CMC Markets vs FBS Comparison: Which Is Better for Traders?
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 - CMC Markets or FBS?
Our pick: CMC Markets
Based on multiple factors - spreads and fees, available assets and instruments, execution quality, platform usability, support level, and educational resources - CMC Markets looks preferable to FBS.
CMC Markets scored 4.4/5 and ranks 15 in our all Forex brokers list, whereas FBS has 4.3/5 and ranks 21.
This is not financial advice. See the full comparison below.
Who is CMC Markets suitable for?
Broker CMC Markets is suitable for all traders thanks to its reliability, low commissions, and excellent trading platform.
Who is FBS suitable for?
FBS is suitable for beginners thanks to educational materials, as well as for experienced traders who value MetaTrader and reliability.
Comparison Table of CMC Markets and FBS
| Broker | CMC Markets | FBS |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Foundation Year | 1988 | 2007 |
| Regulated in Countries | United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, United Arab Emirates | Belize, Cyprus, Australia, South Africa |
| Minimum Deposit |
|
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| Spread | from 0.7 points | from 0.7 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:30 | 1:3000 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Review | CMC Markets Review | FBS Review |
CMC Markets Review
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
- Low trading fees.
- Wide range of markets and products.
- Access to the popular MetaTrader 4 and CMC Markets platforms.
- Extensive analytical materials.
- Comprehensive educational materials.
Cons
- Limited account options.
- Inactivity fee.
- No online chat.
CMC Markets is in the top 10 of the following ratings:
FBS Review
FBS is a reliable choice for traders who value a secure and regulated trading environment, complemented by a robust selection of educational resources and trading tools. It is particularly well-suited for those new to trading or looking to expand their knowledge and experienced traders focusing on a diverse range of assets. Despite its limitations in account types and currency options, FBS's strengths in providing competitive trading conditions and comprehensive support make it a commendable broker for a broad spectrum of traders.
Pros and Cons of FBS
Pros
- Regulated by major international organizations.
- Low spreads and commissions.
- Wide range of trading assets.
- Extensive database of educational materials and analytical tools.
- Support for various trading platforms.
Cons
- Limited choice of trading accounts.
- Limited choice of account currency.
FBS is in the top 10 of the following ratings:
Reliability
| Broker | CMC Markets | FBS |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Foundation Year | 1988 | 2007 |
| Regulated in Countries | United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, United Arab Emirates | Belize, Cyprus, Australia, South Africa |
| Regulators | FCA FCA BaFin BaFin FMA FMA KNF KNF FSAN FSAN CNMV CNMV CIRO CIRO ASIC ASIC NZ FMA NZ FMA MAS MAS DFSA DFSA | BFSC BFSC CySEC CySEC ASIC ASIC FSCA FSCA |
CMC Markets
CMC Markets demonstrates a high level of regulation and protection of client funds.
Pros
- Regulation in multiple countries.
- Adherence to CASS rules to protect client funds.
- Compensation through FSCS in case of financial problems.
FBS
FBS is a reliable and regulated broker, overseen by several international bodies, ensuring client security and transparency.
Account Opening
| Broker | CMC Markets | FBS |
|---|---|---|
| Account Opening | 4/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Minimum Deposit |
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CMC Markets
The account opening process is standard but has some limitations.
Pros
- No minimum deposit requirement.
- Clear and transparent registration process.
Cons
- Requirement to provide extensive information.
- Restrictions for residents of certain countries.
FBS
The account opening process at FBS is fast, clear, and relatively simple, although the verification procedure may take some time.
Account Types
| Broker | CMC Markets | FBS |
|---|---|---|
| Account Types | 2.3/5 | 3/5 |
| Trading Accounts |
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| Minimum Deposit |
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| Spread | from 0.7 points | from 0.7 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:30 | 1:3000 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Demo Account | ||
| Swap-free Account |
CMC Markets
Accounts meet basic needs but do not offer a wide selection.
Pros
- Availability of a demo account.
Cons
- No cent or Islamic accounts.
- No accounts with fixed spreads.
- No investment accounts (PAMM, copy trading).
FBS
FBS offers only one trading account but with additional services.
Pros
- Availability of demo accounts for practice.
- The possibility of automated trading.
Cons
- Lack of investment accounts (PAMM, copy trading).
- Insufficient variety of trading accounts.
Commissions
| Broker | CMC Markets | FBS |
|---|---|---|
| Commissions | 4.7/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Spread | from 0.7 points | from 0.7 points |
| Average Spread (EURUSD) | 0.7 | 0.9 |
| Commission per Lot |
CMC Markets
The broker offers competitive spreads and does not charge fees for depositing/withdrawing.
Pros
- No deposit or withdrawal fees.
- Competitive spreads and swaps.
- Cashback on trading commissions.
