Broker comparison

CMC Markets vs.
XTB

Which broker fits your needs?

Platforms, products and fees side by side.

Checked on 22 October 2026

See comparison

Summary

Your goal decides

XTB has a higher rating of 4.4/5 compared to CMC Markets (4.3/5). XTB offers 7 instrument types, while CMC Markets offers 6. Oversight: CMC Markets: BaFin/FCA; XTB: KNF/FCA/CySEC. CMC Markets: No, CFDs and spread betting. XTB: No, but over 6,000 stocks and ETFs commission-free. CMC Markets has been in the market since 1989, making it the more experienced provider.

Award-winning Next Generation platform with over 12,000 products

Publicly traded CFD broker with award-winning xStation platform

At a glance

The key differences

Criterion
PlatformsNext Generation, MT4, CMC MobilexStation 5, xStation Mobile
Product typesCFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stocks CFDs, TreasuriesStocks, ETFs, CFDs, Forex, Commodities, Indices, Crypto
Options tradingNo, CFDs and spread bettingNo, but over 6,000 stocks and ETFs commission-free
Fee modelSpreads from 0.7 pip on forex, no commission on standard account0% commission on stock CFDs (up to €100,000/month), spreads from 0.1 pip
Minimum deposit0 €0 €
RegulationBaFin/FCAKNF/FCA/CySEC
More informationDetailsDetails

Platforms

CMC Markets

Next Generation, MT4, CMC Mobile

XTB

xStation 5, xStation Mobile

Product types

CMC Markets

CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stocks CFDs, Treasuries

XTB

Stocks, ETFs, CFDs, Forex, Commodities, Indices, Crypto

Options trading

CMC Markets

No, CFDs and spread betting

XTB

No, but over 6,000 stocks and ETFs commission-free

Fee model

CMC Markets

Spreads from 0.7 pip on forex, no commission on standard account

XTB

0% commission on stock CFDs (up to €100,000/month), spreads from 0.1 pip

Minimum deposit

CMC Markets

0 €

XTB

0 €

Regulation

CMC Markets

BaFin/FCA

XTB

KNF/FCA/CySEC

More information

CMC Markets

Details

Product access and costs depend on market, account and permissions.

Detailed comparison

Comparing fees

Compare total costs, not just the order fee.

Spreads from 0.7 pip on forex, no commission on standard account

Published fee
Spreads from 0.7 pip on forex, no commission on standard account
Minimum deposit
0 €
Inactivity
£10/month after 12 months of inactivity
See terms at provider

0% commission on stock CFDs (up to €100,000/month), spreads from 0.1 pip

Published fee
0% commission on stock CFDs (up to €100,000/month), spreads from 0.1 pip
Minimum deposit
0 €
Inactivity
€10/month after 12 months of inactivity
See terms at provider

The relevant costs depend on market, currency, order size and trading style.

Worked out

What does it actually cost?

Typical months at CMC Markets and XTB, priced from their published fee schedules. Spreads, FX and exchange fees come on top depending on the venue.

ScenarioCMC MarketsXTB
ETF savings plan, ≈ €200 a month—Not offered – CFD broker, no ETF savings plans€0Savings plans free; 0% commission up to €100k monthly turnover; €0 × 1
10 stock buys of ≈ €1,000 a month—Not offered – shares only as CFDs (spread/financing), no real share dealing€00% up to €100k monthly turnover (then 0.2%, min €10); 10 × €1,000 = €0
10 lots of EUR/USD a monthUS$50Minimum EUR/USD spread from 0.5 pts × $10 × 10; €0 commission on forex—CFD 0% commission; only generic "spreads from 0.00008", no EUR/USD-specific spread published
Custody and account fee per year€0No inactivity fees€0Account free; 0.02% custody only above €250k avg (removed from 27 Oct 2026)

Checked on 22 October 2026. Prices can change; the current fee schedule is what counts. Sources: cmcmarkets.com · cmcmarkets.com · xtb.com · xtb.com · xtb.com

Execution quality

Order type, venue and liquidity affect execution.

Check the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.

Provider information

Check the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.

Provider information

Product range

CFDsForexIndicesCommoditiesStocks CFDsTreasuries
StocksETFsCFDsForexCommoditiesIndicesCrypto

Categories come from broker profiles. Check specific markets and permissions before deciding.

