Alpari vs CMC Markets 2026
By Akash · Facts from the brokers’ own sites, sources linked on each review
CMC Markets has the higher TFB Score (73/100 vs 61/100).
Alpari, founded in 1998, is a trading name of Parlance Trading Ltd, licensed by the Mwali International Services Authority (an offshore regulator), offering Micro, Standard, ECN and Pro ECN accounts on MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and the Alpari app.
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 | Alpari | CMC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| TFB Score | 61/100 | 73/100▲ |
| Regulation & safety | 7/35Strongest licence MISA (tier 3) | 28/35▲1 tier-1 regulator (FCA), investor compensation |
| Fees & costs | 22/25▲All-in cost from 0.00 pips, no commission | 15/25Spreads from 0 pips; commission not published |
| Deposits & withdrawals | 16/20Minimum deposit $30 (Micro); $100 (Standard); $300 (ECN); $500 (Pro ECN), 5 deposit methods, 5 withdrawal methods | 16/20Minimum deposit No minimum deposit to open an account, 3 deposit methods, 2 withdrawal methods |
| Platforms & trading | 16/20▲MT4, MT5; leverage up to 1:3000 (ECN and Pro ECN, Parlance Trading Ltd) | 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 | MISA | FCA |
| Minimum deposit | $30 (Micro); $100 (Standard); $300 (ECN); $500 (Pro ECN) | No minimum deposit to open an account |
| Spreads from | 0.0 pips (Pro ECN); 0.8 pips (ECN); 1.2 pips (Standard; Micro from 1.5 pips) | 0.0 pips (FX Active account, six major pairs; standard CFD and spread bet accounts from 0.5 pips on major FX pairs) |
| Commission | None on Micro, Standard and ECN; Pro ECN forex $2.5 per lot traded | A fixed commission at 0.0025% per transaction (FX Active account; standard CFD and spread bet accounts are spread only) |
| Max leverage | Up to 1:3000 (ECN and Pro ECN, Parlance Trading Ltd) | 30:1 for retail traders (CMC Markets UK plc) |
| Platforms | ||
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transfers, Debit and credit cards, E-wallets, Local payment methods, Cryptocurrency | Card, Registered bank account |
| Retail accounts losing money | Not published | 68% |
Facts from each broker's own website and the regulators' registers. Full sources are on each review: Alpari review · CMC Markets review.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers, from the facts shown on this page.
Is Alpari or CMC Markets better?
CMC Markets has the higher TFB Score (73/100 vs 61/100). The best choice depends on your country, platform and payment method.
Are Alpari and CMC Markets regulated?
Alpari: MISA. CMC Markets: FCA. Every licence is linked to the regulator's register on each review.
Which is safer, Alpari or CMC Markets?
Alpari holds no tier-1 licence; 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 Alpari and CMC Markets?
Alpari: $30 (Micro); $100 (Standard); $300 (ECN); $500 (Pro ECN). CMC Markets: No minimum deposit to open an account.
Which has tighter spreads, Alpari or CMC Markets?
Published spreads start from 0.0 pips (Pro ECN); 0.8 pips (ECN); 1.2 pips (Standard; Micro from 1.5 pips) at Alpari 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: Alpari None on Micro, Standard and ECN; Pro ECN forex $2.5 per lot traded, CMC Markets A fixed commission at 0.0025% per transaction (FX Active account; standard CFD and spread bet accounts are spread only).
Do Alpari and CMC Markets offer MetaTrader and TradingView?
Both offer MetaTrader 4. Alpari: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, Alpari Mobile App. CMC Markets: Next Generation, MetaTrader 4, TradingView.
What is the maximum leverage at Alpari and CMC Markets?
Alpari: Up to 1:3000 (ECN and Pro ECN, Parlance Trading Ltd). CMC Markets: 30:1 for retail traders (CMC Markets UK plc). Leverage depends on the company that opens your account and on your country.
More Alpari 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