FXCM and Markets.com face off on regulation, pricing and platforms. The axis of tension centers on cost versus instrument breadth and leverage.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose if…
Choose FXCM if you want higher leverage up to 400:1 and strong API access.
Choose if…
Choose Markets.com if you want a broad instrument range and no inactivity fee.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 4.0/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.1 / 5 | 4.3 / 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 | 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 | 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: FXCM rates 4.1/5 and Markets.com 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.
FXCM starts from 0.4 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 FXCM requires at least $50. This makes Markets.com more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both FXCM 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.
FXCM 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.
FXCM supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, ZuluTrade, MetaTrader 4, NinjaTrader, while Markets.com supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile and MetaTrader 4. FXCM has exclusive access to ZuluTrade and NinjaTrader. Markets.com has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5.
FXCM offers tighter spreads from 0.40 pips vs 0.60 pips for Markets.com, reducing trading costs.
Markets.com wins for safety and regulation with four regulators including FSCA oversight.
FXCM is preferred for active traders due to strong APIs and multi-platform support.
FXCM is better suited for scalpers: tighter spreads from 0.40 pips.
FXCM provides the broadest platform mix including Trading Station, MT4, NinjaTrader, and ZuluTrade.
Markets.com suits beginners with a low $25 minimum deposit and accessible MT4/MT5.
Markets.com offers 2,200+ instruments, far more than FXCM's 400.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.2 / 5▲ | 4.1 / 5 |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.2 / 5▲ | 3.9 / 5 |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.0 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
|---|
| Founded | 1999 | 2009 |
|---|
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom | Limassol, Cyprus |
|---|
| Min Deposit | $50 | $25▼ lower |
|---|
| Spreads From | 0.4 pips▼ lower | 0.6 pips |
|---|
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
|---|
| Max Leverage | 400:1▲ higher | 30:1 |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | $50/month (after 12 months) | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrill | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrill | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free for first per month | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | ASIC FCA | ASIC CySEC FCA FSCA |
|---|
| Platforms | Proprietary Web/Mobile ZuluTrade MetaTrader 4 NinjaTrader | Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 |
|---|
| 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
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
Withdrew from US market in 2017
No raw spread account option
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
FXCM imposes an inactivity fee, while Markets.com does not, making the cost friction a key differentiator between FXCM and Markets.com.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4 / 5
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