Markets.com
Squared Financial
Markets.com vs Squared Financial
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
Markets.com and Squared Financial 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. 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, Markets.com 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
- 📊
Markets.com scores 7.8/10 overall vs 7.1/10 for Squared Financial — a 0.7-point difference.
- 💵
Markets.com requires just $100 to start, while Squared Financial needs $250 — Markets.com is 3x more accessible.
- 📈
Markets.com offers 2,500+ instruments vs 400+ at Squared Financial — a massive gap in market coverage.
- 🖥️
Markets.com runs on Markets.com Platform, MT4, MT5, while Squared Financial uses MT4, MT5 — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Regulation & Trust: Markets.com scores 9.0 vs 7.5 for Squared Financial — a 1.5-point difference.
Our Verdict
Markets.com
Score: 7.8/10 · Wins 7 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
- Responsive customer support matters to you
Squared Financial
Score: 7.1/10 · Wins 0 categories- You prefer Squared Financial's trading environment overall
Markets.com takes the lead with an overall score of 7.8/10 compared to 7.1/10, winning in 7 out of 8 scoring categories. Markets.com stands out for better trading platforms and stronger regulation, while Squared Financial remains a solid alternative.
Detailed Verdict
After testing both brokers with real accounts, Markets.com 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 9.0/10. Markets.com 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 Markets.com review and Squared Financial review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
Markets.com wins by 0.5 points
Markets.com wins by 1.5 points
Markets.com wins by 1.0 points
Markets.com wins by 0.5 points
Markets.com wins by 1.0 points
Markets.com wins by 0.5 points
Markets.com wins by 1.5 points
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 ✓ | 7.1/10 |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $100 ✓ | $250 |
| 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 | CySEC |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 2008 | 2005 ✓ |
| Markets | 2,500+ ✓ | 400+ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, Markets.com has the edge with a score of 7/10 versus 7/10 for Squared Financial. Markets.com offers spreads starting from 0.6 pips, while Squared Financial starts from 0.0 pips. The minimum deposit at Markets.com is $100, 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
Markets.com scores 8/10 for platforms compared to 7.5/10 for Squared Financial. Markets.com provides Markets.com Platform, MT4, MT5, 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. Markets.com is regulated by CySEC, FCA, FSCA (Tier 1), while Squared Financial holds licenses from CySEC (Tier 1). Markets.com scores 9/10 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, Markets.com leads with 7.5/10 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. Markets.com 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
Markets.com 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
Markets.com scores 7.5/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while Squared Financial scores 7/10. Markets.com accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, and Squared Financial supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. Markets.com requires a minimum deposit of $100 versus $250 for Squared Financial. 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
- Responsive customer support matters to you
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 Markets.com better than Squared Financial?
Markets.com 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, Markets.com or Squared Financial?
Markets.com scores higher for trading costs. Markets.com offers spreads from 0.6 pips with a $100 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 Markets.com safe to trade with?
Markets.com is regulated by CySEC, FCA, FSCA and scores 9/10 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, Markets.com or Squared Financial?
Markets.com scores 8/10 for platforms. Markets.com offers Markets.com Platform, MT4, MT5, 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 Markets.com vs Squared Financial?
Markets.com requires a minimum deposit of $100, while Squared Financial requires $250. Markets.com 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.