This head-to-head compares Skilling and Swissquote across regulation, cost, and platforms. The tension centers on raw spreads and instrument variety versus bank-backed security.
Skilling and Swissquote are closely matched; the clearest differentiator is Skilling's raw spreads via cTrader.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose Skilling if…
Choose Skilling if you want raw spreads via cTrader. You also get 24/5 live chat support and 1,000 tradable instruments.
Choose Swissquote if…
Choose Swissquote if you value phone support and a bank-backed platform with higher minimum deposits.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
Skilling offers tighter spreads from 0.70 pips vs 1.70 pips for Swissquote, reducing trading costs.
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 4.2/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.3 / 5 | 4.5 / 5▲ |
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
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Skilling | Swissquote |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Fail |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Pass |
| Proprietary platform | Pass | Pass |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
The scores are close: Skilling rates 4.1/5 and Swissquote rates 4.2/5. Swissquote 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.
Skilling starts from 0.7 pips, tighter than Swissquote's 1.7 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
Skilling has $100, while Swissquote requires at least $1120. This makes Skilling more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both Skilling and Swissquote 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, two factors stand out: Skilling requires a lower minimum deposit ($100), lowering the barrier to entry, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Skilling lists maximum leverage of 500:1, while Swissquote lists up to 100:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
Skilling supports cTrader, Skilling Trader, MetaTrader 4, while Swissquote supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. Skilling has exclusive access to cTrader and Skilling Trader. Swissquote has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Equally matched; both provide strong regulation and fund protection.
Skilling is better for active traders thanks to raw spreads and 1,000 instruments.
Skilling is better suited for scalpers: raw/ECN spreads available, tighter spreads from 0.70 pips.
Skilling wins for platform choice with three platforms including Skilling Trader and cTrader.
Skilling is best for beginners due to modern UX and accessible pricing.
Skilling offers broader instrument variety with 1,000 instruments.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.2 / 5▲ | 3.9 / 5 |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.3 / 5▲ | 4.2 / 5 |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.1 / 5▲ | 3.9 / 5 |
|---|
| Founded | 2016 | 1996 |
|---|
| Headquarters | Valletta, Malta | Gland, Switzerland |
|---|
| Min Deposit | $100▼ lower | $1,120 |
|---|
| Spreads From | 0.7 pips▼ lower | 1.7 pips |
|---|
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
|---|
| Max Leverage | 500:1▲ higher | 100:1 |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | $10/month (after 90 days) | CHF 10/month (after 6 months) |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transfer |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA FSCA CySEC | FCA DFSA FINMA |
|---|
| Platforms | cTrader Skilling Trader MetaTrader 4 | MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
| Active bonuses |
|---|
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
Pros
Swiss banking heritage with FINMA regulation and bank-level fund security
Broadest multi-asset range including real stocks, bonds, and options
Listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SIX)
FCA and DFSA regulated for UK and UAE clients
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
No deposit fees
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Proprietary trading platform available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
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
Cons
Very high minimum deposit (CHF 1,000, approximately $1,120)
Spreads wider than ECN peers on standard account
Primarily appropriate for larger, more sophisticated accounts
Inactivity fee applies
No 24/5 live chat
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4.1 / 5
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