AvaTradevs
E*TRADEStock Broker Comparison
This comparison pairs AvaTrade and E*TRADE, contrasting fixed stock CFD spreads with commission-free stock trading. The tension centers on cost models, platform depth, and regulatory safety.
Key Differences
- 1Commission model diverges: AvaTrade has fixed spreads; E*TRADE offers commission-free trades.
- 2E*TRADE extends trading hours beyond regular hours, AvaTrade does not.
- 3Dividend reinvestment and stock screener are available on E*TRADE but not AvaTrade.
Who should choose AvaTrade vs E*TRADE?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose if…
Choose AvaTrade if you want negative balance protection and access to 10 exchanges.
AvaTrade vs E*TRADE: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.8/ 5 | 4.3/ 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 E*TRADE 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 E*TRADE: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
AvaTrade
criteria wins
4
E*TRADE
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | AvaTrade | E*TRADE |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Pass |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Pass |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| 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 E*TRADE: Frequently Asked Questions
ETRADE rates 4.3/5 versus 3.8/5 for AvaTrade. ETRADE 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 E*TRADE. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
AvaTrade requires $100. Minimum deposit information is not currently available for E*TRADE.
Both AvaTrade and E*TRADE 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 E*TRADE 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 MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, ZuluTrade, Proprietary Web/Mobile, while E*TRADE supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. AvaTrade has exclusive access to MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 and ZuluTrade.
E*TRADE 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.
