Comparison of XTB vs CMC Markets [ 2025 ]

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

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

XTB

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

CMC Markets

Main points

Fees

Low 4,7/5

Regulated

FCA, KNF

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

4.4 – XTB provides excellent value with no deposit or withdrawal fees for most methods and tight spreads. The inactivity fee after 12 months is the main 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 4,7/5
Low 4/5

Brief explanation

XTB’s fee structure is primarily built around spreads, with no commissions for crypto trades. The spreads are competitive, starting from 0.22% for Bitcoin. Additionally, XTB does not charge deposit fees for bank transfers or credit/debit cards, although e-wallet deposits may incur fees ranging from 1% to 2%. Withdrawals are generally free unless the amount is below $50, in which case a $30 fee applies. An inactivity fee of $10 per month is charged after 12 months of inactivity. Overall, XTB’s fee structure is straightforward and relatively low-cost compared to other brokers .
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.

XTB

CMC Markets

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Product selection

Native token

XTB does not have a native token.
CMC Markets does not have a native token.

Earns

XTB does not provide staking or earning options for cryptocurrencies. The platform offers trading in crypto CFDs .
CMC Markets does not support staking or other crypto earning programs. It provides trading through crypto CFDs and spread betting .

NFT marketplace

XTB does not have an NFT marketplace.
CMC Markets does not have an NFT marketplace.

Cripto/debit card

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

Company information

Full name

XTB International Limited​​.
CMC Markets UK Plc​​.

Regulation

FCA (UK), CySEC, KNF (Poland), IFSC (Belize)​​.
FCA (UK), BaFin (Germany/EU), IIROC (Canada), ASIC (Australia), FMA (New Zealand), MAS (Singapore), DFSA (Dubai)​​.

Year founded

2002​​
1989​​

Founder

Jakub Zablocki
Peter Cruddas​​

Payment methods

Transfers

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

Mastercard

Yes, XTB 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, XTB accepts credit/debit cards .
Yes, CMC Markets accepts credit/debit cards .

Comparative table

XTB Features CMC Markets
Minimum trade size is flexible, starting at $1. This low threshold allows even small-scale investors to participate in cryptocurrency trading .
Minimum Trade
The minimum trade size at CMC Markets is low, making it accessible for beginners who want to start trading with smaller amounts.
XTB charges spreads on crypto trades starting from 0.22% for Bitcoin. While competitive, additional fees apply for certain e-wallet deposits and withdrawals .
Trading and Transaction Fees
While CMC Markets offers competitive spreads, the stock CFD fees are relatively high compared to other exchanges.
XTB offers trading on over 50 cryptocurrencies, including major coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, along with various crypto pairs .
Number of Cryptocurrencies
With around 19 cryptocurrencies available, the selection is decent but fewer than some competitors that offer a broader range.
The platform supports 16 intra-crypto pairs, allowing traders to speculate on the performance of one cryptocurrency against another .
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.
XTB provides comprehensive information about its services, fees, and regulations. However, some users may find the navigation slightly complex .
Website Transparency
The CMC Markets website provides transparent and detailed information about its fees, regulatory status, and services, fostering trust among users.
XTB does not have a card for its clients .
Credit/Debit Card
CMC Markets does not offer a card for its clients .
As a CFD provider, XTB does not offer dedicated crypto wallet services. Traders need to use external wallets if they wish to own 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.
XTB does not provide staking options or rewards programs for holding cryptocurrencies, which might be a drawback for some investors .
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.
The xStation platform is available on both mobile and desktop, offering a seamless and user-friendly experience with advanced trading tools .
Mobile App and Desktop
CMC Markets provides high-quality mobile and desktop trading platforms with advanced features, ensuring a seamless trading experience across devices.
XTB’s customer service is available 24/5, providing support via phone, live chat, and email. While generally responsive, some users report occasional delays .
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 mostly fee-free, except for small withdrawals under certain thresholds. The process is straightforward and quick .
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

XTB offers the xStation platform with advanced charting tools, technical indicators, and intra-crypto pairs for detailed analysis. They also provide educational resources and market analysis tools .
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, XTB provides the xStation mobile app, which includes advanced trading and charting tools
Yes, CMC Markets offers a highly functional mobile app as part of their “Next Generation” trading platform, providing extensive features for mobile trading .

Security

XTB is regulated by top-tier authorities, including the FCA and CySEC. They provide negative balance protection and are listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, enhancing transparency and security​​.
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

XTB provides trading on over 50 cryptocurrencies with tight spreads and leverage up to 1:5. Their xStation platform offers intra-crypto pairs and 24/7 trading. XTB is known for its secure environment and transparent accounts, but crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from the UK .
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

Anonymous accounts are not available with XTB. The account opening process requires personal information and identity verification .
CMC Markets requires identity verification during the account opening process, so anonymous accounts are not possible .

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

XTB offers trading in cryptocurrency CFDs. The supported cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Stellar (XLM), Dogecoin (DOGE), and others, totaling 50 major coins and 16 crypto pairs​​.
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

XTB’s platform is designed to be intuitive and easy to use, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced traders. The platform supports a variety of cryptocurrencies and offers competitive spreads. XTB’s strong regulatory framework and educational resources also contribute to a positive user 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

XTB offers excellent value with tight spreads and no deposit or withdrawal fees for most methods. Its comprehensive educational resources and transparent fee structure enhance its attractiveness, although inactivity fees apply after 12 months​​.
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, Dubai, Belize .
United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, United Arab Emirates .

Best for

XTB is suitable for both beginners and advanced traders who want to trade a wide range of cryptocurrencies with tight spreads. Its comprehensive educational resources and strong regulatory framework make it a reliable choice for crypto 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

XTB provides extensive crypto CFD trading options with over 50 cryptocurrencies available. The platform is known for its tight spreads and leverage options, making it suitable for active crypto 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

XTB offers free deposits and withdrawals via bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets. The process is efficient, with most transactions processed quickly, though small fees may apply for low withdrawal amounts.
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

XTB offers a hassle-free and fully digital account opening process. Users need to fill out an online form with personal and financial information, and submit verification documents. Accounts are usually 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?

Yes, KYC is required at XTB. Users need to submit identification documents and proof of address during the account opening process.
CMC Markets requires KYC verification. Personal identification documents and proof of address must be provided during the account registration process.

Customer Service

XTB offers comprehensive customer support available 24/5 through phone, email, and live chat. The support team is known for being efficient and knowledgeable, 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

XTB is regulated by top-tier authorities, including the FCA and CySEC. They provide negative balance protection and are listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, enhancing transparency and security​​.
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, I find XTB to be a robust choice for cryptocurrency traders, especially those interested in CFDs. The platform offers a broad range of over 50 cryptocurrencies and 16 intra-crypto pairs, providing ample opportunities for diversified trading strategies. The xStation platform is particularly user-friendly, equipped with advanced charting tools and quick execution times, which enhances the overall trading experience. Furthermore, XTB’s strong regulatory oversight by entities like the FCA, CySEC, and KNF, coupled with its transparency as a publicly listed company, ensures a high level of trust and security for traders. However, the lack of support for MetaTrader 4 and 5 and the exclusive focus on CFDs might be limiting for some users. Overall, XTB is highly suitable for both novice and experienced traders looking for a reliable and transparent platform for 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.

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