Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when spread betting and/or trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets, CFDs, OTC options or any of our other products work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

First steps

How long does it take to process an application for a live account?

Our aim is to help you start trading as quickly as possible. If you reside in the UK, you will get a response from us within 60 seconds from when you submit your online application form.

However, there may be cases where additional documentation is needed before we can process your live account application.

If you reside outside the UK, the account opening depends on how quickly you can provide us with the required supporting documents; on average the process takes a couple of days. Once you have submitted your documents, we will contact you within one business day.

How can I upgrade my account from demo to live?

Click on the 'Login' button on the top navigation and then click on the ‘Live Account’ button to go to the live account online application form. Use your demo account login details to get started and then follow the step-by-step instructions to complete the additional fields to apply for your live account.

Do I need to deposit funds to activate my account?

You can sign in to your account as soon as your application has been successful and you have clicked on the verification link sent to your registered email address. However, you won’t be able to place a spread bet or CFD trade until there are sufficient funds in your account to open a position. If you prefer to test strategies in a risk-free environment, a free demo account will allow you to practice trading with virtual funds.

What documentation could I be asked to provide when my application for a live account is being processed?

In order to complete your live account application, you may be asked to provide:

1) A scanned copy or clear photograph of a valid UK photo driving licence that shows your current address.

Or

2) A clear and readable copy of one document from List A and one document from list B below:

List A:

  • Valid passport
  • Valid photo driving licence
  • Valid national ID card

List B:

  • Bank statement in your name, posted to your residential address (no online statements)
  • Mortgage statement in your name
  • Utility bill (please note we cannot accept final demands, reminders, online bills or mobile phone bills)

All documents in List B should be dated within the last three months. We need to see the complete documents. Online bank statements printed and stamped at the bank branch will be accepted. You can email scanned versions of your documents to newaccounts@cmcmarkets.co.uk. Alternatively, hard copies can be sent to us by post at the below address:

Client Management team
CMC Markets
133 Houndsditch
London EC3A 7BX

Do I need to open a separate forex trading account to trade forex with CMC Markets?

No. Both our spread betting and CFD trading accounts offer FX trading. We do not offer a separate account that deals specifically in FX.

How do I apply for an account with CMC Markets?

Apply now for a demo or live account with CMC Markets. Please remember that your capital is at risk.

Need further support? Contact us

Call us

Call us

Call us on +44 (0)20 7170 8200

Outlines are open 24/5

Email us

Email us

clientmanagement@cmcmarkets.com

with any queries or questions