IG VS CMC Markets
Detailed side-by-side analysis on 40+ criteria. Data updated 2026.
IG 👑
In this 2-way comparison between IG and CMC Markets, IG emerges as our top recommendation with an overall rating of 4.6/5.
Regulation Excellence: IG holds a Tier-1 FCA license, providing the highest level of investor protection including segregated client funds and compensation schemes.
Spread Comparison: While CMC Markets offers the lowest spreads (0.82 pips), IG's 0.86 pips combined with superior overall features make it our top pick.
Best Broker For:
- Beginners: CMC Markets (only $0 minimum)
- Low Spreads: CMC Markets (0.82 pips EUR/USD)
- Trust & Safety: IG (98% trust score)
- Overall Winner: IG (4.6/5 rating)
| 40+ Criteria |
🏆 Winner
IG |
CMC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Overview & Ratings | ||
| Overall Rating | 🏆 Best | |
| Trust Score |
98%
|
97%
|
| Founded | 1974 | 1989 |
| Regulation & Safety | ||
| Primary Regulator | FCA Tier 1 | FCA Tier 1 |
| Segregated Accounts | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Negative Balance Protection | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Publicly Traded | ✔ IGG.L | ✔ CMCX.L |
| Trading Conditions | ||
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.9 pips | 0.8 pips 💰 Lowest |
| Spread Type | Variable | Variable |
| Commission | $0 (spread only) | $0 (spread only) |
| Max Leverage | 1:200 | 1:30 |
| Account Conditions | ||
| Min Deposit | $250 💎 Lowest | $0 |
| Demo Account | ✔ Unlimited | ✔ Unlimited |
| Islamic Account | ✔ Yes | ✗ No |
| Trading Platforms | ||
| MetaTrader 4 | ✔ | ✔ |
| MetaTrader 5 | ✗ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✔ | ✗ |
| Copy Trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Mobile App | ✔ iOS/Android | ✔ iOS/Android |
| Instruments | ||
| Total Instruments | 17000+ 📈 Most | 12000+ |
| Forex Pairs | 80 | 330 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 11 | 20 |
| Stocks/CFDs | 12000 | 9000 |
| Education & Support | ||
| Educational Content | ✔ Yes | Limited |
| Webinars | ✔ Free | ✗ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: IG or CMC Markets?
Based on our comprehensive analysis, IG scores higher overall with a 4.6/5 rating. It's regulated by FCA, a Tier-1 authority ensuring maximum fund protection. However, the best choice depends on your trading priorities:
- For lowest spreads: CMC Markets (0.82 pips)
- For lowest deposit: CMC Markets ($0)
- For maximum trust: IG (98% trust score)
What are the main differences between these brokers?
Key differences in this comparison:
- IG: FCA, spreads from 0.86 pips, $250 min deposit
- CMC Markets: FCA, spreads from 0.82 pips, $0 min deposit
Which broker is best for beginners?
For beginners, we recommend CMC Markets due to its low $0 minimum deposit and unlimited demo account.
Are these brokers safe and regulated?
Here's the regulatory status for each broker:
- IG: FCA (Tier-1, highest protection)
- CMC Markets: FCA (Tier-1, highest protection)
We recommend choosing Tier-1 regulated brokers (FCA, ASIC, SEC, FINMA) for maximum fund protection.
