Broker comparison

ActivTrades vs CMC Markets Comparison

Compare trading conditions, commissions and platforms of Forex brokers ActivTrades and CMC Markets. Find out which broker is best for you.

VS summaryScores and ranking at a glance
ActivTrades
Rating
4.3/5
Rank
#26
Register

81% of retail investors lose money when trading CFDs with this broker

CMC MarketsHigher ranked
Rating
4.4/5
Rank
#16
Register

69% of retail investors lose money when trading CFDs with this broker

  • Conditions, fees and platforms compared
  • Ratings and ranking positions checked
  • Based on our review methodology
How we compare brokers
Updated

We test brokers on real accounts using our own methodology, evaluating the quality of order execution, trading conditions, platforms and customer support.

Who is better - ActivTrades or CMC Markets?

Quick comparison

Key differences between the brokers

Below, we show only the differences in trading conditions covered in our reviews. These may include the minimum deposit, available markets, platforms and account types. Compare these details with your requirements.

Methodology

Ratings and ranks

CMC Markets ranks higher in the editorial ranking.
ActivTrades
Rating: 4.3/5Rank: #26
CMC Markets
Rating: 4.4/5Rank: #16

ActivTrades

Different platforms
  • MetaTrader 5
  • ActivTrader
  • TradingView

CMC Markets

Different platforms
  • CMC Markets

This material is not personalized financial advice. Terms and service availability vary by country.

Full broker ranking

Comparison Table of ActivTrades and CMC Markets

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Overview: comparison of ActivTrades, CMC Markets
BrokerActivTradesCMC Markets
Foundation Year20011989
Regulated in CountriesBahamas, United Kingdom, Portugal, Luxembourg, BrazilUnited Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, United Arab Emirates
Minimum Deposit
  • 1 CHF
  • 1 EUR
  • 1 GBP
  • 1 SEK
  • 1 USD
  • 1 AUD
  • 1 CAD
  • 1 EUR
  • 1 GBP
  • 1 NOK
  • 1 NZD
  • 1 PLN
  • 1 SEK
  • 1 SGD
  • 1 USD
Spreadfrom 0.5 pointsfrom 0.7 points
Max Leverage1:4001:30
Trading Assets (CFDs)
  • Forex
  • Precious Metals
  • Energy Carriers
  • Soft Commodities
  • Indices
  • Stocks
  • ETF
  • Bonds
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Forex
  • Precious Metals
  • Energy Carriers
  • Soft Commodities
  • Indices
  • Stocks
  • ETF
  • Bonds
  • Cryptocurrency
Trading Platforms
  • MetaTrader 4
  • MetaTrader 5
  • ActivTrader
  • TradingView
  • MetaTrader 4
  • CMC Markets
ReviewActivTrades ReviewCMC Markets Review

ActivTrades Review

ActivTrades Logo
Register81% of retail investors lose money when trading CFDs with this broker
Countries of registration:
Regulators:
Trading Assets
Forex Precious Metals Energy Carriers Soft Commodities Indices Stocks ETF Bonds Cryptocurrency
Trading Platforms
MetaTrader 4MetaTrader 5ActivTraderTradingView

ActivTrades is suitable for beginner traders who value simplicity and intuitive trading platforms, as well as a variety of educational materials to improve their skills. Moreover, this broker can be a suitable option for experienced traders who prefer to trade various instruments and use the powerful features of the MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and TradingView platforms.

However, for traders with more specific requirements, such as a variety of trading accounts or individual conditions for professional traders, ActivTrades may be less attractive.

Pros and Cons of ActivTrades

Pros

  1. Wide range of trading assets.
  2. A wide variety of trading platforms.
  3. Extensive training materials including webinars, videos, articles and guides.
  4. Professional Support Team.

Cons

  1. Lack of diversity in trading accounts.

ActivTrades is in the top 10 of the following ratings:

CMC Markets Review

CMC Markets Logo
Register69% of retail investors lose money when trading CFDs with this broker
Countries of registration:
Regulators:
Trading Assets
Forex Precious Metals Energy Carriers Soft Commodities Indices Stocks ETF Bonds Cryptocurrency
Trading Platforms
MetaTrader 4CMC Markets

CMC Markets has been a reliable CFD and Forex broker in the business for a long time. Top-tier financial authorities regulate the company, offers an excellent trading platform, and has low commission fees.

We believe it is an excellent choice for beginners and experienced traders. CMC Markets is a good option if you are seeking a trustworthy broker with extensive experience.

Pros and Cons of CMC Markets

Pros

  1. Low trading fees.
  2. Wide range of markets and products.
  3. Access to the popular MetaTrader 4 and CMC Markets platforms.
  4. Extensive analytical materials.
  5. Comprehensive educational materials.

Cons

  1. Limited account options.
  2. Inactivity fee.
  3. No online chat.

CMC Markets is in the top 10 of the following ratings:

Reliability

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Reliability: comparison of ActivTrades, CMC Markets
BrokerActivTradesCMC Markets
Reliability
5/5
5/5
Foundation Year20011989
Regulated in CountriesBahamas, United Kingdom, Portugal, Luxembourg, BrazilUnited Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, United Arab Emirates
Regulators

ActivTrades

ActivTrades - highly regulated, transparent broker with a good reputation. International regulation and client fund protection make it a reliable choice.

