CMC Markets Review 2025: What Are Users Saying?
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Updated 19/03/2025
Quick Answer:
CMC Markets Review 2025 – A trusted trading platform with advanced tools, tight spreads, and strong regulation. Ideal for forex and CFD traders but lacks stock ownership and crypto trading. Read real user experiences, pros, cons, and fees before you trade!
Featured Platform - CMC Markets
- Advanced Analytics
- Diverse Assets
- Award-Winning App
70% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Is CMC Markets a Good Trading Platform in 2025?
I have tested quite a few trading platforms, and CMC Markets is one of the more sophisticated ones. CMC Markets is best known for its Next Generation platform, which comes packed with advanced charting tools, customisable layouts, and an overall professional feel. If you’re into technical analysis like I am, you’ll probably appreciate the sheer number of indicators available—over 80 of them, to be precise.
From a reputation standpoint, CMC Markets is solid. It is trusted by thousands of traders worldwide and has won multiple industry awards. But, like any platform, it has its pros and cons.
What is CMC Markets?
CMC Markets is a well-established, FCA-regulated broker known for its tight forex spreads, advanced trading tools, and access to over 12,000 markets. It is particularly popular among forex and CFD traders, offering a powerful Next Generation platform with professional-grade charting tools. While it excels in short-term trading, it doesn’t offer stock ownership, making it less suitable for long-term investors.
In this article, I’ll share my personal experience using CMC Markets, covering everything from trading execution and fees to customer support and security. I’ll have a look into who this platform is best suited for, the pros and cons, and how it compares to competitors—so by the end, you’ll have a better idea on whether CMC Markets is the right broker for you.
What Investment Products Do CMC Markets Offer?
Market Range & Trading Experience on CMC Markets
| Market Type | Availability & Features | User Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Forex | 300+ currency pairs, including major, minor, and exotic pairs. Tight spreads from 0.7 pips on EUR/USD. | I trade forex frequently and appreciate the low spreads and fast execution on major pairs. |
| Stocks (CFDs only) | CFDs on UK, US, and Australian stocks. No direct stock ownership, only speculation on price movements. | I trade stock CFDs short-term but prefer direct stock ownership elsewhere. No dividends or long-term holding benefits. |
| Indices | Trade major indices like S&P 500, FTSE 100, and DAX 40. | One of my go-to markets—high liquidity, good volatility, and easy diversification. |
| Commodities | CFDs on gold, silver, crude oil, wheat, coffee, and more. | I trade gold and coffee during market volatility, and execution has been smooth and reliable. |
| Market Access | 12,000+ instruments available, including forex, stocks, indices, commodities, and more. | Having everything in one platform saves time and allows for easy diversification. |
| CryptoCurrency | Not available—CMC Markets does not offer crypto trading or CFDs on cryptocurrencies. | I was disappointed to see that CMC Markets doesn’t support crypto trading, especially since other brokers like eToro and Plus500 do. |
Key Takeaways:
CMC Markets offers one of the broadest selections of tradable assets—great for diversified traders. If you are interested in Commodity Trading this platform could be an ideal start for you. The platform is best for short-term trading due to its CFD-only model (no stock ownership). If you are looking to trade in Cryptocurrencies, you should search elsewhere…
What Kind of Accounts Can I open at CMC Markets?
Traders on CMC Markets can open two main account types:
- Retail Account: Ideal for most traders, with no minimum deposit and straightforward online setup.
- Professional Account: Offers higher leverage for experienced traders but with reduced regulatory protections.
Both accounts can be opened online, with identity verification required.
One of the things I appreciate about CMC Markets is that there is no minimum deposit required, so I started trading with whatever amount suited me. If you are an experienced trader, you can apply for a CMC Pro account, which offers higher leverage, but comes with reduced regulatory protections.
The platform also provides a demo account, which I highly recommend testing out before committing real funds.
Can I customise my Trading Dashboard?
One thing I immediately noticed when I started using CMC Markets is how much control I have over the platform’s layout. I can drag and drop different tools, set up multiple chart views, and even customise my watchlists. However, I’ll admit that if you’re completely new to trading, the interface might feel overwhelming at first.
CMC Markets’ platform is highly customisable, offering features such as:
- Advanced Charting: Over 80 indicators and customisable layouts.
- Price Transparency: CMC Markets provides real-time market data with no hidden fees, which is a big plus. The execution speeds are also decent, meaning you won’t suffer from frustrating delays when placing trades.
