Quick Facts
- Regulation: CMC Markets is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, while AvaTrade is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland, the Financial Services Commission in Vanuatu, and several other regulatory bodies.
- Established: CMC Markets was founded in 1989, while AvaTrade was founded in 2006.
- Assets: CMC Markets offers over 12,000 CFD markets, including forex, indices, shares, ETFs, and more, while AvaTrade offers over 1,000 instruments, including forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.
- Trading Platforms: CMC Markets offers a proprietary Next Generation trading platform, as well as MetaTrader 4 and mobile/tablet trading apps, while AvaTrade offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and mobile trading apps.
- Spreads: CMC Markets’ spreads start from 0.3 pips on EUR/USD, while AvaTrade’s spreads start from 0.7 pips on EUR/USD.
- Leverage: CMC Markets offers up to 1:500 leverage for professional traders, while AvaTrade offers up to 1:400 leverage.
- Minimum Deposit: CMC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $0 (no minimum deposit), while AvaTrade requires a minimum deposit of $100.
- Demo Account: Both CMC Markets and AvaTrade offer demo accounts for new traders to practice with virtual money.
- Customer Support: CMC Markets’ customer support is available 24/7 and offers multiple languages, while AvaTrade’s customer support is also available 24/5 and offers multiple languages.
- Customer Base: Both CMC Markets and AvaTrade cater to a global audience, but CMC Markets seems to have a larger market presence.
CMC Markets vs AvaTrade: A Comprehensive Comparison
When it comes to choosing a reliable forex broker, traders often find themselves spoilt for choice. Two popular options in the market are CMC Markets and AvaTrade. In this article, we will delve into the features, benefits, and drawbacks of each broker to help you make an informed decision.
Overview of CMC Markets and AvaTrade
CMC Markets is a well-established online trading platform that was founded in 1989. With its headquarters in the UK, CMC Markets has grown to become one of the largest CFD and forex providers globally. The broker is regulated by top-tier financial authorities, including the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
AvaTrade is another renowned online trading platform that has been in operation since 2006. Based in Ireland, AvaTrade offers a wide range of trading instruments, including forex, CFDs, and cryptocurrencies. The broker is regulated by several authorities, including the Central Bank of Ireland, ASIC, and the FCA.
Trading Platforms
Both CMC Markets and AvaTrade offer modern trading platforms that cater to different trader preferences. Here’s a brief overview of each platform:
CMC Markets Platforms:
- Next Generation: This is CMC Markets’ flagship trading platform, designed for both beginner and experienced traders. It offers a user-friendly interface, advanced charting tools, and customizable layouts.
- Navigator: This platform is designed specifically for mobile devices, allowing traders to access their accounts and trade on-the-go.
- MetaTrader 4 (MT4): CMC Markets also offers MT4, a popular third-party platform, for traders who prefer its features and functionality.
AvaTrade Platforms:
- AvaTradeGo: This is AvaTrade’s proprietary mobile trading platform, designed to provide traders with a seamless trading experience on-the-go.
- WebTrader: AvaTrade’s web-based platform offers a user-friendly interface, advanced charting tools, and real-time market data.
- MT4 and MT5: AvaTrade also offers MT4 and MT5, popular third-party platforms, for traders who prefer their features and functionality.
Fees and Commissions
Fees and commissions are an essential aspect of forex trading. Here’s how CMC Markets and AvaTrade compare in terms of fees:
CMC Markets Fees:
- Spreads: CMC Markets offers competitive spreads starting from 0.7 pips on EUR/USD and 0.9 pips on GBP/USD.
- No commission on most trades: CMC Markets does not charge commission on most trades, with the exception of shares and certain CFDs.
- Overnight charges: CMC Markets charges overnight fees on certain positions held after a specified time.
AvaTrade Fees:
- Spreads: AvaTrade offers competitive spreads starting from 0.7 pips on EUR/USD and 1.3 pips on GBP/USD.
- No commission on most trades: AvaTrade does not charge commission on most trades, with the exception of shares and certain CFDs.
- Overnight charges: AvaTrade charges overnight fees on certain positions held after a specified time.
Leverage and Margin
Leverage and margin are critical components of forex trading. Here’s how CMC Markets and AvaTrade compare in terms of leverage and margin:
CMC Markets Leverage and Margin:
- Leverage of up to 1:500: CMC Markets offers leverage of up to 1:500 on certain CFDs and forex pairs.
- MARGIN from 0.2% to 10%: The margin requirements on CMC Markets vary depending on the trade type and instrument.
AvaTrade Leverage and Margin:
- Leverage of up to 1:400: AvaTrade offers leverage of up to 1:400 on certain CFDs and forex pairs.
- MARGIN from 0.25% to 1.25%: The margin requirements on AvaTrade vary depending on the trade type and instrument.
Education and Research
Both CMC Markets and AvaTrade offer a range of educational resources to help traders improve their skills. Here’s a brief overview:
CMC Markets Education:
- CMC University: CMC Markets offers a comprehensive online education platform, featuring tutorials, webinars, and video lessons.
- Market analysis and news: CMC Markets provides real-time market analysis, news, and commentary from experienced analysts.
AvaTrade Education:
- AvaTrade Academy: AvaTrade offers a comprehensive online education platform, featuring tutorials, webinars, and video lessons.
- Market analysis and news: AvaTrade provides real-time market analysis, news, and commentary from experienced analysts.
Customer Support
Both CMC Markets and AvaTrade offer dedicated customer support to help traders resolve any issues or concerns. Here’s a brief overview:
CMC Markets Customer Support:
- 24/5 customer support: CMC Markets offers 24/5 customer support via phone, email, and live chat.
- Multi-language support: CMC Markets supports multiple languages, including English, German, French, and more.
AvaTrade Customer Support:
- 24/5 customer support: AvaTrade offers 24/5 customer support via phone, email, and live chat.
- Multi-language support: AvaTrade supports multiple languages, including English, German, French, and more.
Recommendation
Based on our comparison, we recommend CMC Markets for:
- Traders who prioritize lower spreads and more competitive pricing.
- Traders who require a more comprehensive range of trading platforms.
We recommend AvaTrade for:
- Traders who require higher leverage and more flexible margin requirements.
- Traders who prioritize comprehensive educational resources and market analysis.
Remember to always do your own research, consider your individual needs, and consult with a financial advisor before making any trading decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the key differences between CMC Markets and AvaTrade?
- Regulation: Both CMC Markets and AvaTrade are regulated by top-tier financial authorities. CMC Markets is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, while AvaTrade is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
- Trading Platforms: CMC Markets offers its proprietary Next Generation platform, while AvaTrade offers the popular MetaTrader 4 and 5 platforms, as well as its own AvaTrader platform.
- Fees and Spreads: CMC Markets offers competitive spreads starting from 0.3 pips on major currency pairs, while AvaTrade offers spreads starting from 0.9 pips.
Q: Which broker has better customer support?
CMC Markets and AvaTrade both offer dedicated customer support, with 24/5 phone and email support, as well as multi-language support.
Q: What are the minimum deposit requirements for each broker?
CMC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $0 (no minimum deposit), while AvaTrade requires a minimum deposit of $100.
Q: Can I use mobile devices to trade with these brokers?
Yes, both CMC Markets and AvaTrade offer mobile trading apps for iOS and Android devices.

