AvaTradevs
Forex.comStock Broker Comparison
Two regulated brokers clash over stock CFDs across MT4/5 and proprietary platforms. The tension centers on research tools and exchange coverage.
Our Verdict
Forex.com winsby 0.1 pts
Both AvaTrade and Forex.com are closely matched overall; Forex.com provides research tools, while AvaTrade offers access to more exchanges.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Forex.com provides built-in research tools.
- 2AvaTrade accesses 10 stock exchanges.
- 3AvaTrade has broader exchange coverage of 10 vs 8.
Who should choose AvaTrade vs Forex.com?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Best for safety & regulation
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
Forex.com is safer for regulation due to broad US and international oversight (NFA/CFTC/FCA).
Best for active traders
Recommended
AvaTrade vs Forex.com: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.8/ 5 | 3.9/ 5 |
| Min deposit | $100 | $100 |
| Spreads from | 0.9 pips▼ lower | 1 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $7/lot |
AvaTrade vs Forex.com 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 Forex.com: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | AvaTrade | Forex.com |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Fail |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
AvaTrade vs Forex.com: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: AvaTrade rates 3.8/5 and Forex.com rates 3.9/5. Forex.com has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
AvaTrade lists tighter spreads from 0.9, compared with Forex.com'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.
Both AvaTrade and Forex.com require a minimum deposit of $100 to open a live trading account.
Both AvaTrade and Forex.com 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, both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
AvaTrade lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while Forex.com lists up to 20:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
Forex.com charges $7 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for AvaTrade 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.
AvaTrade supports ZuluTrade, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while Forex.com supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and Proprietary Web/Mobile and MetaTrader 4. AvaTrade has exclusive access to ZuluTrade.
Neither AvaTrade nor Forex.com is listed as offering commission-free trading in our data. Compare each broker's commission schedule directly, as fees vary by account type and the markets you trade.
Both AvaTrade and Forex.com are covered by a compensation scheme according to our data, providing an additional safety net for your stock investments. Confirm the specific scheme and coverage limit that applies to your account before depositing.
