In this head to head, Dukascopy and Markets.com clash over regulation, pricing structures, and platform ecosystems. The outcome hinges on where you prioritize trust, cost, and execution.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose if…
Choose Dukascopy if you want raw ECN pricing with 0.1 pip spreads and up to 200:1 leverage.
Choose if…
Choose Markets.com if you value multi jurisdiction regulation and a low $25 minimum deposit.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
| Editorial score | 4.3/ 5 | 4.0/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.9 / 5▲ | 4.3 / 5 |
Pros
Full FINMA banking licence - client cash protected under Swiss deposit guarantee up to CHF 100,000
Genuine interbank SWFX ECN liquidity from 14+ institutional providers
EUR/USD variable spreads from 0.1 pips during London/New York overlap
JForex supports Java/Groovy strategy automation built into the platform
Banking-grade transparency with published balance sheet
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Dukascopy | Markets.com |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Fail | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS) | Pass | Pass |
| Fees & Spreads | ||
| Raw/ECN spreads available | Pass | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | 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 | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
The scores are close: Dukascopy rates 4.3/5 and Markets.com rates 4/5. Dukascopy 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.
Dukascopy starts from 0.1 pips, tighter than Markets.com's 0.6 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
Markets.com has $25, while Dukascopy requires at least $1000. This makes Markets.com more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both Dukascopy 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.
Markets.com stands out for beginners: it has a lower entry point and provides negative balance protection, which caps losses at your deposited amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Dukascopy lists maximum leverage of 200:1, 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.
Dukascopy charges $7 per lot on commission-based accounts. Commission details for Markets.com are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
Dukascopy supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while Markets.com supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile and MetaTrader 4. Markets.com has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5.
Dukascopy offers tighter spreads from 0.10 pips vs 0.60 pips for Markets.com, reducing trading costs.
Markets.com benefits from multi-jurisdiction regulation and UK FSCS protection.
Dukascopy wins for active traders due to raw ECN spreads and high leverage.
Dukascopy is better suited for scalpers: raw/ECN spreads available, tighter spreads from 0.10 pips.
Markets.com wins with MT4/MT5 and a proprietary platform.
Markets.com is better for beginners thanks to low minimum deposit and accessible tools.
Markets.com leads with 2,200+ instruments versus 1,200 at Dukascopy.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.7 / 5▲ | 4.1 / 5 |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.4 / 5▲ | 3.9 / 5 |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.0 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
|---|
| Founded | 2004 | 2009 |
|---|
| Headquarters | Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland | Limassol, Cyprus |
|---|
| Min Deposit | $1,000 | $25▼ lower |
|---|
| Spreads From | 0.1 pips▼ lower | 0.6 pips |
|---|
| Commission / lot | $7/lot | N/A |
|---|
| 0.8 pips | N/A |
| Max Leverage | 200:1 | 30:1▲ higher |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit card | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | FSA Seychelles FINMA | ASIC CySEC FCA FSCA |
|---|
| Platforms | Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 | Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 |
|---|
| Active bonuses |
|---|
Regulated by top-tier authorities (FCA, ASIC, CySEC)
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Investor compensation scheme coverage
Raw spread account available
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
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
CHF 1,000 minimum deposit excludes traders starting with less than USD 1,000
JForex has a steep learning curve; designed for professional clients
Customer support primarily Swiss business hours
Not available to US residents
No negative balance protection
No 24/5 live chat
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
Dukascopy is the editorial winner with the higher score of 4.3 vs 4.0 for Markets.com. It holds a FINMA banking licence and offers genuine interbank ECN execution.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4 / 5
Personalised recommendation
Answer 6 quick questions and we’ll match you with the brokers that best fit your trading style, experience level, and country.
Find my broker