This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the CMC Markets mobile app. It covers platform access, initial setup, security features, account types, spreads, and the key risks associated with forex and CFD trading. Whether you are a new trader or an experienced investor, this article aims to help you navigate the app with confidence and a clear understanding of the trading environment.
The CMC Markets mobile app is the portable version of the firm's proprietary trading platform, designed for both iPhone, iPad and Android devices. It provides access to thousands of financial instruments, including forex, indices, commodities, shares, and treasuries, through Contracts for Difference (CFDs) and, in the UK, financial spread bets. The app is built on the same award-winning Next Generation technology as the desktop platform, offering real-time pricing, advanced charting, and full order management.
The mobile app is suited for active traders who need to monitor positions, execute trades, and access market news while away from their desk. It includes a range of analytical tools, such as over 35 technical indicators, drawing tools, and a pattern recognition scanner. The app also integrates Reuters news, an economic calendar, and client sentiment data to support informed decision-making.
The CMC Markets mobile app is available for download on Apple's App Store for iPhone and iPad, and on Google Play for Android devices. To download, search for "CMC Markets" or "CMC Trading" in the respective store. The app is free to download, but you will need a funded trading account to place live trades.
If you are travelling abroad, you can still access the platform provided you have a stable internet or Wi-Fi connection. However, note that the iOS app may be subject to geo-restrictions based on your physical location. A list of permitted regions is available on the CMC Markets website. If you are outside a permitted region, you may be unable to log in via the iOS app; in that case, try accessing your account through a desktop browser or contact support.
Once you have downloaded the app, the setup process is straightforward. If you already have a CMC Markets account, you can log in using your existing credentials. If you are new, you can open an account directly from the app or via the website. There is no minimum deposit required to open an account, but you will need sufficient funds to cover the margin requirements of any trade you wish to place.
When you log in for the first time, the app will present you with layout options. You can choose between a fixed layout, which automatically adjusts windows to fit your screen, or a floating layout, which allows you to move windows freely. You can also select between dark mode and light mode in the settings.
The mobile dashboard is designed for quick access. You can resize, remove, or rearrange tiles to create a tailored experience. The main sections include:
You can manage your account settings directly within the app. To find your account number on an iPhone, tap the 'More' button (three dots) and select 'My Accounts'. On Android, tap the three lines at the top of the screen, then choose 'My Accounts'. You can also switch between multiple accounts if you hold more than one.
CMC Markets employs several layers of security to protect client data and funds. The platform uses Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption for all data transmitted between the app and its servers. This ensures that your login credentials and personal information are encrypted.
CMC Markets is regulated by multiple top-tier financial authorities around the world, including the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), and the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin), among others. This multi-jurisdictional regulatory framework imposes strict requirements on client fund segregation, capital adequacy, and operational transparency.
Retail client funds are held in segregated bank accounts, separate from the company's own funds. This means that in the unlikely event of CMC Markets becoming insolvent, client funds held in these accounts would be returned to clients after deducting administrative costs, rather than being treated as assets available to creditors. The segregation process is audited annually by an independent auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
The CMC Markets mobile app is packed with features designed to support both casual and active traders. Below is an overview of the key tools available.
Access over 35 technical indicators, including moving averages, MACD, and RSI, along with 15 drawing tools for trendlines and support/resistance levels. The pattern scanner helps identify emerging formations such as wedges and channels.
Full order ticket functionality allows you to place market, limit, and stop orders. You can also attach stop-loss and take-profit orders to existing positions directly from the app. Partial position closing is supported on both iOS and Android.
Stay informed with Reuters news feeds, an economic calendar, and CMC TV video content. You can set up push, SMS, or email alerts for price movements and market events.
The sentiment indicator shows the percentage of clients who are long or short on a particular instrument. This can provide insight into market positioning and potential contrarian signals.
CMC Markets offers different account types to suit various trading styles. The two main CFD accounts are the Standard (commission-free) account and the FX Active (commission-based) account. Below is a comparison of key features.
| Feature | Standard Account | FX Active Account |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Spread-based (no commission) | Commission-based + raw spreads |
| EUR/USD Spread (typical) | 0.70 pips | 0.0 pips + commission |
| Commission (per side) | None | $2.50 – $5.00 per $100,000 notional |
| Minimum Deposit | None | None |
| Instruments | 12,000+ (forex, indices, shares, etc.) | 170+ FX pairs |
| Platforms | NextGen, MT4, MT5, TradingView | NextGen, MT4 |
In addition to spreads and commissions, other potential costs include overnight holding fees, currency conversion fees (if your account currency differs from the trade currency), and an inactivity fee after 12 months of dormancy. Always review the latest fee schedule on the CMC Markets website before trading.
Forex and CFD trading carry a high level of risk due to the use of leverage. Leverage allows you to control a large position with a relatively small deposit, but it also amplifies both potential profits and losses. CMC Markets offers leverage up to 500:1 on certain products, which means that a small adverse price movement can result in significant losses.
According to CMC Markets' own disclosures, between 68% and 71% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. Leverage can work against you as well as for you. You may lose more than your initial deposit, and you could be required to deposit additional funds to maintain your positions.
Market volatility, especially during major economic announcements or outside normal trading hours, can cause rapid price changes that affect your account balance. It is essential to understand how CFDs work, to use risk management tools such as stop-loss orders, and to only trade with capital you can afford to lose.
Before you start trading, consider the following:
For a more detailed understanding of the risks, refer to the CMC Markets risk disclosure documents available on their official website.
Scenario: You are a retail trader with a Standard account. You believe the EUR/USD will rise, so you open a long position of 1 standard lot (100,000 units) at a price of 1.1000. The typical spread on the Standard account is 0.70 pips, so your entry price is effectively 1.10007.
You set a take-profit order at 1.1050 (50 pips) and a stop-loss at 1.0970 (30 pips). You also set a price alert to notify you if the pair reaches 1.1020.
While travelling, you check the app and see that the price has moved to 1.1030. You decide to move your stop-loss to 1.1000 to lock in some profit. Using the app, you modify the order directly from the positions tab. The price later reaches your take-profit at 1.1050, and your position is closed automatically with a profit of 50 pips (minus the spread).
This scenario illustrates how the mobile app can be used to monitor and adjust trades in real-time, even when away from a desktop. However, it also highlights the importance of active risk management, as a sudden reversal could have triggered your stop-loss.