Written by StockBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Saxo vs CMC Invest, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, investment options, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
Alongside the cost per trade, most UK online brokers also charge a monthly, quarterly, or annual management fee, which varies based on the account type and balance. Based on our thorough review, CMC Invest offers better pricing than Saxo for share dealing.
Assuming a £30,000 portfolio size, here are the total annual costs for share dealing with both brokers, given different monthly activity scenarios.
5 trades per year - Saxo would cost 0.12% + 0.08% (or £3) per trade: a minimum of £51 per year, while CMC Invest would cost £0 / £120 / £300 per year.
12 trades per year - Saxo would cost 0.12% + 0.08% (or £3) per trade: a minimum of £72 per year, while CMC Invest would cost £0 / £120 / £300 per year.
36 trades per year - Saxo would cost 0.12% + 0.08% (or £3) per trade: a minimum of £144 per year, while CMC Invest would cost £0 / £120 / £300 per year.
120 trades per year - Saxo would cost 0.12% + 0.08% (or £3) per trade: a minimum of £396 per year, while CMC Invest would cost £0 / £120 / £300 per year.
3 fund trades per year - Saxo would cost £0 per year, while CMC Invest would cost £0 per year.
What type of trader are you?
New to the world of investing? See our picks for the Best UK Trading Platforms for Beginners. More experienced traders should read our guide to the Best UK Trading Platforms for Active Traders.
Saxo and CMC Invest both provide users with a solid range of investment choices, including share and ETF trading, as well as funds and investment trusts. However, Saxo has the edge when it comes to diversity, offering additional options like CFD trading and the ability to trade corporate and government bonds, which CMC Invest does not provide. Despite both platforms opting not to participate in crypto trading, spread betting, and advisory services, investors looking for comprehensive bond trading may lean towards Saxo for its expanded offerings.
In terms of industry recognition, Saxo shines with a 5-star rating for investment choices from UK.StockBrokers.com, securing the top spot among 18 brokers. CMC Invest, while still impressive with a 4.5-star rating, ranks lower at 15th place. This difference highlights Saxo's dominance and wider array of investment products, appealing to those who seek more robust trading opportunities.
| Feature |
Saxo
|
CMC Invest
|
|---|---|---|
| Share Trading | Yes | Yes |
| CFD Trading | Yes | No |
| ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Funds | Yes | Yes |
| Bonds - Government (Gilts) | Yes | No |
| Investment Trusts | Yes | Yes |
| Spread Betting | No | No |
| Crypto Trading | No | No |
| Advisor Services | No | No |
| Investment Choices |
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Professional’s Gateway to the World’s Markets.
Low-cost US and UK shares.
When comparing the trading tools available from Saxo and CMC Invest, Saxo emerges as a more robust platform for charting enthusiasts. Saxo offers an array of 20 drawing tools, 64 technical indicators, and the ability to add notes, index overlays, and stock overlays to charts. In contrast, CMC Invest provides no drawing tools or technical indicators and does not support adding notes or overlays to charts. However, both platforms lack the capacity to display corporate events such as earnings and dividends directly on their charts.
Despite these differences, both Saxo and CMC Invest enhance the trading experience with real-time market data and the ability to create stock price alerts. However, Saxo provides further flexibility through its browser-based trading platform, a feature that is absent in CMC Invest. Overall, for traders seeking advanced charting tools, Saxo clearly offers a more feature-rich environment compared to CMC Invest.
| Feature |
Saxo
|
CMC Invest
|
|---|---|---|
| Web Platform | Yes | No |
| Stock Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 64 | 0 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 20 | 0 |
| Charting - Notes | Yes | No |
| Charting - Display Corporate Events | No | No |
| Charting - Stock Overlays | Yes | No |
| Charting - Index Overlays | Yes | No |
When comparing the online brokers Saxo and CMC Invest for retirement accounts, both platforms provide attractive options for Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) and Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs). Saxo offers both ISAs and SIPPs, allowing users to benefit from tax-efficient savings and a wide range of investment options. Similarly, CMC Invest also makes ISAs and SIPPs available to their clients, offering competitive features for those planning their retirement. With both brokers providing these essential account types, users can find convenient solutions to grow their retirement funds while enjoying tax advantages.
Dive deeper: Best SIPP Providers, Best Stocks and Shares ISA Providers.
When comparing the mobile app offerings of Saxo and CMC Invest, both financial services provide convenient iPhone and Android apps for their users. According to UK.StockBrokers.com, Saxo stands out with a top rating of 5 stars for its mobile app, securing the #1 spot among 18 brokers. In contrast, CMC Invest also delivers a strong mobile experience, earning a solid 4.5-star rating, and placing at #7 in the same ranking. Whether you're an iPhone enthusiast or an Android user, both Saxo and CMC Invest have you covered with their highly regarded mobile platforms, although Saxo holds the edge in terms of expert ratings and rankings.
Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Apps UK.
When it comes to educational resources for beginner investors, Saxo and CMC Invest offer distinct benefits for budding traders. Saxo provides comprehensive client webinars that are available both live and on-demand, making it easier for beginners to learn at their own pace. However, while Saxo is highly rated with 5 stars by UK.StockBrokers.com and ranks #2 out of 18 brokers for beginner education, it does not offer specific education on share trading, funds, or retirement. In contrast, CMC Invest shines in these areas, providing targeted educational materials on share trading, funds, and retirement. Despite its broader educational offerings, CMC Invest receives a slightly lower rating of 4 stars and is ranked #13. In choosing between the two, consider whether you prioritize live and flexible webinars or specific topic education.
| Feature |
Saxo
|
CMC Invest
|
|---|---|---|
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| Education (Share Trading) | No | Yes |
| Education (Funds) | No | Yes |
| Education (Retirement) | No | Yes |
| Education |
|
|
Dive deeper: Best UK Trading Platforms for Beginners.
