Is CMC Markets better than Stash?

CMC Markets scores higher overall on our independent rating system, earning 4.0/5 compared to Stash's 3.3/5. CMC Markets wins on regulation, market variety, and platform choice, while Stash counters with tighter headline spreads. The right pick depends on whether you need leveraged CFD and forex access or simple US stock investing.

Which broker has lower trading fees, CMC Markets or Stash?

Stash advertises spreads from 0 pips, technically undercutting CMC Markets' starting spread of 0.7 pips. Neither broker charges a standard commission, deposit fee, or withdrawal fee, so the spread is the main pricing differentiator between the two.

What is the minimum deposit required for CMC Markets and Stash?

Both brokers require a $0 minimum deposit, making them equally accessible to new traders regardless of starting capital. This removes deposit size as a factor when choosing between the two platforms.

Which broker is safer to trade with, CMC Markets or Stash?

CMC Markets is regulated by three tier-1 authorities — the FCA, ASIC, and MAS — giving it a broader international regulatory footprint. Stash is regulated only by the SEC and FINRA in the United States, which is solid for US investors but narrower in global scope.

What trading platforms are available on CMC Markets versus Stash?

CMC Markets supports its proprietary web platform, a proprietary mobile app, and MetaTrader 4 (MT4). Stash offers only a proprietary mobile app and proprietary web platform, with no MT4 or third-party charting tools available.

Can I trade forex and CFDs with Stash?

No, Stash's market offering is limited to stocks, ETFs, and crypto, with no forex or CFD instruments available. Traders wanting forex or CFD exposure should look to CMC Markets, which covers six market categories including both.

Does CMC Markets or Stash offer higher leverage?

CMC Markets offers leverage up to 1:500 for eligible traders, while Stash caps leverage at 1:1, meaning no margin trading is possible. This makes CMC Markets significantly more suitable for active traders using leveraged strategies.

Which broker is better for complete beginners?

Our awards data names CMC Markets as the best pick for beginners overall, thanks to its structured platforms and educational depth despite its broader complexity. Stash's simplicity still appeals to first-time US investors who only want basic stock and ETF exposure without leverage.

Can I open accounts with both CMC Markets and Stash?

Yes, there is nothing stopping you from holding accounts at both brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across platforms, using CMC Markets for forex and CFD trading while using Stash for simple long-term US stock and ETF positions.

Reviewed by Experts Updated 9/25/2026

CMC Markets vs Stash: Which Broker Wins in 2026?

CMC Markets and Stash serve very different traders, but only one delivers a well-rounded package for 2026. Our independent rating puts CMC Markets ahead at 4.0/5 versus Stash's 3.3/5, though Stash counters with tighter headline spreads. Here's the full breakdown.

OVERALL WINNER

CMC Markets

4.0 / 5Score: 2 / 3

Nearly four decades of regulated experience delivering global market access across forex, CFDs, and beyond.

Min deposit: $0
Max leverage: 1:500
Spread from: 0.7 pips
Regulators: FCA, ASIC, MAS

Visit Broker

Stash

3.3 / 5Score: 1 / 3

A streamlined, low-cost entry point into US stocks, ETFs, and crypto for beginner investors.

Min deposit: $0
Max leverage: 1:1
Spread from: 0 pips
Regulators: SEC, FINRA

Overall Winner

CMC Markets

Best for Beginners

CMC Markets

Lowest Fees

Stash

Top Regulation

CMC Markets

Full comparison Fees & Accounts Pros & cons Verdict Summary FAQ

Side-by-side comparison

Core features compared head-to-head.

Feature	CM CMC Markets	S Stash
Overview
Rating	4.0 / 5	3.3 / 5
Founded	1989	2015
Headquarters	London, UK	New York, USA
Regulation	FCA, ASIC, MAS	SEC, FINRA
Fees & Limits
Min Deposit	$0	$0
Spreads From	0.7 pips	0 pips
Commission	None	None
Max Leverage	1:500	1:1
Platforms & Markets
Trading Platforms	Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4	Proprietary Mobile, Proprietary Web
Markets Offered	Cfd, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto	Stocks, Etf, Crypto

Trading & non-trading fees

Min Deposit

CMC Markets

Stash

Spreads From

CMC Markets

0.7 pips

Stash

0 pips

Commission

CMC Markets

None

Stash

None

Deposit Fees

CMC Markets

None

Stash

None

Withdrawal Fees

CMC Markets

None

Stash

None

Pros & cons

CMC Markets

Pros

Backed by three tier-1 regulators (FCA, ASIC, MAS) for stronger oversight
Supports MetaTrader 4 alongside proprietary platforms for added flexibility
Offers six distinct market categories including forex and commodities
Higher leverage ceiling of up to 1:500 for eligible accounts
Nearly 40 years of operating history since founding in 1989
No commission, deposit, or withdrawal fees
Higher overall rating of 4.0/5 on our independent scoring system

Cons

Starting spreads of 0.7 pips are higher than Stash's headline 0 pip offer
Higher leverage introduces greater risk for inexperienced traders
Platform range may feel overwhelming for absolute beginners
No dedicated ETF-only investing tools for passive investors

