Forex.com and Markets.com clash over cost structures, regulation, and platform options. This face-off weighs trust, spreads, and instrument breadth to reveal where each excels.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose if…
Choose Forex.com if you want raw spreads with $7/lot commission and US client access.
Choose if…
Choose Markets.com if you want a low $25 minimum deposit and 2,200+ instruments.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
| Editorial score | 4.2/ 5 | 4.0/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.3 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 |
Pros
One of the few brokers accepting US retail forex clients
Deep research tools including macro analysis
Raw spread account with competitive $7 round-turn commission
MT4, MT5 and proprietary platforms
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 | Forex.com | 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) | Pass | Pass |
| Fees & Spreads | ||
| Raw/ECN spreads available | Pass | 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: Forex.com rates 4.2/5 and Markets.com rates 4/5. Forex.com 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 Forex.com's 1 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
Markets.com has $25, while Forex.com requires at least $100. This makes Markets.com more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both Forex.com 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.
Forex.com lists maximum leverage of 50:1, 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.
Forex.com 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.
Forex.com supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, 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.
Markets.com offers tighter spreads from 0.60 pips vs 1.00 pips for Forex.com, reducing trading costs.
Forex.com wins for safety & regulation with six regulators across multiple jurisdictions.
Markets.com wins for active traders due to 2,200+ instruments.
Forex.com is better suited for scalpers: raw/ECN spreads available.
Both offer MT4/MT5 and a proprietary web/mobile platform, making this category equally matched.
Markets.com wins for instrument variety with 2,200+ instruments.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.2 / 5▲ | 4.1 / 5 |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.1 / 5▲ | 3.9 / 5 |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.0 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
|---|
| Founded | 1999 | 2009 |
|---|
| Headquarters | Bedminster, New Jersey, USA | Limassol, Cyprus |
|---|
| Min Deposit | $100 | $25▼ lower |
|---|
| Spreads From | 1 pips | 0.6 pips▼ lower |
|---|
| Commission / lot | $7/lot | N/A |
|---|
| 1.7 pips | N/A |
| Max Leverage | 50:1▲ higher | 30:1 |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | $15/month (after 12 months) | 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 | ASIC CFTC FCA IIROC MAS NFA | ASIC CySEC FCA FSCA |
|---|
| Platforms | Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 | Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 |
|---|
| Active bonuses |
|---|
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
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
$100 minimum deposit is higher than some peers
US clients restricted to 50:1 leverage on major pairs
Raw account pricing not available in all jurisdictions
Inactivity fee applies
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
Forex.com edges Markets.com on the editorial score (4.2 vs 4.0) and offers raw spreads with a $7/lot commission. Markets.com, however, offers a broader 2,200+ instrument range and four-regulator protection.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4 / 5
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