Markets.com has established itself as a notable player in the online trading space, particularly in forex and CFD trading. Overall, the broker is well-regarded for its regulatory compliance and the variety of assets it offers, but it also faces criticism for higher trading fees compared to some competitors. With a user-friendly platform and a wealth of educational resources, Markets.com caters to both novice and experienced traders.
Note: It is crucial to understand that Markets.com operates under different entities depending on the region, which can affect regulatory protections and trading conditions. This approach ensures fairness and accuracy in their offerings.
Ratings Overview
We rate brokers based on a comprehensive analysis of their offerings, user feedback, and expert opinions.
Broker Overview
Founded in 2008, Markets.com is operated by Safe Cap Investments Limited and is part of the Finalto Group, which is owned by Playtech, a publicly traded company on the London Stock Exchange. The broker is regulated by several top-tier authorities, including the FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus), and FSCA (South Africa). Markets.com offers a proprietary trading platform, as well as access to MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5). Traders can access over 2,200 trading instruments, including forex, stocks, commodities, indices, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies.
Detailed Section
Regulatory Regions
Markets.com operates in various regions under different regulatory authorities to ensure compliance and protect traders. The broker is regulated by:
- FCA (UK) - Provides up to £85,000 in investor protection.
- ASIC (Australia) - Enforces strict consumer protection laws.
- CySEC (Cyprus) - Offers up to €20,000 in investor compensation.
- FSCA (South Africa) - Regulates local operations.
- BVI FSC (British Virgin Islands) - Provides oversight for global clients.
Deposit/Withdrawal Currencies
Markets.com supports multiple currencies for deposits and withdrawals, including USD, EUR, GBP, and several others. This flexibility is beneficial for international traders.
Minimum Deposit
The minimum deposit required to open an account with Markets.com is $100, making it accessible for traders with various budget levels.
Markets.com does not typically offer bonuses or promotional incentives, focusing instead on providing a straightforward trading experience with competitive spreads.
Tradable Asset Categories
Markets.com provides a wide range of trading instruments, including:
- Forex: Over 56 currency pairs, including major, minor, and exotic pairs.
- Stocks: Access to more than 1,900 shares from various global markets.
- Commodities: 23 tradable commodities, including precious metals and energy products.
- Indices: 31 global indices, allowing for diversified trading.
- Cryptocurrencies: 25 cryptocurrency CFDs, providing exposure to the volatile crypto market.
- ETFs: 77 ETFs available for trading, allowing for broader market exposure.
Costs (Spreads, Fees, Commissions)
Markets.com employs a variable spread model, with spreads starting from 0.6 pips for major forex pairs like EUR/USD. However, some users have noted that trading costs can be higher than industry averages, particularly for stock CFDs. There are no deposit or withdrawal fees, but an inactivity fee of $10 per month applies after three months of inactivity.
Leverage
The leverage offered by Markets.com varies based on the trader's classification:
- Retail Clients: Up to 1:30 for major forex pairs.
- Professional Clients: Up to 1:300, depending on the asset class.
Traders can access Markets.com through its proprietary web-based platform, as well as MT4 and MT5. The platforms are designed to cater to various trading styles and preferences.
Restricted Regions
Markets.com does not accept clients from several countries, including the United States, Canada, Belgium, and Japan, among others. This limitation is due to regulatory restrictions in these regions.
Available Customer Service Languages
Markets.com offers customer support in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Italian, French, German, Bulgarian, and Arabic. However, support is available only 24/5, which may be a drawback for some traders.
Repeated Ratings Overview
Detailed Breakdown
Account Conditions
Markets.com offers a single account type with a minimum deposit of $100. The account conditions are generally favorable, but the higher trading fees for certain instruments may deter cost-sensitive traders.
The broker provides a robust suite of trading tools and educational resources, including real-time insights, technical indicators, and market analysis. The proprietary platform and MT4/MT5 offer various functionalities to enhance the trading experience.
Customer Service and Support
Customer service ratings are mixed, with users appreciating the availability of live chat and phone support. However, some reviews indicate that the lack of 24/7 support can be limiting for traders needing assistance outside standard hours.
Trading Setup (Experience)
The trading experience on Markets.com is generally positive, with an intuitive interface and easy navigation. However, the platform's design could be improved for a more seamless user experience.
Trustworthiness
Markets.com is highly rated for its regulatory compliance and safety measures. The multiple licenses from tier-1 regulatory bodies bolster its reputation as a trustworthy broker.
User Experience
While the user experience is mostly favorable, some traders have reported challenges in navigating the platform and understanding the fee structure. Clearer information on spreads and fees could enhance transparency.
In conclusion, Markets.com presents a reliable and versatile trading platform for both novice and experienced traders. While it faces some challenges regarding fees and customer support availability, its strong regulatory framework and extensive asset offerings make it a compelling choice in the online trading landscape.
