CMC Markets vs Interactive Brokers: which broker is better in 2026?
We compare CMC Markets and Interactive Brokers — two forex & CFD brokers — side by side across regulation, fees, platforms, minimum deposit, and our editorial scores. Based on our overall editorial score, Interactive Brokers edges ahead (4.3/5), but the right choice depends on what matters most to you — check the breakdown below.
Side-by-side comparison
CriteriaCMC MarketsInteractive Brokers
Overall score 4.0 4.3
Regulation & safety 4.0 4.5
Fees & deposit 3.5 4.5
Platform & assets 4.5 4.5
User support 4.0 3.5
Trust score80/10087/100
Minimum depositVaries by account type — check the official siteVaries by account type — check the official site
Demo accountAvailableAvailable
PlatformsProprietary web platform (Next Generation), MetaTrader 4, TradingView (integrated), Mobile appTrader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, Client Portal (web), IBKR Mobile, API (TWS/Web)
Fee modelSpread & commission model varies per product — details not yet verifiedKnown for very low costs (tiered/fixed) — among the cheapest in the industry for stocks/futures/forex; structure varies per product/region
Pros & cons
- Public company (LSE FTSE 250, since 1989) regulated by the FCA + Bermuda Monetary Authority
- Highly regarded Next Generation platform + MT4 + TradingView integration
- Broad coverage: forex/share/index CFDs, spread betting, and share dealing
- Historical note: ASIC once ordered retail-client remediation over margin-netting breaches
- Focus on leveraged CFD/spread betting products — high-risk
- Not the choice for those chasing the cheapest cost/raw ECN
- Top-tier regulation & transparency — a US public company (Nasdaq: IBKR) supervised by SEC/FINRA/CFTC + many global regulators
- Among the cheapest costs in the industry; very broad global market access
- Very powerful TWS platform & API for professional/algorithmic traders
- The TWS platform has a steep learning curve — less beginner-friendly
- Customer support is more self-service (not hand-holding), suited to technical users
- Interface & account structure can feel complex at first
Regulation at a glance
CMC Markets
Regulated by the FCA in the UK; holds an additional license from the Bermuda Monetary Authority. Listed on the London Stock Exchange (FTSE 250).
Interactive Brokers
A US public company (Nasdaq: IBKR) with entities regulated by SEC/FINRA/CFTC (US), FCA (UK), IIROC (Canada), MAS (Singapore), ASIC (Australia), the Central Bank of Ireland, and others. One of the most regulated & financially transparent brokers.