Broker comparison

CMC Markets vs xChief Comparison

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

VS summaryScores and ranking at a glance
CMC MarketsHigher ranked
Rating
4.4/5
Rank
#16
Register

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

xChief
Rating
4.2/5
Rank
#44
Register

Trading CFDs carries high risks. You may lose all invested funds

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

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?

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.
CMC Markets
Rating: 4.4/5Rank: #16
xChief
Rating: 4.2/5Rank: #44

CMC Markets

Different platforms
  • CMC Markets
Different markets
  • Soft Commodities
  • ETF
  • Bonds

xChief

Different platforms
  • MetaTrader 5
Different markets
None listed

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

Full broker ranking

Comparison Table of CMC Markets and xChief

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Overview: comparison of CMC Markets, xChief
BrokerCMC MarketsxChief
Foundation Year
1989
2014
Regulated in Countries
United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, United Arab Emirates
Comoros, South Africa, Kazakhstan
Minimum Deposit
  • 1 AUD
  • 1 CAD
  • 1 EUR
  • 1 GBP
  • 1 NOK
  • 1 NZD
  • 1 PLN
  • 1 SEK
  • 1 SGD
  • 1 USD
  • 1 USD
Spread
from 0.7 points
from 0 points
Max Leverage
1:30
1:1000
Trading Assets (CFDs)
  • Forex
  • Precious Metals
  • Energy Carriers
  • Soft Commodities
  • Indices
  • Stocks
  • ETF
  • Bonds
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Forex
  • Precious Metals
  • Energy Carriers
  • Indices
  • Stocks
  • Cryptocurrency
Trading Platforms
  • MetaTrader 4
  • CMC Markets
  • MetaTrader 4
  • MetaTrader 5
Review

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:

xChief Review

xChief Logo
RegisterTrading CFDs carries high risks. You may lose all invested funds
Countries of registration:
Regulators:
Trading Assets
Forex Precious Metals Energy Carriers Indices Stocks Cryptocurrency
Trading Platforms
MetaTrader 4MetaTrader 5

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

  1. A wide range of trading instruments.
  2. Availability of cent and PAMM accounts.
  3. Tight spreads and low commission per transaction.
  4. Scalping and algorithmic trading allowed.

Cons

  1. Weak analytical section.
  2. No educational courses and webinars for beginner traders.

xChief is in the top 10 of the following ratings:

Reliability

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Reliability: comparison of CMC Markets, xChief
BrokerCMC MarketsxChief
Reliability
5/5
4/5
Foundation Year
1989
2014
Regulated in Countries
United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, United Arab Emirates
Comoros, South Africa, Kazakhstan
Regulators

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.

xChief

xChief’s reliability can be rated as average. The group holds MISA, FSCA, and AFSA licences, but most retail clients are served by the offshore entity XCHIEF LTD, which provides a limited level of protection.

Pros

  1. The group includes several regulated entities.
  2. Holds FSCA and AFSA licences.

Cons

  1. Most retail accounts are regulated by MISA.

Account Opening

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

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.

xChief

Opening an account with Forex Chief is simple and fast thanks to a clear registration and verification process.

Account Types

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Account Types: comparison of CMC Markets, xChief
BrokerCMC MarketsxChief
Account Types
2.3/5
5/5
Trading Accounts
  • CFD
  • CENT
  • Classic+
  • DirectFX
  • xPRIME
Minimum Deposit
  • 1 USD
  • 1 EUR
  • 1 GBP
  • 1 AUD
  • 1 CAD
  • 1 NOK
  • 1 NZD
  • 1 PLN
  • 1 SEK
  • 1 SGD
  • 1 USD
Spread
from 0.7 points
from 0 points
Max Leverage
1:30
1:1000
Trading Assets (CFDs)
  • Forex
  • Precious Metals
  • Energy Carriers
  • Soft Commodities
  • Indices
  • Stocks
  • ETF
  • Bonds
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Forex
  • Precious Metals
  • Energy Carriers
  • Indices
  • Stocks
  • Cryptocurrency
Trading Platforms
  • MetaTrader 4
  • CMC Markets
  • MetaTrader 4
  • MetaTrader 5
Demo Account
Yes
Yes
Swap-free Account
No
Yes

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).

xChief

Forex Chief offers a variety of account types, satisfying the needs of different traders, from beginners to professionals.

