As one of the biggest names in the industry, Markets.com offers over 2,200 assets to trade, competitive fees, and a slick trading platform. But is it really as good as it seems?
In this article, we’ll share with you the unvarnished truth about what Markets.com has to offer. We’ll look at everything from regulation and security to the types of accounts on offer to help you decide if Markets.com is legit or just another scam.
An Overview of Markets.com
If you’re looking for a brokerage to trade forex, stocks, indices, commodities, and more, Markets.com deserves your consideration. This popular broker, which has been operating since 2006, is regulated and licensed in several major jurisdictions.
As a customer, you’ll have access to a slick web-based platform to trade over 2,200 instruments across multiple asset classes. You can also download mobile apps to trade on the go. The choice is yours.
Markets.com keeps costs competitive with no commissions on stock and ETF trades and low spreads on forex pairs starting at 1.6 pips. You only need $100 to open an account and can fund it with credit/debit cards, wire transfers, and e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller.
Security is a top priority at Markets.com. They use industry-standard SSL encryption to keep your data and transactions secure. Funds are also held in segregated accounts at top-tier banks for added protection.
What you Can Trade on Markets.com?
When you open an account with Markets.com, you’ll have access to trade over 2,200 assets across major markets.
Stocks
You can buy and sell shares of major companies listed on exchanges like the NYSE and Nasdaq. Whether you’re interested in tech giants like Apple or Google or prefer blue-chip stocks like Johnson & Johnson or Coca-Cola, Markets.com has you covered.
Forex
Trade over 50 major, minor, and exotic currency pairs with tight spreads and no hidden fees. Forex markets are open 24 hours a day, 5 days a week, so you can trade whenever the mood strikes.
Commodities
Take a position on precious metals like gold or silver, or invest in commodities such as oil, natural gas, or agricultural goods. Commodities can help diversify your portfolio and hedge against inflation.
Indices
Get exposure to major global indices like the S&P 500, FTSE 100, DAX 30 and Nikkei 225. Buying and selling indices allows you to invest in the overall performance of leading markets.
Cryptocurrencies
Markets.com offers CFD trading on 5 major cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, and Bitcoin Cash. Go long or short on crypto without actually owning the digital assets. Crypto markets are open 24/7 for nonstop action.
With a wealth of tradable assets and 24-hour access, Markets.com has all the tools you need to pursue your trading goals. Whether you’re a stock specialist, forex fanatic, or looking to diversify, Markets.com can connect you with opportunities across global markets.
Regulation and Security of Markets.com
Markets.com is regulated and licensed by several top-tier authorities, so you can trade with confidence. It is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), license number 092/08.
They are also regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, license number 609146. These regulators help ensure Markets.com adheres to strict standards for client fund safety, fair trading, and transparency.
Markets.com uses industry-standard security protocols to keep your data and funds safe. This includes encrypting all communications and storing client funds in segregated bank accounts separate from company funds. They also participate in the Investor Compensation Fund, which covers eligible client funds up to €20,000 in the unlikely event of default.
Fees of Markets.com
When it comes to fees, Markets.com keeps things straightforward for traders. They don’t charge any commissions on trades, so you’ll only pay the spread, which is the difference between the buy and sell price. Spreads are variable though, so they’ll be larger when markets are volatile.
Minimum Deposit
To open an account, you only need to deposit $100. This is lower than many other brokers and allows you to start trading with a small amount of capital. Keep in mind though, that the more you deposit, the more markets and trade sizes will be available to you.
Payment Methods
Markets.com accepts many popular payment methods for funding your account, including:
- Debit/credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, Maestro
- Bank wire transfers
- Skrill
- Neteller
- And more
Deposits are processed instantly so you can start trading right away.
Withdrawals
When it’s time to withdraw funds from your account, the process is simple and straightforward. The methods available for withdrawals include:
- Debit/credit cards
- Bank wire transfers
- Skrill
- Neteller
Most withdrawal requests are processed within 1-3 business days. There are no withdrawal fees charged by Markets.com, though some payment providers may charge their own small fees.
Markets.com Customer Support
Markets.com provides customer support 24 hours a day, 5 days a week via live chat, email, and phone. Their support team is knowledgeable and helpful for the most part, though some clients have reported longer than average wait times to connect with a live agent during very busy periods.
Live Chat
The live chat feature on Markets.com’s website and mobile app is the quickest way to get your questions answered. Support is offered in multiple languages including English, Spanish, German, Italian, French, and Arabic. You can expect a response within 30 to 60 seconds during regular business hours on weekdays.
If your question is more complex or you need to provide screenshots, sending an email to support@markets.com is a good option. The team aims for a response within 24 hours, though replies can take longer over weekends and holidays. Be as detailed as possible in your initial email to avoid back-and-forth exchanges.
Phone Support
For urgent issues, you can call their customer service phone line which is staffed 24/7. However, phone wait times tend to be the longest of the three options, especially outside of normal market hours. Calling during the early morning or late evening on weekdays may have speedier responses.
Is Markets.com Legit or Scam?
Markets.com is a reputable and trusted broker. They are regulated and licensed by top-tier regulatory bodies like the CySEC, FCA, and ASIC. This means your funds and information will be kept secure.
As an established broker since 1999, Markets.com has a proven track record and longevity in the industry. They offer competitive spreads, a wide range of tradable assets, and helpful educational resources for new traders. Many customers report good experiences with their customer service and find the platform easy to use.
However, as with any broker, there are also some negative reviews from traders who have had bad experiences, so do your own due diligence. Check third-party review sites to get balanced feedback from other clients. Make sure you fully understand the risks of trading, only deposit funds you can afford to lose since leverage amplifies both profits and losses.
Pros and Cons on Markets.com
Pros of Markets.com
As with any broker, Markets.com has its advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, Markets.com is a reputable, regulated broker with competitive fees.
- Low minimum deposit. You only need $100 to get started. This makes Markets.com accessible to new traders with small accounts.
- Regulated and secure. Markets.com is licensed by top-tier regulators like the FCA, CySEC, and ASIC. Your funds and data are kept safe.
- Competitive fees. Markets.com has no commissions on stock and ETF trades. Forex and CFD fees are also reasonably low. Spreads are competitive for an online broker.
- User-friendly platforms. The web trader and mobile apps are intuitive and easy to navigate. Even beginners can quickly get up and running.
- Helpful resources. Markets.com provides educational resources to help you improve your trading skills. You’ll find video courses, webinars, ebooks, and more.
Cons of Markets.com
While Markets.com has a lot going for it, there are a few downsides to be aware of:
- Limited product selection. You can only trade forex, stocks, commodities, cryptocurrencies, indices, and ETFs. No options or bonds.
- Higher spreads for small accounts. If you deposit less than $500, you’ll pay higher spreads on forex and CFD trades. You can avoid these by depositing $500 or more.
Final Thought
Markets.com seems to be a solid choice if you’re looking for an easy-to-use broker with a good variety of assets. Their fees are fairly standard and they accept most major payment methods. Their customer service gets mixed reviews but overall appears responsive and helpful.
Most importantly, they are regulated and seem to take security and compliance seriously. At the end of the day, only you can decide if Markets.com is the right broker for your needs. But with low minimums to get started and a free demo account to test the waters, you’ve got nothing to lose by giving them a try.
