on regulator registers and other external records, not just broker marketing copy.
Cells the source reviews do not support cleanly
UnknownIf the underlying evidence is thin or conflicted, the safe answer is to keep the gap visible.
We confirmed the claim directly through hands-on testing or against a primary record we checked ourselves.
Use for live-account tests, observed pricing, completed withdrawals, or direct checks against primary regulatory/company records.
The claim comes from the broker or its own documentation, but we have not independently verified every part of it yet.
Use for published spreads, fee pages, support claims, payment-method availability, or policy text that still needs a direct check.
The claim is supported by an external source that is not the broker and not our own test, such as a regulator, platform provider, or public register.
Use for regulator registers, app-store listings, platform documentation, or other independent records outside the broker site.
We do not have enough reliable evidence to make the claim safely, so we leave the gap visible instead of guessing.
Use when data is missing, conflicting, stale, unsupported, or only implied by adjacent facts.
Key Differences at a Glance
- 📊
IG scores 9.2/10 overall vs 8.8/10 for CMC Markets — a 0.4-point difference.
- 💵
CMC Markets requires just $0 to start, while IG needs $250 — CMC Markets is 250x more accessible.
- 📈
IG offers 17,000+ instruments vs 10,000+ at CMC Markets — a notable difference in market coverage.
- 🖥️
CMC Markets runs on Next Generation, MT4, while IG uses IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Education: IG scores 9.0 vs 8.0 for CMC Markets — a 1.0-point difference.
Our Verdict
CMC Markets
Score: 8.8/10 · Wins 0 categories- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($0)
- You prefer CMC Markets's trading environment overall
IG
Score: 9.2/10 · Wins 5 categories- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- Responsive customer support matters to you
IG takes the lead with an overall score of 9.2/10 compared to 8.8/10, winning in 5 out of 8 scoring categories. IG stands out for lower trading costs and stronger regulation, while CMC Markets remains a solid alternative.
Broker recommendation block
If you only shortlist two names after this comparison, make it IG first and CMC Markets second
IG is the stronger default pick on the numbers here, but CMC Markets still makes sense if its edge lines up with how you actually trade.
IG
🟢 Tier 1 RegulatedFCA · ASIC · MAS
IG wins this matchup on overall score, especially for lower trading costs and stronger regulation.
Overall score
9.2/10
Minimum deposit
$250
CMC Markets
🟢 Tier 1 RegulatedFCA · ASIC · BaFin
CMC Markets is the fallback option here if you prefer its pricing, platform feel, or account terms after a live test.
Overall score
8.8/10
Minimum deposit
$0
Detailed Verdict
IG wins because it is stronger in more categories and reaches a rare 9.2/10 overall score. It is one of the easiest premium brokers to recommend to a serious trader without hedging. CMC Markets remains an excellent alternative, especially if you want a premium platform without the $250 starting hurdle. But if I had to pick one overall winner in this pair, it is IG.
Score Breakdown
IG wins by 0.5 points
IG wins by 0.5 points
IG wins by 1.0 points
IG wins by 0.5 points
IG wins by 0.5 points
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 ✓ |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $0 ✓ | $250 |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:200 |
| Spreads From | 0.7 pips | 0.6 pips |
| Platforms | Next Generation, MT4 | IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer |
| Regulation | FCA, ASIC, BaFin | FCA, ASIC, MAS, BaFin |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 1989 | 1974 ✓ |
| Markets | 10,000+ | 17,000+ ✓ |
Long-Form Comparison
Executive Summary
IG and CMC Markets are premium, long-established brokers aimed at traders who care about platform quality, regulation, and deep market access more than ultra-high leverage or ultra-low deposit barriers.
IG scores 9.2/10 overall, while CMC Markets scores 8.8/10. That makes IG the stronger all-round broker in the dataset, but the gap is not huge. Both have elite platform scores, excellent regulation scores, and very broad market coverage compared with typical retail CFD brokers.
The real difference is style. IG is the slightly better all-round research-and-platform package with broader global regulatory strength and a more balanced premium experience. CMC Markets is the closest competitor if your main appeal is a powerful proprietary platform and broad market range with no minimum deposit.
Regulation
IG is regulated by FCA, ASIC, MAS, and BaFin. CMC Markets is regulated by FCA, ASIC, and BaFin. Both are firmly in the top-regulation bracket and both score at least 9.5/10 for trust in the dataset, with IG at 10.0/10 and CMC Markets at 9.5/10.
That 10.0/10 score matters. Very few brokers in the repo reach it. IG also has the longer operating history in this pair, having been founded in 1974 versus 1989 for CMC Markets.
If trust and corporate durability are the headline criteria, IG wins. CMC Markets is still excellent. It just happens to be up against one of the most trusted names on the board.
Fees & Spreads
IG advertises spreads from 0.6 pips and scores 8.5/10 on trading costs. CMC Markets advertises spreads from 0.7 pips and scores 8.0/10. Neither broker is trying to win the pure ECN pricing war; both are premium brokers where the value comes from platform quality, research, and breadth rather than raw-spread minimalism.
