Comparison of Capital.com vs CMC Markets [ 2024 ]

The best brokers to invest in cryptocurrencies compared by their commissions, cryptos, security and much more. Here is theCapital.com vs CMC Markets comparison!

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

capital-com

Capital.com

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

CMC Markets

Main points

Fees

Low 3,9/5

Regulated

CySEC, FCA

Demo account

Yes
Low 4/5

Fees

FCA, ASIC

Regulated

Yes

Demo account

Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

No

Buy and hold

No
Yes

Beginners

Yes

Trading

No

Passive income

No

Buy and hold


Comparison of fees

Rating

4.5 – Capital.com provides excellent value with zero commissions and very tight spreads on a wide range of cryptocurrencies. The overnight financing fees are the only additional cost .
4.0 – CMC Markets offers competitive pricing and precision with aggregated prices from multiple sources. However, the daily and overnight holding costs can be significant for long-term positions .

Level

Low 3,9/5
Low 4/5

Brief explanation

Capital.com offers a competitive fee structure that makes it an attractive choice for cryptocurrency traders. The platform charges 0% commissions on trades, meaning there are no upfront costs for executing trades. However, traders should be aware of the overnight financing fees (swap rates) applied to positions held overnight. These fees vary depending on the cryptocurrency and whether the position is long or short. For example, long positions incur a fee of 0.06164% of the exposure plus the daily interest fee, while short positions receive 0.0137% of the exposure minus the daily interest fee. Additionally, while deposits and withdrawals are generally free, an inactivity fee applies after one year for clients contracting with Cyprus (CCSV) or Bahamas (SCB). Overall, Capital.com’s fee structure is transparent and competitive, but it’s important for traders to account for potential overnight fees.
CMC Markets offers a competitive fee structure for cryptocurrency trading, primarily operating through spreads rather than commission-based fees. The spreads on major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum are relatively tight, making it cost-effective for traders to execute their strategies. Additionally, CMC Markets does not charge deposit fees, which is a significant advantage for traders looking to fund their accounts without incurring extra costs. However, users should be aware of potential overnight holding costs for CFD positions, which can add up if trades are held for extended periods. For cryptocurrency CFDs, the primary cost is the spread, which is the difference between the bid and ask prices. This spread is competitive with other major exchanges, particularly for popular cryptocurrencies. CMC Markets also employs a tiered spread system, where spreads can vary depending on market conditions and liquidity. This dynamic pricing model helps ensure that traders receive fair pricing, especially during times of high market volatility. Additionally, the absence of commission fees on crypto trades further enhances the platform’s attractiveness to cost-conscious traders. While there are no hidden fees, it’s important for traders to consider the overall cost of trading, including potential overnight fees for positions held beyond a day. These fees can vary based on the specific cryptocurrency and market conditions. Moreover, CMC Markets provides detailed information on all costs associated with trading on their platform, promoting transparency and helping traders make informed decisions. Overall, CMC Markets’ fee structure is designed to be straightforward and competitive, making it a strong choice for both novice and experienced cryptocurrency traders.

Capital.com

CMC Markets

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Account Minimum

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Product selection

Native token

Capital.com does not have a native token.
CMC Markets does not have a native token.

Earns

Capital.com does not offer staking or earning options with cryptocurrencies. It focuses on trading crypto CFDs with leverage .
CMC Markets does not support staking or other crypto earning programs. It provides trading through crypto CFDs and spread betting .

NFT marketplace

Capital.com does not have an NFT marketplace.
CMC Markets does not have an NFT marketplace.

Cripto/debit card

Capital.com does not have a card for its clients .
CMC Markets does not offer a card for its clients .

Company information

Full name

Capital Com (UK) Limited​​.
CMC Markets UK Plc​​.

Regulation

FCA (UK), CySEC, ASIC, FSA (Seychelles)​​.
FCA (UK), BaFin (Germany/EU), IIROC (Canada), ASIC (Australia), FMA (New Zealand), MAS (Singapore), DFSA (Dubai)​​.

Year founded

2016​​
1989​​

Founder

Ivan Gowan​​
Peter Cruddas​​

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes, Capital.com accepts bank transfers for both deposits and withdrawals .
Yes, CMC Markets accepts bank transfers for both deposits and withdrawals .

Mastercard

Yes, Capital.com accepts Mastercard for deposits​​.
Yes, CMC Markets accepts Mastercard for deposits​​.

Wire transfer

Wise is not mentioned as a supported payment method .
Wise is not mentioned as a supported payment method. In some locations, third-party payment providers like Wise are not available .

Card

Yes, Capital.com accepts credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) .
Yes, CMC Markets accepts credit/debit cards .

