This editorial pits Alpari International against FP Markets in the stocks CFDs arena. The tension centers on cost entry, regulation quality, and access to international exchanges.
FP Markets edges ahead overall with stronger regulation and broader exchange access than Alpari International.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose Alpari International if…
Choose Alpari International if you want a very low entry barrier with a $5 minimum deposit.
Choose FP Markets if…
Choose FP Markets if you want broader exchange access and stronger regulation.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
FP Markets leads for safety and regulation with ASIC/CySEC oversight and balance protections.
| Editorial score | 3.3/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $5▼ lower | $100 |
| Spreads from | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission / lot | $6/lot | $6/lot |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Alpari International | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Fail | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Fail | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Fail | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Fail |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
FP Markets rates 4.1/5 versus 3.3/5 for Alpari International. FP Markets edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Both Alpari International and FP Markets start from the same spread of 0. For stock trading, also compare per-trade or per-share commissions to determine the total cost per transaction.
Alpari International has $5, while FP Markets requires at least $100. This makes Alpari International more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
FP Markets holds top-tier regulation (ASIC, CySEC), providing stronger investor protections. Alpari International may be regulated but does not hold top-tier status in our data. Verify regulatory status on each regulator's public register before depositing funds.
For beginners, two factors stand out: Alpari International requires a lower minimum deposit ($5), lowering the barrier to entry, and FP Markets provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Alpari International lists maximum leverage of 1000:1, while FP Markets lists up to 20:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
Both Alpari International and FP Markets charge the same commission of $6 per trade on applicable accounts. Stock commissions may be charged as a flat rate per trade or per share; confirm the exact structure on each broker's website.
Alpari International supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while FP Markets supports cTrader, IRESS, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. FP Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and IRESS and TradingView.
Neither Alpari International nor FP Markets is listed as offering commission-free trading in our data. Compare each broker's commission schedule directly, as fees vary by account type and the markets you trade.
FP Markets scores higher on investor protection criteria, with compensation scheme coverage and segregated client funds. For stock investors, confirming compensation scheme coverage ensures your assets are protected up to a defined limit if the broker becomes insolvent.
FP Markets offers multiple platforms including MT4/MT5, cTrader, TradingView, and IRESS.
Alpari International wins for beginners due to the $5 minimum deposit.
FP Markets wins for global access with fifteen exchanges compared to five.
Alpari International wins for low cost trading due to a $5 minimum deposit.
Equally matched, as neither offers fractional shares, DRIP, or IPO access.
| 0.6 pips |
| 0.6 pips |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerWebMoneyCrypto | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerPOLiPayPal |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerWebMoneyCrypto | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerPOLi |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | No | No |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | No |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | No |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | No |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | FSC FSCA | ASIC CySEC |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 | cTrader IRESS MetaTrader 5 TradingView MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
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Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.3 / 5
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