IG also requires a $250 minimum deposit, while CMC Markets has no minimum deposit requirement. That does not make CMC cheaper per trade, but it does make it easier to open and test without commitment.
If you want the slightly stronger cost profile, IG gets the edge. If you want premium-market access without an upfront funding threshold, CMC Markets has the practical advantage.
Platforms
This is a heavyweight platform battle. IG offers IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, and L2 Dealer. CMC Markets offers Next Generation and MT4. The dataset scores them both at 9.5/10 for platforms, which is about as strong as it gets.
IG's edge is variety and depth. CMC Markets' edge is the strength of its proprietary Next Generation platform, which is one of the best-known in-house trading interfaces in the broker space.
There is no bad choice here. If you want the broader platform toolkit, IG is better. If you specifically like the CMC approach and want a no-minimum-deposit premium broker, CMC Markets stays highly compelling.
Instruments
IG offers around 17,000 instruments. CMC Markets offers around 10,000. Both are huge by retail standards, but IG is simply broader.
The product-range scores confirm that: 9.5/10 for both, which tells you CMC Markets is still elite despite the lower absolute count. The difference matters mainly if you want maximum optionality across global markets and niche instruments.
For the majority of traders, both brokers offer more than enough. But if you want the broader market universe, IG wins.
Deposits & Withdrawals
CMC Markets wins this section on accessibility. It requires no minimum deposit, while IG requires $250. Both support bank transfer, credit card, and PayPal, but the deposit-and-withdrawal scores lean slightly in CMC's favor through the easier opening barrier.
That said, neither broker is positioned around e-wallet-heavy retail convenience in the way low-deposit brokers are. These are premium brands with more traditional funding expectations.
If you are comparing them as a first premium broker account, CMC Markets is easier to test. IG asks for more commitment on day one.
Support
Both brokers offer 24/5 live chat, email, and phone support. IG scores 8.5/10 for customer service and CMC Markets scores 8.0/10. Both are strong, but IG has the higher mark.
That aligns with the broader profile: IG is the slightly more complete premium package. CMC Markets is still strong operationally, just not quite as high across the board.
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, IG has the edge with a score of 8.5/10 versus 8/10 for CMC Markets. CMC Markets offers spreads starting from 0.7 pips, while IG starts from 0.6 pips. The minimum deposit at CMC Markets is $0, compared to $250 at IG. Both brokers operate primarily on a spread-based pricing model, though actual costs vary by account type and instrument. For high-volume traders, even small spread differences add up significantly over time, making this an important category to weigh carefully.
Trading Platforms
CMC Markets scores 9.5/10 for platforms compared to 9.5/10 for IG. CMC Markets provides Next Generation, MT4, while IG offers IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer. The choice of platform affects your charting, order execution speed, and available technical indicators. Traders who rely on MetaTrader's algorithmic trading capabilities should check which MT4/MT5 features each broker supports, including custom indicators and expert advisors.
Regulation & Safety
Regulation is crucial for fund safety. CMC Markets is regulated by FCA, ASIC, BaFin (Tier 1), while IG holds licenses from FCA, ASIC, MAS, BaFin (Tier 1). CMC Markets scores 9.5/10 and IG scores 10/10 in this category. CMC Markets shows 3 regulators in the shared broker dataset. Treat that as a brand-level trust signal, not proof of the exact legal entity you will onboard with. IG shows 4 regulators in the shared broker dataset. Treat that as a brand-level trust signal, not proof of the exact legal entity you will onboard with. Tier 1 regulators like FCA, ASIC, and CySEC offer the strongest investor protection, but you should still verify the specific entity covering your jurisdiction before opening an account.
Education & Research
For learning resources, IG leads with 9/10 compared to 8/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. CMC Markets and IG both provide demo accounts for risk-free practice, but the depth of educational content varies. Beginners should prioritize this category when choosing between the two.
Customer Support
CMC Markets offers 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone and scores 8/10, while IG provides 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone with a score of 8.5/10. Reliable support becomes critical during market volatility or when you encounter account issues. Look for brokers with 24/5 or 24/7 availability, multiple contact channels, and support in your preferred language.
Deposit & Withdrawal
CMC Markets scores 8/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while IG scores 8/10. CMC Markets accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal, and IG supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. CMC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $0 versus $250 for IG. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
Choose CMC Markets if you...
- Choose IG if you want the strongest overall premium broker in this pair, with elite regulation, broad research depth, more platform variety, and the widest market range.
- It is the better default for serious multi-market traders.
Choose IG if you...
- Choose CMC Markets if you want a top-tier proprietary platform and broad market access without a minimum deposit requirement.
- It is the more accessible premium option and still one of the best brokers in the dataset.
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
Cast your vote — see what other traders think
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Frequently Asked Questions
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