GO Markets Review 2026
True ECN execution since 2006. Raw spreads from 0.0 pips. cTrader platform. ASIC regulated with 18+ years of clean oversight.
GO Markets Overview
One of Australia's oldest ECN brokers with cTrader access
GO Markets is an Australian-based ECN broker that has been operating since 2006, making them one of the oldest retail forex brokers in Australia. Headquartered in Melbourne, they've built a strong reputation for providing true ECN execution with raw spreads from 0.0 pips and access to the professional-grade cTrader platform alongside MetaTrader 4 and 5.
With ASIC regulation as their cornerstone, GO Markets focuses on delivering institutional-grade trading conditions to retail traders. Their GO Plus+ account offers raw spreads with a competitive $3 per lot commission, making them particularly attractive to scalpers, day traders, and algorithmic traders who value execution quality and transparent pricing. Not sure if GO Markets is right for you? Try our AI broker matching tool to get a personalized recommendation.
Deep Dive Australian Heritage, ECN Execution & Market Position GO Markets occupies an interesting position in the Australian brokerage landscape. As one of the few local brokers offering genuine ECN execution combined with cTrader access, they cater to a specific but loyal segment of the market: serious traders who prioritize execution quality over marketing gimmicks.
The combination of ASIC regulation since 2006, cTrader platform availability, and true raw spread pricing sets GO Markets apart. While larger brokers may offer more instruments or flashier marketing, GO Markets has quietly built a reputation for reliability and transparency that resonates with experienced Australian traders.
GO Markets sits firmly in the "quality over quantity" camp. Their instrument range of 1,000+ is smaller than mega-brokers like IG or Saxo, but their focus on forex, indices, and commodities with genuine ECN execution means traders get what matters most: tight spreads and fast fills. The $200 minimum deposit signals they're not chasing the absolute beginner market.
Being Melbourne-based with 18+ years of ASIC oversight provides genuine advantages for Australian traders: AUD accounts, BPAY/POLi deposits, local customer support, and the confidence that comes from dealing with a well-established local entity. For traders who value sleeping soundly knowing their broker is regulated by one of the world's strictest financial authorities, GO Markets delivers.
How to Get Started
Create Account
Complete the online application with ID verification. Choose between Standard and GO Plus+ account types.
Fund Account
Deposit $200 minimum via bank transfer, card, Skrill, Neteller, BPAY, or POLi. All deposits are free.
Start Trading
Access 1,000+ markets via MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, or GO WebTrader.
Key Strengths
What makes GO Markets stand out for serious Australian traders
True ECN Execution
Raw spreads from 0.0 pips with direct market access. No dealing desk intervention means your orders go straight to liquidity providers.
Australian Heritage
ASIC regulated since 2006. One of Australia's oldest retail forex brokers with a spotless regulatory track record.
cTrader Platform
One of the few Australian brokers offering cTrader with Level II pricing, depth of market, and cAlgo for automated trading.
Low Commission
Only $3 per lot round turn on GO Plus+ accounts. Highly competitive for ECN execution quality.
VPS Hosting
Free VPS for algorithmic traders running Expert Advisors 24/7. Essential for automated strategy execution.
Local Banking
BPAY and POLi deposits for Australians. AUD accounts available to avoid currency conversion fees.
Deep Dive The cTrader Advantage & ECN Reality The availability of cTrader is a significant differentiator that many traders underestimate. While MetaTrader dominates the retail space, cTrader offers superior execution transparency with its Level II pricing showing actual market depth. For traders who've grown frustrated with the limitations of MT4/MT5, cTrader provides a professional-grade alternative without needing to graduate to institutional platforms.
Many brokers claim "ECN execution" while running dealing desk operations behind the scenes. GO Markets' model is genuinely different — their GO Plus+ account routes orders directly to liquidity providers with raw spreads. The $3 commission is how they make money, not by widening spreads or taking the other side of your trades. This alignment of interests is crucial for active traders.