The downside? While the Next Generation platform is fantastic for experienced traders, it might be a bit complex for beginners. Fortunately, Market CMC offers MetaTrader 4 (MT4), which is slightly more user-friendly if you are already familiar with that platform.
What Do Users Like About CMC Markets?
CMC Markets has a Trust Pilot rating of 4.0 out of 5 based on over 2,00 unique user reviews, proving they have a reputation for strong user satisfaction.
As an active trader, I can tell you firsthand that CMC Markets has a lot going for it, and I’m not the only one who thinks so. Here are some of the key positives that traders (including myself) appreciate:
Advanced Charting Tools and Trading Features
If you love technical analysis, CMC Markets is a goldmine. The charting features are some of the best I’ve seen on a trading platform. You can use multiple timeframes, advanced drawing tools, and over 80 technical indicators. In particular, the pattern recognition scanner helps spot potential trading opportunities automatically.
Educational Resources and Market Analysis Tools
Even though I’ve been trading for a while, I still value a platform that provides good educational content—and CMC Markets delivers. They offer:
- Webinars with industry experts
- Trading strategy guides
- Live market analysis
I’ve sat in on a few of their webinars, and they’re genuinely helpful, especially if you’re still developing your trading style.
Customer Service Experiences
Customer support can make or break a trading experience. Fortunately, my interactions with CMC Markets’ support team have been positive. They have 24/5 live chat, email, and phone support, and I’ve found their responses to be quick and professional.
Many users online also praise their support team, although I’ve seen a few complaints about wait times during peak hours. Personally, I haven’t had to wait too long, but it’s something to keep in mind if you require immediate assistance.
What Are the Common Complaints?
I’ve had a generally positive experience with CMC Markets, but no platform is perfect. While I haven’t faced any major deal-breakers, I have encountered (and seen other traders report) a few recurring issues. Here’s what you need to know.
Technical Glitches and UI-Related Issues
Some traders have reported slow loading times, particularly when switching between charts or updating watchlists. I haven’t found it to be a persistent issue, but if you’re running the platform on an older device, you might notice some lag.
Corporate Action Handling Delays
Is the CMC Markets App User-Friendly?
I trade on both desktop and mobile, so a solid mobile experience is essential to me. CMC Markets does have a mobile app, but I’d only say it’s good.
Mobile Trading vs. Desktop Experience
The CMC Markets mobile app covers all the basics: placing trades, managing positions, and accessing market news. The app is functional but less feature-rich than the desktop version. Key differences include:
- Charting: Limited screen space affects analysis.
- Execution Speed: Slightly slower on mobile.
- Ideal for quick trades and monitoring but not for in-depth analysis.
I also noticed that price updates and order execution are sometimes slower on mobile than on the web platform. However, I wouldn’t rely on it for heavy technical analysis.
What Other Users Say about the Mobile App
Looking at online reviews, traders generally like the app’s clean interface and ease of use, but some complain about occasional lag and order execution delays. If you’re a casual trader, it’s functional—but if you’re trading full-time, I’d stick to a desktop.
How Competitive Are CMC Markets’ Fees and Costs?
When it comes to trading costs, CMC Markets offers competitive fees, particularly for forex trading. One of the biggest advantages is their tight spreads on major forex pairs, making it a solid choice for active traders.
CMC Markets operates on a spread-based pricing model, meaning they don’t charge commissions on most forex trades. Instead, they make money through the spread (the difference between the bid and ask price). Here’s a rough breakdown:
- Forex Spreads: As low as 0.7 pips on major pairs.
- CFD Costs: Variable commissions on stocks.
- Withdrawal Fees: None.
- Inactivity Fees: £10 per month after 12 months of inactivity.
The biggest downside? If you’re trading stock CFDs, commissions apply, and they can be higher compared to other platforms.
