Markets.com
ACY Securities
Markets.com vs ACY Securities
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
Markets.com and ACY Securities are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. Markets.com, founded in 2008 and headquartered in Limassol, Cyprus, is regulated by CySEC, FCA, FSCA and offers spreads starting from 0.6 pips with a minimum deposit of $100. ACY Securities, established in 2011 in Sydney, Australia, holds licenses from ASIC with spreads from 0.0 pips and a $50 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, Markets.com scored 7.8/10 overall compared to ACY Securities's 7.6/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, ACY Securities holds its own with lower trading costs, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.
Key Differences at a Glance
- 📊
Markets.com scores 7.8/10 overall vs 7.6/10 for ACY Securities — a 0.2-point difference.
- 💵
ACY Securities requires just $50 to start, while Markets.com needs $100 — ACY Securities is 2x more accessible.
- 📈
Markets.com offers 2,500+ instruments vs 2,200+ at ACY Securities — a notable difference in market coverage.
- 🖥️
Markets.com runs on Markets.com Platform, MT4, MT5, while ACY Securities uses MT4, MT5 — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Trading Costs: ACY Securities scores 8.5 vs 7.0 for Markets.com — a 1.5-point difference.
Our Verdict
Markets.com
Score: 7.8/10 · Wins 5 categories- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- You want access to a wider range of instruments
ACY Securities
Score: 7.6/10 · Wins 1 categories- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($50)
- You prefer ACY Securities's trading environment overall
Markets.com takes the lead with an overall score of 7.8/10 compared to 7.6/10, winning in 5 out of 8 scoring categories. Markets.com stands out for better trading platforms and stronger regulation, while ACY Securities fights back with lower trading costs.
Detailed Verdict
After testing both brokers with real accounts, Markets.com comes out ahead with a 7.8/10 overall rating, winning 5 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Regulation & Trust where it scores 9.0/10. Markets.com holds Tier 1 regulation, meaning your funds benefit from top-level investor protection including segregated accounts and compensation schemes. ACY Securities is not without merit — it scores 7.6/10 overall and excels in Trading Costs (8.5/10), winning 1 category. Traders who value lower trading costs may find ACY Securities the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full Markets.com review and ACY Securities review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
ACY Securities wins by 1.5 points
Markets.com wins by 0.5 points
Markets.com wins by 1.5 points
Markets.com wins by 0.5 points
Markets.com wins by 1.0 points
Markets.com wins by 0.5 points
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 ✓ | 7.6/10 |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $100 | $50 ✓ |
| Max Leverage | 1:300 | 1:500 |
| Spreads From | 0.6 pips | 0.0 pips |
| Platforms | Markets.com Platform, MT4, MT5 | MT4, MT5 |
| Regulation | CySEC, FCA, FSCA | ASIC |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 2008 ✓ | 2011 |
| Markets | 2,500+ ✓ | 2,200+ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, ACY Securities has the edge with a score of 8.5/10 versus 7/10 for Markets.com. Markets.com offers spreads starting from 0.6 pips, while ACY Securities starts from 0.0 pips. The minimum deposit at Markets.com is $100, compared to $50 at ACY Securities. 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
Markets.com scores 8/10 for platforms compared to 7.5/10 for ACY Securities. Markets.com provides Markets.com Platform, MT4, MT5, while ACY Securities 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. Markets.com is regulated by CySEC, FCA, FSCA (Tier 1), while ACY Securities holds licenses from ASIC (Tier 1). Markets.com scores 9/10 and ACY Securities 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, Markets.com leads with 7.5/10 compared to 7/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. Markets.com and ACY Securities 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
Markets.com offers 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone and scores 7.5/10, while ACY Securities provides 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone with a score of 7.5/10. 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
Markets.com scores 7.5/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while ACY Securities scores 7.5/10. Markets.com accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, and ACY Securities supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Crypto. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. Markets.com requires a minimum deposit of $100 versus $50 for ACY Securities. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
Choose Markets.com if you...
- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- You want access to a wider range of instruments
Choose ACY Securities if you...
- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($50)
- You prefer ACY Securities's trading environment overall
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Markets.com better than ACY Securities?
Markets.com scores higher overall (7.8/10 vs 7.6/10), winning 5 of 8 categories. However, ACY Securities is stronger in lower trading costs. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.
Which has lower fees, Markets.com or ACY Securities?
ACY Securities scores higher for trading costs. Markets.com offers spreads from 0.6 pips with a $100 minimum deposit, while ACY Securities starts from 0.0 pips with $50 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.
Is Markets.com safe to trade with?
Markets.com is regulated by CySEC, FCA, FSCA and scores 9/10 for regulation. ACY Securities is regulated by ASIC with a score of 7.5/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.
Which has better trading platforms, Markets.com or ACY Securities?
Markets.com scores 8/10 for platforms. Markets.com offers Markets.com Platform, MT4, MT5, while ACY Securities provides MT4, MT5. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for Markets.com vs ACY Securities?
Markets.com requires a minimum deposit of $100, while ACY Securities requires $50. ACY Securities 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.