Saxo Bank
Markets.com
Saxo Bank vs Markets.com
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
Saxo Bank and Markets.com are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. Saxo Bank, founded in 1992 and headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, is regulated by FCA, DFSA, MAS and offers spreads starting from 0.4 pips with a minimum deposit of $2000. Markets.com, established in 2008 in Limassol, Cyprus, holds licenses from CySEC, FCA, FSCA with spreads from 0.6 pips and a $100 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, Saxo Bank scored 9/10 overall compared to Markets.com's 7.8/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, Markets.com holds its own with overall value, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.
Key Differences at a Glance
- 📊
Saxo Bank scores 9/10 overall vs 7.8/10 for Markets.com — a 1.2-point difference.
- 💵
Markets.com requires just $100 to start, while Saxo Bank needs $2000 — Markets.com is 20x more accessible.
- 📈
Saxo Bank offers 72,000+ instruments vs 2,500+ at Markets.com — a massive gap in market coverage.
- 🖥️
Saxo Bank runs on SaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPRO, while Markets.com uses Markets.com Platform, MT4, MT5 — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Platforms & Tools: Saxo Bank scores 9.5 vs 8.0 for Markets.com — a 1.5-point difference.
Our Verdict
Saxo Bank
Score: 9.0/10 · 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
Markets.com
Score: 7.8/10 · Wins 0 categories- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($100)
- You prefer Markets.com's trading environment overall
Saxo Bank takes the lead with an overall score of 9/10 compared to 7.8/10, winning in 7 out of 8 scoring categories. Saxo Bank stands out for lower trading costs and better trading platforms, while Markets.com remains a solid alternative.
Detailed Verdict
After testing both brokers with real accounts, Saxo Bank comes out ahead with a 9/10 overall rating, winning 7 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Product Range where it scores 10.0/10. Saxo Bank holds Tier 1 regulation, meaning your funds benefit from top-level investor protection including segregated accounts and compensation schemes. Markets.com is not without merit — it scores 7.8/10 overall and excels in Regulation & Trust (9.0/10). For a complete breakdown, read our full Saxo Bank review and Markets.com review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
Saxo Bank wins by 0.5 points
Saxo Bank wins by 1.5 points
Saxo Bank wins by 0.5 points
Saxo Bank wins by 0.5 points
Saxo Bank wins by 1.0 points
Saxo Bank wins by 1.5 points
Saxo Bank wins by 1.5 points
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.0/10 ✓ | 7.8/10 |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $2000 | $100 ✓ |
| Max Leverage | 1:200 | 1:300 |
| Spreads From | 0.4 pips | 0.6 pips |
| Platforms | SaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPRO | Markets.com Platform, MT4, MT5 |
| Regulation | FCA, DFSA, MAS | CySEC, FCA, FSCA |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 1992 ✓ | 2008 |
| Markets | 72,000+ ✓ | 2,500+ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, Saxo Bank has the edge with a score of 7.5/10 versus 7/10 for Markets.com. Saxo Bank offers spreads starting from 0.4 pips, while Markets.com starts from 0.6 pips. The minimum deposit at Saxo Bank is $2000, compared to $100 at Markets.com. 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
Saxo Bank scores 9.5/10 for platforms compared to 8/10 for Markets.com. Saxo Bank provides SaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPRO, while Markets.com offers Markets.com Platform, 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. Saxo Bank is regulated by FCA, DFSA, MAS (Tier 1), while Markets.com holds licenses from CySEC, FCA, FSCA (Tier 1). Saxo Bank scores 9.5/10 and Markets.com scores 9/10 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, Saxo Bank leads with 8/10 compared to 7.5/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. Saxo Bank and Markets.com 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
Saxo Bank offers 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone and scores 8.5/10, while Markets.com 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
Saxo Bank scores 7.5/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while Markets.com scores 7.5/10. Saxo Bank accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, and Markets.com supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. Saxo Bank requires a minimum deposit of $2000 versus $100 for Markets.com. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
Choose Saxo Bank 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 Markets.com if you...
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($100)
- You prefer Markets.com's trading environment overall
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saxo Bank better than Markets.com?
Saxo Bank scores higher overall (9/10 vs 7.8/10), winning 7 of 8 categories. However, Markets.com remains competitive. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.
Which has lower fees, Saxo Bank or Markets.com?
Saxo Bank scores higher for trading costs. Saxo Bank offers spreads from 0.4 pips with a $2000 minimum deposit, while Markets.com starts from 0.6 pips with $100 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.
Is Saxo Bank safe to trade with?
Saxo Bank is regulated by FCA, DFSA, MAS and scores 9.5/10 for regulation. Markets.com is regulated by CySEC, FCA, FSCA with a score of 9/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.
Which has better trading platforms, Saxo Bank or Markets.com?
Saxo Bank scores 9.5/10 for platforms. Saxo Bank offers SaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPRO, while Markets.com provides Markets.com Platform, MT4, MT5. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for Saxo Bank vs Markets.com?
Saxo Bank requires a minimum deposit of $2000, while Markets.com requires $100. Markets.com has the lower entry barrier, making it more accessible for beginners or those testing with smaller amounts.
Ready to Start Trading?
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