Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of CMC Markets vs Earn, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 51% and 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
CMC Markets, founded in 1989, is a well-established online broker that holds a high trust level with an impressive ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 99. As a publicly traded company with 5 Tier-1 licenses and 1 Tier-2 license, it is considered highly trusted and reliable. While not a bank, its presence on the stock exchange speaks to its credibility and transparency in the industry.
Founded in 1994, Earn operates as a private entity in the world of online brokerage. It holds 1 Tier-1 license, reflecting a moderate level of trust, and a Trust Score of 71 indicates it carries an average risk. Like CMC Markets, Earn is not a bank, but unlike its peer, it is not publicly traded. The distinctions in their trust ratings and regulatory oversight highlight the varying degrees of assurance they offer to investors.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Earn
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1989 | 1994 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 5 | 1 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
When comparing the online brokers CMC Markets and Earn in terms of commissions and fees, CMC Markets stands out as a top performer. In 2025, CMC Markets secured the #1 position in the Commissions and Fees category, earning a 5-star rating. This recognition stems from their low spread offerings, appealing to various customer segments and account types. CMC Markets is particularly distinguished for its average spreads, which are above the industry standard, offering typical spreads of 0.61 pips for the EUR/USD pair as of August 2023.
CMC Markets enhances trading value through its active trader program, which provides discounts based on Trading Points accrued from monthly trading volumes. Additionally, CMC Markets’ FX Active pricing structure delivers a competitive edge with commission-based costs at $2.50 per side and minimalist spreads starting from zero pips on the EUR/USD. Earn, on the other hand, lacks specific average spread data and received a 4-star rating for commissions and fees, placing it at #46 out of 62 brokers in this category as ranked by ForexBrokers.com.
For traders seeking favorable pricing structures, CMC Markets offers both competitive spreads and innovative commission-based pricing options, making them a preferred choice in the industry. In contrast, Earn has a less competitive standing in this aspect. Overall, CMC Markets' combination of low spreads, active trader benefits, and exceptional pricing strategies secures its reputation as a leader in this arena.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Earn
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $100 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.61 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.51 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
CMC Markets and Earn both allow forex trading through CFDs or spot contracts, but CMC Markets offers a much wider scope with an impressive 11,925 tradeable symbols compared to Earn’s 500. When it comes to forex pairs, CMC Markets provides more options with 156 pairs against Earn's 61. Additionally, CMC Markets enables investors to engage with exchange-traded securities on both U.S. and international exchanges, opening up opportunities to buy shares like Apple and Vodafone. In contrast, Earn does not provide access to exchange-traded securities on U.S. or international markets. Both brokers offer copy trading and access to cryptocurrency derivatives, though neither provides the option to purchase actual cryptocurrency.
In terms of their investment range, CMC Markets outranks Earn with a five-star rating and a #9 position out of 62 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. On the other hand, Earn holds a rating of 3.5 stars and ranks #45 in the same category. CMC Markets’ comprehensive range of investment options offers more flexibility and diversity than Earn, making it a notable choice for those looking to explore a wider array of market opportunities.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Earn
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 11925 | 500 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 156 | 61 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
When comparing the trading platforms and tools offered by CMC Markets and Earn, both brokers provide essential features like simulated trading with free virtual demo accounts and web-based trading platforms. However, a distinct difference is that CMC Markets has developed its proprietary platform, while Earn relies on third-party platforms. Both brokers support popular platforms like MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. However, ZuluTrade is available only with Earn, offering unique copy trading opportunities that CMC Markets does not. Despite this, CMC Markets excels in offering more technical capabilities, such as direct trading from stock charts and offering 40 drawing tools compared to Earn's 15.
CMC Markets not only allows significant customization of watch lists with 11 columns compared to Earn's 7 but also achieves an impressive 5-star rating for its trading platforms and tools. It is ranked 4th out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, demonstrating its strong reputation in the trading community. Earn, while providing core functionality and a satisfactory user experience, holds a 4-star rating and ranks 51st in the same category. This highlights that while Earn offers a competent platform, CMC Markets provides more advanced tools that cater to traders looking for comprehensive capability and customization.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Earn
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | Yes |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 79 | 35 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 40 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Both CMC Markets and Earn provide mobile trading apps for iPhone and Android users, catering to those who want to manage their investments on the go. While both platforms offer essential features like stock and forex price alerts and the ability to draw trendlines on charts, CMC Markets takes the upper hand when it comes to syncing watchlists across devices. This feature allows users to enjoy a seamless experience by automatically updating any changes made, enhancing convenience for traders constantly on the move. Additionally, CMC Markets seems to have the edge in user satisfaction, earning a five-star rating for its mobile app compared to Earn’s four stars. According to ForexBrokers.com, CMC Markets is ranked fifth among 62 brokers for mobile trading, whereas Earn is positioned at twenty-sixth.
