Two well-regulated brokers face off on cost, platform depth and asset coverage. Markets.com offers a low minimum deposit and broad instrument access, while Swissquote emphasizes regulatory strength and advanced tools.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose if…
Choose Markets.com if you want a very low $25 minimum deposit and access to 2,200+ instruments.
Choose if…
Choose Swissquote if you prioritise stronger regulation and advanced platform tools.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
| Editorial score | 4.0/ 5 | 4.2/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.3 / 5 | 4.5 / 5▲ |
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
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Markets.com | Swissquote |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass | Fail |
| 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 | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
The scores are close: Markets.com rates 4/5 and Swissquote rates 4.2/5. Swissquote 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 Swissquote's 1.7 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
Markets.com has $25, while Swissquote requires at least $1120. This makes Markets.com more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both Markets.com and Swissquote 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.
Markets.com lists maximum leverage of 30:1, while Swissquote lists up to 100:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
Markets.com supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, while Swissquote 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 1.70 pips for Swissquote, reducing trading costs.
Swissquote wins for safety & regulation with FINMA oversight and bank-level fund protection.
Swissquote wins for active traders due to stronger platforms and advanced tools.
Markets.com is better suited for scalpers: tighter spreads from 0.60 pips.
Swissquote wins for platform choice due to higher platform/tools score.
Markets.com wins for beginners due to low minimum deposit and no inactivity fee.
Markets.com wins for instrument variety with 2,200+ instruments.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.1 / 5▲ | 3.9 / 5 |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 3.9 / 5 | 4.2 / 5▲ |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.0 / 5▲ | 3.9 / 5 |
|---|
| Founded | 2009 | 1996 |
|---|
| Headquarters | Limassol, Cyprus | Gland, Switzerland |
|---|
| Min Deposit | $25▼ lower | $1,120 |
|---|
| Spreads From | 0.6 pips▼ lower | 1.7 pips |
|---|
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
|---|
| Max Leverage | 30:1▲ higher | 100:1 |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | None | CHF 10/month (after 6 months) |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transfer |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | ASIC CySEC FCA FSCA | FCA DFSA FINMA |
|---|
| Platforms | Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 | Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 |
|---|
| Active bonuses |
|---|
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
Pros
Swiss banking heritage with FINMA regulation and bank-level fund security
Broadest multi-asset range including real stocks, bonds, and options
Listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SIX)
FCA and DFSA regulated for UK and UAE clients
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
Proprietary trading platform available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
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
Cons
Very high minimum deposit (CHF 1,000, approximately $1,120)
Spreads wider than ECN peers on standard account
Primarily appropriate for larger, more sophisticated accounts
Inactivity fee applies
No 24/5 live chat
Swissquote edges Markets.com in overall editorial score due to stronger regulation and platform/tools, while Markets.com offers a lower minimum deposit and wider instrument coverage.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4 / 5
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