AvaTradevs
Charles SchwabStock Broker Comparison
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.
Who should choose AvaTrade vs Charles Schwab?
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.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Best for low cost trading
Recommended
AvaTrade vs Charles Schwab: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
AvaTrade vs Charles Schwab Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fixed spread pricing on 600+ stock CFDs, cost predictability for systematic traders
- Available on MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, and DupliTrade copy-trading platform
- Regulated by CBI, ASIC, FSA (Japan), and FSRA (Abu Dhabi)
- Short selling available on all share CFDs
Cons
- CFDs only, no real stock ownership, ISA, or dividend reinvestment programme
AvaTrade vs Charles Schwab: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
AvaTrade
criteria wins
6
Charles Schwab
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| 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 |
AvaTrade vs Charles Schwab: Frequently Asked Questions
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.
