AvaTradevs
SkillingStock Broker Comparison
This comparison pits AvaTrade and Skilling against each other in equity CFD access and regulation. The tension centers on support availability and platform choices.
Our Verdict
Too close to call0.1 pts apart
AvaTrade and Skilling are closely matched overall, with AvaTrade uniquely offering 24/5 live chat and phone support.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1AvaTrade offers 24/5 live chat; Skilling does not.
- 2AvaTrade provides phone support; Skilling lacks it.
- 3AvaTrade uses fixed spreads; Skilling uses variable spreads.
Who should choose AvaTrade vs Skilling?
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
AvaTrade wins safety via broader regulators including ASIC, FSA (Japan), and FSCA.
Best for active traders
Recommended
AvaTrade vs Skilling: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.8/ 5 | 3.7/ 5 |
| Min deposit | $100 | $50▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 0.9 pips | 0.7 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | $50/month (after 3 months) | $10/month (after 90 days)▼ lower |
AvaTrade vs Skilling 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 Skilling: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
AvaTrade
criteria wins
0
Skilling
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | AvaTrade | Skilling |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
AvaTrade vs Skilling: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: AvaTrade rates 3.8/5 and Skilling 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.
Skilling lists tighter spreads from 0.7, compared with AvaTrade's 0.9. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
Skilling has $50, while AvaTrade requires at least $100. This makes Skilling more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both AvaTrade and Skilling 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: Skilling requires a lower minimum deposit ($50), lowering the barrier to entry, 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 Skilling 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 Skilling supports cTrader, Skilling Trader, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. AvaTrade has exclusive access to ZuluTrade and MetaTrader 5 and Proprietary Web/Mobile. Skilling has exclusive access to cTrader and Skilling Trader.
Neither AvaTrade nor Skilling 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 Skilling 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.
