Two modern brokers square off on regulation, pricing, and platform reach. The contrast highlights differing platform ecosystems and cost models that shape ongoing trading costs.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose if…
Choose EightCap if you want raw pricing with ECN-style spreads and broad platform coverage. You also get phone support and access to MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView on one account.
Choose if…
Choose Skilling if you prefer a modern proprietary platform and strong EU/UK investor protections. You also gain access to cTrader with raw spreads from 0.0 pips.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
| Editorial score | 4.3/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.4 / 5▲ | 4.3 / 5 |
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
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | EightCap | Skilling |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | Pass | Pass |
| Fees & Spreads | ||
| Raw/ECN spreads available | Pass | Pass |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Pass |
| Proprietary platform | Fail | Pass |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
The scores are close: EightCap rates 4.3/5 and Skilling rates 4.1/5. EightCap 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 Skilling's 0.7 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
Both EightCap and Skilling require a minimum deposit of $100 to open a live trading account.
Both EightCap and Skilling 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.
EightCap lists maximum leverage of 500:1, while Skilling 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 Skilling are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
EightCap supports TradingView, cTrader, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, while Skilling supports cTrader, Skilling Trader, MetaTrader 4. Both provide cTrader and MetaTrader 4. EightCap has exclusive access to TradingView and MetaTrader 5. Skilling has exclusive access to Skilling Trader.
EightCap offers tighter spreads from 0.00 pips vs 0.70 pips for Skilling, reducing trading costs.
Equally matched.
Skilling wins for active traders with 1000 instruments and a modern platform ecosystem.
EightCap is better suited for scalpers: tighter spreads from 0.00 pips.
EightCap leads platform choice with MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView on one account.
Skilling is better for beginners with a clean, modern trading interface and supportive UX.
Skilling offers more instruments, totaling 1000 compared with EightCap’s 800.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.6 / 5▲ | 4.2 / 5 |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.5 / 5▲ | 4.3 / 5 |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.2 / 5▲ | 4.1 / 5 |
|---|
| Founded | 2009 | 2016 |
|---|
| Headquarters | Melbourne, Australia | Valletta, Malta |
|---|
| Min Deposit | $100 | $100 |
|---|
| Spreads From | 0 pips▼ lower | 0.7 pips |
|---|
| Commission / lot | $7/lot | N/A |
|---|
| 0.7 pips | N/A |
| Max Leverage | 500:1 | 500:1 |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | $10/month (after 12 months) | $10/month (after 90 days) |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerCrypto | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerCrypto | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | ASIC FCA SCB | CySEC FCA FSCA |
|---|
| Platforms | TradingView cTrader MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 | cTrader Skilling Trader MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
| Active bonuses |
|---|
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
Pros
Clean modern Skilling Trader platform, excellent UX for new-to-intermediate traders
cTrader available with raw spreads from 0.0 pips
CySEC and FCA regulation with EU and UK investor protections
Growing Latin American presence with local-language support
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
Mobile trading app available
Proprietary trading platform available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Multilingual customer support
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
Cons
$100 minimum deposit on standard accounts
Newer broker, less track record than IG or Pepperstone
Product range narrower than multi-asset brokers
No phone support
EightCap edges Skilling on the editorial score, driven by stronger trust & regulation, better fee structure with raw spreads, and broader platform coverage.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4.1 / 5
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