CMC Invest UK Review

The UK investing scene is changing fast, and more people than ever are looking for simple, low-cost ways to grow their money. That’s where CMC Invest enters the picture. Backed by a trusted name in financial trading, CMC Markets, this app aims to strip away complexity and give UK investors a no-fuss way to buy shares, build portfolios, and make the most of tax-efficient savings.

But with so many investing apps now crowding the market, does CMC Invest UK really stand out? 

In this review, we take a closer look at what the platform offers, who it’s best for, and where it might fall short. We’ll also share our thoughts based on insights gathered from various CMC Markets Invest reviews.

Pros and Cons

Main Features

Before we get into the details, here’s a snapshot of what CMC Invest offers:

• Regulation: FCA-regulated, operating under CMC Markets
• Investor protection: FSCS protection up to £85,000
• Financial assets: Stocks, ETFs, trusts, mutual funds, and REITs
• Markets: UK and US
• Account types: General Investment Account, Stocks & Shares ISA, Cash ISA, SIPP
• Fees: Zero commissions, 0.5% FX fee on non-GBP trades
• Minimum deposit: No minimum, start investing from as little as £1
• Platform: Web platform, mobile app
• Contact: Phone, in-app messaging and email support
• Featured product: Stocks & Shares ISA

With low-cost investing, tax advantages, and fractional share access, it’s well-suited to those beginning their investment journey.

Safety

When it comes to investing your hard-earned money, security is a big deal. Thankfully, CMC Invest UK takes regulation seriously. As an FCA-regulated platform, CMC Invest meets the same regulatory standards as any long-standing UK brokerage. Client protection is a priority; your investments are covered by the FSCS up to £85,000 and securely held in segregated accounts, separate from the firm’s operational funds.

These security features, combined with the firm’s long-standing reputation, are a recurring positive in CMC Markets invest reviews, with many users citing peace of mind as one of their top reasons for choosing the platform.

Available Financial Products

While some platforms try to offer everything under the sun, CMC Invest keeps things refreshingly focused.

Here’s what you can trade:

• Over 3,000 UK and US stocks
• Over 400 ETFs
• Fractional shares
• Mutual funds
• REITs
• Investment trusts

For investors who want to build a stock-focused portfolio without dealing with high-risk instruments, this clean selection hits the mark. It’s all about simplicity, and that’s exactly what many new investors want.

Account Types and Fees

When it comes to cost, CMC Invest UK keeps things lean. There are no hidden charges, no account maintenance fees, and trades come with zero commission.

Here’s how it works:

• Account types: CMC Invest gives you the option of a General Investment Account or a Stocks & Shares ISA, a Cash ISA, or a SIPP.
• Fees: £0 commission on trades; the only charge to note is a 0.5% FX fee when buying US shares
• ISA charges: None. Free to open, use, and manage

There are also plus and premium tiers, in addition to the core offering:

• For a fee of up to £10, you get access to flexible Stocks & Shares ISAs, over 1,000 mutual funds (core offering doesn’t include mutual funds), mid and small cap UK stocks, AIM shares, and USD and EUR wallets
• For a fee of up to £20, you get access to SIPP and everything else included in the core and plus tiers.

No minimum deposit means you can begin with whatever you're comfortable investing, even if it’s just a few quid.

Deposits and withdrawals

You can fund your account via card or bank transfer, so more modern options like e-wallets are lacking right now. There are no fees for deposits or withdrawals for UK users, and no minimum requirement. You are, however, limited to a £50,000 deposit per transaction, though.

For withdrawals, you need to link your external bank account. If you withdraw before 12 pm, it gets processed the same day, but it will still take up to two days to see the funds in your account. 

Trading Platforms

Unlike traditional brokers with clunky desktop software, CMC Invest is a mobile-first experience. And it’s not just for show, the app is genuinely well designed.

Here’s what you can do:

• View live market data
• Create and manage watchlists
• Set price alerts
• Place market and limit orders
• Browse curated collections like “most traded” or “top gainers”

The web platform also covers most essential functions with ease. It’s not for day traders needing advanced charts, but for long-term investors, it delivers everything you need in one pocket-sized package —and earns its place among the best trading platform options for simplicity and ease of use.

Customer service

Support is available via:

• Phone: +44 (0)20 3003 8303
• In-app messaging
• Email contact: [email protected]

Not many brokers nowadays offer phone support, so this is a huge perk. Also, response times via in-app chat and email are usually prompt during business hours. There’s also a helpful support section in the app that covers common questions and walks you through things like getting set up and making your first trade.

Research and Education

This is one area where CMC Invest could expand. The app includes:

• Market news
• Stock summaries
• Price movement data

However, there’s little in the way of educational content or deep analysis. If you're after in-app learning tools or expert commentary, you’ll likely need to supplement elsewhere. That said, many users in CMC Markets invest reviews appreciate the minimalist approach, it keeps things uncluttered.

Who is it for?

CMC Invest UK is built for investors who want simplicity, transparency, and a smooth user experience, without giving up trust or security. It’s especially suited to:

• First-time investors
• ISA and SIPP savers
• Those wanting fractional share access and zero commissions

While more advanced users might crave additional tools or product types, for anyone just getting started, or simply looking for a low-cost way to build wealth, it’s a compelling choice.

FAQs

What is CMC Invest?

CMC Invest is a modern investment platform tailored for UK users who want straightforward access to shares and ETFs, without being hit by confusing fees. The app was launched in 2022 by CMC Markets, a firm with more than 30 years of experience in financial services and a reputation for robust, regulated trading platforms.

With CMC Invest UK, the aim is simple: give retail investors a clean, user-friendly app where they can trade stocks and ETFs with zero commission. It’s ideal for beginners, but also suits more experienced investors who want an efficient platform without the clutter.

And thanks to its strong regulatory backing, it’s built on solid foundations, which is something many investors highlighted positively in recent CMC Markets invest reviews.

How to open a CMC Invest account in 5 Steps

Signing up is quick and painless. Here’s how to get started:

1. Download the CMC Invest app from the App Store or Google Play
2. Create your account and choose your preferred account type (GIA or ISA)
3. Verify your identity with a quick ID and address check
4. Link your UK bank account for easy transfers
5. Deposit and start trading, usually within 24 hours

This smooth onboarding process has been praised in several cmc markets invest reviews, with users noting how beginner-friendly it feels from the get-go.

Is CMC Invest good for beginners?

Yes, its user-friendly interface, commission-free trading, and tax-efficient ISA options make it a smart choice for new investors.

Can I invest in crypto on CMC Invest?

Not currently. The platform focuses on stocks and ETFs, with no crypto or alternative assets available.

Does CMC Invest have any hidden fees?

No hidden costs. The only charge to be aware of is the 0.5% FX fee when trading non-GBP assets.