When examining the technical aspects of their charting capabilities, Earn slightly outshines CMC Markets by offering 35 technical studies versus CMC’s 29. Both brokers support multiple time frames and auto-save drawings, providing users with flexible options for their analysis. Despite Earn's marginal lead in technical studies, CMC Markets seems to deliver a more cohesive mobile trading solution, as reflected in its higher overall rankings and user ratings. Whether you're looking for integrated syncing or comprehensive chart studies, both brokers present compelling choices, but CMC Markets appears to offer a more polished app experience.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Earn
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 29 | 35 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When it comes to market research, both CMC Markets and Earn provide daily market commentary and deliver forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. However, CMC Markets sets itself apart with additional offerings such as Autochartist's technical and fundamental research tools and a sentiment-based trading tool that displays long or short positions across currency pairs. In contrast, Earn does not provide these features, limiting its options for technical analysis.
Both brokers offer an economic calendar for tracking global news events, but CMC Markets achieves a higher overall research rating from ForexBrokers.com with 5 stars compared to Earn's 3.5 stars. In a ranking of 62 brokers, CMC Markets takes the 6th spot, showing its strong market research capabilities, while Earn holds the 38th position. This comparison highlights CMC Markets' broader suite of research tools and higher industry ratings, which may be a deciding factor for traders seeking comprehensive market insights.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Earn
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When comparing the educational resources for beginners provided by CMC Markets and Earn, CMC Markets clearly stands out. CMC Markets offers a wealth of learning materials, including more than ten educational pieces focused on forex and CFDs. Beginners can also benefit from their series of educational videos, with over ten specifically designed to introduce new traders to essential trading topics. Additionally, advanced traders are not left behind, with CMC Markets offering a selection of advanced educational videos. The platform also features a comprehensive investor dictionary, helping users better understand various investing terms. In contrast, Earn lacks in similar offerings, providing fewer than ten educational pieces on forex or CFDs, and falls short in other areas like beginner and advanced trading videos, as well as a well-defined investor dictionary.
Furthermore, while neither CMC Markets nor Earn offers regular monthly educational webinars, CMC Markets compensates by offering access to a searchable archive of previously recorded sessions. This added feature makes CMC Markets more appealing to those who wish to revisit educational content at their own pace. With a five-star rating for education and ranking #10 out of 62 brokers, CMC Markets demonstrates a strong commitment to educating its users, while Earn lags with a 3.5-star rating and ranks much lower at #61. Overall, for beginners looking to build a solid foundation in trading, CMC Markets proves to be the more resource-rich choice.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Earn
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars | No | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | No |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 62 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that CMC Markets is better than Earn. CMC Markets finished with an overall rank of #4, while Earn finished with an overall rank of #50.
CMC Markets is well-trusted across the globe, and delivers a terrific trading experience thanks to its excellent pricing and selection of over 12,000 tradeable instruments.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
Earn
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 71 |
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Both CMC Markets and Earn do not offer the ability to buy actual cryptocurrencies, but they do provide options for purchasing cryptocurrency derivatives.
CMC Markets provides a broader range of deposit and withdrawal options compared to Earn, offering ACH/SEPA transfers, PayPal, Visa/Mastercard, and bank wires, while Earn supports Visa/Mastercard, Skrill, and bank wires, lacking ACH/SEPA and PayPal options.
Please note:
We review each broker’s overall global offering – a “Yes” checkmark in our Compare Tool does not guarantee the availability of any specific features in your country of residence. To verify the availability of any features within your country of residence, please contact the broker directly.
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | CMC Markets | Earn | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 71 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | CMC Markets Review |
| Broker Screenshots | CMC Markets | Earn | |
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| Regulation | CMC Markets | Earn | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 71 | |
| Year Founded | 1989 | 1994 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 5 | 1 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | CMC Markets | Earn | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | CMC Markets | Earn | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | CMC Markets | Earn | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 11925 | 500 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 156 | 61 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes | |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
| Cost | CMC Markets | Earn | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.61 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.51 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | CMC Markets | Earn | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $100 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | CMC Markets | Earn | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | Yes |
| Trading Tools | CMC Markets | Earn | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 79 | 35 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 40 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | CMC Markets | Earn | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 29 | 35 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | CMC Markets | Earn | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | CMC Markets | Earn | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars | No | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | No |
| Major Forex Pairs | CMC Markets | Earn | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/JPY | Yes | Yes | |
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CAD | Yes | Yes | |
| NZD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| AUD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| Review | CMC Markets Review |
| Overall | CMC Markets | Earn | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 71 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | CMC Markets Review |
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