Two regulated brokers are closely matched, but platform strategy versus pricing approach creates distinct tradeoffs.
FXCM and GO Markets are closely matched; the clearest differentiator is that FXCM offers a proprietary platform while GO Markets does not.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose FXCM if…
FXCM: Choose FXCM if you want a proprietary platform. You also gain broad instrument access and strong API support. GO Markets: Choose GO Markets if you need true ECN pricing with three platform options. You benefit from regulation across ASIC, CySEC, and FSC.
Choose GO Markets if…
FXCM: Choose FXCM if you want a proprietary platform. You also gain broad instrument access and strong API support. GO Markets: Choose GO Markets if you need true ECN pricing with three platform options. You benefit from regulation across ASIC, CySEC, and FSC.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
GO Markets offers tighter spreads from 0.00 pips vs 0.40 pips for FXCM, reducing trading costs.
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 4.0/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.1 / 5▲ | 4.0 / 5 |
Pros
Strong APIs (REST, FIX)
Trading Station + MT4
FCA regulated
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | FXCM | GO Markets |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail | Pass |
| 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 | Fail |
| 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: FXCM rates 4.1/5 and GO Markets rates 4/5. FXCM 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.
GO Markets starts from 0 pips, tighter than FXCM's 0.4 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
FXCM has $50, while GO Markets requires at least $200. This makes FXCM more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both FXCM and GO Markets 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: FXCM requires a lower minimum deposit ($50), lowering the barrier to entry, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
FXCM lists maximum leverage of 400:1, while GO Markets lists up to 500:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
GO Markets charges $5 per lot on commission-based accounts. Commission details for FXCM are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
FXCM supports ZuluTrade, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, NinjaTrader, while GO Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. FXCM has exclusive access to ZuluTrade and Proprietary Web/Mobile and NinjaTrader. GO Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and MetaTrader 5.
Both FXCM and GO Markets are regulated by multiple authorities, with client fund protection.
GO Markets wins for active traders thanks to true ECN pricing and three platform options.
GO Markets is better suited for scalpers: raw/ECN spreads available, tighter spreads from 0.00 pips.
GO Markets wins with MT4, MT5, and cTrader offering the broadest platform mix.
FXCM is best for beginners due to a $50 minimum deposit and MT4 familiarity.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.2 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.2 / 5▲ | 3.9 / 5 |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.0 / 5▲ | 3.8 / 5 |
|---|
| Founded | 1999 | 2006 |
|---|
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom | Melbourne, Australia |
|---|
| Min Deposit | $50▼ lower | $200 |
|---|
| Spreads From | 0.4 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
|---|
| Commission / lot | N/A | $5/lot |
|---|
| N/A | 0.5 pips |
| Max Leverage | 400:1 | 500:1▲ higher |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | $50/month (after 12 months) | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrill | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerPayPal |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrill | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free for first per month | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA ASIC | ASIC CySEC FSC |
|---|
| Platforms | ZuluTrade Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 NinjaTrader | cTrader MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
| Active bonuses |
|---|
No deposit fees
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
Pros
True ECN execution with three platform options
ASIC-regulated with a clean Australian track record since 2006
Competitive $5 round-turn ECN commission
Good for Australia and Asia-Pacific timezone traders
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
Raw spread account available
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
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
Cons
Withdrew from US market in 2017
No raw spread account option
Inactivity fee applies
Cons
$200 minimum deposit is higher than many ECN peers
Less brand recognition outside Australia and Asia-Pacific
CySEC entity is offshore for non-AU clients
No proprietary platform
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4 / 5
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