Cons
- Monthly inactivity fee.
FBS
FBS's commissions are average for the market.
Pros
- Low spreads.
Cons
- Possible withdrawal fees in the absence of trading activity.
Deposit and Withdrawal
| Broker | CMC Markets | FBS |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 5/5 |
| Account Funding Methods |
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CMC Markets
The broker offers flexibility and transparency in transactions.
Pros
- No fees for deposits or withdrawals.
- Fast processing of withdrawal requests.
Cons
- Some competitors offer more payment methods.
FBS
FBS offers many deposit and withdrawal methods with high flexibility and accessibility.
Markets and Products
| Broker | CMC Markets | FBS |
|---|---|---|
| Markets and Products | 4.4/5 | 4/5 |
| Forex | 336 | 43 |
| Precious Metals | 19 | 8 |
| Energy Carriers | 45 | 3 |
| Soft Commodities | 58 | - |
| Indices | 99 | 11 |
| Stocks | 10099 | 480 |
| ETF | 1200 | - |
| Bonds | 71 | - |
| Cryptocurrency | 336 | 5 |
CMC Markets
CMC Markets offers various trading instruments for multiple markets but with limited maximum leverage.
FBS
FBS provides a broad spectrum of trading assets, albeit with a limited selection of stocks and cryptocurrencies.
Trading Platforms
| Broker | CMC Markets | FBS |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Trading Platforms |
|
|
CMC Markets
The broker provides two powerful and flexible trading platforms.
Pros
- Availability of the popular MetaTrader 4 platform.
- Proprietary platform with extensive functionality and customization options.
Cons
- The proprietary platform may be complex for beginners.
- Lack of MetaTrader 5 platform.
FBS
FBS has a wide choice of trading platforms, meeting the needs of different traders.
Analytics
| Broker | CMC Markets | FBS |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
CMC Markets
The broker offers extensive analytical resources that assist traders in decision-making.
Pros
- Comprehensive commentary and forecasts from experts.
- Technical and fundamental analysis.
- News from Reuters and economic calendar.
FBS
FBS offers extensive and high-quality analytical tools that contribute to effective trading.
Education
| Broker | CMC Markets | FBS |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
CMC Markets
The broker offers extensive and quality educational resources for traders of all levels.
Pros
- A wide range of educational forms: seminars, webinars, video conferences, courses.
- Classes conducted by leading traders and guest experts.
- Most materials are available for free to company clients.
FBS
FBS provides comprehensive educational materials suitable for traders at all levels.
Customer Support
| Broker | CMC Markets | FBS |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Email Support |
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| Hotline Phones |
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| Social Media |
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
LinkedIn
Messenger
Viber
Line
Telegram
Whatsapp
InstagramCMC Markets
CMC Markets provides quality technical support operating 24/5, with prompt and professional responses.
Pros
- Support available 24/5.
- Prompt and professional responses.
Cons
- Lack of online chat for instant communication.
FBS
The technical support of FBS operates 24/7, is multilingual, and offers prompt problem resolution.
Comparisons of CMC Markets and FBS with other brokers
Conclusion
CMC Markets stands out as the better overall pick, while FBS trails on aggregate criteria.
CMC Markets scored 4.4/5 and ranks 15 in our rating; FBS has 4.3/5 and ranks 21.
We explain the reasons above in detail — fees, platforms, reliability, support, and more.
FAQ
Which broker is better: CMC Markets or FBS?
CMC Markets comes out ahead by overall rank (score 4.4/5, position 15) versus FBS (score 4.3/5, position 21).
Which broker is better for beginners: CMC Markets or FBS?
CMC Markets is often a smoother start thanks to simpler onboarding and stronger baseline metrics. Still, your tools and budget should drive the final choice.
Who has lower typical trading costs (spreads/commissions) — CMC Markets or FBS?
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 CMC Markets and FBS?
CMC Markets: MetaTrader 4, CMC Markets. FBS: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, FBS Trader. See the “Platforms” section for details and selection tips.
What markets can you trade with CMC Markets and FBS?
CMC Markets: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Soft Commodities, Indices, Stocks, ETF, Bonds, Cryptocurrency. FBS: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Indices, Stocks, Cryptocurrency. Full lists and differences are in the “Markets” section.
What account types are offered by CMC Markets and FBS?
CMC Markets: CFD. FBS: Standard. See “Account Types” for a side-by-side comparison.
What deposit and withdrawal methods are supported by CMC Markets and FBS?
CMC Markets: PayPal, Bank Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Online banking. FBS: Neteller, Skrill, Perfect Money, SticPay, Visa, Mastercard, Maestro. Check method-specific fees/settlement times.
Which broker is safer — CMC Markets or FBS — and how was this assessed?
We consider regulation, corporate transparency, fund protection, and incident history. See the “Reliability” section for our findings.