What Other Users Say about the Mobile App
| Feature | CMC Markets | IG | eToro | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Spreads | Low (from 0.7 pips on EUR/USD) | Low (from 0.6 pips) | Medium (from 1.0 pips) | High (from 1.8 pips) |
| CFD Costs | Medium (Variable commissions on stock CFDs, spreads on indices & commodities) | Low (Competitive spreads, no commission on most CFDs) | High (Commission on stocks, wider spreads) | High (Wider spreads, commission-free CFD trading) |
| Withdrawal Fees | None | None | $5 per withdrawal | $10 per withdrawal (bank transfers) |
| Deposit Fees | None | None | None for bank/wire, 0.5% for credit cards | Up to 2% on credit card deposits |
| Inactivity Fee | $10 per month after 12 months of inactivity | $12 per month after 2 years | $10 per month after 12 months | $10 per quarter after 3 months |
| Overnight Holding Fees (Swaps) | Competitive, varies by asset | Competitive swap rates | Higher swap rates on leveraged positions | Expensive, especially for forex positions |
| Stock CFD Commissions | From 0.10% per trade (min. $10/£9 fee per order) | From 0.08% (min. $5 fee) | 0% commission, but wider spreads | Commission-free, but higher spreads |
Key Takeaways:
- CMC Markets and IG offer the lowest forex spreads, making them ideal for forex traders.
- eToro has commission-free stock CFDs, but wider spreads, making it costlier over time.
- Plus500 has commission-free CFD trading, but its spreads tend to be higher, increasing trading costs.
- CMC Markets stands out with no withdrawal or deposit fees
- CMC Markets does not offer crypto trading, so crypto traders should look elsewhere
How Do CMC Markets Compare to Top Competitors?
I’ve tested quite a few trading platforms, so here’s how CMC Markets stacks up against the competition.
Strengths Over Competitors
✅ Better forex spreads: Compared to platforms like eToro or Plus500, CMC Markets tends to have tighter spreads, especially on major currency pairs.
✅ More advanced charting tools: If you’re a technical trader, CMC’s Next Generation platform blows most competitors out of the water with 80+ indicators and pattern recognition tools.
✅ No withdrawal fees: Many brokers charge $5-$10 per withdrawal, but CMC Markets lets you withdraw your funds for free.
Weaknesses Compared to Other Platforms
❌Higher stock CFD commissions: If you mainly trade stock CFDs, you might find Interactive Brokers or IG more cost-effective.
❌Less intuitive mobile experience: The mobile app isn’t as seamless as something like TradingView or MetaTrader 4, making it less appealing for traders who rely on mobile trading.
Overall, CMC Markets is best for forex traders and technical analysts. If you need a platform with low forex spreads and advanced charting, this is a great choice. But if you trade mainly stocks or need a smoother mobile experience, other platforms might be better suited for you.
Is CMC Markets Reliable for Trading Execution?
One of the most important things I look for in a trading platform is execution speed and stability—because, let’s be honest, a slow or unreliable platform can cost you real money.
Platform Performance and Stability
In my experience, CMC Markets’ Next Generation platform is very stable. I haven’t experienced any major downtime or crashes, even during volatile market conditions.
Trade Execution Speed
Execution speed is generally solid, but it’s not the fastest I’ve ever used. For forex and indices, my trades have been executed almost instantly, with minimal slippage. However, I have noticed that for stock CFDs, there can be small delays—nothing too drastic, but enough that it might frustrate scalpers who need split-second execution.
How Does CMC Markets’ Customer Support Compare?
Customer service can make or break a trading experience, and I’ve tested CMC Markets’ support multiple times to see how they handle real issues.
Availability and Response Time
CMC Markets offers 24/5 customer support through:
- Live chat (fastest response time)
- Phone support
- Email support
I’ve personally used live chat a few times, and I was connected to an agent within 2-3 minutes, which is pretty fast compared to other brokers. If you call during market hours, expect to wait a little longer, but overall, response times are decent.
Most of my queries were resolved quickly, but I have seen mixed reviews online. Some traders say they’ve had longer wait times during peak hours, and others report frustration when dealing with more complex account issues (like withdrawals or verification delays).
Are My Funds Safe and Secure with CMC Markets?
When actively trading, fund security is a big deal. The last thing you want is to trade on a platform that isn’t properly regulated or, worse, one that makes it difficult to withdraw your money. Thankfully, CMC Markets has strong regulations and fund security measures in place.
Regulations and Financial Oversight
CMC Markets is regulated by some of the strictest financial authorities in the world, including:
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) – UK
- Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) – Australia
- Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)
This means they are required to segregate client funds, keep strict financial records, and follow policies that protect traders from fraud or mismanagement. In short, CMC Markets isn’t some shady offshore broker—it’s a legitimate, highly regulated company.
What Security Features Does CMC Markets Offer?
CMC Markets is heavily regulated by authorities such as the FCA and ASIC, ensuring high safety standards. Key security features include:
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
CMC Markets offers 2FA for login and withdrawals, which is a must-have in today’s trading environment. I always enable this because it adds an extra layer of protection against hacking attempts.
