In a head-to-head comparison, AvaTrade and Markets.com clash on regulation reach, pricing, and platform options. The outcome hinges on which strengths matter most to you.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose if…
Choose AvaTrade if you value broad regulatory coverage across 6+ jurisdictions.
Choose if…
Choose AvaTrade if you want access to the AvaOptions vanilla options platform. Choose Markets.com if you want a low $25 minimum deposit. Choose Markets.com if you value 2,200+ instruments.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
| Editorial score | 4.4/ 5 | 4.0/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.4 / 5▲ | 4.3 / 5 |
Pros
Heavily regulated across 6+ jurisdictions
AvaOptions platform for vanilla options trading
Strong educational content and structured courses
Multiple platforms including MT4, MT5 and proprietary AvaTradeGo
Regulated by top-tier authorities (FCA, ASIC, CySEC)
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | AvaTrade | Markets.com |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS) | Fail | Pass |
| Fees & Spreads | ||
| Raw/ECN spreads available | Fail | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Fail | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Pass |
| Proprietary platform | Pass | Pass |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
The scores are close: AvaTrade rates 4.4/5 and Markets.com rates 4/5. AvaTrade has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
Markets.com starts from 0.6 pips, tighter than AvaTrade's 0.9 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
Markets.com has $25, while AvaTrade requires at least $100. This makes Markets.com more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both AvaTrade and Markets.com hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, two factors stand out: Markets.com requires a lower minimum deposit ($25), lowering the barrier to entry, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
AvaTrade lists maximum leverage of 400:1, while Markets.com lists up to 30:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
AvaTrade supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, ZuluTrade, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, while Markets.com supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile and MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. AvaTrade has exclusive access to ZuluTrade.
Markets.com offers tighter spreads from 0.60 pips vs 0.90 pips for AvaTrade, reducing trading costs.
AvaTrade wins for safety & regulation due to broader multi-jurisdiction oversight.
AvaTrade wins for active traders thanks to higher leverage and multiple platforms.
Markets.com is better suited for scalpers: tighter spreads from 0.60 pips.
AvaTrade wins for platform choice with MT4/MT5, AvaTradeGo, and ZuluTrade.
Markets.com wins for beginners due to the low $25 minimum deposit.
Markets.com wins for instrument variety with 2,200+ instruments.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.4 / 5▲ | 4.1 / 5 |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.3 / 5▲ | 3.9 / 5 |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.4 / 5▲ | 4.0 / 5 |
|---|
| Founded | 2006 | 2009 |
|---|
| Headquarters | Dublin, Ireland | Limassol, Cyprus |
|---|
| Min Deposit | $100 | $25▼ lower |
|---|
| Spreads From | 0.9 pips | 0.6 pips▼ lower |
|---|
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
|---|
| Max Leverage | 400:1▲ higher | 30:1 |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | $50/month (after 3 months) | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | ASIC FSCA MFSA CBI ADGM | ASIC CySEC FCA FSCA |
|---|
| Platforms | Proprietary Web/Mobile ZuluTrade MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 | Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 |
|---|
| Active bonuses |
|---|
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
No deposit fees
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Pros
CySEC, FCA, ASIC, and FSCA four-jurisdiction regulation
$25 minimum deposit - lowest among brokers with this regulatory stack
2,200+ instruments including shares CFDs
FSCS protection (UK) and ICF compensation (EU)
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Proprietary trading platform available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Cons
Inactivity fee of $50 after 3 months of no trading
Not available to US residents
Spread-only model means no raw ECN pricing
No investor compensation scheme
Cons
Spread-only pricing, no raw ECN account
Research tools limited, no analyst reports or stock screener
Not available to US clients
Platform analytical depth below Saxo or IG
AvaTrade edges Markets.com in editorial score with broader multi-jurisdiction regulation.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4 / 5
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