Two regulated brokers AvaTrade and FXTM face off over stock CFD access, platform choice, and support. The axis of tension lies in how each balances trading tools, regulation, and reach.
Both AvaTrade and FXTM are closely matched, but AvaTrade's 24/5 live chat and proprietary platform differentiate it.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Equally matched; both hold multiple respected regulators and compensation schemes.
| Editorial score | 3.8/ 5 | 3.7/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $100 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 0.9 pips▼ lower | 1.5 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | $50/month (after 3 months) | None |
| Deposit fee |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | AvaTrade | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
The scores are close: AvaTrade rates 3.8/5 and FXTM rates 3.7/5. AvaTrade 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 FXTM's 1.5. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
FXTM has no minimum deposit, while AvaTrade requires at least $100. This makes FXTM more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both AvaTrade and FXTM 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, two factors stand out: FXTM has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
AvaTrade lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while FXTM 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.
AvaTrade supports ZuluTrade, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while FXTM supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. AvaTrade has exclusive access to ZuluTrade and Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Neither AvaTrade nor FXTM 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 FXTM 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.
AvaTrade wins for active traders due to fixed spreads and copy-trading options.
FXTM wins for beginners with multilingual support and easy-to-use FXTM Invest copy trading.
AvaTrade wins for global market access with 10 exchanges and 600+ stock CFDs.
FXTM is better for low ongoing costs as it charges no inactivity fee, unlike AvaTrade's €50 after 3 months.
Equally matched; neither offers fractional shares or dividend reinvestment.
| Free |
| Free |
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPay |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPay |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | No | No |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | No |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | No |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | No |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | FSCA ASIC MFSA CBI ADGM | FCA FSCA CySEC FSC |
|---|
| Platforms | ZuluTrade MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 | MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.7 / 5
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