Comparative table

Capital.com Features CMC Markets
The minimum trade amount is very low at $1, making it accessible for all types of traders.
Minimum Trade
The minimum trade size at CMC Markets is low, making it accessible for beginners who want to start trading with smaller amounts.
Capital.com offers 0% commissions on trades, but high swap rates for overnight positions.
Trading and Transaction Fees
While CMC Markets offers competitive spreads, the stock CFD fees are relatively high compared to other exchanges.
With 377 cryptocurrencies and 490+ crypto pairs available, the selection is extensive.
Number of Cryptocurrencies
With around 19 cryptocurrencies available, the selection is decent but fewer than some competitors that offer a broader range.
The platform offers numerous crypto-only pairs, allowing for extensive trading opportunities.
Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs
Trading is limited to CFDs, and there are no direct crypto-to-crypto trading pairs available, which might be a limitation for some traders.
Information on fees, regulations, and trading conditions is clear, but some details on spreads and swaps could be more transparent.
Website Transparency
The CMC Markets website provides transparent and detailed information about its fees, regulatory status, and services, fostering trust among users.
Capital.com does not have a card for its clients .
Credit/Debit Card
CMC Markets does not offer a card for its clients .
Capital.com only offers CFD trading, meaning users cannot store actual cryptocurrencies.
Storage Offering
CMC Markets does not offer direct crypto storage, as it operates through CFDs, which might not appeal to traders looking for a direct investment in cryptocurrencies.
The platform does not support staking or rewards for holding cryptocurrencies.
Staking and Rewards
The platform does not offer any staking or rewards programs, which can be a disadvantage for traders interested in earning passive income through their holdings.
Both the mobile app and desktop platform are highly intuitive and user-friendly, providing seamless trading experiences.
Mobile App and Desktop
CMC Markets provides high-quality mobile and desktop trading platforms with advanced features, ensuring a seamless trading experience across devices.
Customer service is available 24/7, but live chat support can be unreliable.
Customer Service
Customer service is reliable and available 24/5, but the absence of weekend support can be a drawback for traders needing assistance outside regular hours.
Deposits and withdrawals are free and processed quickly, but the range of available currencies is limited.
Deposit and Withdraw
The platform offers fast and varied deposit methods. Withdrawals are generally quick, though some methods may incur fees, which should be considered by users.

Key features

Analysis tools

Capital.com features the Investmate app for educational purposes, offers advanced charting tools, technical indicators, and a demo mode for practice trading. Their platform supports extensive market analysis and educational resources .
CMC Markets offers the “Next Generation” trading platform with advanced charting tools, technical indicators, and a comprehensive range of research tools. Their MT4 platform also supports algorithmic trading .

Mobile APP

Yes, Capital.com offers mobile apps for iOS and Android, providing a smooth and intuitive trading experience on both platforms .
Yes, CMC Markets offers a highly functional mobile app as part of their “Next Generation” trading platform, providing extensive features for mobile trading .

Security

Capital.com is authorized and regulated by several top-tier regulators, including the FCA and CySEC. They offer negative balance protection, ensuring investors are protected from losing more than their account balance. However, they do not have a banking license​​.
CMC Markets is regulated by several financial authorities, including the FCA. They provide negative balance protection for UK and EU clients. The broker is listed on the London Stock Exchange, which enhances transparency and security​​.

Additional features

Capital.com offers CFD trading on a wide range of cryptocurrencies with competitive spreads and zero commissions. They support 377 cryptocurrencies for trading and provide a user-friendly interface, both on desktop and mobile. Capital.com also includes advanced educational tools such as courses, blogs, and tutorials, and they offer negative balance protection. Their trading platform allows trading 24/7 with a low minimum deposit requirement of $20 for card payments .
CMC Markets provides an extensive range of CFDs, including cryptocurrencies. They offer 19 cryptocurrencies for trading, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. The platform features advanced research and educational tools, including a comprehensive learning center. CMC Markets also boasts a high fill rate of 99.9%, making it a great choice for active crypto day traders. However, they do not support trading real stocks and have relatively high stock CFD fees .

Anonymity

Capital.com does not support anonymous accounts. Users must provide personal information, trading experience, and verification documents like an ID or passport and proof of address​​.
CMC Markets requires identity verification during the account opening process, so anonymous accounts are not possible .

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

Capital.com offers trading in cryptocurrency CFDs. Users can trade a wide range of cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Ripple (XRP), and many others, totaling 377 cryptocurrencies​​.
CMC Markets provides trading in cryptocurrency CFDs. Available cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin (BTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), TRON (TRX), EOS, Stellar Lumens (XLM), Cardano (ADA), and crypto indices such as the All Crypto Index, Major Crypto Index, and Emerging Crypto Index​​.

User-friendliness

Capital.com excels in providing an intuitive and seamless trading experience for cryptocurrencies. The platform’s user-friendly design, combined with robust educational resources, makes it accessible to both novice and experienced traders. Capital.com supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies and offers competitive spreads, ensuring that users have a cost-effective and efficient trading experience​​ .
CMC Markets offers a powerful and versatile trading platform that caters well to crypto traders. The Next Generation platform is particularly noted for its configurability and advanced tools. However, the platform might require some time to master due to its extensive features, which can be overwhelming for beginners. Overall, it provides a comprehensive trading experience with access to multiple crypto assets .

