CMC Markets vs xChief 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 xChief?
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 xChief.
CMC Markets scored 4.4/5 and ranks 15 in our all Forex brokers list, whereas xChief has 4.1/5 and ranks 43.
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 xChief suitable for?
xChief is suitable for traders looking for a wide range of trading instruments and low spreads. However, the broker is not suitable for those seeking a strong analytical section and educational courses
Comparison Table of CMC Markets and xChief
| Broker | CMC Markets | xChief |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Foundation Year | 1988 | 2014 |
| Regulated in Countries | United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, United Arab Emirates | Comoros |
| Minimum Deposit |
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| Spread | from 0.7 points | from 0 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:30 | 1:1000 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Review | CMC Markets Review | xChief 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:
xChief Review
xChief offers traders a variety of opportunities and services for successful trading in the Forex market. With a wide selection of trading instruments, reliable trading platforms, contests, and educational materials, the broker creates conditions for developing traders of all experience levels.
Pros and Cons of xChief
Pros
- A wide range of trading instruments.
- Availability of cent and PAMM accounts.
- Tight spreads and low commission per transaction.
- Scalping and algorithmic trading allowed.
Cons
- Regulation in an offshore jurisdiction.
- Weak analytical section.
- No educational courses and webinars for beginner traders.
xChief is in the top 10 of the following ratings:
Reliability
| Broker | CMC Markets | xChief |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Foundation Year | 1988 | 2014 |
| Regulated in Countries | United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, United Arab Emirates | Comoros |
| 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 | MISA MISA |
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.
xChief
ForexChief is of medium credibility, having a license from a body in an offshore jurisdiction.
Account Opening
| Broker | CMC Markets | xChief |
|---|---|---|
| Account Opening | 4/5 | 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.
xChief
Opening an account with Forex Chief is simple and fast thanks to a clear registration and verification process.
Account Types
| Broker | CMC Markets | xChief |
|---|---|---|
| Account Types | 2.3/5 | 5/5 |
| Trading Accounts |
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| Minimum Deposit |
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| Spread | from 0.7 points | from 0 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:30 | 1:1000 |
| 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).
xChief
Forex Chief offers a variety of account types, satisfying the needs of different traders, from beginners to professionals.
Pros
- Wide selection of accounts: DirectFX, Classic+, cent, and Islamic.
- Demo accounts are available for novice traders.
- Investment accounts available: PAMM accounts and copy trading.
Commissions
| Broker | CMC Markets | xChief |
|---|---|---|
| Commissions | 4.7/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Spread | from 0.7 points | from 0 points |
| Average Spread (EURUSD) | 0.7 | 0.7 |
| Commission per Lot | $2.5 |
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.
xChief
Forex Chief offers attractive commissions and tight spreads, although swaps are average for the market. Rebates add extra benefits for active traders.
Pros
- Low commission per trade.
- Tight spreads.
- No inactivity fees and no withdrawal fees.
Cons
- High swaps.
Deposit and Withdrawal
| Broker | CMC Markets | xChief |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
xChief
ForexChief offers a wide range of deposit and withdrawal methods without any fees on their part, with fast processing of requests.
Markets and Products
| Broker | CMC Markets | xChief |
|---|---|---|
| Markets and Products | 4.4/5 | 4/5 |
| Forex | 336 | 39 |
| Precious Metals | 19 | 2 |
| Energy Carriers | 45 | 3 |
| Soft Commodities | 58 | - |
| Indices | 99 | 10 |
| Stocks | 10099 | 100 |
| ETF | 1200 | - |
| Bonds | 71 | - |
| Cryptocurrency | 336 | 5 |
CMC Markets
CMC Markets offers various trading instruments for multiple markets but with limited maximum leverage.
xChief
Forex Chief offers a respectable variety of trading instruments.
Pros
- Wide range of currency pairs and CFDs.
- Access to cryptocurrency trading.
- Flexible margin requirements.
Cons
- Lack of soft commodities.
- Limited number of stock CFDs.
Trading Platforms
| Broker | CMC Markets | xChief |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4/5 |
| Trading Platforms |
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|
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.
xChief
Forex Chief offers widely used and functional MT4 and MT5 platforms, providing convenience and accessibility for traders.
Pros
- Use of popular and proven MT4 and MT5 platforms.
- Availability of platforms on various OS (Windows, iOS, Android).
Cons
- Lack of proprietary unique platform.
- Limited selection of platforms compared to some competitors.
Analytics
| Broker | CMC Markets | xChief |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 3/5 |
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.
xChief
ForexChief offers basic analytical tools, but they are generally insufficient for serious trading.
Pros
- Current central bank interest rates.
- Convenient trader's calculator.
Cons
- Outdated economic articles.
- Insufficient variety of analytical tools.
Education
| Broker | CMC Markets | xChief |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 3/5 |
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.
xChief
ForexChief's educational materials cover the basics, but do not offer in-depth training.
Pros
- Wide range of article topics for beginners.
- Various trading strategies and indicators are presented.
Cons
- Lack of more advanced materials.
- No video tutorials or webinars.
Customer Support
| Broker | CMC Markets | xChief |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Email Support |
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| Hotline Phones |
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| Social Media |
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
LinkedIn
Instagram
TelegramCMC 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.
xChief
ForexChief support is well-organized and easily accessible, but has limited operating hours.
Comparisons of CMC Markets and xChief with other brokers
Conclusion
CMC Markets stands out as the better overall pick, while xChief trails on aggregate criteria.
CMC Markets scored 4.4/5 and ranks 15 in our rating; xChief has 4.1/5 and ranks 43.
We explain the reasons above in detail — fees, platforms, reliability, support, and more.
FAQ
Which broker is better: CMC Markets or xChief?
CMC Markets comes out ahead by overall rank (score 4.4/5, position 15) versus xChief (score 4.1/5, position 43).
Which broker is better for beginners: CMC Markets or xChief?
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 xChief?
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 xChief?
CMC Markets: MetaTrader 4, CMC Markets. xChief: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5. See the “Platforms” section for details and selection tips.
What markets can you trade with CMC Markets and xChief?
CMC Markets: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Soft Commodities, Indices, Stocks, ETF, Bonds, Cryptocurrency. xChief: 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 xChief?
CMC Markets: CFD. xChief: CENT, Classic+, DirectFX, xPRIME. See “Account Types” for a side-by-side comparison.
What deposit and withdrawal methods are supported by CMC Markets and xChief?
CMC Markets: PayPal, Bank Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Online banking. xChief: Skrill, Neteller, Volet, WebMoney, Perfect Money, FasaPay, SEPA, Credit and Debit Cards, Online banking. Check method-specific fees/settlement times.
Which broker is safer — CMC Markets or xChief — and how was this assessed?
We consider regulation, corporate transparency, fund protection, and incident history. See the “Reliability” section for our findings.
