Why compare online trading accounts?
Not all online trading accounts work in the same way. The markets you can access, the platform you use, and the costs you pay can vary between providers and account types.
Comparing accounts can help you understand the basics before you open one. This includes what you can trade, how pricing works, whether spreads or commissions apply, and what tools are available to help you manage your account.
It is also worth checking whether the provider is regulated in Canada and what risks apply to the products you want to trade
Trading accounts available with CMC Markets Canada
At CMC Markets Canada, we offer two main CFD account types: Standard and FX Active. Both are available on the CMC platform and MetaTrader 4/5, with access to a wide range of financial instruments. The right account type depends on the markets you want to trade, the platform you prefer, and how you want trading costs to be structured.
Factors to consider when comparing trading accounts
When comparing online trading accounts, it is useful to look beyond headline spreads. Total trading costs can include spreads, commissions, overnight holding costs, and other charges that may apply.
Other factors traders often consider include:
Trade forex on award-winning platforms¹
To trade with us, you choose a CFD account that suits the platform you want to use.
The standard CFD account provides access to our proprietary and award-winning CMC platform, available on PC and mobile. This account can also be linked to TradingView.
To trade on MT4, you must create a separate MT4 CFD account. This account is only compatible with MT4 and does not provide access to the CMC Platform or TradingView.
Compare trading platforms
You can trade with CMC Markets Canada using our web trading platform, our mobile app, or the MT4 or MT5 platforms. The table below summarizes how these platforms compare.
CMC Web Platform | CMC mobile app | MT4/5 Platform | |
|---|---|---|---|
Access method | Browser-based platform for desktop and laptop trading. | Native app for iOS and Android devices. | Downloadable desktop and mobile trading platform. |
Instruments available | Access a wide range of CFD instruments available with your account, including forex, indices, commodities, and more | Access all of the same CFD instruments available through your account on the web platform. | Access a wide range of forex pairs and other CFDs available with your CMC account on MT4 or MT5. |
Charting and analysis | Charting tools, multiple timeframes, drawing tools, technical indicators, watchlists, and market insights. | Mobile-optimized TradingView charts, indicators, watchlists, and price alerts for monitoring markets on the go. | MetaTrader charting, indicators, and platform tools, with access to CMC pricing and eligible instruments. |
Order types | A range of order types for opening, managing, and closing positions, including risk-management tools | Core order types for opening, managing, and closing positions from mobile. | MetaTrader order types and tools are aligned with your CMC account and platform settings. |
Platform experience | Designed for traders who want a broader desktop view of markets, charts, tools, and account features. | Designed for traders who want to monitor markets and manage their accounts from a mobile device. | Designed for traders who prefer the MetaTrader 4 or MetaTrader 5 environment. |
Demo availability | Open a demo account to explore the platform and practice CFD trading with virtual funds. | Access a demo account on mobile to explore platform features using virtual funds | Open a Standard or FX Active demo account on MT4 or MT5, where available, to explore the platform using virtual funds. |
CMC Platform | MT4/5 PLATFORM | |
|---|---|---|
Forex | 340+ cash and futures | 175+ cash |
Commodities | 130+ cash and futures | 15+ cash |
Indices | 95+ cash and futures | 15+ cash |
Shares | 9,700+ international shares | 1,100+ US shares (MT5 Only) |
ETFS | 1,100+ international ETFs | - |
Bonds | 50+ cash and futures | - |
Regulation and risk for CMC Markets Canada accounts
CMC Markets Canada Inc. is a member of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) and operates as a self‑directed, order‑execution‑only provider. This means we execute your trading instructions, but we don’t provide personalized advice or recommendations on which account type or trades are suitable for you.
CFDs are complex instruments and carry a high degree of risk. Trading on margin can magnify both profits and losses, and you should ensure you understand how CFD trading works, including the impact of leverage, before you open an account. Capital is at risk, and market movements can result in losses that are significant relative to your deposit.
Open a demo account
Start trading with a live account today or try a demo with $10,000 of virtual funds.
Do you have any questions?
Our client services team is here whenever the markets are open.
Email us at alpha@cmcmarkets.ca or call us on 1-866-884-2608.
1Leverage amplifies gains and losses equally.