10 Best CMC Markets Alternatives for Active Traders

In order to complement their high-frequency techniques, active traders frequently search outside of CMC Markets for tighter spreads, quicker execution, and more adaptable platform alternatives.

The best CMC Markets alternatives offer competitive pricing, advanced trading tools, strong regulation, and diverse market access across forex, indices, commodities, and CFDs.

Selecting the appropriate broker can greatly enhance execution efficiency, cost control, and overall trading performance, regardless of your concentration on algorithmic tactics, day trading, or scalping.

What Are CMC Markets Alternatives?

Brokerage platforms known as CMC Markets alternatives offer comparable trading possibilities, tools, and services to CMC Markets; nevertheless, they frequently differ in terms of price, platforms, or features designed for active traders.

With competitive spreads, quicker execution, and sophisticated charting tools, these options give traders access to forex, CFDs, commodities, indices, and occasionally equities.

Additionally, they might provide other account kinds, alternatives for larger leverage, or specialist platforms like cTrader, MT4, or MT5.

Selecting the best option guarantees that traders can effectively manage risk, implement plans, and take advantage of robust regulation, customer service, and safe payment methods—all of which make them perfect for active trading requirements.

Key Point

Broker	Key Point for Active Traders
IG	Offers advanced trading platforms with low spreads and high liquidity, ideal for frequent active trading across forex, indices, and commodities.
Saxo Bank	Provides professional-grade tools, deep market access, and competitive pricing suitable for high-volume active traders.
Interactive Brokers	Known for ultra-low commissions, robust order execution, and global market access for active trading strategies.
OANDA	Offers flexible lot sizes, tight spreads, and a reliable trading platform ideal for short-term traders and scalpers.
AvaTrade	Provides multiple platforms and automated trading options, supporting active trading with risk management tools.
ThinkMarkets	Features fast execution speeds, raw spreads, and advanced charting for day traders and scalpers.
Pepperstone	Low latency trading and ECN-style pricing make it excellent for high-frequency and active forex traders.
IC Markets	Known for raw spreads and superior execution, supporting algorithmic and high-volume active trading.
FXPro	Offers multiple account types with fast execution and low costs for intraday and active traders.
Vantage	Provides raw spreads and advanced MT4/MT5 tools, making it suitable for scalping and short-term strategies.

1. IG

Established in 1974, IG Group is one of the oldest and most reputable brokers. They have low forex spreads starting around 0.6 pips and offer competitive share commission pricing due to deep liquidity and solid frequencey execution pricing. Besides offering MT4, IG provides powerful proprietary platforms.

Their advanced charting tools are good for scalping and day trading. They accept payment via bank transfer, debit/credit cards, and e-wallets (regional availability).

Customer support is 24/5. They offer a wide range of educational tools. Due to their trading technology and wide range of markets, IG is considered one of the best CMC Markets alternatives for active traders.

IG Group

• Headquarters: London, UK
• Leverage: Up to 1:200
• Platforms: IG proprietary, MT4
• Security: FCA regulated, multi-factor authentication

 Best CMC Markets Alternatives for Active Traders

Pros:

• Include Market Range of Active Traders: forex, indices, commodities, and shares.
• Proprietary Platform Advanced with chart annotation.
• Global regulated by FCA, ASIC and other top-tier authorities.
• Education resources improved for all trader levels.

Cons:

• Higher Certain Market Fees, discount broker competition.
• Some Regional Restrictions Limit Leverage.
• Dormant accounts incur inactivity fees.
• Customer service laggers to fix during busy hours.

2. Saxo Bank

Saxo Bank, founded in 1992, is considered a premium multi-asset broker. They provide institutional-grade platforms such as SaxoTraderGO and SaxoTraderPRO that provide in-depth research, advanced order types, and professional charting tools.

Fees are on the higher side because Saxo has premium positioning, but they tend to be more favorable for active traders as they require a minimum deposit.

Bank transfers and cards are accepted for funding, and both are supported, as is customer support.

Traders can access and trade all markets including forex, stocks, options, futures, etc., through a single account. Saxo is one of the best CMC Markets alternatives for active traders because of its sophisticated tools and deep liquidity.

