Updated on July 23, 2024
Windsor Brokers or CMC Markets? Are you wondering which of these two brokers is worth trading with? Even before you decide to open an account with one of them and start trading with them, read our comparison first. It will help you to find out which of the brokers will offer you more assets to trade, more favorable fees or wider educational opportunities.
Basic information
At the outset, we must say that in both cases we are talking about companies with a rich history. Windsor Brokers has been operating since 1988 and CMC Markets even since 1989. However, the headquarters of the companies that mediate services for these brands to clients from the European Union are different. And the regulatory authorities that supervise them also differ accordingly. The activities of the Windsor Brokers brand are under the control of the Cyprus CySEC ( Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission ). And CMC Markets, in turn, is controlled by the German body BaFin (Federal Financial Supervisory Authority).
| Platform | Windsor Brokers | CMC Markets |
| Operator | Windsor Brokers Ltd | CMC Markets Germany GmbH |
| The seat of the operator | Cyprus, Limassol | Germany, Frankfurt am Main |
| Year of foundation | 1988 | 1989 |
| License for EU | CySEC | BaFin |
Comparison of asset offerings at Windsor Brokers and CMC Markets
When we look at what services these two brokerages offer you, we find that they are identical. This means that only CFD contracts can be traded with both brokers. But not physical assets like classic stocks and ETFs.
| Broker | Windsor Brokers | CMC Markets |
| Classic actions | Yes | Yes |
| ETF | Yes | Yes |
| Bonds | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrencies | Yes | Yes |
| Futures | Yes | Yes |
| Options | Yes | Yes |
| CFD | Again | Again |
CFD asset offer comparison
In terms of the number of assets to trade, you can see a clear winner in the table. And that is the broker CMC Markets , whose offer of CFD products is really wide. Unlike the Windsor Brokers broker , where you will find a rather below-average number of trading instruments. We can see a really significant difference in the offer of CFDs on shares. You will find around 10,000 of these at the CMC Markets broker, while the Windsor Brokers brand will offer you 104 of them.
Significant differences in the number of assets can also be found in other instruments, while CMC Markets will offer you more in all areas.
| Broker | Windsor Brokers | CMC Markets |
| Actions | 104 | About 10,000 |
| ETF | 6 | About 1,000 |
| Bonds | 4 | About 50 |
| Forex | 45 currency pairs | More than 330 currency pairs |
| Commodities | 13 | About 80 |
| Indexy | 14 | About 100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 6 | 18 |
Comparison of conditions for CFD trading
Both of these brokers have similar trading conditions. At least if we look at the amount of financial leverage to trade. This is due to the fact that both brokers have a license for the European market. And so they have to follow certain standards. In this case, we are talking about the regulation of the European authority ESMA, which limited the amount of financial leverage for retail traders. Thus, small individual traders can trade with these brokers with a maximum leverage of 1:30.
But the situation is different for professional traders, who can close trades with a leverage of up to 1:500 with both of these brokers.
| Broker | Windsor Brokers | CMC Markets |
| Financial leverage for professionals | Up to 1:500 | Up to 1:500 |
| Leverage for stocks | Up to 1:5 | Up to 1:5 |
| Leverage for ETFs | Up to 1:5 | Up to 1:5 |
| Financial leverage for bonds | Up to 1:5 | Up to 1:5 |
| Leverage for Forex | Until 1:30 | Until 1:30 |
| Financial leverage for commodities | Until 1:20 | Until 1:20 |
| Financial leverage for indices | Until 1:20 | Until 1:20 |
| Financial leverage for cryptocurrencies | Up to 1:2 | Up to 1:2 |
Comparison of trading platforms
From trading platforms, they will give you both these brands to choose from. At the same time, none of them must be without the popular MetaTarder 4, which is praised by both beginners and advanced traders. In addition, each of these companies has prepared its own platform. The Windsor Brokers brand has developed its own mobile application called the Windsor Brokers App. In contrast, the CMC Markets brand has prepared a platform called Next Generation for its clients, which is available not only as a mobile application, but also as a web platform.
