CMC Markets vs XTB
Since 1 Dec 2001, CMC Markets UK plc has been authorised by the FCA, FRN 173730, and holds client money. Since 17 Jan 2011, the FCA, FRN 522157, has authorised XTB Limited, which holds client money.
CMC Markets and XTB side by side
Every figure comes from the broker, along with the date we read it. Their order follows what people search for, rather than any preference.
| Fact | CMC Markets | XTB |
|---|---|---|
| UK firm | CMC Markets UK plc | XTB Limited |
| FRN | 173730 | 522157 |
| Regulatory status | Authorised | Authorised |
| Authorised since | 1 Dec 2001 | 17 Jan 2011 |
| Clone firms on the register | 2 | 9 |
| Retail CFD accounts that lose money | 69%, read 2 Nov 2026 | 74%, read 2 Nov 2026 |
| EUR/USD spread as stated | 0.5 pips (minimum, Spread bet / CFD (standard)) | Not stated |
| Smallest deposit | Not stated | No minimum |
| Inactivity fee | £A £10 monthly charge applies to dormant accounts where no positions are open and no trading takes place over one year) | No account maintenance fee for any active client, whatever the account balance |
| Withdrawal fee | No charge for a card or standard bank transfer; international bank transfers may cost extra | free |
| Withdrawal time | Issuers determine card withdrawal times, which range from no more than an hour to up to five working days; UK bank transfers take one to two working days; international bank transfers take three to five working days. | Processing completes within no more than 3 working days; allocating bank wires and card payments can take up to 3 working days. |
| CFDs | Yes | Yes |
| Spread betting | Yes | Not stated |
| Share dealing | Yes | Yes |
| Retail leverage | Not stated | Retail clients may trade major forex pairs at a maximum ratio of 1:30. |
| Platforms | MT4 plus TradingView, CMC Markets web platform, plus CMC mobile app ('CMC Platform')') | XTB platform (xStation) |
| Demo account | Yes | Yes |
| Negative balance protection | Not stated | Yes |
| iPhone app rating, UK App Store | 4.21 of 5 (411 ratings) | 4.66 of 5 (1,977 ratings) |
For both firms, FCA status and CFDs match, as do share dealing and demo account.
Source details: cmcmarkets.com/en-gb/account-comparison, viewed 2 Nov 2026; xtb.com/en, viewed 2 Nov 2026; cmcmarkets.com/en-gb/forex, viewed 2 Nov 2026; cmcmarkets.com/en-gb/trading-costs, viewed 2 Nov 2026; xtb.com/en/forex, viewed 2 Nov 2026; xtb.com/en/account-and-fees, viewed 2 Nov 2026; xtb.com/en/platform, viewed 2 Nov 2026.
How the two loss rates stand against the wider field
The full risk warning from each broker
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. With this provider, retail investor accounts lose money from spread betting and/or trading CFDs at a rate of 69%. Consider whether you understand how our products work, including spread bets, CFDs, OTC options and any other product we offer. You should also consider whether you can afford to take a high risk of losing your money.
On cmcmarkets.com, read 2 Nov 2026, CMC Markets's own wording appears.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. When this provider is used for CFDs, 74% of retail investor accounts lose money. You should consider whether you understand CFDs, along with whether you can afford the high risk of losing your money.
On xtb.com, read 2 Nov 2026, XTB's own wording appears.