This comparison pits Skilling's regulated multi-asset offering and proprietary platform against tastytrade's options-focused model. The tension centers on cost, platform depth, and regulatory protections.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose if…
Choose Skilling if you value MT4/MT5 access, multilingual support, and 24/5 live chat.
Choose if…
Choose tastytrade if you prefer an options-focused platform with US-only accounts and phone support.
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 | 4.3 / 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 | 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 | 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 | Fail |
The scores are close: Skilling 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.
Skilling starts from 0.7 pips. Current spread data is not available for tastytrade. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date pricing.
tastytrade has no minimum deposit, while Skilling requires at least $100. This makes tastytrade more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both Skilling 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, two factors stand out: tastytrade has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and Skilling provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Skilling 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 on commission-based accounts. Commission details for Skilling are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
Skilling supports cTrader, Skilling Trader, MetaTrader 4, while tastytrade supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. Skilling has exclusive access to cTrader and Skilling Trader and MetaTrader 4. tastytrade has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Skilling offers spreads from 0.70 pips.
Skilling wins safety and regulation due to CySEC and FCA oversight and EU protections.
tastytrade wins for active traders with an options-first platform and futures options on one account.
Skilling is better suited for scalpers: raw/ECN spreads available.
Skilling wins platform choice with MT4, cTrader, and proprietary Skilling Trader.
Skilling wins for beginners due to accessible UI and a $100 minimum deposit.
tastytrade wins instrument variety with 10,000 tradable instruments.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.2 / 5 | 4.8 / 5▲ |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.3 / 5 | 4.7 / 5▲ |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.1 / 5▲ | 4.0 / 5 |
|---|
| Founded | 2016 | 2017 |
|---|
| Headquarters | Valletta, Malta | Chicago, Illinois, United States |
|---|
| Min Deposit | $100 | No minimum▼ lower |
|---|
| Spreads From | 0.7 pips | N/A |
|---|
| Commission / lot | N/A | $1/lot |
|---|
| N/A | N/A |
| Max Leverage | 500:1 | N/A |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | $10/month (after 90 days) | 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 | CySEC FCA FSCA | CFTC NFA |
|---|
| Platforms | cTrader Skilling Trader MetaTrader 4 | Proprietary Web/Mobile |
|---|
| 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
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
$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
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 Skilling on the editorial score, 4.3 to 4.1. The difference is modest.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4.1 / 5
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