Saxo Bank

• Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
• Leverage: Up to 1:100
• Platforms: SaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPRO
• Security: Banking license, multi-regulated, 2FA

Saxo Bank – Best CMC Markets Alternatives for Active Traders

Pros:

• Active trader platforms GO and PRO offer professional grade.
• Global Market and Liquidity Access (Deep).
• Research and Analytics at an institutional level.
• Multi-asset trading offered in one account.

Cons:

• Other brokers compared to high deposits are an account minimum.
• Small retail accounts = Higher fees.
• Bonuses/promo = new traders..
• For novices, the platforms may appear complex.

3. Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers Group started its journey in 1978 and has made a name for itself for ultra-low costs with direct market access and executions which is ideal for high-frequency traders as well as algorithmic traders.

Interactive Brokers has extremely competitive spreads as well as commissions as they have tiered pricing and low cost forex, stocks, futures as well as options. Their platforms are Trader Workstation (TWS) as well as mobile apps and a web portal which all have advanced tools, APIs, and automation which can be used for funding.

Their funding methods include bank wires, ACH (where supported), etc. Interactive Brokers is known to have some of the best features in active trading including global market access, sophisticated risk tools, etc., and is therefore listed among the best CMC Markets alternatives for active traders.

Interactive Brokers (IBKR)

• Headquarters: Greenwich, Connecticut, USA
• Leverage: Up to 1:50 (forex retail)
• Platforms: Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Mobile, Client Portal
• Security: Investment-grade rating, global regulation, strong capital base

Best CMC Markets Alternatives for Active Traders: Interactive Brokers

Pros:

• Commissions and spreads are extremely low.
• Access to numerous global markets and multiple asset classes.
• Trader Workstation (TWS) and API integration.
• Exceptional execution quickness for active trading and algorithmic trading.

Cons:

• The platform learning curve is steep.
• Customer service is scarce for low-tier accounts.
• Accounts with no activity or data subscriptions incur fees.
• Casual traders may not use advanced features.

4. OANDA

Founded in 1996, OANDA Global Corporation is one of the first forex and CFD brokers in the market and is highly regarded.

OANDA’s pricing model is transparent with no minimum deposit requirements. This is advantageous to active traders with flexible ranges of capital, as pricing is tiered. Trading is done with their proprietary fxTrade platform or MT4 as well as STP execution and advanced and proven charting.

OANDA allows for funding via bank transfer and debit/credit card (as well as e-wallets) and has abundant customer support throughout the world. OANDA has advanced execution technology combined with competitive fees, and is among the best CMC Markets alternatives for active traders.

OANDA

• Headquarters: New York, USA (global offices)
• Leverage: Up to 1:200
• Platforms: MT4, MT5, TradingView, OANDA proprietary app
• Security: Multi-regulated, 2FA, round-the-clock monitoring

Best CMC Markets Alternatives for Active Traders: OANDA

Pros:

• Small and big traders are accommodated via flexible lot sizes.
• Transparent pricing with strong regulatory oversight and reliable execution.
• No deposit minimums.

Cons:

• Beyond forex and CFDs, product range is sparce.
• Competitors have more advanced mobile platforms.
• Some countries have lower leverage in comparison.
• Premium brokers’ research tools are superior.

5. ThinkMarkets

Established in 2010, ThinkMarkets has rapidly established other CFD and forex brokers as a result of quick deposits and withdrawals with a variety of trading platforms and excellent reviews regarding their service and support.

Active traders have access to excellent execution and trade management systems with ThinkTrader (formerly Trade Interceptor) as well as MT4 and MT5.

Payment options include bank transfers, Visa/Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and cryptocurrency in certain regions. With support and educational materials, multi-jurisdiction regulation, and a ThinkMarkets platform, the best CMC Markets alternatives for active traders is a strong option.

ThinkMarkets

• Headquarters: London, UK & Melbourne, Australia
• Leverage: Up to 1:500
• Platforms: MT4, MT5, ThinkTrader, TradingView
• Security: FCA, ASIC, CySEC regulated; global data centers

Best CMC Markets Alternatives for Active Traders: ThinkMarkets

Pros:

• Low-cost trading environment with and narrow spreads.
• ThinkTrader, MT4 and, MT5 are available.
• Specific regions offer high leverage.
• Educational support and resources are ample.