CMC Markets

CMC Markets demonstrates a high level of regulation and protection of client funds.

Pros

  1. Regulation in multiple countries.
  2. Adherence to CASS rules to protect client funds.
  3. Compensation through FSCS in case of financial problems.

Account Opening

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Account Opening: comparison of ActivTrades, CMC Markets
BrokerActivTradesCMC Markets
Account Opening
4/5
4/5
Minimum Deposit
  • 1 USD
  • 1 EUR
  • 1 GBP
  • 1 CHF
  • 1 SEK
  • 1 USD
  • 1 EUR
  • 1 GBP
  • 1 AUD
  • 1 CAD
  • 1 NOK
  • 1 NZD
  • 1 PLN
  • 1 SEK
  • 1 SGD

ActivTrades

The account opening process at ActivTrades is quite accessible for most traders, but verification can take a significant amount of time.

CMC Markets

The account opening process is standard but has some limitations.

Pros

  1. No minimum deposit requirement.
  2. Clear and transparent registration process.

Cons

  1. Requirement to provide extensive information.
  2. Restrictions for residents of certain countries.

Account Types

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Account Types: comparison of ActivTrades, CMC Markets
BrokerActivTradesCMC Markets
Account Types
2/5
2.3/5
Trading Accounts
  • Individual
  • Pro
  • CFD
Minimum Deposit
  • 1 USD
  • 1 EUR
  • 1 GBP
  • 1 CHF
  • 1 SEK
  • 1 USD
  • 1 EUR
  • 1 GBP
  • 1 AUD
  • 1 CAD
  • 1 NOK
  • 1 NZD
  • 1 PLN
  • 1 SEK
  • 1 SGD
Spreadfrom 0.5 pointsfrom 0.7 points
Max Leverage1:4001:30
Trading Assets (CFDs)
  • Forex
  • Precious Metals
  • Energy Carriers
  • Soft Commodities
  • Indices
  • Stocks
  • ETF
  • Bonds
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Forex
  • Precious Metals
  • Energy Carriers
  • Soft Commodities
  • Indices
  • Stocks
  • ETF
  • Bonds
  • Cryptocurrency
Trading Platforms
  • MetaTrader 4
  • MetaTrader 5
  • ActivTrader
  • TradingView
  • MetaTrader 4
  • CMC Markets
Demo Account
Swap-free Account

ActivTrades

ActivTrades offers 2 trading accounts suitable for most traders, but some options are missing.

Pros

  1. Availability of an Islamic account.

Cons

  1. No STP/ECN accounts.
  2. Lack of fixed spread accounts.
  3. Investment accounts (PAMM, copy trading) are not offered.

CMC Markets

Accounts meet basic needs but do not offer a wide selection.

Pros

  1. Availability of a demo account.

Cons

  1. No cent or Islamic accounts.
  2. No accounts with fixed spreads.
  3. No investment accounts (PAMM, copy trading).

Commissions

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Commissions: comparison of ActivTrades, CMC Markets
BrokerActivTradesCMC Markets
Commissions
3.7/5
4.7/5
Spreadfrom 0.5 pointsfrom 0.7 points
Average Spread (EURUSD)10.7
CommissionNo dataNo data

ActivTrades

ActivTrades offers average commissions with tight spreads, but high swap rates and inactivity fees.

CMC Markets

The broker offers competitive spreads and does not charge fees for depositing/withdrawing.

Pros

  1. No deposit or withdrawal fees.
  2. Competitive spreads and swaps.
  3. Cashback on trading commissions.

Cons

  1. Monthly inactivity fee.

Deposit and Withdrawal

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Deposit and Withdrawal: comparison of ActivTrades, CMC Markets
BrokerActivTradesCMC Markets
Rating
4.5/5
4.5/5
Account Funding Methods
  • Neteller
  • Skrill
  • AstroPay
  • Bank Transfer
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • PayPal
  • Bank Transfer
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • Maestro
  • Online banking

ActivTrades

ActivTrades offers a variety of convenient methods for depositing and withdrawing funds.

Pros

  1. Diversity of payment systems.
  2. Most transactions are commission-free.
  3. Fast processing of requests.

Cons

  1. No options for using cryptocurrencies.

CMC Markets

The broker offers flexibility and transparency in transactions.

Pros

  1. No fees for deposits or withdrawals.
  2. Fast processing of withdrawal requests.

Cons

  1. Some competitors offer more payment methods.

Markets and Products

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Markets and Products: comparison of ActivTrades, CMC Markets
BrokerActivTradesCMC Markets
Markets and Products
5/5
4.4/5
Forex49336
Precious Metals319
Energy Carriers745
Soft Commodities958
Indices3199
Stocks103510099
ETF751200
Bonds671
Cryptocurrency12336

ActivTrades

ActivTrades offers a wide range of trading instruments, providing access to all major markets, making it attractive to various traders.