Negative Balance Protection
One of the things I really appreciate is negative balance protection, which ensures that your trading losses never exceed your account balance. This is especially important for beginner traders, as leveraged trading can wipe out accounts quickly if markets move aggressively.
Encryption & Data Protection
CMC Markets uses bank-grade encryption for transactions, ensuring that all deposits and withdrawals are secure. I’ve never had issues with unauthorised transactions, and the platform seems to take security seriously.
Overall, CMC Markets ticks all the boxes when it comes to security. As long as you enable 2FA and use strong passwords, you should feel safe trading here.
What Kind of Trader Should Use CMC Markets?
After using CMC Markets extensively and reviewing trader feedback, this platform is best suited for active traders, mainly forex and CFD traders. If you’re looking for a highly customisable trading environment with tight spreads and advanced tools, this platform is a great fit.
Best Suited for Active Traders vs. Beginners
For Inexperienced Traders, or those just making a start in investing then, CMC Markets offers solid educational resources, an intuitive interface, and no minimum deposit, making it a great place to learn the ropes. However, it’s a more advanced platform than some beginner-friendly brokers like eToro, so there is a learning curve.
For day traders and active traders, the platform excels with fast execution speeds, deep liquidity, and tight forex spreads. The Next Generation platform is a powerhouse for technical analysis, making it ideal for traders who rely on indicators and chart patterns.
For long-term investors, CMC Markets isn’t the best choice. You can’t directly own stocks—only trade stock CFDs—which means no dividends and no long-term asset appreciation. If you are looking for a traditional brokerage with stock ownership, other platforms might be better.
Who is CMC Markets Best For?
| Trader Type | Suitable for CMC Markets? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | ✅ Yes | User-friendly interface & education |
| Day Trader | ✅ Yes | Advanced tools, tight spreads |
| Long-Term Investor | ❌ No | No direct stock ownership |
Who Should and Shouldn’t Use CMC Markets?
If you’re considering CMC Markets, here’s a quick breakdown of who will benefit most from this platform:
✅ You should use CMC Markets if:
- You’re an active trader who needs low spreads and quick execution.
- You rely on technical analysis and need advanced charting tools.
- You’re a forex or CFD trader looking for a reputable, regulated broker.
- You want access to a diverse range of markets (indices, forex, commodities, etc.).
❌ You might be better off with another broker if:
- You’re a long-term investor looking for stock ownership and dividends.
- You want a simpler, beginner-friendly platform with a more intuitive design.
- You primarily trade on mobile and need a seamless mobile experience.
Conclusion: CMC Markets: Should I use it in 2025?
So, after testing CMC Markets and going through countless user reviews, do I recommend it in 2025? Yes!
If you are a forex or CFD trader, you’ll love CMC’s low spreads, high-quality tools, and reliable trade execution. CMC Markets is one of the best platforms for technical analysis and offers a ton of market variety.
However, if you are a long-term investor or someone who wants to own physical stocks, this is probably not the best platform for you. Similarly, if you trade primarily on mobile, you may find the experience less seamless compared to other brokers.
Final Verdict: CMC Markets is a fantastic choice for active traders, but make sure its features align with your trading style before diving in.
Spread Betting & CFD Trading
- Advanced Analytics
- Diverse Assets
- Award-Winning App
70% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Related Articles
FAQs
Yes, CMC Markets is a highly regulated broker, overseen by top financial authorities like the FCA (UK) and ASIC (Australia). It offers fast trade execution, advanced charting tools, and tight spreads, making it a solid choice for active traders.
CMC Markets offers low forex spreads and zero withdrawal fees, but stock CFD commissions can be higher than some competitors. Inactivity fees apply after 12 months of no trading.
Yes! While the Next Generation platform has a learning curve, CMC Markets provides educational webinars, guides, and a demo account, making it beginner-friendly.
No, CMC Markets only offers CFDs, meaning you cannot buy and own stocks or earn dividends. It’s better suited for short-term trading.
Yes, CMC Markets has a mobile app for trading on the go, but some users find it less intuitive for charting and analysis compared to desktop.
References
- CMC Markets Official Website – CMC Markets – Enabling Traders | Your Gateway to Global Markets
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Register – Financial Conduct Authority | FCA
- Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) – ASIC: Australian Securities and Investments Commission
- Trustpilot – CMC Markets User Reviews
Spread Betting & CFD Trading
70% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.