
CMC Markets

XTB
Who wins on what
Five rounds, one checkable fact apiece
A round goes to whichever broker is ahead on its deciding figure. Where the figures match, the round is drawn — we do not invent a winner.
Cost
Decided by the tighter EUR/USD spread. Lower typical spread on the tightest retail account wins.
Trust
Decided by the count of Tier-1 licences. More Tier-1 regulators means stronger client-money protection.
Access
Decided by the lower minimum deposit. A lower bar to entry wins.
Platforms
Decided by the breadth of terminals offered. More supported trading platforms wins.
Record
Decided by the longer operating history. A longer operating record wins.
CMC Markets edges it, 3–0
Both CMC Markets and XTB present identical headline figures for retail traders, offering a typical EUR/USD spread of 0.5 pips, a $0 minimum deposit, and a maximum leverage of 1:30 in regulated regions. Key distinctions emerge in their regulatory profiles and platform ecosystems. CMC Markets, established in 1989, boasts a stronger tier-1 licensing portfolio and a broader range of platform options, including Next Generation, MT4, and TradingView in selected regions. XTB, founded in 2002, relies primarily on its xStation 5 platform.
The trust round is decisively won by CMC Markets, holding three active tier-1 licences (FCA 173730, FCA 170627, ASIC AFSL 238054). XTB, by contrast, possesses one active tier-1 licence (FCA 522157) alongside two active tier-2 licences (KNF DDM-M-4021-57-1/2005, CySEC 169/12). In terms of direct cost, both brokers offer an identical typical EUR/USD spread of 0.5 pips and a $0 minimum deposit. Therefore, neither broker gains an advantage on these specified cost metrics.
CMC Markets clearly takes the trust round, demonstrating superior tier-1 regulatory backing with three active licences against XTB's single tier-1. The cost round, based on the provided typical EUR/USD spread of 0.5 pips and $0 minimum deposit, results in a draw. CMC Markets also offers a broader selection of trading platforms and account types, appealing to a wider range of traders. Overall, for traders prioritising robust tier-1 regulation and platform diversity, CMC Markets presents a more compelling proposition based on the verified facts.
Next matchup
Other head-to-heads
Pepperstone vs IC Markets
Australia's two raw-spread specialists, fact by fact
XM vs Exness
Two low-deposit giants weighed on cost and cover
OANDA vs FOREX.com
Two of the most heavily regulated names, compared
FxPro vs Pepperstone
London platform depth against Melbourne's tighter quote