Get started

All the information you need to start trading CFDs

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Applying for a live account

Once you’re ready to start trading CFDs with your own capital you’ll need to apply for a live account. You can also apply for a live CFD trading account directly on your iPhone or iPad.

We’ve tried to make the process of opening an account with us as seamless as possible so you can get started using our trading platform as quickly and easily as possible. That’s why our application form has been designed to request only the most relevant information.

It’s important that you understand why we ask the questions that we do when opening a live account. We have an obligation under FSA regulations to know who our customers are and to treat our customers fairly. We have to ensure your suitability for the type of financial products that we offer. In addition, we need to ensure that our customers’ trading activity is not fraudulent and that our platform is not being used for criminal purposes. If we don’t think that you are suitable for our products we will highlight the reasons why we think so. Confirming your identity is part of the application process.

Identity confirmed automatically
The online application will automatically try to verify your identity with the details provided by you. If it is successful you won’t need to provide any further documents to support your application and your account will be opened almost immediately. This will usually be the case if you have lived at your current address for an extended period of time.

Identity not confirmed automatically
If we were unable to verify your identity electronically you may need to provide supporting documentation in the form of:

1) Proof of identity: Passport or driving licence.

2) Proof of address: Bank statement, council tax bill, energy bill or landline/broadband bill. All documents have to be dated within the last 3 months. Please note that we do not accept online bank statements, mobile phone bills, insurance bills or TV licence bills.

Once we have received these documents and have confirmed your identity we can open your account.

What will I receive once my account is opened?

Account details

You will receive a welcome email which will contain all of your account details. This email will also provide you with useful information on how to access our trading platforms, as well as any links that may help you get started more easily. The one set of login details that you receive will give you access to all of our platforms and apps – you get access via the web, iPhone and iPad.

Username: Will be the email address you provided on sign–up

Password: Will be the password you provided in the application form

If you can’t remember your password, use the ‘Forgot password?’ link on the login page, or contact a member of our customer management team for assistance.

Account manager

Once your live CFD trading account has been successfully opened an account manager will be assigned to you for your first few weeks of trading. They will ensure that any questions or problems that you may have are properly resolved. Please note that this service does not include the provision of trading tips or investment advice.

Ongoing support from the customer management team. You can contact the customer management team via:
Telephone: +44 (0)20 3003 8588
Live chat: Through the ’Live Help’ icon on our trading platforms
Email: customerservice@cmcmarkets.com

Funding your account

There’s no minimum deposit required to activate a live account, but you won't be able to start trading until you’ve deposited funds. Although there is no minimum, we recommend that you deposit around £200 to get started.

You can fund your account either via the platform 'Transfer' icon or you can call our customer management team on +44 (0)20 3003 8588, who will transfer you to our secure telephone system which will take your payment for you. If you are funding via the platform you will find the 'Transfers' icon in the lower left navigation pane. Click on the icon to transfer funds in and out of your account. You will need to 'Allow pop-ups’ so your browser lets the payments window open up. Click on the ‘Payments’ tab.

Withdrawing funds from your account

To withdraw funds from your live account just click on the ‘Transfers’ icon and click the ‘Withdrawals’ tab. Enter the amount you wish to withdraw, then click on ‘Withdraw funds’. The system will then process the withdrawal for you. You can also contact the customer management team on +44 (0)20 3003 8588, as they can process the withdrawal for you too.

If you are using a UK debit card there are no charges for funding your account or withdrawing funds. Other methods of payment may have a fee associated with them. Visit our page on funding your account for more details.

CFD trading costs

There are no distinct commissions or transaction fees associated with trading CFDs with CMC Markets . We have removed these individual charges and have built the cost of trading into the prices that are quoted on your screen, providing greater transparency so you always know what you’re paying for.

However, remember that when you trade on margin and you hold your position open overnight, you will incur some holding costs. Click here for a breakdown of how these costs are calculated.