Trading platforms

Next Generation · MT4 · CMC Mobile

CMC Markets offers the Next Generation platform, MT4, and the CMC Mobile app. Next Generation is the award-winning main platform with over 115 technical indicators, modular chart layout, pattern recognition tools, integrated Reuters news, and client sentiment analysis. MT4 is available for automated trading with Expert Advisors. The CMC Mobile app provides the full range of features on the go, including all charting capabilities and push notifications.

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xStation 5 · xStation Mobile

XTB offers the award-winning xStation 5 and the xStation Mobile app. xStation 5 features a modern interface with real-time charts, over 30 technical indicators, drawing tools, and integrated market analyses. The platform provides a stock scanner, trade calculator, market sentiment display, and performance statistics. The xStation Mobile app mirrors the full range of features on the smartphone. Various order types including stop loss and take profit are supported.

Explore platform

Regulation & security

CMC Markets

CMC Markets Germany GmbH (Frankfurt)

Supervisor
BaFin
Investor compensation
German EdW investor compensation: 90% up to €20,000
Cash
Client money in segregated trust accounts; on failure EdW 90% up to €20,000

XTB

XTB S.A. Zweigniederlassung Deutschland (branch of XTB S.A., Warsaw)

Investor compensation
Polish KDPW compensation scheme: 100% up to €3,000, 90% above, max €20,100 per investor
Cash
Client money segregated; no bank deposit guarantee, only KDPW compensation (max €20,100)

Regulation does not protect against market losses. What counts is the entity you sign the contract with.

Your investor profile

Who might it suit?

For pure CFD and FX traders who want low minimum spreads, a strong in-house platform and a German entity under BaFin supervision.

  • Award-winning Next Generation platform
  • Over 12,000 CFD products
  • BaFin-regulated
  • Only CFD trading, no real stocks
  • Inactivity fee after 12 months

For anyone who wants trading and long-term investing in one app: CFDs plus real shares, ETFs and free savings plans.

  • Award-winning xStation platform
  • 0% commission on stocks up to €100,000
  • Publicly traded company
  • Inactivity fee after 12 months
  • No MetaTrader 4/5

Find the broker that fits

CMC Markets oder XTB?

Side by side. Decided with knowledge.

See the differences that matter, and the Academy lessons that explain them.

VS
  • Fees
  • Platform
  • Regulation
  • Matching lessons
Two brokers. Many options. Your call.
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Your questions

Frequently asked questions

How do fees differ between CMC Markets and XTB?
CMC Markets: Spreads from 0.7 pip on forex, no commission on standard account. XTB: 0% commission on stock CFDs (up to €100,000/month), spreads from 0.1 pip. Compare total costs for the specific market, product, currency and order size in the current fee schedule.
Which broker offers more products: CMC Markets or XTB?
CMC Markets offers CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stocks CFDs, Treasuries. XTB offers Stocks, ETFs, CFDs, Forex, Commodities, Indices, Crypto.
How are CMC Markets and XTB regulated?
The broker profiles list BaFin/FCA for CMC Markets and KNF/FCA/CySEC for XTB. Your account's contracting entity determines the applicable oversight and protection rules; check its current disclosures.
Is CMC Markets or XTB better for beginners?
CMC Markets lists a 0 € minimum deposit and offers Next Generation, MT4, CMC Mobile. XTB lists 0 € and offers xStation 5, xStation Mobile. Compare usability, available products and costs for your intended use.
CMC Markets vs XTB: Which broker is better overall?
The choice between CMC Markets (4.3/5, 1400 reviews) and XTB (4.4/5, 2100 reviews) depends on your needs. CMC Markets: Award-winning Next Generation platform with over 12,000 products. XTB: Publicly traded CFD broker with award-winning xStation platform.
How do spreads compare between CMC Markets and XTB?
CMC Markets offers typical spreads of EUR/USD from 0.7 pip (typical). XTB offers EUR/USD from 0.5 pip (Standard). Tighter spreads reduce trading costs especially for active trading.
Do CMC Markets or XTB charge an inactivity fee?
CMC Markets: £10/month after 12 months of inactivity. XTB: €10/month after 12 months of inactivity.

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