CMC Markets review
CMC Markets UK plc · Companies House 02448409 · established in 1989
Authorised by the FCAFRN 173730on the register since 1 Dec 20012 clone firms on the register
This CMC Markets review looks at CMC Markets UK plc, which was founded in 1989 and has been FCA authorised under reference 173730 since 01/12/2001. You can access 21,000 instruments for spread betting, forex, options, share dealing and CFDs. However, losses affect 69% of retail accounts. Client money is held, while the register shows 2 clone warnings. Make sure you're using www.cmcmarkets.com.
- Regulatory status
- Authorised, FRN 173730
- Loss-making retail accounts
- 69% (read on 2 Nov 2026)
- EUR/USD: minimum spread
- 0.5 pips
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. With this provider, 69% of retail investor accounts lose money through spread betting and/or trading CFDs. Think about whether spread bets, CFDs, OTC options and any of our other products work in a way you understand. You should also consider whether you can afford the high risk that your money will be lost.
On cmcmarkets.com, CMC Markets's own wording was read 2 Nov 2026.
How CMC Markets compares on loss rate with the wider field
Where CMC Markets stands on the FCA register
Since 1 Dec 2001, CMC Markets UK plc has been authorised by the FCA, FRN 173730, and holds client money.
| Firm | CMC Markets UK plc |
|---|---|
| FRN | 173730 |
| Status | Authorised |
| Authorised since | 1 Dec 2001 |
| Companies House | 02448409 |
| Address on the register | Address listed: 133 Houndsditch, London, EC3A 7BX, City Of London, UNITED KINGDOM, for C M C Markets Uk Plc |
| Website on the register | www.cmcmarkets.com |
Clone firms on the register
The FCA register includes 2 clone firms that use this firm's name or details., and none of them is CMC Markets UK plc.
- IB Platform / ibplatform.info / ib-platform.info / ibplatform.co (Clone of FCA Authorised Firm)on the register from 30 Aug 2023
- Listed as a clone of an FCA authorised firm, marketstradeltd.com was added 02 Dec 2024.on the register from 02 Dec 2024
Check that you are on the genuine website
The register lists www.cmcmarkets.com as CMC Markets UK plc's website. Enter the address yourself instead of following a link in an advert, email or message. Check FRN 173730 on the register listing.
Read 2 Nov 2026 from the FCA Financial Services Register.
What CMC Markets charges in spreads and commission
Standard spread bet and CFD accounts include their fee in the spread. The minimum is 0.5 pips for EUR/USD and 0.4 pips for GBP/USD. For commission pricing, the FX Active rate starts at 0.0 pips for 6 major pairs and costs $2.50 per $100,000 traded. On share CFDs, the charge is 0% for 2,500 UK and European shares, or 0.10% subject to a €9 minimum.
| Market | Account | As stated | Spread |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD | Spread bet / CFD (standard) | Minimum | 0.5 pips |
| GBP/USD | Spread bet / CFD (standard) | Minimum | 0.4 pips |
| EUR/USD | FX Active | From | 0 pips |
| GBP/USD | FX Active | From | 0 pips |
| UK 100 | Spread bet | Minimum | 0.5 points |
Account types
| CFD account | This account uses spread only, with minimum spreads such as EUR/USD 0.5. Commission applies to share CFDs. For 2,500 UK and European share CFDs, commission is 0%. Other share/ETF CFDs cost 0.10%, with a €9 minimum (charges FAQ).) |
|---|---|
| Spread bet account | spread only; no commission |
| FX Active (CFD) | A raw spread starts at 0.0 pips on six majors, with a transaction commission of 0.0025% (US $2.50 per US $100,000).) |
| CMC Spectre | spread bet without leverage |
Source: read 2 Nov 2026 on cmcmarkets.com/en-gb/forex; read 2 Nov 2026 on cmcmarkets.com/en-gb/trading-costs; read 2 Nov 2026 on cmcmarkets.com/en-gb/account-comparison.
Other fees
| Inactivity | £Dormant accounts are charged £10 per month (no open positions and nothing traded for one year)) |
|---|---|
| Currency conversion | mid-price +/- 0.7% (trading costs page) |
| Deposits | no fee for UK clients (funding FAQ) |
| Withdrawals | Card and standard bank transfers are free, but international bank transfers may have a charge |
Source: read 2 Nov 2026 on cmcmarkets.com/en-gb/support/faqs/charges; read 2 Nov 2026 on cmcmarkets.com/en-gb/support/faqs/withdrawals.
