In this comparison, two brokers compete on regulation, cost, and platform sophistication. The axis pits a multi-platform, diversified instrument broker against a US-focused options powerhouse.
tastytrade edges Markets.com on overall editorial score due to stronger Fees & Spreads and Platforms & Tools. Markets.com remains strong on cross-border regulation and client protections.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose Markets.com if…
Choose Markets.com if you value MT4/MT5 access and multi-jurisdiction regulation.
Choose tastytrade if…
Choose tastytrade if you want US-focused options trading with capped commissions and a proprietary platform.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
Markets.com offers spreads from 0.60 pips.
| Editorial score | 4.0/ 5 | 4.3/ 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 | tastytrade |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Fail |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS) | Pass | Pass |
| Fees & Spreads | ||
| Raw/ECN spreads available | Fail | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Fail |
| 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 | Fail |
The scores are close: Markets.com rates 4/5 and tastytrade rates 4.3/5. tastytrade 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. Current spread data is not available for tastytrade. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date pricing.
tastytrade has no minimum deposit, while Markets.com requires at least $25. This makes tastytrade more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both Markets.com and tastytrade 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: tastytrade has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and Markets.com provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Markets.com lists maximum leverage of 30:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
tastytrade charges $1 per lot on commission-based accounts. Commission details for Markets.com are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
Markets.com supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while tastytrade supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. Markets.com has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4.
Markets.com wins for regulation breadth with CySEC, FCA, ASIC, and FSCA.
tastytrade wins for active traders with capped options commissions and a dedicated options platform.
Markets.com wins for platform choice by offering MT4/MT5 plus a proprietary platform.
tastytrade wins for instrument variety with 10,000 offerings.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.1 / 5 | 4.8 / 5▲ |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 3.9 / 5 | 4.7 / 5▲ |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.0 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
|---|
| Founded | 2009 | 2017 |
|---|
| Headquarters | Limassol, Cyprus | Chicago, Illinois, United States |
|---|
| Min Deposit | $25 | No minimum▼ lower |
|---|
| Spreads From | 0.6 pips | N/A |
|---|
| Commission / lot | N/A | $1/lot |
|---|
| N/A | N/A |
| Max Leverage | 30:1 | N/A |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferWire transferACH |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferWire transferACH |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA ASIC CySEC FSCA | CFTC NFA |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 | Proprietary Web/Mobile |
|---|
| 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
Options commissions capped at $10/leg, major cost advantage for traders who size up
$0 to open options trades; $1/contract to close
Platform built natively for options: IVR, Greeks, curve tool, and multi-leg management all first-class
Futures and futures options on the same account as equity derivatives
No PFOF on options, exchange-routed for best execution
Part of IG Group (LSE-listed), institutional governance and financial stability
Regulated by top-tier authorities (FCA, ASIC, CySEC)
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Investor compensation scheme coverage
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
Mobile trading app available
Proprietary trading platform available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
Phone support available
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
US-only, no international accounts
Options-first interface has a steep learning curve for equity-focused traders
No live chat support, phone and email only
Minimal fundamental research tools; no stock screener or analyst reports
Mobile app less appropriate for entering complex multi-leg strategies than the desktop platform
No negative balance protection
No raw spread account option
No MetaTrader support
Support available in limited languages
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4 / 5
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