This matchup contrasts AMarkets, an offshore ECN broker with MT4/MT5, against eToro, a regulated platform with copy trading. The tension centers on regulation strength, stock access, and trading cost.
eToro is the editorial winner, supported by higher trust/regulation and platform scores than AMarkets.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
eToro wins for low cost due to commission-free stock trading.
| Editorial score | 3.2/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $100 | $50▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 0 pips▼ lower | 1 pips |
| Commission / lot | $6/lot | N/A |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | AMarkets | eToro |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Pass |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Fail |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Fail |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
eToro rates 4.1/5 versus 3.2/5 for AMarkets. eToro edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
AMarkets lists tighter spreads from 0, compared with eToro's 1. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
eToro has $50, while AMarkets requires at least $100. This makes eToro more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
eToro holds top-tier regulation (FCA, CNB, CMVM), 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.
eToro 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.
AMarkets lists maximum leverage of 3000:1, while eToro lists up to 1:5. 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 eToro 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 5, MetaTrader 4, while eToro supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. AMarkets has exclusive access to cTrader and MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. eToro has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
eToro 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.
eToro 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.
eToro wins for safety and regulation due to top-tier oversight by FCA, CySEC, and ASIC.
eToro wins with fractional shares availability that support long-term strategies.
AMarkets wins for active traders due to ECN pricing and advanced charting.
eToro wins for beginners with a clean interface and social trading.
eToro wins with access to 17 exchanges, expanding global stock reach.
| 0.6 pips |
| N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | $10/month (after 12 months) |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerWebMoneyCrypto | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPalSkrillApple PayGoogle Pay |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerWebMoneyCrypto | Bank transferCredit cardPayPalSkrill |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | USD 5 per withdrawal |
|---|
| Commission-free | No | Yes |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | Yes |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | No |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | No |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | No |
|---|
| Regulators | SVGFSA | FCA CNB CMVM ASIC HCMC AMF FSA Seychelles FSRA CySEC Finanstilsynet Finanstilsynet ASF MFSA Finansinspektionen FSC MNB KNF CMA |
|---|
| Platforms | cTrader MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 | Proprietary Web/Mobile |
|---|
| Active bonuses | None | 2 offers |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.2 / 5
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