Stash

Pros

Tighter headline spreads starting from 0 pips
Zero minimum deposit needed to open an account
Simple, beginner-friendly mobile and web platform design
Regulated by respected US authorities SEC and FINRA
No commission, deposit, or withdrawal fees charged

Cons

Limited to just stocks, ETFs, and crypto with no forex or CFDs
Maximum leverage capped at 1:1, ruling out margin trading
No MT4 or third-party platform support for advanced strategies
Only regulated in the US, lacking broader global oversight
Lower overall rating of 3.3/5 on our independent scoring system

Our expert verdict

Editor's verdict

Overall winner CMC Markets

Lowest fees Stash

Best regulation CMC Markets

Better for beginners CMC Markets

CMC Markets is the clear overall winner in this matchup, scoring 4.0/5 on our rating system compared to Stash's 3.3/5. CMC Markets brings tier-1 regulation from the FCA, ASIC, and MAS, a far wider market selection spanning CFDs, forex, stocks, indices, commodities, and crypto, and access to MT4 alongside its proprietary platforms. Stash's one genuine edge is pricing, with spreads advertised from 0 pips versus CMC Markets' 0.7 pips, but its single-market focus on US equities and its lack of leverage trading limit its appeal to active traders. For most forex and CFD traders seeking depth, regulation, and flexibility, CMC Markets is the stronger long-term choice.

Regulation & Safety

Regulatory strength is one of the sharpest points of contrast in this comparison. CMC Markets is authorized by three tier-1 regulators — the FCA in the UK, ASIC in Australia, and MAS in Singapore — giving it multi-jurisdictional oversight that appeals to internationally active traders.

Stash, by contrast, is regulated solely within the United States by the SEC and FINRA. While these are respected regulators for US-based investors, Stash lacks the broader global regulatory footprint that CMC Markets has built since 1989.

For traders who prioritize regulatory redundancy and cross-border protections, CMC Markets' three-licence structure offers meaningfully stronger peace of mind.

Fees & Spreads

This is the one category where Stash pulls ahead. Stash advertises spreads from 0 pips, undercutting CMC Markets' starting spread of 0.7 pips on its headline offering.

Neither broker charges a standard commission, and both waive deposit and withdrawal fees, so the spread difference is the primary cost variable traders need to weigh.

However, CMC Markets' 0.7 pip starting spread remains competitive within the CFD and forex space, especially when factoring in the far larger range of tradable instruments and the higher leverage ceiling it provides.

Trading Platforms & Tools

CMC Markets supports three platform options: its own proprietary web platform, a proprietary mobile app, and the industry-standard MetaTrader 4 (MT4). This gives traders flexibility to choose familiar third-party tools or CMC's in-house charting suite.

Stash keeps things simpler with just a proprietary mobile app and proprietary web platform, with no MT4 or other third-party integration available.

For traders who rely on automated strategies, custom indicators, or expert advisors, CMC Markets' MT4 support is a decisive advantage that Stash simply cannot match.

Market Range & Leverage

CMC Markets offers access to six market categories — CFDs, forex, stocks, indices, commodities, and crypto — supported by leverage up to 1:500 for eligible accounts.

Stash is far more limited, covering stocks, ETFs, and crypto only, with a maximum leverage of 1:1, meaning no margin trading is available.

This makes CMC Markets the more versatile choice for active traders and speculators, while Stash is better suited to long-term, buy-and-hold investors who have no need for leveraged positions.

Company Background & Trust

Founded in 1989 and headquartered in London, CMC Markets has nearly four decades of operating history and a long-standing reputation in the CFD and forex brokerage space.

Stash, founded in 2015 and based in New York, is a much younger fintech-style platform built primarily around simplified investing for beginner US stock and ETF investors.

This history gap is reflected directly in our overall rating, where CMC Markets scores 2/3 on our internal scoring metric versus Stash's 1/3.

Our Verdict

CMC Markets is our recommended broker overall, earning a 4.0/5 rating compared to Stash's 3.3/5. Its combination of tier-1 regulation, wide market access, higher leverage, and MT4 support make it the stronger all-around package for most traders.

Stash remains a reasonable option for cost-conscious, beginner US investors who only want simple stock, ETF, and crypto exposure without leverage or complex platforms.

Ultimately, active traders and those seeking global market access should lean toward CMC Markets, while Stash suits a narrower audience focused purely on low-cost, no-leverage US equity investing.

Verdict summary

The bottom line — category winners and our final pick based on ratings.

Editor's verdict

CMC Markets wins overall

CMC Markets edges out Stash overall based on our expert rating score.

Highest Rated

CMC Markets

4.0 / 5 / 5

Visit CMC Markets

Category winners

Overall winner
Based on overall expert rating (4/5).
CMC Markets
Better for beginners
Stronger onboarding and educational resources.
CMC Markets
Lower trading costs
More competitive spreads and baseline commissions.
Stash
Stronger regulation
Higher trust based on tier-1 regulatory oversight.
CMC Markets

Frequently asked questions

Risk warning: Trading CFDs and forex involves significant risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Please consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.