If you are reading this article, you are likely having trouble deciding whether Plus500 or CMC Markets is the better trading platform for you. While both platforms generally provide positive user experiences, there are some essential differences to note.
In this Plus500 or CMC Markets review, we outline the highlights of each trading platform to help you make a more informed decision. We evaluate:
- Features and Platforms
- Available Markets
- Typical Spreads and Fees
- Security and Trust
- Plus500 vs CMC Markets - Verdict
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Headquarters | Israel | United Kingdom |
Regulators | ASIC, CySEC, FCA, FMA, FSCA, MAS | FCA |
Tier 1 Regulator(s)? | ||
Owned by Public Company? | ||
Year Established | 2008 | 1989 |
Execution Type(s) | Market Maker | Market Maker |
Minimum Deposit | $100 | N/A |
Negative Balance Protection | N/A | |
Trading Platform(s) | Proprietary platform, Web-based | MetaTrader 4, Proprietary platform, Web-based |
Average Trading Cost EUR/USD | 1.3 pips | 0.6 pips ($6.00) |
Average Trading Cost GBP/USD | 1.7 pips | 0.9 pips ($9.00) |
Average Trading Cost WTI Crude Oil | - | $0.03 |
Average Trading Cost Gold | - | $0.34 |
Retail Loss Rate | 82.00% | N/A |
Minimum Raw Spreads | Not applicable | N/A |
Minimum Standard Spreads | Not applicable | N/A |
Minimum Commission for Forex | Commission-free | N/A |
Islamic Account | ||
Signals | ||
US Persons Accepted? | ||
Managed Accounts | ||
| Visit Website 82% of retail CFD accounts lose money | Visit Website |
Features and Platforms
N/A N/A Visit Website 82% of retail CFD accounts lose money Visit Website
Plus500 and CMC Markets maintain a listing on the London Stock Exchange, but while the former provides merely a below standard proprietary trading platform, the latter developed a cutting-edge webtrader. CMC Markets additionally supports automated trading solutions via the MT4 trading platform. Plus500 does not offer research, and only limited, marketing-inspired educational content. CMC Markets features a more in-depth and high-quality approach to both. Plus500 caters to clients since 2008, but CMC Markets has significantly more experience, being operational since 1989. Per data from both brokers, 76.4% and 79.0% of retail traders operate their portfolios at a loss, at Plus500 and CMC Markets, respectively.
Available Markets
N/A Visit Website 82% of retail CFD accounts lose money Visit Website
The asset selection at CMC Markets, with almost 10,000 assets, including over 9,400 equity CFDs, is excellent. While CMC Markets offers equity traders with outstanding market coverage, traders have access to over 330 cash and forward currency pairs, offering one of the most extensive choices among online brokers. Completing the selection are over 90 index CFDs, 100 commodities, 40 treasuries, and ten cryptocurrencies. Plus500 maintains over 2,000 assets, with an acceptable choice across seven categories, including options. One of the most appealing products remains sector indices, allowing traders a more focused trading product. Retail traders will determine the choice of products at both brokers more than sufficient, while CMC Markets can cater to more advanced and professional traders.
Typical Spreads and Fees
1.3 pips 0.6 pips ($6.00) 1.7 pips 0.9 pips ($9.00) - $0.03 - $0.34 - $75.00 Not applicable N/A Not applicable N/A Commission-free N/A N/A N/A $10 monthly after 3 months N/A Visit Website 82% of retail CFD accounts lose money Visit Website
Both brokers offer commission-free Forex trading. Plus500 traders may achieve lower costs due to dynamic spreads dependent on market conditions versus a minimum of 0.7 pips at CMC Markets. Equities remain commission-free at Plus500, and CMC Markets charges a minimum of 0.10%, but a rebate structure lowers overall expenses. Traders must pay financing costs on leveraged overnight positions, known as swap rates, but CMC Markets also charges for market data from Australia and Hong Kong. Both brokers levy a monthly $10 or a currency equivalent inactivity fee. The pricing environment remains more competitive at Plus500.
Security and Trust
United Arab Emirates, Australia, Cyprus, Estonia, Israel, New Zealand, Seychelles, Singapore, United Kingdom, South Africa United Arab Emirates, Australia, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, Singapore, United Kingdom ASIC, CySEC, FCA, FMA, FSCA, MAS FCA 509909, 250/14, 417727, 486026, 47546, SD039, 100648-1, NOT AVAILABLE, 4.1-1/18, F005651 173730, 170627,154814, 238054, 41187, 101320, F002740, Undisclosed but confirmed N/A 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 2, 2 Visit Website 82% of retail CFD accounts lose money Visit Website
From a security perspective, Plus500 and CMC Markets are roughly equal. Both are publicly listed companies, adhering to strict capital requirements and business ethics. The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulates both, but Plus500 maintains an additional six regulators for more comprehensive global coverage. Client deposits remain segregated at both broker, negative balance protection is available, and the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) protects UK deposits up to a maximum of £85,000 in case of default. CMC Market is more trustworthy than Plus500. All client funds deposited with Plus500’s Cyprus subsidiary are held in segregated client bank accounts in accordance with the Cyprus Security and Exchange Commission’s (CySEC) client funds rules. Plus500AU Pty Ltd holds client money in a segregated trust account, in accordance with the Australian legal requirements.
Plus500 vs CMC Markets – Verdict
CMC Markets maintains a competitive cost structure, but despite elevated spreads at Plus500, the commission-free CFD trading environment can result in notable cost savings. The asset selection at CMC Markets remains significantly broader, allowing traders to take advantage of more trading opportunities and achieve better cross-asset diversification. The trading platform at Plus500 does not support automated trading, and while the user interface is clean, it presents traders with an uncompetitive choice. The CMC proprietary trader offers an excellent trading environment, and the MT4 trading platform is equally available. Plus500 does not provide research to clients, which is where CMC Markets adds additional value via a high-quality department. The valuable educational content echoes the quality add-on service, where Plus500 also falls behind. The slightly higher cost structure at CMC Markets pays off amid an overwhelmingly superior product and services portfolios. Plus500 focuses on the core trading environment, where it does not remain competitive.
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