GO Markets
Squared Financial
GO Markets vs Squared Financial
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
GO Markets and Squared Financial are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. GO Markets, founded in 2006 and headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, is regulated by ASIC, CySEC, FSA and offers spreads starting from 0.0 pips with a minimum deposit of $200. Squared Financial, established in 2005 in Limassol, Cyprus, holds licenses from CySEC with spreads from 0.0 pips and a $250 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, GO Markets scored 7.8/10 overall compared to Squared Financial's 7.1/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, Squared Financial holds its own with overall value, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.
Key Differences at a Glance
- 📊
GO Markets scores 7.8/10 overall vs 7.1/10 for Squared Financial — a 0.7-point difference.
- 💵
GO Markets requires just $200 to start, while Squared Financial needs $250 — GO Markets is 1x more accessible.
- 📈
Squared Financial offers 400+ instruments vs 350+ at GO Markets — a notable difference in market coverage.
- 🖥️
GO Markets runs on MT4, MT5, cTrader, while Squared Financial uses MT4, MT5 — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Trading Costs: GO Markets scores 8.0 vs 7.0 for Squared Financial — a 1.0-point difference.
Our Verdict
GO Markets
Score: 7.8/10 · Wins 7 categories- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
Squared Financial
Score: 7.1/10 · Wins 0 categories- You prefer Squared Financial's trading environment overall
GO Markets takes the lead with an overall score of 7.8/10 compared to 7.1/10, winning in 7 out of 8 scoring categories. GO Markets stands out for lower trading costs and better trading platforms, while Squared Financial remains a solid alternative.
Detailed Verdict
After testing both brokers with real accounts, GO Markets comes out ahead with a 7.8/10 overall rating, winning 7 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Regulation & Trust where it scores 8.5/10. GO Markets holds Tier 1 regulation, meaning your funds benefit from top-level investor protection including segregated accounts and compensation schemes. Squared Financial is not without merit — it scores 7.1/10 overall and excels in Platforms & Tools (7.5/10). For a complete breakdown, read our full GO Markets review and Squared Financial review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
GO Markets wins by 1.0 points
GO Markets wins by 0.5 points
GO Markets wins by 1.0 points
GO Markets wins by 0.5 points
GO Markets wins by 0.5 points
GO Markets wins by 0.5 points
GO Markets wins by 0.5 points
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 ✓ | 7.1/10 |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $200 ✓ | $250 |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:500 |
| Spreads From | 0.0 pips | 0.0 pips |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader | MT4, MT5 |
| Regulation | ASIC, CySEC, FSA | CySEC |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 2006 | 2005 ✓ |
| Markets | 350+ | 400+ ✓ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, GO Markets has the edge with a score of 8/10 versus 7/10 for Squared Financial. GO Markets offers spreads starting from 0.0 pips, while Squared Financial starts from 0.0 pips. The minimum deposit at GO Markets is $200, compared to $250 at Squared Financial. Both brokers operate primarily on a spread-based pricing model, though actual costs vary by account type and instrument. For high-volume traders, even small spread differences add up significantly over time, making this an important category to weigh carefully.
Trading Platforms
GO Markets scores 8/10 for platforms compared to 7.5/10 for Squared Financial. GO Markets provides MT4, MT5, cTrader, while Squared Financial offers MT4, MT5. The choice of platform affects your charting, order execution speed, and available technical indicators. Traders who rely on MetaTrader's algorithmic trading capabilities should check which MT4/MT5 features each broker supports, including custom indicators and expert advisors.
Regulation & Safety
Regulation is crucial for fund safety. GO Markets is regulated by ASIC, CySEC, FSA (Tier 1), while Squared Financial holds licenses from CySEC (Tier 1). GO Markets scores 8.5/10 and Squared Financial scores 7.5/10 in this category. Tier 1 regulators like FCA, ASIC, and CySEC offer the strongest investor protection, including segregated client funds and compensation schemes. Always verify your broker's specific license for your jurisdiction before opening an account.
Education & Research
For learning resources, GO Markets leads with 7/10 compared to 6.5/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. GO Markets and Squared Financial both provide demo accounts for risk-free practice, but the depth of educational content varies. Beginners should prioritize this category when choosing between the two.
Customer Support
GO Markets offers 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone and scores 7.5/10, while Squared Financial provides 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone with a score of 7/10. Reliable support becomes critical during market volatility or when you encounter account issues. Look for brokers with 24/5 or 24/7 availability, multiple contact channels, and support in your preferred language.
Deposit & Withdrawal
GO Markets scores 7.5/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while Squared Financial scores 7/10. GO Markets accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Fasapay, and Squared Financial supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. GO Markets requires a minimum deposit of $200 versus $250 for Squared Financial. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
Choose GO Markets if you...
- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
Choose Squared Financial if you...
- You prefer Squared Financial's trading environment overall
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is GO Markets better than Squared Financial?
GO Markets scores higher overall (7.8/10 vs 7.1/10), winning 7 of 8 categories. However, Squared Financial remains competitive. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.
Which has lower fees, GO Markets or Squared Financial?
GO Markets scores higher for trading costs. GO Markets offers spreads from 0.0 pips with a $200 minimum deposit, while Squared Financial starts from 0.0 pips with $250 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.
Is GO Markets safe to trade with?
GO Markets is regulated by ASIC, CySEC, FSA and scores 8.5/10 for regulation. Squared Financial is regulated by CySEC with a score of 7.5/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.
Which has better trading platforms, GO Markets or Squared Financial?
GO Markets scores 8/10 for platforms. GO Markets offers MT4, MT5, cTrader, while Squared Financial provides MT4, MT5. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for GO Markets vs Squared Financial?
GO Markets requires a minimum deposit of $200, while Squared Financial requires $250. GO Markets has the lower entry barrier, making it more accessible for beginners or those testing with smaller amounts.
Ready to Start Trading?
Open a free account with either broker and start trading today.