Axi and Charles Schwab compete on regulation, fees, and market access. The axis of tension is whether a cross-border, regulated CFD model or a commission-free, US-focused platform best serves investors.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose if…
Choose Axi if you value dual Tier 1 regulation and 700+ share CFDs from MT4 and Axi One.
Choose if…
Choose Charles Schwab if you want commission-free US stock trading and access to fractional shares.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.6/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum | N/A |
| Spreads from | 0 pips | N/A |
| Commission / lot | $7/lot | N/A |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Axi | 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 | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
Charles Schwab rates 4.6/5 versus 3.7/5 for Axi. Charles Schwab edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Axi starts from 0. Current spread data is not available for Charles Schwab. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
Axi requires no minimum deposit required. Minimum deposit information is not currently available for Charles Schwab.
Both Axi 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, Axi 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.
Axi 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.
Axi charges $7 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for Charles Schwab 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.
Axi supports DXtrade, MetaTrader 4, while Charles Schwab supports thinkorswim, Proprietary Web/Mobile. Axi has exclusive access to DXtrade and MetaTrader 4. Charles Schwab has exclusive access to thinkorswim and Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Charles Schwab offers commission-free stock trading while Axi 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.
Axi 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.
Charles Schwab wins for low-cost trading due to commission-free US stocks and ETFs.
Charles Schwab wins for safety and regulation with SEC/FINRA oversight and a large client asset base.
Charles Schwab wins for long-term investing with fractional shares and a no-fee robo-adviser.
Charles Schwab wins for active traders with thinkorswim and zero-cost trading.
Charles Schwab wins for beginners due to fractional shares and broad US stock access.
Charles Schwab wins for global market access with 12 exchanges versus 8.
| 0.7 pips |
| N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferACHWire transferCheque |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferACHWire transferCheque |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free ACH; $25 wire transfer |
|---|
| Commission-free | No | Yes |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | Yes |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | Yes |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | Yes |
|---|
| IPO access | No | Yes |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | ASIC FCA DFSA | SEC FINRA |
|---|
| Platforms | DXtrade MetaTrader 4 | thinkorswim Proprietary Web/Mobile |
|---|
| Active bonuses | None | 2 offers |
|---|
Charles Schwab edges Axi on regulation, breadth, and access, supported by a higher editorial score. Schwab also offers IPO access and broader exchange coverage (12 vs 8), reinforcing the lead.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.7 / 5
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