This comparison contrasts AMarkets' offshore CFD-centric model with Charles Schwab's US stock focus. The axis of tension revolves around regulation, costs, and access to long-term investing tools.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose if…
Choose AMarkets if you want stocks CFDs with ECN pricing and leverage up to 3000:1. You accept offshore SVG/FSA regulation and CFDs rather than real share ownership.
Choose if…
Choose Charles Schwab if you want commission-free US stock trading. You gain fractional shares, IPO access, and robust research with thinkorswim.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
| Editorial score | 3.2/ 5 | 4.6/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $100 | N/A |
| Spreads from | 0 pips | N/A |
| Commission / lot | $6/lot | N/A |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | AMarkets | Charles Schwab |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Fail | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Fail | Fail |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Fail | Fail |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Pass |
| No deposit fee | — | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Pass |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Pass |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Pass |
| IPO access | Fail | Pass |
| 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 |
Charles Schwab is the stronger choice: it rates 4.6/5 versus 3.2/5 for AMarkets, a gap that reflects clear differences across regulation, fees, and platform quality in our review.
AMarkets starts from 0. Current spread data is not available for Charles Schwab. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
AMarkets requires $100. Minimum deposit information is not currently available for Charles Schwab.
Charles Schwab holds top-tier regulation (SEC, FINRA), providing stronger investor protections. AMarkets 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.
Minimum deposit and negative balance protection data are not confirmed for this pair. Charles Schwab holds top-tier regulatory status, which provides a stronger safety baseline for newer traders. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site.
AMarkets lists maximum leverage of 3000:1, while Charles Schwab lists up to 1:4. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
AMarkets charges $6 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for Charles Schwab 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.
AMarkets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, while Charles Schwab supports thinkorswim, Proprietary Web/Mobile. AMarkets has exclusive access to cTrader and MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. Charles Schwab has exclusive access to thinkorswim and Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Charles Schwab offers commission-free stock trading while AMarkets does not according to our data. Commission-free trading can reduce costs for frequent traders. Always confirm the current fee structure directly on each broker's website.
Charles Schwab wins for low-cost trading with commission-free US stock and ETF trades.
Charles Schwab wins for safety and regulation with SEC/FINRA oversight.
Charles Schwab wins for long-term investing with fractional shares and DRIP.
Charles Schwab wins for active traders with thinkorswim and strong tools.
Charles Schwab wins for beginners with zero-commission trading and user-friendly tools.
Charles Schwab wins for global market access with broader exchange coverage.
| 0.6 pips |
| N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerWebMoneyCrypto | Bank transferACHWire transferCheque |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerWebMoneyCrypto | Bank transferACHWire transferCheque |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free ACH; $25 wire transfer |
|---|
| Commission-free | No | Yes |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | Yes |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | Yes |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | Yes |
|---|
| IPO access | No | Yes |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | SVGFSA | SEC FINRA |
|---|
| Platforms | cTrader MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 | thinkorswim Proprietary Web/Mobile |
|---|
| Active bonuses | None | 2 offers |
|---|
Charles Schwab leads on editorial score. It also offers stronger regulation, IPO access, extended hours, and broader exchange coverage.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.2 / 5
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