Broker Review Contents
Overview of Markets.com
Markets.com is a global online trading broker offering access to Forex and CFD markets, operated by the Finalto group, which is part of a larger, well-established financial services organization. Over the years, Markets.com has positioned itself as a user-friendly, regulation-focused broker aimed primarily at retail traders who value simplicity, market analysis, and platform accessibility.
In 2026, Markets.com is generally positioned as:
- A well-regulated multi-entity broker
- Suitable for beginners and intermediate traders
- Focused on CFD trading rather than long-term investing
- Known for its proprietary trading platform and market insights
This review provides a clear and detailed assessment of Markets.com, covering regulation, safety, platforms, trading costs, product range, strengths, weaknesses, and who the broker is best suited for.
Markets.com Review
Markets.com provides the ability to trade with the world’s most traded CFDs, including shares, currencies, indices, bonds, ETFs, and commodities, totalling over 2000 instruments.Markets.com is a globally recognized online broker offering access to a broad range of financial markets including forex, CFDs on indices, commodities, shares, ETFs and cryptocurrencies. Established in the mid-2000s, Markets.com has expanded its reach across multiple regions and maintains a focus on regulated execution, intuitive trading platforms, comprehensive market access, and educational resources.
In 2026, Markets.com remains relevant due to its strong regulatory footprint and continued technology investments. This review explores all the fundamentals traders need to know — from regulation and safety to platform features, fees, tradable instruments, execution quality, customer support, and overall suitability.
They have over five million registered trading accounts, has logged over 13 million deals totaling $185 billion in traded value in the previous year.
Safecap Investments Limited (‘Safecap’) operates MARKETS.COM, a subsidiary of Playtech PLC, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange’s Main Market and is a component of the FTSE 250 Index.
Markets.com and Safecap are run by a regulated investment services firm that is licenced to conduct business by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (‘CySEC’). Safecap is also authorised by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa as a Financial Services Provider.
Company Background & History
Markets.com was launched by Finalto Ltd (formerly known as TradeTech Group) and has since grown into a multi-jurisdiction broker with operations spanning Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, Africa, and Asia. The brand has focused on balancing accessibility with institutional-grade technology. Its growth strategy over the years has included acquiring licenses, enhancing platform offerings, and expanding tradable instruments to appeal to both novice and experienced traders.
Unlike brokers that position themselves as low-cost ECN providers, Markets.com emphasizes platform quality, educational support, and regulatory compliance — factors that make it appealing to a broad trader base.
Regulation & Safety
Regulatory Oversight
Markets.com operates under multiple well-respected financial regulators depending on the client’s region:
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) — United Kingdom
- Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) — Europe
- Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) — South Africa
- Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) — Australia
- Other regional licenses in Latin America and the Middle East
This multi-layered regulatory framework ensures that client protection, financial reporting, fund segregation and compliance requirements are upheld at high standards across jurisdictions.
Client Fund Protection
Markets.com maintains segregated accounts for client funds, keeping them separate from corporate operating capital. This setup protects client deposits if the firm faces financial stress. Additionally, in eligible regions, investor compensation schemes may apply, further enhancing risk management for retail clients.
Negative Balance Protection
In jurisdictions where it is mandated, Markets.com provides negative balance protection — preventing retail traders from losing more than their deposited capital. This feature is especially important in volatile markets.
Security & Compliance
The broker enforces strict KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) standards, with encrypted data transmission and secure login protocols. These compliance measures ensure that client identity and account information are protected.
Tradable Markets & Instruments
Markets.com offers a diverse suite of instruments that supports various trading strategies from forex speculation to equity diversification.
Forex Markets
Markets.com provides access to a large selection of forex pairs, spanning major, minor and some exotic pairs. Competitive pricing, deep liquidity and flexible leverage options make forex a core offering for many traders.
Indices
CFDs on major global stock indices are available, allowing traders to take positions on broad market movements across the US, Europe, and Asia. Index markets are frequently used for macro trading and hedging strategies.
Commodities
The broker supports commodity CFDs including precious metals like gold and silver, and energy products like crude oil. These markets provide diversification opportunities outside traditional equities.
Shares & ETFs
Markets.com offers CFDs on thousands of global share markets and ETFs, enabling traders to speculate on individual stocks and broader funds without owning the underlying assets.
Cryptocurrencies
In 2026, Markets.com continued to provide cryptocurrency CFD trading on major tokens such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin and others, subject to regulatory jurisdiction. Crypto CFDs allow traders exposure to digital assets without direct custody.
Account Types & Trading Conditions
Markets.com keeps account structure relatively simple and transparent, appealing to a broad range of retail and intermediate traders.
