CMC Markets vs Plus500: which broker is better in 2026?
We compare CMC Markets and Plus500 — two forex & CFD brokers — side by side across regulation, fees, platforms, minimum deposit, and our editorial scores. Based on our overall editorial score, CMC Markets edges ahead (4.0/5), but the right choice depends on what matters most to you — check the breakdown below.
Side-by-side comparison
CriteriaCMC MarketsPlus500
Overall score 4.0 3.8
Regulation & safety 4.0 4.0
Fees & deposit 3.5 3.5
Platform & assets 4.5 4.0
User support 4.0 3.5
Trust score80/10076/100
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 appProprietary web platform, iOS/Android mobile app
Fee modelSpread & commission model varies per product — details not yet verifiedSpread model (no separate commission) — exact spreads not yet verified in detail
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
- Public company (LSE FTSE 250) with layered regulation (FCA UK, MAS Singapore)
- Simple, beginner-friendly proprietary platform, no separate commission (spread model)
- Broad instrument coverage: share/forex/commodity/index CFDs + futures & share dealing
- Historical note: £205,128 FCA fine (2012) for inaccurate transaction reporting + a past dispute with the Belgian regulator (FSMA)
- Own platform only — no MT4/MT5/cTrader for advanced traders
- Leveraged CFD model is high-risk (most retail accounts lose money — standard industry warning)
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).
Plus500
Listed on the London Stock Exchange (FTSE 250). The UK entity (Plus500UK Ltd) is supervised by the FCA; the Singapore entity (Plus500SG) holds a Capital Markets Services license from MAS. Check which entity serves your country — regulation differs per entity.