ActivTrades vs CMC Markets 2026
By Akash · Facts from the brokers’ own sites, sources linked on each review
ActivTrades has the higher TFB Score (78/100 vs 73/100).
ActivTrades is a multi-entity CFD broker trading since 2001 whose UK entity ActivTrades PLC is FCA-regulated, offering MT4, MT5, ActivTrader and TradingView, with no minimum deposit in most jurisdictions.
69% of retail CFD accounts lose money with this provider.
CMC Markets UK plc is authorised and regulated by the FCA (FRN 173730) and offers spread bets and CFDs on its Next Generation platform, MT4 and TradingView.
68% of retail CFD accounts lose money with this provider.
Side by side
| Item | ActivTrades | CMC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| TFB Score | 78/100▲ | 73/100 |
| Regulation & safety | 28/351 tier-1 regulator (FCA), investor compensation | 28/351 tier-1 regulator (FCA), investor compensation |
| Fees & costs | 14/25Spreads from 0.5 pips; commission not published | 15/25▲Spreads from 0 pips; commission not published |
| Deposits & withdrawals | 20/20▲Minimum deposit No minimum deposit (USD 250 in certain jurisdictions), 6 deposit methods, 6 withdrawal methods | 16/20Minimum deposit No minimum deposit to open an account, 3 deposit methods, 2 withdrawal methods |
| Platforms & trading | 16/20▲MT4, MT5, TradingView | 14/20MT4, TradingView; leverage up to 30:1 for retail traders (CMC Markets UK plc) |
| Trader Score | No trader scores yet | No trader scores yet |
| Regulators | FCA | FCA |
| Minimum deposit | No minimum deposit (USD 250 in certain jurisdictions) | No minimum deposit to open an account |
| Spreads from | 0.5 pips (forex CFDs) | 0.0 pips (FX Active account, six major pairs; standard CFD and spread bet accounts from 0.5 pips on major FX pairs) |
| Commission | Does not charge commissions on most of the products offered (including forex, indices and commodities) | A fixed commission at 0.0025% per transaction (FX Active account; standard CFD and spread bet accounts are spread only) |
| Max leverage | Not published | 30:1 for retail traders (CMC Markets UK plc) |
| Platforms | ||
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Neteller, Skrill, Crypto | Card, Registered bank account |
| Retail accounts losing money | 69% | 68% |
Facts from each broker's own website and the regulators' registers. Full sources are on each review: ActivTrades review · CMC Markets review.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers, from the facts shown on this page.
Is ActivTrades or CMC Markets better?
ActivTrades has the higher TFB Score (78/100 vs 73/100). The best choice depends on your country, platform and payment method.
Are ActivTrades and CMC Markets regulated?
ActivTrades: FCA. CMC Markets: FCA. Every licence is linked to the regulator's register on each review.
Which is safer, ActivTrades or CMC Markets?
ActivTrades holds 1 tier-1 licence (FCA); CMC Markets holds 1 (FCA). Tier-1 regulators have the strictest rules on client money. Your protection depends on which company opens your account.
What is the minimum deposit at ActivTrades and CMC Markets?
ActivTrades: No minimum deposit (USD 250 in certain jurisdictions). CMC Markets: No minimum deposit to open an account.
Which has tighter spreads, ActivTrades or CMC Markets?
Published spreads start from 0.5 pips (forex CFDs) at ActivTrades and 0.0 pips (FX Active account, six major pairs; standard CFD and spread bet accounts from 0.5 pips on major FX pairs) at CMC Markets; commission: ActivTrades Does not charge commissions on most of the products offered (including forex, indices and commodities), CMC Markets A fixed commission at 0.0025% per transaction (FX Active account; standard CFD and spread bet accounts are spread only).
Do ActivTrades and CMC Markets offer MetaTrader and TradingView?
Both offer MetaTrader 4 and TradingView. ActivTrades: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, ActivTrader, TradingView. CMC Markets: Next Generation, MetaTrader 4, TradingView.
How many retail accounts lose money at ActivTrades and CMC Markets?
ActivTrades states 69% and CMC Markets states 68% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with them.
More ActivTrades comparisons
More CMC Markets comparisons
Forex trading at these brokers is done through CFDs (contracts for difference): you trade on the price moving up or down, without owning the currency itself.Risk warning: CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Read the full risk warning