Standard Retail Account
The standard retail account provides:
- Access to all available markets
- Variable spreads
- Negative balance protection (where regulated)
- Flexible lot sizes
This account type is suitable for most traders, from beginners to intermediates.
Professional Account (Where Applicable)
Experienced traders may be eligible for professional status in certain regions. Professional accounts may offer:
- Higher leverage limits
- Reduced regulatory restrictions
- Different margin requirements
- Potentially tighter trading conditions
However, professional classification typically reduces or removes retail protections such as negative balance protection.
Demo Account
Markets.com offers a robust demo account for practice trading. Traders can test platforms, explore markets and develop strategies in a risk-free environment.
Trading Platforms & Technology
One of Markets.com’s strongest attributes is its array of trading platforms designed to suit different trader preferences.
Markets.com Proprietary Platform
The broker’s proprietary platform is user-friendly and highly visual, catering to both beginners and advanced traders. It features:
- Intuitive interface
- Integrated market analysis tools
- Advanced charting features
- Economic calendars and news feeds
- One-click trading from charts
The proprietary platform emphasizes ease of use without sacrificing analytical depth.
MetaTrader 4 (MT4)
Markets.com provides access to MetaTrader 4, a globally recognized trading platform. MT4 remains a favorite for its:
- Automated trading capabilities (via Expert Advisors)
- Custom indicators and libraries
- Flexible charting tools
- Wide community support
MT4 is particularly appealing for traders using automated or algorithmic strategies.
MetaTrader 5 (MT5)
In addition to MT4, Markets.com supports MetaTrader 5, which expands on MT4 with:
- More built-in indicators
- More timeframes
- An integrated economic calendar
- Advanced execution types
- Broader asset coverage
This makes MT5 suitable for traders who prefer a more sophisticated, all-in-one platform.
Mobile & Web Trading
Markets.com’s mobile apps deliver a strong trading experience on the go, supporting:
- Trade execution
- Charting features
- Real-time quotes
- Watchlists and alerts
Web trader access enables immediate trading without installation, perfect for traders using shared or public computers.
Execution Quality & Order Handling
Markets.com uses a market execution model designed to provide transparent order fills at the best available price. While the broker is not marketed as a pure ECN provider, its pricing infrastructure utilizes aggregated liquidity from multiple sources, which helps reduce requotes and deliver competitive execution for most instruments.
Slippage and Volatility
As with any broker, slippage can occur during periods of extreme volatility or low liquidity. Markets.com attempts to minimize this through multiple liquidity feeds and execution algorithms, but traders should remain aware of risk during news events.
Is Markets.com Regulated and Safe?
Yes. Markets.com is a regulated broker operating under multiple reputable authorities, which significantly improves its credibility and safety profile.
Regulatory Structure
| Entity | Regulator | Region | Protection Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Markets.com Europe | CySEC | European Union | High |
| Markets.com UK | FCA | United Kingdom | Very High |
| Markets.com Australia | ASIC | Australia | High |
| Markets.com South Africa | FSCA | South Africa | Medium |
For EU and UK traders, Markets.com offers strong regulatory protection, including compliance with MiFID II and strict capital requirements.
Fees, Spreads & Trading Costs
Spreads
Markets.com offers variable spreads across all markets. Forex and major indices typically have tighter spreads, while commodities and exotic instruments may carry wider spreads.
The broker combines spread and financing costs into a single transparent structure, particularly for CFDs.
Commissions
Most trading on Markets.com is done via spread-only pricing, meaning there are no separate commissions for standard CFD and forex trades. Shares and certain instruments may incur a commission or separate fee structure.
Overnight & Swap Rates
Positions held overnight incur swap or rollover charges. These rates depend on the instrument, size, and direction, and are clearly presented in the trading platform before position confirmation.
Non-Trading Fees
Markets.com maintains a relatively straightforward fee schedule. Non-trading fees may include:
- Withdrawal charges (depending on method)
- Currency conversion costs
- Inactivity or maintenance fees (varies by region)
Traders are encouraged to review the fee schedule prior to account opening.
Leverage & Margin Requirements
Leverage at Markets.com varies according to regulatory requirements and account classification. Retail traders in regulated regions such as the UK or EU face capped leverage limits for risk management, while professional or offshore accounts may access higher levels of leverage.
Margin requirements are displayed transparently in the platform and adjust based on market volatility and open positions.
Deposits & Withdrawals
Deposit Options
Markets.com supports a variety of deposit methods, including:
- Bank wire transfer
- Credit/debit cards
- E-wallets such as Skrill and Neteller
- Other local payment methods in select regions
Deposits are typically free of broker fees, though third-party charges may apply.