Deposits and withdrawals
| Ways to deposit | Card, Online banking, Bank transfer, Apple Pay |
|---|---|
| Ways to withdraw | Card, Bank transfer |
| Withdrawal time | within an hour to five working days for a card (issuer-dependent); one to two working days for a UK bank transfer; three to five working days for an international bank transfer |
Source: read 2 Nov 2026 on cmcmarkets.com/en-gb/support/faqs/funding; read 2 Nov 2026 on cmcmarkets.com/en-gb/support/faqs/withdrawals.
Products, markets and leverage
| CFDs | Yes |
|---|---|
| Spread betting | Yes |
| Share dealing | Yes |
| Markets | 21,000 instruments |
| Execution | fully automated, ultra-fast execution |
Source: read 2 Nov 2026 on cmcmarkets.com/en-gb; read 2 Nov 2026 on cmcmarkets.com/en-gb/forex.
CMC Markets trading platforms
| MetaTrader 4 | Yes |
|---|---|
| TradingView | Yes |
| Own platform | web platform from CMC Markets plus the CMC mobile app ('CMC Platform')') |
| Demo account | Yes |
Source: read 2 Nov 2026 on cmcmarkets.com/en-gb/account-comparison; read 2 Nov 2026 on cmcmarkets.com/en-gb/trading-costs.
Your protection if the firm runs into trouble
| FSCS | As an FCA authorised UK firm, CMC Markets UK plc has Financial Services Compensation Scheme protection. If it fails owing you money, the scheme can cover up to £85,000 for each person. |
|---|---|
| Client money | The register shows permission to hold client money |
Source: read 2 Nov 2026 from fscs.org.uk/what-we-cover/investments.
Tax on the products traded here
Spread bets from CMC Markets are not charged to Capital Gains Tax by HMRC, while for CFDs any gains fall within Capital Gains Tax. Read more in spread betting vs CFDs.
Accounts without swaps, customer support and the mobile app
| Support | Reach the team by phone, email or live chat. Lines are open 24hrs on weekdays. |
|---|---|
| iPhone app rating | The UK App Store, 2 Nov 2026, lists 411 ratings and a score of 4.21 out of 5. |
Read 2 Nov 2026. Source: cmcmarkets.com/en-gb; itunes.apple.com/lookup, read 2 Nov 2026.
The official CMC Markets website
Put CMC Markets next to another broker
Other options besides CMC Markets: other FCA firms that offer spread betting and CFDs
Each firm sits in A to Z order, with none ranked above another.
Common questions answered
How long does a CMC Markets withdrawal take?
Depending on your card issuer, a card withdrawal takes from 1 hour to 5 working days. Money sent to a UK bank arrives in 1 to 2 working days, whereas international bank transfers need 3 to 5 working days. Card, bank transfer, online banking and Apple Pay deposits are free. There's no charge for card or standard UK bank withdrawals, but international bank transfers may cost you.
At CMC Markets, which trading platforms can I use?
Trading is available on the CMC Platform through a web browser or mobile phone. The broker connects to MetaTrader 4 and TradingView for anyone who prefers separate charting software. The iOS app CMC Trading: Spread Bet & CFDs has a 4.21 rating from 411 reviews. Orders use a fully automated execution system.
Can I spread bet with CMC Markets in the UK?
Yes, you can open an account for spread betting without paying commission on top of the spread. Take the UK 100 index as an example: its minimum spread is 0.5 points. You can also use CMC Spectre, an account that lets you place spread bets without leverage. Leverage means borrowing from the broker to control a larger trade with a smaller deposit, and we explain spread betting versus CFDs on our comparison page.
Is there a demo account at CMC Markets?
You can open a forex demo account to learn how to place trades without risking real money. Customer support is available 24 hours a day on weekdays if you need help with software testing. The team answers by phone, by email or over live chat.
What does CMC Markets charge in inactivity and currency conversion fees?
If your account goes dormant, you'll pay £10 each month. An account becomes dormant only with no open positions and no trades placed for 1 year. For trades that convert between currencies, a 0.7% fee applies above or below the mid price.