CMC Markets vs Trading 212: which broker is better in 2026?
We compare CMC Markets and Trading 212 — 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 MarketsTrading 212
Overall score 4.0 3.8
Regulation & safety 4.0 4.0
Fees & deposit 3.5 4.0
Platform & assets 4.5 3.5
User support 4.0 3.5
Trust score80/10077/100
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 appTrading 212 app (web/mobile)
Fee modelSpread & commission model varies per product — details not yet verifiedCommission-free stocks & ETFs (Invest); CFDs via spread
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
- Regulated by the FCA + FSC; commission-free stocks & ETFs
- Very beginner-friendly app & popular in Europe
- Good for long-term investing (Invest) + separate CFDs
- CFD features are more limited than dedicated forex brokers (no MT4/MT5)
- Not for pro/algorithmic traders
- Leveraged CFDs remain high-risk
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).
Trading 212
Regulated by the FCA (UK) & FSC (Bulgaria). Trading 212 UK Ltd is supervised by the FCA. Popular for commission-free stocks & ETFs.