However, with both companies, you have the option to use the web version of the trading platform, as well as the desktop version. And you can also download a mobile application from them, with which you will always have your trading close at hand. Both of these brands even allow you to do social trading as well.
| Broker | Windsor Brokers | CMC Markets |
| Number of trading platforms | 2 | 2 |
| Trading platform | MetaTrader 4, Windsor Brokers App | Next Generation, MetaTrader 4 |
| Web platform | Again | Again |
| Desktop platform | Again | Again |
| Mobile trading | Again | Again |
| Social trading | Again | Again |
Windsor Brokers and CMC Markets account management comparison
Both companies cater to novice traders by offering a free demo account that their clients can use for as long as they like. But with both brokers, they can delete it for you after a certain period of inactivity. A demo account is not only suitable for novice traders, but also for those who first want to get acquainted with the trading platform of the given broker. Or they just need space to practice their business strategies.
When it comes to live accounts, you will have several types to choose from at Windsor Brokers. Depending on the benefits these accounts offer, you can choose the one that suits you best. But you can only keep your accounts in foreign currency with both brands. Therefore, keep in mind that you may be subject to currency conversion fees.
| Broker | Windsor Brokers | CMC Markets |
| Multiple account types | Again | Yes |
| Demo account | Without time limit | Without time limit |
| Currency for keeping the account | USD, GBP, EUR a JPY | EUR, USD a GBP |
Deposits and withdrawals with Windsor Brokers and CMC Markets
And let’s also look at the comparison of terms of deposits and withdrawals. For both brands, you can choose between three payment methods. And that’s between bank transfer and payment card. In addition, Windsor Brokers will offer you the option of payment via an internet wallet. And with CMC Markets, you can make your transaction through online banking, which you can link to your trading account.
Deposit comparison
The process of depositing funds for these brands differs in fees. While you will not find deposit fees at CMC Markets, you may encounter them at Windsor Brokers in the case of payments via internet wallets or international bank transfer.
And the limits are also different. Windsor Brokers has set a minimum limit of 50 or 1000 USD. It depends on what type of account you have chosen. After that, you can deposit any amount. You can then deposit a maximum of USD 25,000 with this broker.
There is no minimum deposit amount with CMC Brokers, however the broker recommends depositing at least £100. The maximum limit with this company is set at £50,000 per transaction.
| Broker | Windsor Brokers | CMC Markets |
| Charge | Possible fees when depositing via internet wallet and international bank transfer | Yes |
| Payment methods | Bank transfer, payment card, internet wallet | Bank transfer, payment card, online banking |
| Minimum amount | First deposit minimum 50, or 1,000 USD (depending on account type) | Not specified, at least £100 recommended |
| Maximum amount | 25 000 USD | Maximum £50,000 per transaction |
Comparison of selections
Withdrawal fees await you at both brokers. Specifically, with the Windsor Brokers brand, you pay $3 for each withdrawal. However, fees for withdrawals via online wallets and international bank transfers may vary. CMC Markets will then charge an international bank transfer fee.
| Broker | Windsor Brokers | CMC Markets |
| Charge | $3 when withdrawing via bank transfer and credit card, fees vary for other methods | With an international bank transfer |
| Payment methods | Bank transfer, payment card, internet wallet | Bank transfer, payment card, online banking |
| Minimum amount | Not fixed | Not fixed |
| Maximum amount | Not fixed | Maximum USD 40,000 in 24 hours when withdrawing by credit card |
Fee comparison at Windsor Brokers and CMC Markets
And what about fees? In this part of the comparison, we will introduce not only the trading fees, but also the others.
