In this comparison, AvaTrade and EightCap square off across multiple platforms and pricing models. The axis of tension centers on regulation, costs, and platform breadth.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose if…
Choose AvaTrade if you want a proprietary platform ecosystem.
Choose if…
Choose AvaTrade if you value regulation across multiple jurisdictions. Choose EightCap if you want raw pricing and multiple platforms. Choose EightCap if you value investor compensation scheme coverage.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
| Editorial score | 4.4/ 5 | 4.3/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.4 / 5 | 4.4 / 5 |
Pros
Heavily regulated across 6+ jurisdictions
AvaOptions platform for vanilla options trading
Strong educational content and structured courses
Multiple platforms including MT4, MT5 and proprietary AvaTradeGo
Regulated by top-tier authorities (FCA, ASIC, CySEC)
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | AvaTrade | EightCap |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS) | Fail | Pass |
| Fees & Spreads | ||
| Raw/ECN spreads available | Fail | Pass |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Fail | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Pass |
| Proprietary platform | Pass | Fail |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
The scores are close: AvaTrade rates 4.4/5 and EightCap rates 4.3/5. AvaTrade has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
EightCap starts from 0 pips, tighter than AvaTrade's 0.9 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
Both AvaTrade and EightCap require a minimum deposit of $100 to open a live trading account.
Both AvaTrade and EightCap hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
AvaTrade lists maximum leverage of 400:1, while EightCap lists up to 500:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
EightCap charges $7 per lot on commission-based accounts. Commission details for AvaTrade are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
AvaTrade supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, ZuluTrade, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, while EightCap supports TradingView, cTrader, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5. Both provide MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. AvaTrade has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile and ZuluTrade. EightCap has exclusive access to TradingView and cTrader.
EightCap offers tighter spreads from 0.00 pips vs 0.90 pips for AvaTrade, reducing trading costs.
AvaTrade is best for safety and regulation due to broad jurisdiction licensing and segregated funds.
EightCap wins for active traders with raw pricing options and multiple platform choices.
EightCap is better suited for scalpers: raw/ECN spreads available, tighter spreads from 0.00 pips.
EightCap offers the widest platform mix including MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView.
AvaTrade leads for beginners with strong educational content and structured courses.
AvaTrade provides more instruments (1250) than EightCap (800), offering broader exposure.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.4 / 5 | 4.6 / 5▲ |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.3 / 5 | 4.5 / 5▲ |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.4 / 5▲ | 4.2 / 5 |
|---|
| Founded | 2006 | 2009 |
|---|
| Headquarters | Dublin, Ireland | Melbourne, Australia |
|---|
| Min Deposit | $100 | $100 |
|---|
| Spreads From | 0.9 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
|---|
| Commission / lot | N/A | $7/lot |
|---|
| N/A | 0.7 pips |
| Max Leverage | 400:1 | 500:1▲ higher |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | $50/month (after 3 months) | $10/month (after 12 months)▼ lower |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerCrypto |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerCrypto |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | ASIC FSCA MFSA CBI ADGM | ASIC FCA SCB |
|---|
| Platforms | Proprietary Web/Mobile ZuluTrade MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 | TradingView cTrader MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 |
|---|
| Active bonuses |
|---|
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
No deposit fees
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Pros
MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView all available on one account
Capitalise.ai code-free automation included at no extra cost
ASIC (391441) and FCA (921296) dual regulation
Razor account: raw EUR/USD from 0.0 pips at $7 round-turn commission
No minimum deposit on Standard account
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Cons
Inactivity fee of $50 after 3 months of no trading
Not available to US residents
Spread-only model means no raw ECN pricing
No investor compensation scheme
Cons
$100 minimum on Razor ECN account
Shorter public track record than IC Markets or Pepperstone
Research and educational content thinner than larger peers
Not available to US residents
No proprietary platform
AvaTrade and EightCap are closely matched overall. EightCap stands out for having no inactivity fee.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4.3 / 5
Personalised recommendation
Answer 6 quick questions and we’ll match you with the brokers that best fit your trading style, experience level, and country.
Find my broker