Markets.com
Markets.com is a multi-asset broker known for combining broad market access with a strong emphasis on user experience. It offers exposure to global markets through intuitive platforms designed to balance simplicity and analytical functionality. The broker focuses on transparent pricing, integrated risk management tools, and a structured trading environment. Its operating model suits traders who value clarity, platform usability, and guided decision-making. Overall, Markets.com positions itself as a user-centric broker built for structured and informed market participation.
Markets.com is a global CFD broker operated by the Finalto Group, a well-established financial services provider with deep roots in institutional liquidity and online trading infrastructure. Rather than positioning itself as a niche or specialized broker, Markets.com adopts a broad, generalist approach, aiming to provide access to multiple global markets through a single, simplified trading environment.
The broker focuses exclusively on Contracts for Difference, allowing traders to speculate on price movements without owning the underlying assets. Its product range covers stocks, forex, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, bonds, and ETFs, making it one of the more diversified CFD-only brokers available to retail traders. This breadth is a central element of its value proposition.
Markets.com is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission and the Financial Sector Conduct Authority of South Africa. While these regulators provide a legitimate legal framework and enforce baseline compliance standards, they do not represent top-tier oversight such as that offered by the FCA or ASIC. This places Markets.com in a mid-tier trust category, suitable for retail trading but not positioned as an institutional-grade broker.
With a minimum deposit starting from USD 20, Markets.com is highly accessible to beginner traders. Its account structure is intentionally simplified, offering only two account types: a Standard account with no commissions and a Reduced Spread account that lowers spreads in exchange for commissions. This simplicity removes friction at the onboarding stage and aligns with the broker’s goal of accessibility.
Markets.com does not attempt to be the cheapest broker, nor the most technologically advanced. Instead, it positions itself as a balanced solution: stable execution, broad market access, multiple platforms, and integrated analytical tools. This makes it particularly appealing to intermediate traders who want control and diversification without operational complexity.
Regulation and Trust
Markets.com operates under regulation from CySEC in Europe and the FSCA in South Africa. CySEC provides a recognized European regulatory framework that enforces leverage limits, risk disclosures, and operational transparency for retail brokers. FSCA regulation allows Markets.com to serve a broader international client base under a more flexible supervisory regime.
While both regulators are legitimate, neither is considered top-tier. CySEC has improved significantly over the years but still does not offer the same level of enforcement or investor compensation schemes as regulators such as the FCA. FSCA oversight is functional but lighter, particularly in terms of investor protection mechanisms.
The broker benefits from being part of the Finalto Group, which adds corporate credibility and operational depth. This institutional backing reduces counterparty risk compared to smaller or purely offshore brokers, even if regulatory protection remains moderate.
GCC Regulators
Top-tier Global
Other / Offshore
We verify claimed licenses against official registers when possible.
From a trust perspective, Markets.com is best described as stable rather than elite. It offers a compliant environment for retail CFD trading but should not be mistaken for a high-security, institution-focused broker. Traders must understand the limitations of its regulatory coverage when assessing risk.
Costs (Spreads & Fees)
Markets.com applies a pricing model that emphasizes transparency and simplicity over aggressive cost competition. Trading costs are primarily driven by spreads, with commissions applied on specific instruments such as stocks and ETFs.
The Standard account operates on a spread-only model, making it easier for beginners to understand costs. The Reduced Spread account lowers spreads but introduces commissions, offering a trade-off between simplicity and pricing efficiency.
Spreads are variable and generally reasonable, but they are not among the tightest in the industry. Traders focused on scalping or high-frequency strategies may find costs less competitive compared to ECN-focused brokers.
Non-trading fees play an important role in the overall cost structure. Markets.com applies inactivity fees after periods of dormancy and charges currency conversion fees when trading assets denominated in foreign currencies.
Values are Dynamic and they are subject to change upon market conditions.
