CMC Markets vs Saxo Bank
Two brokers compared on spreads, platforms, regulation, and execution.
Last updated: March 21, 2026
Quick Verdict
Saxo Bank wins this comparison — 4 out of 5 categories.
Our analysts reviewed both options across pricing, reputation, and trading conditions. Saxo Bank came out ahead based on our scoring criteria. Read each category below for the full breakdown.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Customer Support & Reputation
Saxo Bank winsSaxo Bank has a slight edge in customer support and overall reputation. It holds an EntryLab rating of 4.60/10. CMC Markets scores 4.50/10 on our platform, which is respectable but trails behind.
CMC Markets4.50
Saxo Bank4.60Leverage & Instruments
CMC Markets winsCMC Markets offers greater trading power with maximum leverage of 1:500 professional / 1:30 EU & AU retail. This gives active traders more flexibility to size positions. Saxo Bank caps leverage at 1:200 professional / 1:30 EU retail, which may limit scalability for experienced traders looking for higher exposure.
CMC Markets1:500 professional / 1:30 EU & AU retailSaxo Bank1:200 professional / 1:30 EU retailDeposit & Withdrawal
CMC Markets supports a wider range of deposit and withdrawal options. It accepts Bank Transfer, Visa/Mastercard, PayPal, Wire Transfer, giving traders more flexibility. Saxo Bank offers Bank Transfer, Visa/Mastercard, Wire Transfer, which may not suit all traders.
CMC Markets$0 (no minimum)Saxo Bank$0 (varies by region, typically $2,000 recommended)Platforms & Tools
Saxo Bank winsSaxo Bank provides a broader range of trading platforms. It supports SaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPRO, SaxoInvestor, giving traders more flexibility in how they access the markets. CMC Markets offers Next Generation, MT4, which covers the essentials but falls short on variety.
CMC MarketsSaxo BankRegulation & Safety
Saxo Bank winsWhen it comes to regulation, Saxo Bank holds the edge. Saxo Bank is regulated by Danish FSA (bank licence), FCA 551422, ASIC 280372, MAS Singapore, FSA Japan, SFC Hong Kong, a top-tier authority, while CMC Markets operates under FCA 173730, ASIC 238054, BaFin, MAS. For traders who prioritise safety and fund protection, Saxo Bank is the stronger choice in this category.
CMC MarketsSaxo BankTrading Costs
Saxo Bank winsSaxo Bank offers more competitive trading costs overall. With EUR/USD spreads from 0.4 pips (Classic) / 0.1 pips (Platinum/VIP) and commissions of commission-free, it undercuts CMC Markets, which charges spreads of 0.7 pips (Standard) with No commission (Standard), $2.50 per $100k notional (FX Active) commission. Cost-conscious traders will find Saxo Bank more attractive.
CMC Markets0.7 pips (Standard)Saxo Bank0.4 pips (Classic) / 0.1 pips (Platinum/VIP)Account Types & Min Deposit
CMC Markets is the more accessible choice for traders getting started. With a minimum deposit of $0 (no minimum), it requires less capital to open an account than Saxo Bank, which requires $0 (varies by region, typically $2,000 recommended). Lower barriers to entry make CMC Markets the winner in this category.
CMC Markets$0 (no minimum)Saxo Bank$0 (varies by region, typically $2,000 recommended)Our Pick
Saxo Bank Wins This Round
Based on our side-by-side analysis, Saxo Bank edges ahead in this matchup. Get started today.
Visit Saxo BankReady to Choose?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CMC Markets better than Saxo Bank?
Based on our analysis across 7 key categories, Saxo Bank wins with a score of 4–3. However, the best broker for you depends on your specific trading style and priorities.
Which has lower spreads, CMC Markets or Saxo Bank?
Saxo Bank offers lower trading costs. CMC Markets spreads start from 0.7 pips (Standard) while Saxo Bank starts from 0.4 pips (Classic) / 0.1 pips (Platinum/VIP).
Is CMC Markets safer than Saxo Bank?
Saxo Bank is regulated by a higher-tier authority. CMC Markets is regulated by FCA 173730, ASIC 238054, BaFin, MAS, while Saxo Bank is regulated by Danish FSA (bank licence), FCA 551422, ASIC 280372, MAS Singapore, FSA Japan, SFC Hong Kong.
Can I use MT5 with both CMC Markets and Saxo Bank?
CMC Markets supports Next Generation, MT4 and Saxo Bank supports SaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPRO, SaxoInvestor. Check each broker's platform page for the latest availability.
Which has a lower minimum deposit, CMC Markets or Saxo Bank?
CMC Markets has the lower minimum deposit requirement. CMC Markets requires $0 (no minimum) while Saxo Bank requires $0 (varies by region, typically $2,000 recommended).
Is CMC Markets regulated?
Yes, CMC Markets is regulated by FCA 173730, ASIC 238054, BaFin, MAS. Regulation provides traders with a level of protection including segregated funds and dispute resolution mechanisms.
Which broker is better for beginners, CMC Markets or Saxo Bank?
For beginners, Saxo Bank is generally the stronger choice due to its lower minimum deposit and broader educational resources. However, both brokers offer standard tools suitable for newer traders.