Comparison of fees for CFD assets
First, let’s talk about trading fees. One of the main ones is, of course, the spread. That is, the difference between the purchase and sale price of the asset. It is flexible with both brokers. This means that its height is not always the same. On the contrary, it changes depending on the current market situation. Likewise, this amount changes depending on what asset you are trading. And with the Windsor Brokers broker, it also depends on the type of account you opened with the broker.
| Broker | Windsor Brokers | CMC Markets |
| Spread | Variable, depends on account type | Movable |
| Swap | Again | Again |
| Commission fees | Zero A VIP Zero account only – $8 per action | When trading CFDs on stocks and ETFs, the amount of the fee is different for each exchange |
Compare additional fees
Among other fees, we have to mention the inactivity fee charged by both of these companies. Windsor Brokers deducts $20 every 6 months and CMC Markets deducts £10 every month after one year of inactivity.
| Broker | Windsor Brokers | CMC Markets |
| Deposit fee | Possible fees when depositing via internet wallet and international bank transfer | Yes |
| Withdrawal fee | $3 when withdrawing via bank transfer and credit card, fees vary for other methods | With an international bank transfer |
| Currency conversion fee | According to the tariff of the client’s bank | According to the tariff of the client’s bank |
| Inactivity fee | $20 for every 6 months of inactivity | £10 per month after one year of inactivity |
Comparison of customer service and education
Also, customer service and educational opportunities testify to the kind of services a broker provides to its clients. So let’s see how these companies are doing. First of all, we have to point out that not one of them supports the Czech language. This means that you will not be able to communicate with customer support in Czech. And at the same time, you won’t even read educational articles in Czech.
Customer service
Customer service at both companies is very fast and helpful. You can contact him via online chat, email and phone. The difference here is that while with Windsor Brokers, the online chat is available to everyone on the broker’s website. However, at CMC Markets it can only be used by clients after logging into their account. Support for both brokers is active around the clock. CMC Markets will answer you anytime from Monday to Friday, Windsor Brokers also on weekends.
| Broker | Windsor Brokers | CMC Markets |
| Customer service in Czech | Yes | Yes |
| Contact method | Online chat, email, phone | Email, phone, live chat on the platform |
| Active | Continuously | Continuously from Monday to Friday |
Education at Windsor Brokers and CMC Markets
From what the table shows you, it is clear that the education at Windsor Brokers and CMC Markets is very good. Both brokers will provide you with educational articles, videos, as well as the opportunity to participate in various seminars and webinars.
| Broker | Windsor Brokers | CMC Markets |
| Educational articles on the web | Again | Again |
| Blog/Academy | Again | Again |
| Educational videos | Again | Again |
| Seminars / webinars | Again | Again |
Safety comparison
You don’t have to worry about safety with these two brands. Both are regulated by the European supervisory authority and therefore have the necessary licenses. Moreover, these are companies that have been operating on the market for a really long time. You can count on them to secure your accounts against a negative balance and insure your finances against the bankruptcy of the broker. Up to EUR 20,000
| Broker | Windsor Brokers | CMC Markets |
| License for EU | CySEC | BaFin |
| Year of foundation | 1988 | 1989 |
| Protection against negative balance | Again | Again |
| Insurance | Up to EUR 20,000 | Up to EUR 20,000 |
Comparison Summary – Windsor Brokers or CMC Markets?
Do you already know which broker impressed you the most? Would you prefer Windsor Brokers or CMC Markets? If you’re still unsure about your choice, our summary might help. In the following table you will find a comparison of the pluses and minuses that we found with these brokerage companies.
| Broker | Windsor Brokers | CMC Markets |
| Advantages | Also offers CFDs on bonds Supports social trading Demo account without time limit Minimum and maximum amount of withdrawals without limits Customer support active around the clock Very good educational opportunities including seminars / webinars | Wide selection of CFD products including CFD bonds Own trading platform Supports social trading Unlimited time demo account No deposit fees Minimum amount for deposits and withdrawals is not set Very good educational opportunities including seminars or webinars |
| Disadvantages | Offers only CFD products Smaller selection of trading instruments Account cannot be kept in CZK Does not support the Czech language Fees for withdrawals Fee for inactivity | It only offers CFD products The account cannot be kept in CZK Fee for withdrawals by international bank transfer Does not support the Czech language Higher spreads Fee for inactivity |
