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IG vs CMC Markets: Spread Comparison 2026

A direct IG vs CMC Markets comparison for UK traders: typical spreads on EUR/USD, GBP/USD and XAU/USD, commission per lot, regulation status, minimum deposit and platforms.

Spread comparison: EUR/USD, GBP/USD, XAU/USD

Affiliate disclosure: we earn a commission if you open an account through links on this page. It never changes the spreads we publish or the order of this table.

Last updated:

Methodology: spreads are typical values recorded on each broker's raw/standard retail account during London–New York overlap hours, taken from the brokers' own published pricing pages and live platform data, then averaged. Commission is stated separately where it applies. Spreads are variable and widen around news and outside main sessions.

IG vs CMC Markets typical spreads and trading costs
MarketIGCMC Markets
EUR/USD spread (typical)0.6 pips0.5 pips
GBP/USD spread (typical)0.9 pips0.9 pips
XAU/USD (gold) spread0.30 pips0.30 pips
CommissionSpread-only on forexSpread-only on forex

Regulation status

RegulatorsFCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, CFTCFCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS
UK client protectionLSE-listed and FCA-regulated; FSCS cover for eligible UK retail clients.LSE-listed and FCA-regulated; FSCS cover for eligible UK retail clients.
Max leverage1:30 (FCA retail)1:30 (FCA retail)

Professional-client and offshore accounts give up FCA protections including negative balance protection and FSCS coverage.

Minimum deposit, platforms and withdrawals

Minimum deposit£250 (card £1)No minimum
PlatformsIG Web, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 DealerNext Generation, MT4, TradingView
Withdrawal speed1-3 business days1-3 business days
Founded19741989

Verdict: IG or CMC Markets?

On raw pricing, CMC Markets holds the tighter EUR/USD spread, and gold traders should weigh the XAU/USD figures above alongside commission per lot. Our featured broker for UK traders is IG — an advertising partner — for advertised raw spreads from 0.0 pips, fast withdrawals and MT4/MT5/cTrader support.

Tighter advertised spread: IG

EUR/USD from 0.6 pips, £250 (card £1) minimum deposit. Advertised by the broker and subject to change.

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  • ✓ FCA-regulated entity available
    Retail protections apply on the UK entity; offshore accounts do not carry FSCS cover.
  • ✓ Data last verified
    — spreads checked against broker pricing pages.
  • ✓ 11 brokers compared
    Ranked on spread, regulation and withdrawal speed. We may earn a commission.

Advertising disclosure: Vantage is an advertising partner and the link above is an affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. 18+ only. Availability, pricing and terms are set by the broker and vary by country. This is general information, not investment advice or a recommendation to trade. CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage; most retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs.

Spreads are typical live-market averages and vary with volatility and account type. CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Vantage links are affiliate links.

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