Markets.com and XM enter a clash over regulatory breadth, deposit flexibility, and platform options. The tug-of-war between safety, cost, and usability invites close scrutiny.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose if…
Choose Markets.com if you value four-jurisdiction regulation. You also get a $25 minimum deposit and 2,200+ instruments.
Choose if…
Choose XM if you want a $5 minimum deposit and high leverage. You also access MT4/MT5 and strong regulatory coverage.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
| Editorial score | 4.0/ 5 | 4.3/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.3 / 5 | 4.3 / 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 | XM |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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: Markets.com rates 4/5 and XM rates 4.3/5. XM 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.
Both Markets.com and XM start from 0.6 pips, making them equivalent on this metric. Compare commissions and account types to evaluate total trading costs.
XM has $5, while Markets.com requires at least $25. This makes XM more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both Markets.com and XM 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: XM requires a lower minimum deposit ($5), 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 XM lists up to 1000:1. 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 XM supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5. Both provide MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. Markets.com has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Both brokers offer spreads from 0.60 pips.
Equally matched; both offer multi-jurisdiction regulation and client funds protection.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.1 / 5 | 4.3 / 5▲ |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 3.9 / 5 | 4.2 / 5▲ |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.0 / 5 | 4.4 / 5▲ |
|---|
| Founded | 2009 | 2009 |
|---|
| Headquarters | Limassol, Cyprus | Limassol, Cyprus |
|---|
| Min Deposit | $25 | $5▼ lower |
|---|
| Spreads From | 0.6 pips | 0.6 pips |
|---|
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
|---|
| Max Leverage | 30:1▲ higher | 1,000:1 |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | None | $5/month (after 90 days) |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free for most methods |
|---|
| Regulators | ASIC CySEC FCA FSCA | ASIC CySEC KNF FSC ASF |
|---|
| Platforms | Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 | 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
USD 5 minimum deposit
Strong bonus program
Multilingual support
Regulated by top-tier authorities (FCA, ASIC, CySEC)
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
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
Spreads not as tight as ECN-style brokers
Not available to US clients
No raw spread account option
Inactivity fee applies
No proprietary platform
XM edges Markets.com on the editorial score (4.3/5 vs 4.0/5). The gap is modest but meaningful for regulator breadth and product choices.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4 / 5
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