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Broker Comparison

Alpaca Trading vs CMC Invest

Compare Alpaca Trading and CMC Invest side by side: fees, regulation, platforms.

Alpaca Trading

Alpaca Trading

API-driven and algorithmic traders

Alpaca Trading is a US API-first broker offering commission-free stocks, ETFs, options and crypto trading wit…

VS
CMC Invest

CMC Invest

App-based long-term investors using ISAs and SIPPs

CMC Invest is an app-based investing platform with £0 commission, GIA, flexible ISAs, SIPP, stocks, ETFs and …

Head-to-head comparison

Alpaca Trading vs CMC Invest
Feature Alpaca Trading CMC Invest
Minimum deposit - £1
Stock trading fee Commission: Free for self-directed retail API accounts; SEC fee and FINRA TAF pass-through on sell transactions £0 commission
Regulators FINRA, SIPC, FinCEN FCA
Best for API-driven and algorithmic traders App-based long-term investors using ISAs and SIPPs
Markets & account
Stocks
ETFs
Crypto
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Options
-
Fractional Shares
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Margin
-
Demo Account
-
Funds
-
Multi Currency
-
Isa
-
Sipp
-

Pros & cons

Alpaca Trading

Alpaca Trading

Pros

  • Commission-free stocks, ETFs and options for self-directed retail API accounts
  • Paper trading environment available at no cost
  • Fractional shares supported
  • 24/5 extended trading hours on 100+ US stocks
  • Multi-leg options strategies supported
  • FINRA/SIPC member with up to $500,000 SIPC protection
  • Margin available at 4x intraday and 2x overnight
  • Securities lending program with potential income for shareholders

Cons

  • Platform is primarily API-driven; web and mobile apps are available but offer fewer features than conventional retail brokerage interfaces
  • Crypto accounts are not protected by FDIC or SIPC
  • Domestic wire withdrawals cost $25; international wires cost $50
  • Outbound ACATS transfer costs $100
  • Not suited for investors who prefer a full-featured retail brokerage app
  • Commission-free status may not apply to accounts opened through business partners
CMC Invest

CMC Invest

Pros

  • £0 commission on all in-app trades
  • Core plan has no monthly price plan fee
  • FX fee falls to 0.39% on Premium
  • USD and EUR wallets reduce repeat FX conversions
  • Uninvested cash earns up to 3.30% AER on Premium
  • Transfers can start in-app in as little as 30 seconds
  • Flexible ISAs allow same-year withdrawals and redeposits

Cons

  • Plus costs up to £6.99/month
  • Premium costs up to £10.99/month
  • Core FX fee is 0.99%
  • Failed payments or late settlement cost £25 plus interest
  • Paper documents cost £3 + VAT per document
  • UK share buys carry 0.50% stamp duty
  • UK share trades over £10,000 may add a £1 PTM levy
  • Mutual funds are only on Plus and Premium
Alpaca Trading

Alpaca Trading

Alpaca Trading is a US API-first broker offering commission-free stocks, ETFs, options and crypto trading with a paper trading environment and margin accounts.

Visit Alpaca Trading Read review

Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply.

CMC Invest

CMC Invest

CMC Invest is an app-based investing platform with £0 commission, GIA, flexible ISAs, SIPP, stocks, ETFs and mutual funds. FX and plan fees vary by tier.

Visit CMC Invest Read review

Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply.

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