Withdrawal Process
Withdrawals are generally processed through the original funding method. Processing times vary based on:
- Payment provider
- Verification status
- Regional banking practices
KYC verification must be completed prior to the first withdrawal, which is standard in regulated broker environments.
Customer Support & Service
Markets.com offers customer support via live chat, email, and telephone. Support hours usually span global market hours, and localized service options are available depending on region and operating entity.
Customer support is oriented toward account assistance, platform navigation, funding queries and technical support.
Education, Research & Analysis Tools
Markets.com provides a suite of educational and research tools to support trader development, including:
- Video tutorials
- Beginner trading guides
- Webinars and market commentary
- Economic calendars
- Integrated analysis tools within the platform
These resources are particularly helpful for traders who are building skills or exploring new markets.
Pros & Cons of Markets.com
Advantages
- Strong regulatory coverage across multiple regions
- Multiple trading platforms (Proprietary, MT4, MT5)
- Broad asset coverage including forex, CFDs, shares, ETFs, crypto
- Transparent pricing with spread-based execution
- Robust educational and research tools
Disadvantages
- Not a raw ECN environment — not ideal for ultra-low-spread traders
- Leverage limits in regulated regions may be lower than some offshore brokers
- CFD prices may include financing costs embedded in spreads
Who Markets.com Is Best For
Markets.com is suitable for a wide range of traders:
- Beginners seeking intuitive platforms and educational support
- Intermediate traders wanting varied markets and analysis tools
- Technical traders who benefit from MT4 or MT5 features
- Traders who prioritize global regulation and safety
Client Fund Protection and Security
Markets.com applies industry-standard protections across its regulated entities.
Key Safety Measures
- Segregation of client funds
- Negative balance protection for retail clients
- Strict AML and KYC procedures
- Regular regulatory audits
Investor Compensation
- EU clients: coverage up to €20,000 under the ICF
- UK clients: coverage up to £85,000 under the FSCS
This places Markets.com among the safer retail CFD brokers available in regulated markets.
It is less suited for scalpers or high-frequency traders needing ultra-tight spreads and direct ECN access.
Pros
- Segregates client funds
- Established in 2003
- Regulated by CySEC
- Min. deposit from $100
Cons
- Doesn’t offer VPS (See alternatives)
A minimum deposit of $100 is required to establish a live account. Markets.com, on the other hand, provides a demo account that you may use to experiment and become acquainted with their platform.
The Financial Conduct Authority, UK (FRN: 607305), CySEC (Licence: 092/08), and Financial Services Provider #43906 in South Africa regulate the company. Markets.com keeps all customer funds in a separate bank account with tier-1 institutions. Markets.com has been in business since 2008, with headquarters in Cyprus.
Before we get into the specifics of Markets.com’s spreads, fees, platforms, and trading tools, you might want to open Markets.com’s website in a new tab, by clicking the button below in order to see the latest information directly from Markets.com.
Full disclosure: We may receive a commission if you sign up with a broker using one of our links.
What are Markets.com’s spreads & fees?
Markets.com, like most brokers, charges a fee based on the spread, which is the difference between the buy and sell price of an asset.
The commissions and spreads shown here are based on the Markets.com website’s minimum spreads.
| Forex | Markets.com | City Index | XTB |
| EUR/USD(Average: 0.7 pips) | 0.6 pips | 0.7 pips | 0.1 pips |
| GBP/USD(Average: 1.1 pips) | 0.9 pips | 1.7 pips | 0.1 pips |
| USD/JPY(Average: 1.1 pips) | 0.7 pips | 0.6 pips | 0.1 pips |
| AUD/USD(Average: 0.8 pips) | 0.6 pips | 0.6 pips | 0.2 pips |
| USD/CHF(Average: 2.3 pips) | 1.5 pips | 2.3 pips | 0.2 pips |
| USD/CAD(Average: 2.9 pips) | 1.4 pips | 0.5 pips | 0.3 pips |
| NZD/USD(Average: 3.6 pips) | 2.3 pips | 2.8 pips | 0.3 pips |
| EUR/GBP(Average: 2.4 pips) | 1.0 pips | 0.5 pips | 0.1 pips |
Spreads are dynamic and are for informational purposes only.
As you can see, Markets.com’s minimum spread for trading EUR/USD is 0.6 pips – which is relatively normal compared to the average EUR/USD spread of 0.70 pips. Below is a breakdown of how much it would cost you to trade one lot of EUR/USD with Markets.com vs. similar brokers.
How much does Markets.com charge to trade 1 lot of EUR/USD?
