CMC Markets vs HF Markets 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 HF Markets?
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 HF Markets.
CMC Markets scored 4.4/5 and ranks 15 in our all Forex brokers list, whereas HF Markets has 4.3/5 and ranks 22.
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 HF Markets suitable for?
HF Markets is suitable for traders of any level looking for a reliable broker with good trading conditions and support for MetaTrader 4 and 5.
Comparison Table of CMC Markets and HF Markets
| Broker | CMC Markets | HF Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Foundation Year | 1988 | 2009 |
| Regulated in Countries | United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, United Arab Emirates | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, South Africa, Seychelles, Cyprus, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Kenya |
| Minimum Deposit |
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| Spread | from 0.7 points | from 0 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:30 | 1:2000 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Review | CMC Markets Review | HF Markets 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:
HF Markets Review
HF Markets is a reliable and appealing Forex broker, offering a wide selection of trading assets, a variety of account types, and access to the popular trading platforms MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. With its regulation and industry experience, the company has earned a reputation as a dependable partner for traders of varying experience levels.
HF Markets is recommended for those seeking a trustworthy and vetted broker with favorable trading conditions and customer support.
Pros and Cons of HF Markets
Pros
- Regulated by reputable financial authorities.
- Wide selection of trading assets.
- A variety of educational materials and analytical reviews.
Cons
- There is no alternative to MetaTrader.
- High swaps and wide spreads.
HF Markets is in the top 10 of the following ratings:
Reliability
| Broker | CMC Markets | HF Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Foundation Year | 1988 | 2009 |
| Regulated in Countries | United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, United Arab Emirates | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, South Africa, Seychelles, Cyprus, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Kenya |
| 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 | SVGFSA SVGFSA FSCA FSCA SFSA SFSA - CySEC CySEC FCA FCA DFSA DFSA CMA CMA |
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.
HF Markets
HF Markets is highly regulated and provides dependable services, safeguarding its clients' interests.
Account Opening
| Broker | CMC Markets | HF Markets |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
HF Markets
The account opening process at HF Markets is simple and quick, with a user-friendly interface and standard verification.
Account Types
| Broker | CMC Markets | HF Markets |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 1:2000 |
| 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).
HF Markets
The broker offers a range of accounts to satisfy the needs of diverse traders.
Pros
- A wide selection of account types to suit different requirements.
- Specialized accounts, such as Cent and Islamic accounts.
- The opportunity to copy trades from successful traders.
Commissions
| Broker | CMC Markets | HF Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Commissions | 4.7/5 | 2/5 |
| Spread | from 0.7 points | from 0 points |
| Average Spread (EURUSD) | 0.7 | 1.5 |
| Commission per Lot | $3 |
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.
HF Markets
HF Markets' commissions are above average for the market.
Pros
- No fees for deposits/withdrawals.
Cons
- Spreads are above average
- High swaps for long-term trading.
- Inactivity fee.
Deposit and Withdrawal
| Broker | CMC Markets | HF Markets |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
HF Markets
HF Markets provides many deposit and withdrawal methods, making the broker convenient for many traders.
Markets and Products
| Broker | CMC Markets | HF Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Markets and Products | 4.4/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Forex | 336 | 53 |
| Precious Metals | 19 | 6 |
| Energy Carriers | 45 | 2 |
| Soft Commodities | 58 | 5 |
| Indices | 99 | 11 |
| Stocks | 10099 | 95 |
| ETF | 1200 | 33 |
| Bonds | 71 | 3 |
| Cryptocurrency | 336 | 40 |
CMC Markets
CMC Markets offers various trading instruments for multiple markets but with limited maximum leverage.
HF Markets
HF Markets offers a wide selection of trading assets, though it has a limited choice of stocks.
Trading Platforms
| Broker | CMC Markets | HF Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| 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.
HF Markets
HF Markets offers a wide choice of reliable and functional platforms, making it attractive to traders of various levels.
Analytics
| Broker | CMC Markets | HF Markets |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
HF Markets
HF Markets offers an impressive set of analytical tools and up-to-date news from experts, facilitating effective trading.
Education
| Broker | CMC Markets | HF Markets |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
HF Markets
HF Markets' educational materials are extensive and in-depth, allowing traders of all levels to improve their skills and strategies.
Customer Support
| Broker | CMC Markets | HF Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Email Support |
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| Hotline Phones |
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| Social Media |
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
LinkedIn
Telegram
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.
HF Markets
HF Markets' customer support is efficient, available through various channels, and responds quickly.
Pros
- Variety of communication channels (email, phone, online chat).
- Quick and professional response.
- Positive user feedback.
Cons
- Absence of instant messaging for quick communication.
- Lack of national phone lines.
- Support is limited to working days (24/5).
Comparisons of CMC Markets and HF Markets with other brokers
Conclusion
CMC Markets stands out as the better overall pick, while HF Markets trails on aggregate criteria.
CMC Markets scored 4.4/5 and ranks 15 in our rating; HF Markets has 4.3/5 and ranks 22.
We explain the reasons above in detail — fees, platforms, reliability, support, and more.
FAQ
Which broker is better: CMC Markets or HF Markets?
CMC Markets comes out ahead by overall rank (score 4.4/5, position 15) versus HF Markets (score 4.3/5, position 22).
Which broker is better for beginners: CMC Markets or HF Markets?
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 HF 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 CMC Markets and HF Markets?
CMC Markets: MetaTrader 4, CMC Markets. HF Markets: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, WebTrader. See the “Platforms” section for details and selection tips.
What markets can you trade with CMC Markets and HF Markets?
CMC Markets: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Soft Commodities, Indices, Stocks, ETF, Bonds, Cryptocurrency. HF 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 CMC Markets and HF Markets?
CMC Markets: CFD. HF Markets: Cent, Premium, Zero, Pro. See “Account Types” for a side-by-side comparison.
What deposit and withdrawal methods are supported by CMC Markets and HF Markets?
CMC Markets: PayPal, Bank Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Online banking. HF Markets: Skrill, Perfect Money, FasaPay, BitPay, Bank Transfer, Visa, Mastercard. Check method-specific fees/settlement times.
Which broker is safer — CMC Markets or HF Markets — and how was this assessed?
We consider regulation, corporate transparency, fund protection, and incident history. See the “Reliability” section for our findings.