Cons:

• Less asset coverage than multi-asset brokers.
• Regulatory oversight differs by region.
• Some promotions are only specific to certain regions.
• Varying response time.

6. AvaTrade

Global forex and CFD broker AvaTrade, established in 2006, offers competitive trading spreads with a multitude of trading platform choices, including MT4, MT5, WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, and AvaOptions for options trading.

Fees are industry standard as there are no concealed fees and account and asset fees are transparent. Payment methods include bank transfer, credit/debit cards, and PayPal (when applicable).

It also has social/copy trading and educational resources. Its trader-focused tools and versatile platform support makes AvaTrade one of the best CMC Markets alternatives for active traders.

AvaTrade

• Headquarters: Dublin, Ireland
• Leverage: Up to 1:400
• Platforms: MT4, MT5, WebTrader, AvaTradeGO
• Security: Multi-jurisdiction regulation, strong compliance

AvaTrade – Best CMC Markets Alternatives for Active Traders

Pros:

• Multiple platforms available such as MT4, MT5, and AvaOptions.
• Provides social/copy trading to beginners.
• Multiple regulations across different jurisdictions.
• Diversity in instruments like forex, commodities, indices, and crypto.

Cons:

• Average spreads may be higher than ECN brokers.
• Some regions have retail client leverage restrictions.
• Fewer account types than industry opponents.
• Regional withdrawal delays.

7. Pepperstone

Established in 2010, Pepperstone Group Limited is an Australian company known for exceptional execution and narrow spreads, in particular with its ECN Razor account. Pepperstone also provides MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView integrations. Minimum deposits for many regions are also low or nonexistent.

Funding methods include bank transfers, cards, and other e-wallets in addition to quick support. With their advanced platforms, low latency, and ultra-competitive pricing, Pepperstone is often considered one of the best CMC Markets alternatives for active traders, especially forex scalpers and algorithmic traders.

Pepperstone

• Headquarters: Melbourne, Australia (global offices)
• Leverage: Up to 1:500
• Platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView
• Security: client’s segregated accounts, ASIC, FCA

Pepperstone – Best CMC Markets Alternatives for Active Traders

Pros:

• ECN pricing is available with extremely low spreads.
• Scalping is ideal with fast execution and low latency.
• MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView integration are supported.
• Leading authorities such as ASIC and FCA have regulated it.

Cons:

• Less educational resources than larger brokers.
• Some accounts incur inactivity fees.
• Fewer fixed spread accounts for beginners.
• Advanced features are software-based by third parties.

8. IC Markets

Since its founding in 2007, IC Markets has had the best raw spreads (frequently from 0.0 pips) and lowest commission ECN accounts of any active forex and CFD trader.

IC Markets supports the platforms MT4, MT5, and cTrader and provides fast order executions and free VPS for automated trading. Customers can fund IC Markets through bank transfers, cards and e-wallets, and the customer service is top notch.

IC Markets is considered one of the best CMC Markets alternatives for active traders due to ultra low costs, deep liquidity and tech infrastructure.

IC Markets

• Headquarters: Sydney, Australia
• Leverage: 1:500
• Platforms: MT4, MT5, and cTrader
• Security: regulated by ASIC, and CySEC and use SSL

IC Markets – Recommended CMC Markets Alternatives for Active Traders

Pros:

• Raw spreads from 0.0 pips on ECN accounts.
• Various platforms: MT4, MT5, and cTrader.
• Good support for automated trading and VPS.
• Significant trading volume means higher leverage.

Cons:

• Customer support can be slow during busy hours.
• Limited tools for research and learning.
• Some regions may exclude certain funding methods.
• Beginners may find the platforms too advanced.

9. FXPro

FxPro was established in 2002 in London and offers an array of forex and CFD instruments with flexible platforms such as MT4, MT5, cTrader and an in-house developed one. Depending on individual trading strategies, they offer both market and instant execution.