When comparing the market research features of Saxo and CMC Invest, both online brokers offer comprehensive research reports for shares, ETFs, and funds, providing investors with valuable insights. However, Saxo stands out with additional offerings, including research on CFDs and bonds, making it a versatile choice for those interested in these instruments. Furthermore, Saxo provides a useful feature to view portfolio allocation by asset class, a tool that CMC Invest lacks. While both platforms offer solid research options, Saxo's broader range of tools and reports may appeal to investors seeking in-depth market analysis and diverse investment opportunities.
| Feature |
Saxo
|
CMC Invest
|
|---|---|---|
| Research - Shares | Yes | Yes |
| Research - CFDs | Yes | No |
| Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Research - Bonds | Yes | No |
| Research - Funds | Yes | Yes |
| Fund Research - Research Reports | Yes | Yes |
| Portfolio Allocation Breakdown | Yes | No |
Which broker is better overall, Saxo or CMC Invest? After collecting more than 900 data points over a 10-week period, we found Saxo to be a better trading platform overall.
Saxo Markets’ trading platform is highly sophisticated and offers a huge range of international shares and funds. The biggest downside is the cost, as its charges are higher than its U.K. competitors. It's best suited for experienced investors rather than beginners.
| Feature |
Saxo
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CMC Invest
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Charges & Fees |
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| Investment Choices |
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| Mobile App |
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| Website |
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| Ease of Use |
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| Education |
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Both Saxo and CMC Invest do not offer cryptocurrency trading options, highlighting a limitation in their investment platforms for those specifically seeking cryptocurrency investments.
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | Saxo | CMC Invest | |
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| Review | Saxo Review | CMC Invest Review | |
| Winner | check_circle |
| Investments | Saxo | CMC Invest | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISA | Yes | Yes | |
| SIPP | Yes | Yes | |
| Share Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| CFD Trading | Yes | No | |
| Funds | Yes | Yes | |
| ETFs | Yes | Yes | |
| Bonds - Corporate | Yes | No | |
| Bonds - Government (Gilts) | Yes | No | |
| Investment Trusts | Yes | Yes | |
| Spread Betting | No | No | |
| Crypto Trading | No | No | |
| Advisor Services | No | No |
| Trading Fees | Saxo | CMC Invest | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £0 | £0 | |
| Share Trading: 0-9 Deals/ Month | From £3 or 0.08% | £0 | |
| Share Trading: 10-19 Deals/ Month | From £3 or 0.08% | £0 | |
| Share Trading: 20+ Deals/ Month | From £3 or 0.08% | £0 | |
| 5 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | 0.12% + 0.08% (or £3) per trade: a minimum of £51 | £0 / £120 / £300 | |
| 12 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | 0.12% + 0.08% (or £3) per trade: a minimum of £72 | £0 / £120 / £300 | |
| 36 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | 0.12% + 0.08% (or £3) per trade: a minimum of £144 | £0 / £120 / £300 | |
| 120 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | 0.12% + 0.08% (or £3) per trade: a minimum of £396 | £0 / £120 / £300 | |
| 3 fund trades per year (£30k portfolio) | 0.4% + 0% commission: £120 | £120 | |
| Annual Custody Fee: £0 - £250,000 | Up to £800 | £120 | |
| Annual Custody Fee: £250K-£500K | £500 to £1,000 | £120 | |
| Annual Custody Fee: £500,000 - £1m | Up to £1,998 | £120 | |
| Annual Custody Fee: £1m and over | £1,000 | £120 | |
| Bonds - Corporate - Fee | €20 minimum | N/A | |
| Bonds - Government (Gilts) - Fee | €20 minimum | N/A | |
| ETFs - Fee | From $1 | £0 | |
| Investment Trusts - Fee | From $1 / £3 / €10 | £0 | |
| Telephone Dealing Fee | £50 | £0 |
| Broker Screenshots | Saxo | CMC Invest | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Website Gallery (click to expand) |
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| Mobile Trading Apps Gallery (click to expand) |
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| Education Gallery (click to expand) |
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| Platforms & Tools | Saxo | CMC Invest | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web Platform | Yes | No | |
| iPhone App | Yes | Yes | |
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Stock Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 64 | 0 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 20 | 0 | |
| Charting - Notes | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Display Corporate Events | No | No | |
| Charting - Stock Overlays | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Index Overlays | Yes | No |
| Research | Saxo | CMC Invest | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research - Shares | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - CFDs | Yes | No | |
| Research - Funds | Yes | Yes | |
| Fund Research - Research Reports | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - Bonds | Yes | No | |
| Portfolio Allocation Breakdown | Yes | No |
| Education | Saxo | CMC Invest | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Share Trading) | No | Yes | |
| Education (Funds) | No | Yes | |
| Education (Retirement) | No | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| Overall Summary | Saxo | CMC Invest | |
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| Review | Saxo Review | CMC Invest Review | |
| Winner | check_circle |
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