CMC Markets

CMC Markets offers various trading instruments for multiple markets but with limited maximum leverage.

Trading Platforms

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Trading Platforms: comparison of ActivTrades, CMC Markets
BrokerActivTradesCMC Markets
Rating
5/5
4.5/5
Trading Platforms
  • MetaTrader 4
  • MetaTrader 5
  • ActivTrader
  • TradingView
  • MetaTrader 4
  • CMC Markets

ActivTrades

ActivTrades offers diverse trading platforms, each catering to different trading needs, combining efficiency, advanced features, and user-friendly interfaces.

Pros

  1. Multiple platforms including MT4, MT5, ActivTrader, and TradingView integration.
  2. Advanced tools and features for comprehensive market analysis.
  3. Customization options and social trading aspects in TradingView.

CMC Markets

The broker provides two powerful and flexible trading platforms.

Pros

  1. Availability of the popular MetaTrader 4 platform.
  2. Proprietary platform with extensive functionality and customization options.

Cons

  1. The proprietary platform may be complex for beginners.
  2. Lack of MetaTrader 5 platform.

Analytics

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Analytics: comparison of ActivTrades, CMC Markets
BrokerActivTradesCMC Markets
Rating
5/5
5/5

ActivTrades

ActivTrades provides extensive analytical resources, including market analysis, economic calendar, technical analysis tools, trading signals, and ideas.

CMC Markets

The broker offers extensive analytical resources that assist traders in decision-making.

Pros

  1. Comprehensive commentary and forecasts from experts.
  2. Technical and fundamental analysis.
  3. News from Reuters and economic calendar.

Education

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Education: comparison of ActivTrades, CMC Markets
BrokerActivTradesCMC Markets
Rating
5/5
5/5

ActivTrades

ActivTrades offers high-quality and diverse educational materials that will be useful for traders of any level.

CMC Markets

The broker offers extensive and quality educational resources for traders of all levels.

Pros

  1. A wide range of educational forms: seminars, webinars, video conferences, courses.
  2. Classes conducted by leading traders and guest experts.
  3. Most materials are available for free to company clients.

Customer Support

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Customer Support: comparison of ActivTrades, CMC Markets
BrokerActivTradesCMC Markets
Rating
5/5
4/5
Email Support
Hotline Phones
Social Media

ActivTrades

ActivTrades' technical support is commendable for its professionalism, diverse communication channels, and 24/5 availability.

Pros

  1. Highly professional and knowledgeable staff.
  2. Multiple contact options including phone, chat, and email.
  3. 24/5 availability.

CMC Markets

CMC Markets provides quality technical support operating 24/5, with prompt and professional responses.

Pros

  1. Support available 24/5.
  2. Prompt and professional responses.

Cons

  1. Lack of online chat for instant communication.

Comparisons of ActivTrades and CMC Markets with other brokers

Conclusion

When choosing between CMC Markets and ActivTrades, match their platforms, markets, account types and funding terms to your needs.

Before opening an account, verify fees, regulation, support and service availability for your country in the sections above.

FAQ

Which broker is better: ActivTrades or CMC Markets?

CMC Markets ranks higher than ActivTrades in our editorial ranking. That does not make it a universal choice: compare fees, markets, platforms, account types and support.

Which broker is better for beginners: ActivTrades or CMC Markets?

Beginners should compare availability in their country, account types, minimum deposit, trading platforms and customer support.

Who has lower typical trading costs (spreads/commissions) — ActivTrades or CMC Markets?

It depends on the instrument and account type. Compare the live conditions in the “Commissions” section on this page — we break down the nuances category by category.

What trading platforms are available with ActivTrades and CMC Markets?

ActivTrades: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, ActivTrader, TradingView. CMC Markets: MetaTrader 4, CMC Markets. See the “Platforms” section for details and selection tips.

What markets can you trade with ActivTrades and CMC Markets?

ActivTrades: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Soft Commodities, Indices, Stocks, ETF, Bonds, Cryptocurrency. CMC Markets: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Soft Commodities, Indices, Stocks, ETF, Bonds, Cryptocurrency. Full lists and differences are in the “Markets” section.

What account types are offered by ActivTrades and CMC Markets?

ActivTrades: Individual, Pro. CMC Markets: CFD. See “Account Types” for a side-by-side comparison.

What deposit and withdrawal methods are supported by ActivTrades and CMC Markets?

ActivTrades: Neteller, Skrill, AstroPay, Bank Transfer, Visa, Mastercard. CMC Markets: PayPal, Bank Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Online banking. Check method-specific fees/settlement times.

Which broker is safer — ActivTrades or CMC Markets — and how was this assessed?

We consider regulation, corporate transparency, fund protection, and incident history. See the “Reliability” section for our findings.

Nikolay is an experienced specialist in financial markets and co-founder of IamForexTrader. He has been successfully trading Forex since 2014 and has been actively involved in the cryptocurrency market since 2017.

He develops investment strategies adaptable to any level of experience and has been actively investing in stocks, bonds and ETFs since 2018.