For Australian traders, the local factor matters more than many realize. ASIC is among the strictest regulators globally, and GO Markets' 18-year track record under this oversight provides genuine confidence. Local support, local banking options, and the ability to hold funds in AUD all reduce friction and risk.
GO Markets is best suited for: scalpers and day traders who benefit from the raw spread + low commission model, algorithmic traders needing MT4/MT5 EA support plus free VPS hosting, cTrader enthusiasts wanting a rare opportunity for Australian-regulated access to this platform, and risk-averse traders who value ASIC's strict oversight.
Fees & Spreads
ECN pricing with raw spreads and competitive $3/lot commission
Standard vs GO Plus+ Account Costs
Both accounts require $200 minimum. The GO Plus+ offers raw ECN spreads with commission, while Standard has wider spreads but no commission.
For traders doing 10 lots/day, GO Plus+ saves approximately $80/day versus the Standard account.
Deep Dive Total Cost Analysis & Hidden Fee Assessment GO Markets' fee structure is designed to appeal to serious traders who understand total cost of ownership. The GO Plus+ account's raw spread + commission model typically works out cheaper for active traders, while the Standard account may suit those who prefer simpler pricing.
Let's break down the actual trading costs. On EUR/USD with the GO Plus+ account, you're paying approximately $3 commission per standard lot (round turn) plus whatever spread exists at execution — often 0.0-0.2 pips. This means your total cost per trade is roughly $3.00-5.00 per lot, which is competitive with the best ECN brokers globally.
For a trader doing 10 lots per day on EUR/USD, the GO Plus+ account with 0.1 pip average spread + $3 commission costs approximately $40/day. The Standard account with 1.2 pip average spread costs approximately $120/day. The math clearly favors GO Plus+ for active traders — the break-even point is around 3-4 standard lots per day.
The main "hidden" fee at GO Markets is the $15/month inactivity charge after 12 months. This is higher than some competitors ($10 is more common), but easily avoided by placing one trade per year. There are no deposit or withdrawal fees, which is a genuine plus — many brokers sneak in charges on withdrawals. Overnight swap rates are competitive but vary significantly by instrument; check before holding positions overnight.
Safety & Regulation
ASIC Tier-1 regulation with 18+ years of clean track record
ASIC
AustraliaCySEC
CyprusFSA
SeychellesSegregated Funds
Client funds held separately in NAB and Commonwealth Bank
Negative Balance
Cannot lose more than deposited under ASIC retail rules
AFCA Membership
Australian Financial Complaints Authority dispute resolution
18+ Year Record
Clean regulatory record since 2006, no major incidents
Deep Dive ASIC Regulation, Fund Safety & 18-Year Track Record GO Markets' regulatory profile is genuinely strong, anchored by their ASIC license held since 2006. ASIC is consistently ranked among the world's top financial regulators, and GO Markets' 18-year track record without major regulatory issues speaks volumes about their operational integrity.
ASIC regulation isn't just a badge — it comes with real requirements. GO Markets must maintain specific capital adequacy ratios, submit to regular audits, keep client funds in segregated accounts with approved Australian banks, and provide negative balance protection to retail clients. The regulatory framework is designed to prevent the kinds of broker failures that have plagued the industry.
Client funds at GO Markets are held in segregated accounts with National Australia Bank (NAB) and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) — both among Australia's "Big Four" banks. This segregation means that even in a worst-case scenario where GO Markets faced insolvency, client funds would be protected from creditor claims.
GO Markets does operate an offshore entity in Seychelles (FSA regulated), which offers higher leverage but less protection. Our recommendation is clear: Australian traders should always use the ASIC-regulated entity. The slightly lower leverage limits are a small price for substantially better protection. In 18 years of operation, GO Markets has maintained a clean regulatory record with no major fines, suspensions, or scandals.
Trading Platforms
Four platforms including professional-grade cTrader
cTrader
5.0Professional-grade platform with Level II pricing, advanced charting, and cAlgo for automated strategies. Superior execution transparency.