Value for money

Capital.com stands out with 0% commission on trades and very tight spreads. The broker’s comprehensive educational resources and user-friendly platform add to its value, though inactivity fees apply after one year for some clients​​.
CMC Markets offers value through competitive pricing and a wide range of tradable instruments. The fees for holding positions overnight are standard, and the platform’s robust tools justify the costs, though its advanced features may be overwhelming for beginners​​.

Countries of operation

United Kingdom, European Union, Australia, Bahamas .
United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, United Arab Emirates .

Best for

Capital.com is ideal for investors looking to trade a wide variety of cryptocurrencies with competitive spreads and zero commissions. Its user-friendly platform and extensive educational resources make it a good choice for beginners and those interested in CFD trading​​.
CMC Markets caters to experienced traders who appreciate a powerful trading platform with extensive configurability and tools. It is best for those who are comfortable with trading crypto CFDs and are looking for a wide range of cryptocurrency indices to trade​​.

Account

Trading

Capital.com provides extensive crypto CFD trading options, with over 370 cryptocurrencies available. The platform is user-friendly and offers low spreads, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced traders.
CMC Markets offers a wide selection of crypto CFDs, allowing users to trade on price movements without owning the underlying assets. The platform is known for its advanced trading tools and competitive spreads.

Deposit and withdrawal

Capital.com provides a seamless deposit and withdrawal experience with no fees. Supported methods include bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets like PayPal and Apple Pay. Transactions are typically processed quickly.
CMC Markets offers free deposits and withdrawals via bank transfers and credit/debit cards. The process is straightforward, though withdrawal times can be slightly longer compared to deposits.

Account opening process

Capital.com offers a seamless account opening experience. The process is fully digital and involves filling out personal information, financial status, and trading experience. Users must also submit verification documents. Accounts are typically approved within one business day.
CMC Markets has an easy and efficient account opening process. Users complete an online application, provide personal and financial details, and upload identification documents. The process is fully digital, and accounts are usually approved quickly.

KYC required?

KYC is mandatory at Capital.com. Users must complete identity verification by submitting personal identification documents and proof of residence.
CMC Markets requires KYC verification. Personal identification documents and proof of address must be provided during the account registration process.

Customer Service

Capital.com offers exceptional customer service with 24/7 support via live chat, phone, and email. The support team is highly responsive and provides detailed answers, ensuring users get the help they need promptly.
CMC Markets has a reliable customer service team available 24/5 via phone, email, and live chat. The support is known for being efficient and knowledgeable, helping users with a wide range of issues.

Security

Capital.com is authorized and regulated by several top-tier regulators, including the FCA and CySEC. They offer negative balance protection, ensuring investors are protected from losing more than their account balance. However, they do not have a banking license​​.
CMC Markets is regulated by several financial authorities, including the FCA. They provide negative balance protection for UK and EU clients. The broker is listed on the London Stock Exchange, which enhances transparency and security​​.

Which of these exchanges is for you?

As an expert on our website, I highly recommend Capital.com for those interested in cryptocurrency trading, especially if you’re looking for a platform with a wide range of crypto options and excellent user experience. The platform’s extensive selection of 377 cryptocurrencies and 490+ crypto pairs provides ample trading opportunities, while its intuitive interfaces and robust security measures make it a reliable choice for both beginners and seasoned traders. Despite the limitation of offering only CFD trading, the low fees and fast transactions make it an appealing option for anyone looking to engage in crypto trading.
As an expert at Threenvest, I recommend CMC Markets for crypto traders who value a secure and user-friendly platform. The advanced charting tools and comprehensive research capabilities make it ideal for both beginners and experienced traders. While the selection of cryptocurrencies is decent, the platform’s robust security measures and regulation by top-tier financial authorities provide added peace of mind. However, keep in mind that customer support is not available on weekends, and the range of cryptocurrencies could be expanded for more trading opportunities.

How do we review crypto exchanges?

At Threenvest, we conduct a thorough review process to evaluate and rank the world’s leading crypto exchanges. Our goal is to offer an unbiased assessment, providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions on which ones best suit your needs. We strictly adhere to the guidelines of our editorial policy.

 

We collect data directly from exchanges through detailed questionnaires and conduct first-hand testing and observations during crypto exchange demonstrations. Questionnaire responses, combined with demonstrations and hands-on research from our experts, feed into our proprietary evaluation process that scores each provider’s performance on more than 15 factors. The end result produces star ratings ranging from poor (one star) to excellent (five stars).


For more details on the categories considered when rating brokers and our process, read our full methodology.

Risk Disclaimer

Investing in cryptocurrencies is very risky, you should only invest the money you are willing to lose. Also you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong.

Neither Threenvest, nor the author, are recommending you to invest with this article.

More comparatives Capital.com and CMC Markets