Two brokers compete on global stock CFDs and platform depth. The tension lies in regulation, protection, and the breadth of stock access.
FXTM wins on the editorial score and stronger regulatory coverage, including CySEC and FCA, plus a compensation scheme and negative balance protection not offered by Alpari International.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose Alpari International if…
Choose Alpari International if you value 24/5 live chat support and access to 5 exchanges.
Choose FXTM if…
Choose FXTM if you value top-tier regulation, negative balance protection, and broader stock access across more exchanges.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
FXTM wins safety and regulation with CySEC and FCA oversight and negative balance protection.
| Editorial score | 3.3/ 5 | 3.7/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $5 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 0 pips▼ lower | 1.5 pips |
| Commission / lot | $6/lot | N/A |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Alpari International | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
The scores are close: Alpari International rates 3.3/5 and FXTM rates 3.7/5. FXTM 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.
Alpari International lists tighter spreads from 0, compared with FXTM's 1.5. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
FXTM has no minimum deposit, while Alpari International requires at least $5. This makes FXTM more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
FXTM holds top-tier regulation (FSCA, FCA, 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.
FXTM stands out for beginners: it has a lower entry point and provides negative balance protection, which caps losses at your deposited amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Alpari International lists maximum leverage of 1000:1, while FXTM 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.
Alpari International charges $6 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for FXTM are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. 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 FXTM supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4.
Neither Alpari International nor FXTM 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.
FXTM 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.
FXTM wins with access to 6 exchanges versus 5.
Equally matched, as neither offers fractional shares or DRIP.
| 0.6 pips |
| N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerWebMoneyCrypto | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPay |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerWebMoneyCrypto | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPay |
|---|
| 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 | FSCA FCA CySEC FSC |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 | MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.3 / 5
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