If you were to buy one standard lot of EUR/USD (100k units) with Markets.com at an exchange rate of 1.1719 and then sell it the next day at the same price you would likely pay $6.78. Here’s a rough breakdown of the fees and how this compares against IG & XTB .
| Markets.com | IG | XTB | |
| Spread from: | $ 6.00 | $ 6.00 | $ 2.00 |
| Commission: | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Total cost of a 100k trade: | $ 6.00 | $ 6.00 | $ 2.00 |
| $0 more | $4 less | ||
| VISIT MARKETS.COM | VISIT IG | VISIT XTB |
All fees/prices are for informational purposes and are subject to change.
What can you trade with Markets.com?
Markets.com offers over 2,200 different instruments to trade, including over 57 currency pairs. We’ve summarised all of the different types of instruments offered by Markets.com below, along with the instruments offered by IG and XTB for comparison.
| FX / Currencies | Markets.com | IG | XTB |
| # of forex pairs offered | 57 | 90 | 48 |
| Major forex pairs | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Minor forex pairs | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Exotic forex pairs | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrencies* | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Commodity CFDs | Markets.com | IG | XTB |
| # of commodities offered | 28 | 34 | 21 |
| Metals | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Energies | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Agricultural | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Index & Stock CFDs | Markets.com | IG | XTB |
| # of stocks offered | 2027 | 8000 | 1606 |
| UK shares | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| US shares | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| German shares | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Japanese shares | No | Yes | Yes |
| SEE MARKETS.COM’S INSTRUMENTS | SEE IG’S INSTRUMENTS | SEE XTB’S INSTRUMENTS |
What’s the Markets.com trading experience like?
1) Platforms and apps
Markets.com is one of the few brokers that provides both the MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms. To discover how the two systems differ, check out our MT4 versus MT5 comparison.
Markets.com now provides mobile apps for Android and iOS, making it easy to monitor and execute transactions while on the go.
Still not sure?
Open a practice account & learn to trade
2) Executing Trades
Markets.com allows you to conduct a 0.01 Lot trade. This may differ based on the type of account you establish. The maximum trading requirements differ according on the trader and the instrument.
Markets.com, as a market maker, may have lower entrance criteria than an ECN broker, which benefits from a higher number of transactions and usually has higher capital and minimum trading requirements. Market makers generally have a lower minimum deposit, lower minimum trade requirements, and no trading commission.
Margin requirements, like those of other brokers, vary based on the trader, account, and instrument. The most recent margin requirements may be seen on their website.
Markets.com also provides a variety of risk management tools, including as stop losses (with trailing stops), limit orders, negative balance protection, price alerts, and much more. You may view all of Markets.com’s account features here.
Finally, we’ve included a list of some of the most popular funding options available to Markets.com traders below.
Trading Features:
- Allows scalping
- Allows hedging
- Low min deposit
- Guaranteed stop loss
- Offers Negative Balance Protection
Accounts offered:
- Demo account
- Standard account
- Islamic account
Funding methods:
- Credit cards
- Bank Transfer
- PayPal
- Skrill
- Neteller
3) Client support
Markets.com support a wide range of languages including Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Polish, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish.
Markets.com has a CompareBroker double AA support rating because Markets.com offer over three languages
4) What you’ll need to open an account with Markets.com
Because Markets.com is regulated by CySEC, the Financial Services Board, every new customer must pass a few simple compliance tests to verify that you understand the risks of trading and are permitted to trade. When you establish an account, you will most likely be asked for the following information, so have them handy:
- A scanned colour copy of your passport, driving license or national ID
- A utility bill or bank statement from the past three months showing your address
You’ll also need to answer a few basic compliance questions to prove your trading expertise, so allow at least 10 minutes to finish the account opening procedure.
While you may be able to browse Markets.com’s site immediately, it is essential to note that you will not be able to execute any transactions until you pass compliance, which might take several days depending on your position.
To begin the process of establishing an account with Markets.com, go to their website.
67% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
FAQs
1. Is Markets.com a regulated broker?
Yes, Markets.com is regulated by multiple financial authorities across different regions, ensuring compliance with strict rules on client protection, fund segregation, and operational transparency.
2. What trading platforms does Markets.com offer?
Markets.com provides access to its proprietary trading platform as well as MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, allowing traders to choose between an intuitive interface or advanced technical tools.
3. What markets can I trade on Markets.com?
Traders can access forex, indices, commodities, share CFDs, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies, offering a wide range of opportunities for diversification.
4. Does Markets.com charge commissions?
Most trading on Markets.com is spread-based with no separate commission on standard CFD and forex trades, though some instruments may have additional costs.
5. Is Markets.com suitable for beginners?
Yes, Markets.com is suitable for beginners due to its user-friendly platform, demo account availability, and educational resources designed to support new traders.