Broker comparison

CMC Markets vs.
Plus500

Which broker fits your needs?

Platforms, products and fees side by side.

Updated: October 2026

See comparison

Summary

Your goal decides.

Plus500 has a higher rating of 4.5/5 compared to CMC Markets (4.3/5). The minimum deposit is lower at CMC Markets with 0 €. CMC Markets is BaFin-regulated, while Plus500 is supervised by FCA/CySEC/ASIC/FMA. Plus500 offers options trading, while the other does not. 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 user-friendly platform

At a glance

The key differences

Criterion
PlatformsNext Generation, MT4, CMC MobilePlus500 WebTrader, Plus500 App
Product typesCFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stocks CFDs, TreasuriesStocks CFDs, Forex, Commodities, Indices, Crypto, Options CFDs
Options tradingNo, CFDs and spread bettingYes, Options CFDs
Fee modelSpreads from 0.7 pip on forex, no commission on standard accountSpread-based, no commission
Minimum deposit0 €100 €
RegulationBaFin/FCAFCA/CySEC/ASIC/FMA
More informationDetailsDetails

Platforms

CMC Markets

Next Generation, MT4, CMC Mobile

Plus500

Plus500 WebTrader, Plus500 App

Product types

CMC Markets

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

Plus500

Stocks CFDs, Forex, Commodities, Indices, Crypto, Options CFDs

Options trading

CMC Markets

No, CFDs and spread betting

Plus500

Yes, Options CFDs

Fee model

CMC Markets

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

Plus500

Spread-based, no commission

Minimum deposit

CMC Markets

0 €

Plus500

100 €

Regulation

CMC Markets

BaFin/FCA

Plus500

FCA/CySEC/ASIC/FMA

More information

CMC Markets

Details

Plus500

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

Spread-based, no commission

Published fee
Spread-based, no commission
Minimum deposit
100 €
Inactivity
$10/month after 3 months of inactivity
See terms at provider

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

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
Stocks CFDsForexCommoditiesIndicesCryptoOptions CFDs

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.

Explore platform

Plus500 WebTrader · Plus500 App

Plus500 offers the Plus500 WebTrader and the Plus500 App. The platform is designed for maximum usability: clear price display, simple order placement, risk management tools, and price alerts. MT4/MT5 are not supported.

Explore platform

Regulation & security

BaFin/FCA

Regulatory information

FCA/CySEC/ASIC/FMA

Regulatory information

Regulation does not prevent market losses. The relevant authority depends on the contracting entity.

Your investor profile

Who might it suit?

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

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

Publicly traded CFD broker with user-friendly platform

  • Very user-friendly platform
  • Publicly traded company
  • No commissions
  • CFD trading only
  • No MT4/MT5

Find the broker that fits

CMC Markets oder Plus500?

Side by side. Decided with knowledge.

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

CMC Markets4.3
  • Award-winning Next Generation platform
  • Over 12,000 CFD products
  • BaFin-regulated
Plus5004.5
  • Very user-friendly platform
  • Publicly traded company
  • No commissions
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 Plus500?
CMC Markets: Spreads from 0.7 pip on forex, no commission on standard account. Plus500: Spread-based, no commission. 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 Plus500?
CMC Markets offers CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stocks CFDs, Treasuries. Plus500 offers Stocks CFDs, Forex, Commodities, Indices, Crypto, Options CFDs.
How are CMC Markets and Plus500 regulated?
The broker profiles list BaFin/FCA for CMC Markets and FCA/CySEC/ASIC/FMA for Plus500. Your account's contracting entity determines the applicable oversight and protection rules; check its current disclosures.
Is CMC Markets or Plus500 better for beginners?
CMC Markets lists a 0 € minimum deposit and offers Next Generation, MT4, CMC Mobile. Plus500 lists 100 € and offers Plus500 WebTrader, Plus500 App. Compare usability, available products and costs for your intended use.
CMC Markets vs Plus500: Which broker is better overall?
The choice between CMC Markets (4.3/5, 1400 reviews) and Plus500 (4.5/5, 2156 reviews) depends on your needs. CMC Markets: Award-winning Next Generation platform with over 12,000 products. Plus500: Publicly traded CFD broker with user-friendly platform.
How do spreads compare between CMC Markets and Plus500?
CMC Markets offers typical spreads of EUR/USD from 0.7 pip (typical). Plus500 offers EUR/USD from 0.8 pip (typical), no commissions — spread only. Tighter spreads reduce trading costs especially for active trading.
Do CMC Markets or Plus500 charge an inactivity fee?
CMC Markets: £10/month after 12 months of inactivity. Plus500: $10/month after 3 months of inactivity.

Your next step

Your next step

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Before you pick a broker

The guides worth reading before your first trade, whichever of the two you choose.

Options risks & opportunitiesWhat you can lose, and what the risk buys you.Options taxes in GermanyFlat-rate tax, loss offsetting and allowances.Options trading basicsStrike, expiry, underlying: the building blocks of every option.
Terms in the glossary:MarginPremiumCall optionUnderlyingExercise