Two brokers compete on regulation, pricing, and technology. The tug-of-war contrasts Axi's MT4 focus with tastytrade's proprietary platform and options-centric tooling.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose if…
Choose Axi if you value MT4 support and 24/5 live chat.
Choose if…
Choose tastytrade if you want a proprietary platform built for options.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 4.3/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.2 / 5 | 4.5 / 5▲ |
Pros
No minimum deposit
Strong ASIC, FCA, and DFSA regulation
MT4-focused with excellent EA and algorithmic trading support
No inactivity fee
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Axi | tastytrade |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Fail |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS) | Pass | Pass |
| Fees & Spreads | ||
| Raw/ECN spreads available | Pass | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Fail |
| Proprietary platform | Fail | Pass |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Fail |
The scores are close: Axi rates 4.1/5 and tastytrade rates 4.3/5. tastytrade 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.
Axi starts from 0 pips. Current spread data is not available for tastytrade. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date pricing.
Neither Axi nor tastytrade requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both Axi and tastytrade 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, Axi provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
Axi lists maximum leverage of 500:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
tastytrade charges $1 per lot, lower than Axi's $7 per lot. Lower commissions benefit active traders who execute many trades per day.
Axi supports DXtrade, MetaTrader 4, while tastytrade supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. Axi has exclusive access to DXtrade and MetaTrader 4. tastytrade has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Axi offers spreads from 0.00 pips.
Equally matched for safety and regulation, with segregated funds and investor protection.
tastytrade is best for active traders due to its options-focused platform and capped commissions.
Axi is best for beginners, offering MT4 support and 24/5 live chat.
tastytrade offers 10,000 instruments compared with Axi's 220.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.2 / 5 | 4.8 / 5▲ |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 3.9 / 5 | 4.7 / 5▲ |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 3.9 / 5 | 4.0 / 5▲ |
|---|
| Founded | 2007 | 2017 |
|---|
| Headquarters | Sydney, Australia | Chicago, Illinois, United States |
|---|
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
|---|
| Spreads From | 0 pips | N/A |
|---|
| Commission / lot | $7/lot | $1/lot▼ lower |
|---|
| 0.7 pips | N/A |
| Max Leverage | 500:1 | N/A |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferWire transferACH |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferWire transferACH |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | ASIC FCA DFSA | CFTC NFA |
|---|
| Platforms | DXtrade MetaTrader 4 | Proprietary Web/Mobile |
|---|
| Active bonuses |
|---|
Investor compensation scheme coverage
Raw spread account available
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
Options commissions capped at $10/leg, major cost advantage for traders who size up
$0 to open options trades; $1/contract to close
Platform built natively for options: IVR, Greeks, curve tool, and multi-leg management all first-class
Futures and futures options on the same account as equity derivatives
No PFOF on options, exchange-routed for best execution
Part of IG Group (LSE-listed), institutional governance and financial stability
Regulated by top-tier authorities (FCA, ASIC, CySEC)
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Investor compensation scheme coverage
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
Mobile trading app available
Proprietary trading platform available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
Phone support available
Cons
No MT5 or cTrader support
Pro account commission of $7/lot is above some ECN peers
Research and education tools are more limited than some peers
No proprietary platform
Cons
US-only, no international accounts
Options-first interface has a steep learning curve for equity-focused traders
No live chat support, phone and email only
Minimal fundamental research tools; no stock screener or analyst reports
Mobile app less appropriate for entering complex multi-leg strategies than the desktop platform
No negative balance protection
No raw spread account option
No MetaTrader support
Support available in limited languages
tastytrade edges Axi with a higher editorial score and stronger Platforms & Tools and Fees & Spreads. Axi remains MT4-focused with DXtrade and strong regulatory coverage.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4.1 / 5
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