- Level II pricing (DOM)
- 70+ technical indicators
- cAlgo automation
- Quick trade from chart
MetaTrader 4
4.5Industry-standard platform with full Expert Advisor support, custom indicators, and proven reliability for automated trading.
- Expert Advisors (EAs)
- 30+ built-in indicators
- One-click trading
- Mobile apps (iOS/Android)
MetaTrader 5
4.5Next-generation MetaTrader with improved charting, more timeframes, depth of market, and built-in economic calendar.
- 21 timeframes
- 80+ indicators
- Economic calendar
- Improved backtesting
GO WebTrader
4.0Browser-based platform with TradingView charts integration, real-time data, and multi-device synchronization. No download required.
- TradingView charts
- No download needed
- Cross-device sync
- Real-time quotes
Deep Dive cTrader Standout, MetaTrader Ecosystem & VPS Support GO Markets' platform lineup is well-considered, offering both industry standards (MT4/MT5) and professional alternatives (cTrader). This flexibility is valuable — you can start with familiar MetaTrader and migrate to cTrader as your needs evolve, all without changing brokers.
For serious traders, cTrader is the standout offering. Level II pricing shows actual market depth, letting you see where liquidity sits and how your orders interact with the market. This transparency is rare in retail forex and provides a genuine edge for understanding market dynamics. The cAlgo functionality also offers more modern coding capabilities than MQL4/5.
MT4 remains the most popular platform globally for good reason — it works, it's familiar, and the ecosystem of indicators and EAs is unmatched. GO Markets' MT4/MT5 implementations are solid with no notable issues. If you have existing EAs or prefer MetaTrader's workflow, you won't be disappointed.
GO Markets offers free VPS hosting for qualifying accounts, which is essential for traders running automated strategies. Low-latency execution from a VPS co-located near their servers can make a meaningful difference for high-frequency strategies. This service alone can save $30-50/month compared to third-party VPS providers. For most traders, we recommend cTrader as the primary platform — its execution transparency and modern interface make it superior for active trading.
Account Types
Choose between commission-free Standard or raw ECN GO Plus+
Standard Account
No Commission- Spreads From 1.0 pips
- Commission None
- Execution STP
- Min Deposit $200
- Leverage Up to 500:1*
- Best For Casual traders
All-in pricing with no commission. Best for casual traders who prefer simple, commission-free pricing.
GO Plus+ Account
ECN Raw- Spreads From 0.0 pips (raw)
- Commission $3/lot round-turn
- Execution ECN
- Min Deposit $200
- Leverage Up to 500:1*
- Best For Active traders
True ECN execution with raw spreads. Best for scalpers, day traders, and EAs seeking lowest total cost.
*Leverage up to 500:1 available through international entity. Australian retail clients limited to 30:1 under ASIC rules.
GO Markets Pros & Cons
Balanced evaluation based on our hands-on review
- Pro: True ECN execution with raw spreads from 0.0 pips
- Pro: ASIC regulated since 2006 — Australian heritage and trust
- Pro: cTrader platform with Level II pricing and depth of market
- Pro: Low $3 per lot commission on GO Plus+ accounts
- Pro: Excellent for Australian traders (AUD accounts, BPAY deposits)
- Pro: VPS hosting available for algorithmic trading strategies
- Pro: No dealing desk intervention — direct market access
- Pro: Over 1,000 trading instruments available
- Pro: All deposits and withdrawals completely free
- Pro: Four platform choices including cTrader and TradingView charts
- Con: Higher minimum deposit ($200) compared to some competitors
- Con: $15/month inactivity fee after 12 months of no activity
- Con: Limited cryptocurrency selection (only 15 pairs)
- Con: Customer support not available 24/7
- Con: No social/copy trading features built-in
- Con: Smaller instrument range than mega-brokers like IG or Saxo
GO Markets FAQ
Is GO Markets safe and regulated?
Yes, GO Markets is highly safe. They are regulated by ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission) with license number 254963 since 2006, making them one of Australia's oldest retail forex brokers. They also hold CySEC regulation for European clients. Client funds are held in segregated accounts with top-tier Australian banks, providing strong protection.
