This comparison pits AvaTrade against Charles Schwab, two distinct approaches to equity exposure. The tension centers on cost models, platform strength, and access to markets.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose if…
Choose AvaTrade if you want fixed spreads on 600+ stock CFDs and access via MT4, MT5, or AvaTradeGO.
Choose if…
Choose Charles Schwab if you want commission-free US stock and ETF trading and access to thinkorswim.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
| Editorial score | 3.8/ 5 | 4.6/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $100 | N/A |
| Spreads from | 0.9 pips | N/A |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | $50/month (after 3 months) | None |
| Deposit fee | Free |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | AvaTrade | Charles Schwab |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Fail |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | 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 rates 4.6/5 versus 3.8/5 for AvaTrade. Charles Schwab edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
AvaTrade starts from 0.9. Current spread data is not available for Charles Schwab. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
AvaTrade requires $100. Minimum deposit information is not currently available for Charles Schwab.
Both AvaTrade and Charles Schwab 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, AvaTrade provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
AvaTrade lists maximum leverage of 20:1, 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.
AvaTrade supports ZuluTrade, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, while Charles Schwab supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, thinkorswim. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. AvaTrade has exclusive access to ZuluTrade and MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. Charles Schwab has exclusive access to thinkorswim.
Charles Schwab offers commission-free stock trading while AvaTrade 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.
AvaTrade 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.
Charles Schwab wins for low cost trading with commission-free US stock and ETF trades.
Charles Schwab wins for safety & regulation, with SEC/FINRA oversight and client protections.
Charles Schwab wins for long-term investing with dividend reinvestment and fractional shares.
Charles Schwab is best for active traders with thinkorswim and institutional-grade analytical tools.
Charles Schwab wins for beginners with commission-free trading and fractional shares.
Charles Schwab wins for global market access with 12 exchanges.
| Free |
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferACHWire transferCheque |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | 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 | ASIC FSCA MFSA CBI ADGM | SEC FINRA |
|---|
| Platforms | ZuluTrade Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 | Proprietary Web/Mobile thinkorswim |
|---|
| Active bonuses | None | 2 offers |
|---|
Charles Schwab edges AvaTrade on editorial score, reflecting higher scores in Trust & Regulation, Fees & Spreads, and Platforms & Tools. AvaTrade remains a regulated fixed-spread stock CFDs option with a more limited stock base.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.8 / 5
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