Pros

  1. Wide selection of accounts: DirectFX, Classic+, cent, and Islamic.
  2. Demo accounts are available for novice traders.
  3. Investment accounts available: PAMM accounts and copy trading.

Commissions

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Commissions: comparison of CMC Markets, xChief
BrokerCMC MarketsxChief
Commissions
4.7/5
4.2/5
Spread
from 0.7 points
from 0 points
Average Spread (EURUSD)
0.7
0.7
Commission
No data
per 1 lot$2.50

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.

xChief

Forex Chief offers attractive commissions and tight spreads, although swaps are average for the market. Rebates add extra benefits for active traders.

Pros

  1. Low commission per trade.
  2. Tight spreads.
  3. No inactivity fees and no withdrawal fees.

Cons

  1. High swaps.

Deposit and Withdrawal

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Deposit and Withdrawal: comparison of CMC Markets, xChief
BrokerCMC MarketsxChief
Rating
4.5/5
5/5
Account Funding Methods
  • PayPal
  • Bank Transfer
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • Maestro
  • Online banking
  • Skrill
  • Neteller
  • Volet
  • WebMoney
  • FasaPay
  • SEPA
  • Credit and Debit Cards
  • Online banking

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.

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

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Markets and Products: comparison of CMC Markets, xChief
BrokerCMC MarketsxChief
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

  1. Wide range of currency pairs and CFDs.
  2. Access to cryptocurrency trading.
  3. Flexible margin requirements.

Cons

  1. Lack of soft commodities.
  2. Limited number of stock CFDs.

Trading Platforms

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Trading Platforms: comparison of CMC Markets, xChief
BrokerCMC MarketsxChief
Rating
4.5/5
4/5
Trading Platforms
  • MetaTrader 4
  • CMC Markets
  • MetaTrader 4
  • MetaTrader 5

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.

xChief

Forex Chief offers widely used and functional MT4 and MT5 platforms, providing convenience and accessibility for traders.

Pros

  1. Use of popular and proven MT4 and MT5 platforms.
  2. Availability of platforms on various OS (Windows, iOS, Android).

Cons

  1. Lack of proprietary unique platform.
  2. Limited selection of platforms compared to some competitors.

Analytics

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Analytics: comparison of CMC Markets, xChief
BrokerCMC MarketsxChief
Rating
5/5
3/5

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.

xChief

ForexChief offers basic analytical tools, but they are generally insufficient for serious trading.

Pros

  1. Current central bank interest rates.
  2. Convenient trader's calculator.

Cons

  1. Outdated economic articles.
  2. Insufficient variety of analytical tools.

Education

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Education: comparison of CMC Markets, xChief
BrokerCMC MarketsxChief
Rating
5/5
3/5

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.

xChief

ForexChief's educational materials cover the basics, but do not offer in-depth training.

Pros

  1. Wide range of article topics for beginners.
  2. Various trading strategies and indicators are presented.

Cons

  1. Lack of more advanced materials.
  2. No video tutorials or webinars.

Customer Support

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Customer Support: comparison of CMC Markets, xChief
BrokerCMC MarketsxChief
Rating
4/5
4/5
Email Support
Hotline Phones
Social Media

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.

xChief

ForexChief support is well-organized and easily accessible, but has limited operating hours.

Comparisons of CMC Markets and xChief with other brokers

Conclusion

When choosing between CMC Markets and xChief, 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: CMC Markets or xChief?

CMC Markets ranks higher than xChief 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: CMC Markets or xChief?

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

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, 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.

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.