Global funding is available through bank cards and transfers. Regarded for its strong liquidity and execution quality, FxPro is also renowned for its multi-jurisdiction regulations, providing reliable platforms, diverse products and solid global regulation, thus earning its place among the best CMC Markets alternatives for active traders.

FXPro

• Headquarters: London, UK
• Leverage: 1:200
• Platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader, and FXPro Edge
• Security: regulated by FCA, and CySEC, and offer negative balance protection

FXPro

Pros:

• Provides MT4, MT5, cTrader, and other proprietary platforms.
• Various execution types for active trading.
• Good regulation across many countries.
• Good selection of CFD and forex instruments.

Cons:

• Standard accounts have higher spreads.
• Minimum deposits are higher than many competitors.
• Some advanced tools are not available on mobile.
• Promotions vary across regions.

10. Vantage

Vantage Markets (previously Vantage FX) was launched in 2010 and offers competitive conditions for forex and CFD trading with raw and standard accounts and tight spread.

Traders can utilize MT4 and MT5 on desktop, web, and mobile, which supports flexible strategies including scalping. Vantage facilitates funding through bank transfers and cards, and provides region-based customer support.

Vantage’s inclusive low-cost pricing and extensive multi-platform access make it a frequent recommendation among top CMC Markets alternatives for active traders wanting flexible execution across global markets.

Vantage

• Headquarters: Sydney, Australia
• Leverage: 1:500
• Platforms: MT4, MT5, and Vantage App
• Security: regulated by ASIC, and FCA, and use segregated accounts

Vantage

Pros:

• Raw spreads and ECN accounts for active traders.
• MT4 and MT5 available on web, desktop, and mobile.
• Good execution and strong liquidity.
• High leverage for forex and CFD trading in allowed areas.

Cons:

• Non-forex products are limited.
• Several features are restricted by region.
• Customer service may not be 24/7 everywhere.
• Compared to other top brokers, educational materials are lacking.

Key Factors for Choosing an Active Trading Broker

These are the main considerations when selecting a broker for active trading.

Trading Platforms: Look for a broker that offers the most advanced trading technologies like MT4, MT5, cTrader, or other direct competitors. Make sure they allow for the best charting systems, automation systems, and allow for the design of user interfaces that would allow for the best and fastest active trading.

Execution Speed and Spreads: Look for brokers that publish execution speeds with low latency, and provide no spread or very low spread, so that you could maximize and not lose any money due to slippage.

Leverage and Account Types: Choose brokers that provide a wide range of account types and flexible leverage which can help you to manage your trading style, risk, and money.

Regulation and Security: You can choose brokers that are regulated and that also have separated client money, SSL safety, and other protective safety so that your money can be safe with the broker.

Payment Methods and Deposits: You would want to trade frequently, so that means you need to manage your cash flow so brokers need to provide simple and fast ways for you to deposit and withdraw your money through bank, credit, debit, and e-wallet systems for your cash flow.

Customer Support and Education: Good educational resources, webinars, and tutorials allow a trader to work on their active trading systems and support them to be able to assist them to ensure their active trading systems run as fast as possible with little to no issues.

Instruments Available for Trading – Brokerage firms that include a range of markets such as forex, CFDs, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, give active traders the ability to diversify their strategies and increase their chances of profiting.

Cost and Transparency – For trading brokers, consider the cost of spread, commission and the transparency of their pricing. This is particularly important for high-volume trading, as it ensures trading fees will be predictable and trades will be profitable.

Conclusion

In summary, active traders looking for alternatives to CMC Markets have several very strong options, each excelling in particular areas. Brokers such as IG, Interactive Brokers, and IC Markets have ultra-low spreads and fast execution, as well as professional-grade platforms that are perfect for scalping and day trading.

Advanced liquidity and deep trader tools at Saxo Bank and Pepperstone are ideal, whereas OANDA and ThinkMarkets have low flexibility and poor minimum deposits with good solid regulation.

Execution speed, payment options, and platform choice all contribute to trader performance. After analyzing these factors, traders are left with the best alternative to CMC Markets that is most suitable to their trading strategy, risk appetite, and trading objectives.

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