Overall, Markets.com is not a low-cost broker. Its pricing is fair but average, favoring traders who value ease of use and platform integration over ultra-tight spreads.
Platforms and Tools
Markets.com distinguishes itself through platform diversity. Traders can choose between MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, the broker’s proprietary platform, and direct integration with TradingView.
The proprietary platform is designed for usability, integrating technical indicators, market sentiment tools, and fundamental data directly into the interface. It is particularly well-suited for beginner and intermediate traders.
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 provide access to automated trading, advanced indicators, and custom strategies, catering to more technical users. While execution quality is stable, it is not optimized for ultra-low latency trading.
The TradingView integration is one of Markets.com’s strongest advantages. It allows traders to combine high-quality charting and analysis with direct trade execution, a feature that many competitors lack.
- MetaTrader 4 (MT4)
- MetaTrader 5 (MT5)
- Markets.com proprietary platform
- TradingView integration
This multi-platform setup makes Markets.com versatile, though it does not specialize in any single execution model.
Assets & Markets
Markets.com offers a broad selection of CFD instruments across major global markets. Traders can access CFDs on stocks, forex, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, ETFs, and bonds, covering most asset classes used by retail traders.
This wide coverage allows traders to diversify strategies across different markets without changing brokers. However, all instruments are offered exclusively as CFDs, meaning there is no ownership of underlying assets.
Stocks coverage
- Real stocks Not available
- Stock CFDs 259+
- Fractional shares Available
- Short selling Available
| Asset class | Available |
|---|---|
| ETFs | ✓ |
| Forex | ✓ |
| Indices | ✓ |
| Commodities | ✓ |
| Crypto | ✓ |
| Options | ✗ |
| Bonds | ✗ |
While asset variety is strong, depth within each category is average. Markets.com focuses on liquid, popular instruments rather than niche or exotic markets.
The asset offering is well-suited for generalist traders seeking diversification rather than specialists requiring deep market access.
Education
Markets.com provides educational resources aimed primarily at onboarding and basic skill development. Content focuses on understanding CFD trading, platform usage, and market fundamentals.
Educational materials are integrated into the trading environment, allowing traders to access insights alongside execution tools. This supports contextual learning but lacks structured progression.
There are no advanced courses or professional-level training programs. Education is supplementary rather than a core pillar of the broker’s offering.
For beginners, the available materials are sufficient to get started. More advanced traders will need to rely on external educational resources.
Support
Markets.com offers customer support focused on resolving operational and technical issues. Support is available through standard channels and is designed to serve an international client base.
Response times are generally acceptable, though service depth may vary by region and account type. The broker does not heavily promote personalized account management.
- Email support
- Phone support
- Live chat
Support is functional and reliable but not premium. It aligns with Markets.com’s positioning as a self-directed trading platform.
Verdict
Markets.com is a balanced, multi-asset CFD broker designed for traders who value accessibility, platform choice, and broad market exposure. It does not attempt to compete with ultra-low-cost or institution-focused brokers.
Its strengths lie in platform integration, especially TradingView, and its simplified account structure. The low minimum deposit makes it accessible, while the range of assets supports diversified trading.
However, traders seeking top-tier regulation, ultra-tight spreads, or professional execution models may find Markets.com limiting. Its regulatory framework and pricing place it firmly in the mid-tier category.
Overall, Markets.com is best suited for intermediate traders who want a reliable, easy-to-use broker with broad market access and solid technology, without the complexity of specialized trading environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Markets.com a regulated broker?
Yes, Markets.com is regulated by CySEC and the FSCA.
Does Markets.com offer real assets?
No, all instruments are offered exclusively as CFDs.
What is the minimum deposit at Markets.com?
The minimum deposit starts from USD 20.
Which platforms does Markets.com support?
Markets.com supports MT4, MT5, TradingView, and its proprietary platform.
Is Markets.com suitable for beginners?
Yes, due to its low entry barrier and simplified account structure.
Disclaimer: This content is for education only and is not investment advice.