What is the minimum deposit for GO Markets?
GO Markets requires a minimum deposit of $200 (or equivalent in other currencies) for both Standard and GO Plus+ accounts. While this is slightly higher than some competitors, it reflects their focus on serious traders who value ECN execution quality.
Does GO Markets offer true ECN execution?
Yes, GO Markets offers true ECN (Electronic Communication Network) execution through their GO Plus+ account. This provides raw spreads from 0.0 pips with direct market access and no dealing desk intervention. The commission is a competitive $3 per lot round turn.
What trading platforms does GO Markets support?
GO Markets offers four trading platforms: MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), cTrader, and their proprietary GO WebTrader. The cTrader platform is particularly notable for its Level II pricing, depth of market, and advanced charting capabilities.
Does GO Markets charge inactivity fees?
Yes, GO Markets charges a $15 monthly inactivity fee if there has been no trading activity for 12 consecutive months. This can easily be avoided by placing at least one trade per year to keep your account active.
Can I use Expert Advisors (EAs) with GO Markets?
Yes, GO Markets fully supports Expert Advisors and automated trading on both MT4 and MT5 platforms. They also offer VPS (Virtual Private Server) hosting services for traders who need to run their automated strategies 24/7 with minimal latency.
What leverage does GO Markets offer?
GO Markets offers leverage up to 1:500 for professional clients through their international entity. Australian retail clients are limited to a maximum of 1:30 for major forex pairs under ASIC regulations, which is designed to protect retail traders.
Is GO Markets good for Australian traders?
GO Markets is excellent for Australian traders. They are ASIC regulated with headquarters in Melbourne, offer AUD-denominated accounts, support BPAY and POLi for local deposits, and provide local customer support. Their Australian heritage since 2006 makes them a trusted choice for local traders.
Does GO Markets offer cTrader platform?
Yes, GO Markets is one of the few Australian brokers offering the cTrader platform. cTrader provides Level II pricing, advanced charting with 70+ indicators, cAlgo for automated trading, and superior execution quality. It's popular among professional traders who want transparency.
How fast are withdrawals from GO Markets?
Withdrawal speeds at GO Markets vary by method: e-wallets (Skrill, Neteller) process within 24 hours, credit/debit cards take 1-3 business days, and bank transfers take 1-3 business days. All withdrawal methods are free of charge.
GO Markets Verdict
Best For
Not Ideal For
GO Markets is a reliable Australian ECN broker that delivers where it matters: genuine ECN execution, ASIC regulation since 2006, and professional cTrader access. Their $3/lot commission on raw spreads is competitive globally, and their 18-year track record provides genuine confidence. Not the cheapest or flashiest, but a dependable choice for serious traders.
Deep Dive Final Assessment: Reliable Australian ECN for Serious Traders GO Markets represents what a serious, no-nonsense broker should be: well-regulated, competitively priced, and focused on execution quality rather than marketing gimmicks. They won't win awards for flashiness, but they deliver where it matters — on the trading desk.
The combination of ASIC regulation since 2006, genuine ECN execution, and cTrader availability creates a compelling package for serious traders. Their $3/lot commission on raw spreads is competitive globally, and their track record of regulatory compliance provides genuine peace of mind. For Australian traders, the local support and banking options add meaningful convenience.
GO Markets isn't trying to be everything to everyone. Their instrument range is smaller than mega-brokers, their educational content is modest, and their support isn't 24/7. The $200 minimum deposit and $15 inactivity fee signal they're not chasing the absolute beginner market. If you need hand-holding or social trading features, look elsewhere.
Our 4.1/5 rating reflects GO Markets' genuine strengths (regulation, execution, platforms) balanced against their limitations (smaller range, limited education, no 24/7 support). They excel at what they focus on, but they're not trying to be a one-stop shop for every trader type. For intermediate to advanced traders who prioritize execution quality and regulatory safety, GO Markets is an excellent choice.
Ready to trade with GO Markets?
$200 minimum deposit. ASIC regulated. True ECN execution.
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