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: 9 September 2026

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
Market	IG	CMC Markets
EUR/USD spread (typical)	0.6 pips	0.5 pips
GBP/USD spread (typical)	0.9 pips	0.9 pips
XAU/USD (gold) spread	0.30 pips	0.30 pips
Commission	Spread-only on forex	Spread-only on forex

Regulation status

Regulators	FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, CFTC	FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS
UK client protection	LSE-listed and FCA-regulated; FSCS cover for eligible UK retail clients.	LSE-listed and FCA-regulated; FSCS cover for eligible UK retail clients.
Max leverage	1:30 (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
Platforms	IG Web, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer	Next Generation, MT4, TradingView
Withdrawal speed	1-3 business days	1-3 business days
Founded	1974	1989

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 overall pick for UK traders remains IG, for raw spreads from 0.0 pips, fast withdrawals and MT4/MT5/cTrader support.

Go with the tighter spread: IG

EUR/USD from 0.6 pips, £250 (card £1) minimum deposit, fast withdrawals.

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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
9 September 2026 — spreads checked against broker pricing pages.
✓ 10 brokers compared
Ranked on spread, regulation and withdrawal speed. We may earn a commission.

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage.

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.