Markets.com vs TradeStation (2026): regulation, platforms and costs compared

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Data refreshed 25 Aug 2026 · Compiled by David Ispiryan

Markets.com

Trust rank #18 · Founded 2008

Markets.com is a well‐regarded forex and CFD broker offering broad access to currency pairs and multi‐asset CFDs on intuitive web and mobile platforms. It provides built‐in research, education, and risk management tools…

Read the Markets.com review

TradeStation

Trust rank #24 · Editorial rating 9 / 10 · Founded 1982

TradeStation forex broker offers forex trading on a well-regarded platform with advanced charting, customizable order tools, and API-driven automation. Users can analyze currency pairs, execute trades, and streamline workflows within a technology-focused…

Read the TradeStation review

Markets.com (Cyprus, founded 2008) holds 5 regulatory licences (ASIC, BVI FSC, CySEC, FCA, FSCA), 2 of them tier-1, offers MT4, MT5, Proprietary and sits in our low-fee bracket. TradeStation (United States, founded 1982) holds 3 regulatory licences (CFTC, FCA, NFA), 3 of them tier-1, offers Proprietary and sits in our low-fee bracket. The two overlap in 174 countries; Markets.com is available in 1 countries where TradeStation is not, and TradeStation in 59 where Markets.com is not.

Verdict at a glance

  • Markets.com leads on trust rank, regulatory coverage, platform choice and instrument range.
  • TradeStation leads on track record, country coverage and tier-1 licences.
  • Level on fee level.

Scored on 8 measurable dimensions where both brokers have verified data. Dimensions missing for either side are excluded rather than guessed. This is a data summary, not a recommendation.

Markets.com vs TradeStation: side-by-side data

CriteriaMarkets.comTradeStation
Editorial ratingNot verified9 / 10
Trust rank#18#24
Founded20081982
HeadquartersCyprusUnited States
RegulatorsASIC, BVI FSC, CySEC, FCA, FSCACFTC, FCA, NFA
Broker typeMarket MakerMarket Maker
PlatformsMT4, MT5, ProprietaryProprietary
InstrumentsCommodities, Cryptocurrencies, Forex, Indices, MetalsForex
Countries accepted175 countries233 countries
Fee levelLowLow
Trading typesCFD TradingSpot Trading
Best-for use casesRetail TradingProfessional Trading, Retail Trading

Highlighted cells mark the stronger value where a direction is objectively better (e.g. more licences, lower fees). "Not verified" means the field is not yet in our catalogue for that broker — we never fill gaps with estimates.

Pros

Markets.com

  • Multi-jurisdiction tier-1 regulation (FCA/ASIC) + segregated client funds
  • MT4/MT5 and proprietary platforms with advanced analytics
  • 2,000+ instruments including 50+ forex pairs
  • Integrated research, sentiment, and economic calendar tools
  • Negative balance protection for retail clients

TradeStation

  • Advanced desktop charting and analytics
  • EasyLanguage strategy automation and backtesting for FX
  • Real-time scanning (RadarScreen) and custom alerts
  • Advanced order types (OCO, bracket, trailing)
  • APIs and SDKs for algorithmic FX trading

Cons

Markets.com

  • No raw/commission pricing; wider spreads
  • Not available to U.S. clients
  • Protections vary by entity; weaker safeguards offshore
  • No cTrader or DMA/ECN access
  • Currency conversion fees apply

TradeStation

  • No native MetaTrader (MT4/MT5) support
  • Market-maker execution (no true ECN/STP)
  • Indirect forex offering via OANDA (separate third-party account)
  • No negative balance protection or guaranteed stop-loss orders
  • US FIFO and no-hedging restrictions apply

Key features

Markets.com

  • Multi jurisdiction regulation and client fund segregation
  • Forex and CFD trading across major asset classes
  • Proprietary web and mobile platforms with MT4 and MT5
  • Advanced research sentiment and event tools
  • Negative balance protection and risk management
  • Spread betting for UK clients

TradeStation

  • CFTC and NFA regulated forex via OANDA
  • Advanced charting and strategy automation with EasyLanguage
  • OCO and bracket orders with comprehensive risk controls
  • Real time scanning backtesting and optimization tools
  • Desktop web and mobile platforms with around the clock weekday forex data
  • Micro lot trading and fractional pip pricing

Country availability: Markets.com vs TradeStation

Available at both (174): Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Benin, Bermuda, Bolivia, Bonaire, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Croatia, Curaçao, Cyprus, Czechia, Côte d'Ivoire and 134 more.

Only Markets.com (1): Iraq.

Only TradeStation (59): American Samoa, Antarctica, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belgium, Belize, Bhutan, Bouvet Island, British Indian Ocean Territory, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Cook Islands, French Southern Territories, Guam, Haiti, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Macao and 34 more.

Availability reflects the countries each broker declares it serves. Local rules change; confirm on the broker's own site before signing up.

Markets.com vs TradeStation: common questions

Which broker is more regulated, Markets.com or TradeStation?

Markets.com holds more regulatory licences: Markets.com (ASIC, BVI FSC, CySEC, FCA, FSCA) versus TradeStation (CFTC, FCA, NFA). Tier-1 licences: Markets.com 2, TradeStation 3.

Which trading platforms do Markets.com and TradeStation offer?

Markets.com offers MT4, MT5, Proprietary; TradeStation offers Proprietary.

Which has lower fees, Markets.com or TradeStation?

Both sit in the same fee bracket (low) in our catalogue; compare the spreads and commission rows above for detail.

Which is older, Markets.com or TradeStation?

TradeStation is the older of the two, founded in 1982; Markets.com was founded in 2008.

Are Markets.com and TradeStation available in the same countries?

They overlap in 174 countries. Markets.com is additionally available in 1 countries (Iraq) and TradeStation in 59 countries (American Samoa, Antarctica, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh and 53 more).

Keep comparing

Markets.com

TradeStation

Risk warning: CFDs and forex are complex, leveraged instruments and carry a high risk of losing money rapidly. A majority of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. Nothing on this page is financial advice; verify licence status on the regulator's register before depositing. Full risk disclosure.